Tim Tebow Signs with Patriots; Prop Bets Released

Yesterday, the sports world was briefly turned on its head with the announcement that media darling/lightning rod Tim Tebow had been signed by the New England Patriots. His role with the team remains unclear, though one thing is certain: Patriots coach Bill Belichick (and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who drafted Tebow in the first round in Denver) would not have signed him if he didn’t see a use for Tebow in the Pats’ high-octane offense.

“First and foremost, I just want to thank the Patriots for giving me an opportunity,” Tebow said yesterday. “I’m very thankful. It’s such an honor to be a Patriot and play for coach [Bill] Belichick and coach [Josh] McDaniels, and learn under Tom [Brady] and be a part of this great franchise and very successful franchise. I found out first hand; lost to them several times. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to working hard every single day and getting a lot better and learning under some great people. That’s all I got. Thank you all so much and God bless. I’m sure we’ll be talking more soon.”

If any team can work around Tebow’s insane media presence, it’s the typically tight-lipped New England Patriots. They’re also the team perhaps best suited to find strategies to employ Tebow’s unique skill set. For instance, the Pats have struggled in short yardage situations in past seasons, and Tebow’s bruising running style could be a powerful asset on the goal line. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see him line up in halfback formations; the Patriots love to run tight end Aaron Hernandez, not exactly built like a typical running back, out of the backfield. Hernandez spoke yesterday about his excitement when he found out about Tebow’s signing.

“Once I heard the information I was a little shocked and I was happy,” Tebow’s former Florida Gators teammate said. “Definitely was a surprise for probably most of us… There’s a reason why he’s here. I actually don’t now the reason yet but we’ll see. I’m sure he’ll be doing a few things here. That’s up to Bill Belichick.”

Indeed, it isn’t even clear at this point if Tebow will make the roster. After being cut by the Jets, NFL teams weren’t exactly lining up around the block to sign the former Broncos starter and Jets backup. New England also has a spotty history of reclamation projects, including recent attempts to rehab the careers of Albert Haynesworth and Chad Johnson. However, Tebow has a better work ethic than those players, and can be expected to fully commit to the Patriots offense. If any team in the league can find a way to use Tebow’s talents, it’s the Pats.

Here are some of the individual player props for Tim Tebow this season, courtesy of Bovada Sportsbook:

Will he make the Patriots 53 man Week 1 roster?     

Yes: -400

No: +250

Will he start a game as a QB for the Patriots in the 2013 Regular Season       

Yes: +600

No:  -1200

* Must make Patriots 53 man Week 1 roster for action.

Will he throw a TD Pass in the 2013 Regular Season?           

Yes: +200

No: -300

* Must make Patriots 53 man Week 1 roster for action.

Total Rushing & Receiving TD’s in the 2013 Regular Season   

Over: 1½ (-120)

Under: 1½ (-120)

* Must make Patriots 53 man Week 1 roster for action.

Will he attempt a Pass in the 2013 Regular Season? 

Yes: -300

No: +200

* Must make Patriots 53 man Week 1 roster for action.