NEW YORK — Robby Tebow was all set to root for his brother, the newest member of the New York Jets. Now he’s not so sure where Tim Tebow will end up.
And he’s not alone.
Playing at a pro-am golf tournament at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla., Robby Tebow said Wednesday that he and the Denver Broncos quarterback thought a trade to the Jets was a done deal.
“Like he was signed, sealed and delivered,” he said. “Apparently, they didn’t read the fine print.”
The Jets announced early Wednesday that they had agreed in principle to acquire Tebow as a complement to starter Mark Sanchez. Denver general manager Brian Xanders said the Broncos would receive fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, while New York would get a seventh-rounder - all in 2012.
But then Robby Tebow’s phone started buzzing. Tebow Time on Broadway? Well, not quite yet.
“They’re working on it,” Robby Tebow said. “I think the Jags are back in play. We’re almost back to square one.”
Jaguars spokesman Dan Edwards declined comment.
“We want to go where somebody wants him - that’s where he wants to be,” Robby Tebow said. “We’ll figure it out. They’re working on the contract; all those guys doing what they’re paid to do.”
ESPN first reported that provisions in the quarterback’s contract are causing complications in the completion of the trade.
The hang-up came hours after the Jets declared they were bringing the polarizing quarterback to New York. It’s just another bizarre moment for the Jets, a team that has had its share of them over the years, conjuring memories of Bill Belichick’s hiring as coach and his resignation one day later.
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath, who led the Jets to their only Super Bowl title in 1969, was among those unhappy with the possible deal.
“I’m just sorry that I can’t agree with this situation. I think it’s just a publicity stunt. I can’t go with it. I think it’s wrong,” Namath told 1050 ESPN Radio. “I don’t think they know what they’re doing over there.”
The Jets will have lots of explaining to do - whether the deal goes through or falls apart.
As part of Tebow’s $11.25 million, five-year contract he signed as a rookie in 2010, he had a $6.28 million advance due 29 days after the start of the 2011 league year. That money was paid to him in August after the NFL lockout ended. The trade hit the hang-up when the Jets apparently balked at repaying the Broncos more than $5 million for the 2012-14 seasons from that advance.
Tebow, who became expendable when the Broncos signed Peyton Manning to a five-year deal Tuesday, would be expected to back up Sanchez, who received a $40.5 million contract extension, with $20.5 million guaranteed, earlier this month.
Around the league
• 49ERS: Quarterback Alex Smith has signed a three-year deal with San Francisco that will pay him $8 million per season with $16.5 million guaranteed. A person with knowledge of the contract details said Smith’s deal can pay him up to $33 million.
• BENGALS: A person familiar with the negotiations says former Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis has agreed to a deal with Cincinnati, which needs someone to replace Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis spent four seasons with New England, carrying 181 times for 667 yards in 2011 with 11 touchdowns. Various reports had him agreeing to a three-year deal.
• SAINTS: New Orleans and free agent defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley have agreed on a five-year contract. Bunkley spent last season with the Denver Broncos, appearing in all 16 regular season games and starting 13. He was credited with 43 tackles during the regular season and also had a sack and forced fumble during the Broncos’ two playoff games.
• BILLS: Buffalo continued to target improving their pass rush in free agency by signing defensive end Mark Anderson. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 255 pounds, Anderson has 35 1/2 sacks in six seasons, including 10 last year with the New England Patriots. Safety Bryan Scott also agreed to re-sign with Buffalo.
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