Tim Tebow trade was a mistake, admits former Jets GM

Mike Tannenbaum believes that Tim Tebow will get another shot in the NFL, despite Tebow’s struggles during the former Jets GM’s final year in New York.

by Louis Bien

Jan 17, 2014, 12:58 AM UTC

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum admits he made a lot mistakes late in his tenure, among them trading for Tim Tebow. He told The Damon Amendolara show on the CBS Sports Radio Network that the Tebow trade was among his most notable miscues, though not necessarily the biggest.

“Obviously we made a couple mistakes - trading for Tim Tebow most notably. But I would say beyond that, but we (could have done a better job with the bottom of our roster), especially toward the end.”

Tannenbaum spent nearly 16 years inside the Jets' organization, working his way up the ladder from senior vice president of football operations, to assistant general manager, to general manager in 2006. The Jets went to two AFC Championship games under his reign as GM, but slid during his later years. They went 6-10 during his last regular season with the organization.

Tebow became emblematic of the team’s struggles that season. The deal drew a lot of media attention during the offseason, and after claims that the quarterback would be used in innovative ways, Tebow sat mostly unused throughout the year. After the Jets gave up fourth- and sixth-round picks to acquire him, Tebow went just 6-for-8 passing for 39 yards, and had 32 carries for 102 yards, all while Matt Sanchez started under center and struggled. Tebow was released during the 2013 offseason.

Despite the effect the trade may have had on his career, Tannenbaum does not appear to harbor any ill will toward Tebow.

“Yeah, Tim obviously didn’t play well in the preseason with New England, but he’s a guy (that’s) incredibly passionate about his career,” Tannenbaum said. “I would never bet against Tim. We used to have an expression that Tim’s the type of guy who’s either going to be successful or die trying. His relentlessness and passion - I would think he’ll get another opportunity.”