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During a conference call Wednesday night New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum was emphatic that Mark Sanchez will remain the team's starting quarterback and that newly-acquired Tim Tebow will have a part-time role.
"Mark Sanchez is, has been and will be our starting quarterback," Tannenbaum said. "We're adding Tim to be our backup quarterback and to play in other roles and packages as coach Ryan and coach Sparano see fit.
"Tim knows about that, he comfortable with it. We've talked to Mark Sanchez. They're both very clear on what their roles will be."
Tannenbaum said "this was just an opportunity to get another playmaker."
Reality, though, is that because this is the polarizing Tebow it is much more than that. The Jets have tied themselves to Tebowmania and have added another potentially divisive player to an already fractured locker room. There is also, of course, the issue of what happens if Sanchez struggles -- as he did in 2011 -- and the inevitable calls for Tebow to replace him begin. Tannenbaum downplayed that scenario.
"Every quarterback in the NFL has a backup, so we just changed who ours is and we feel really good about it, Tannenbaum said. "Mark has been our starter, we've won a ton of games with Mark, we just signed mark to a five-year extension. Feel great about him."
Jets fans, at least those voting in the SB Nation New York poll thus far, seem to like the move. There is still time to vote in the poll and let us know what you think.
Other Opinions
-- NFL.com news: Tim Tebow will make Jets much better, even as part-time player
-- Tim Tebow's trade to New York Jets will be a positive for team - Damon Hack - SI.com
-- Trotter: Jets have become 'laughable' - Video - SI.com
-- Tebow-Mania, And I'm Happy To Have Him - Gang Green Nation
Tim Tebow to Play for Rex Ryan, Spencer Hall Finds it Hilarious (via sbnation)