Could Tim Tebow end up in the CFL?

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow (15) leaves the field at the end of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots. (Photo: Bill Kostroun, AP)

"We'll see what happens," Rex Ryan said Wednesday about Tim Tebow's future with the New York Jets.

Given Tebow's lack of playing time and the fact that he was passed over by third-string quarterback Greg McElroy for Sunday's start, it's a safe bet that what happens involves Timmy and the Jets parting ways. But where would he end up? Is it possible Tebow would take his talents north to the Canadian Football League?

Some have analyzed the move to the CFL as if it's a legitimate option, others are quickly dismissive.

Andrew Buckholtz of the CFL blog 55-Yard Line has an interesting take:

The comedy of Tebow, a former Florida Gators star, being behind [Adrian] McPherson, who left rival Florida State following an infamous arrest, would be substantial, though. What would be even better would be if Tebow came to the CFL and had less success than another former Florida quarterback, the less-hyped Chris Leak, who infamously washed out in Montreal and then Saskatchewan. Beyond merely giving CFL fans a chance to laugh, though, there's no reason for the Alouettes to even consider Tebow. Simply put, Tim Tebow has done nothing that would suggest he'd be an effective CFL passer.
Of course, it's highly unlikely Tebow would come north anyway. There's so much bizarre, ESPN-fueled hype about him (which has been parodied in literature and musicals) that it's quite probable some other NFL team will pick him up if New York lets him go. Even if they don't, another U.S. based league like the UFL or the AFL will make a run at him and offer him way more money (and a chance to start) than the CFL could. His game might be a better fit in those leagues, too; it certainly isn't suited for the CFL. That's why it's so bizarre that teams keep putting him on a negotiation list. Tebow likely isn't coming north, and he wouldn't be any good as a quarterback if he did.

Most of it makes sense, but I can't say I agree with the last part -- if Adrian McPherson can start in the CFL, then surely Tim Tebow could too -- nor is it possible Tebow would go to the UFL or AFL before the CFL. The first two are rock bottom. The CFL is on the path to rock bottom. Tebow is struggling, but he's not there yet.

This can be chalked up as a lost season. It's almost inconceivable that Tebow was backing up a quarterback who played as awful as Mark Sanchez and couldn't see any legitimate playing time. Say what you will about Tebow and his quarterbacking talents (or lack thereof), the way the Jets handled him is surprising. It's like they were cutting their nose to spite their face.

But maybe the Jets not starting Tebow is the best thing to happen to his career. Let's say the critics are right: Tebow's success in Denver was a mirage and he'll never make an impact on an NFL roster. If he started this year in New York and failed, wouldn't most have been forced to come to that conclusion? As it is, the only additional knock on Tebow is that a dysfunctional franchise couldn't find a place for him. He still has the aura of being a possible NFL success. Since he didn't prove otherwise this season, the dream can live on.

As long as Tebow doesn't get on the field and prove otherwise, there's the hope that he'll find greatness. It's a play off the old saying, "better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Going to the CFL removes all doubt.

TIM TEBOW'S CAREER IN PICTURES:

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Jets quarterback Tim Tebow was all smiles after the Jets beat the Colts 35-9 on Oct 14, 2012.  Debby Wong, US Presswire
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Most of Tim Tebow's limited playing time this season with the Jets has come running the football.  Steven Bisig, US Presswire
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Lack of playing time in New York hasn't diminished Tim Tebow's commerical viability. Here he is on a film set at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Nov. 13, 2012. Tebow is the new spokesman for DVR company TiVo and was filming a new set of commercials.  Todd Plitt, USA TODAY Sports
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Jets quarterback Tim Tebowwarms up before the game against the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Oct 28, 2012.  Debby Wong, US Presswire
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Since being traded to the Jets, Tim Tebow has spent more time on the bench that on the field.  Debby Wong, US Presswire
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Despite the Jets' struggles this season, Tim Tebow (15) has remained the backup to Mark Sanchez (6).  Debby Wong, US Presswire
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Jets quarterback Tim Tebow leaves the field following training camp on July 28, 2012.  Rich Barnes, US Presswire
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There was plenty of media buzz for Tim Tebow's arrival at Jets training camp.  Rich Barnes, US Presswire
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If we learned anything about Tim Tebow at his first Jets news conference, it was that he was 'excite' to join his new team.  Ed Mulholland, US Presswire
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Jets quarterback Tim Tebow with his dog Bronx before a Father's Day worship service at Qualcomm Stadium on June 17, 2012. Before he was traded from Denver to New York, the dog's name was Bronco.  Jake Roth, US Presswire
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Then-Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) greets then-Broncos QB Tim Tebow (15) at their Sept. 26, 2010 game in Denver. The following offseason, Manning would sign with the Broncos as a free agent, meaning Tebow's days in Denver were numbered.  Greg Trott, AP
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Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow celebrates after beating the Steelers 29-23 in overtime of an NFL wild card playoff game on Jan. 8, 2012, in Denver. Tebow's 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of the extra period clinched the victory.  Chris Schneider, AP
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Tebowing became an national phenomenon while Tim Tebow was playing for the Denver Broncos in 201.  Garrett Ellwood, Getty Images
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Tim Tebow had plenty to be pumped up about in Denver in 2011. After taking over the starting quarterback job for the 1-4 Broncos, Tebow led Denver to an AFC West title.  Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
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Worst haircut ever? Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow sports a Friar Tuck look for his rookie hazing in Denver in 2010.  Ron Chenoy, US Presswire
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Former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow stands in front of his statue for the first time, outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium of Saturday, April 9, 2011, in Gainesville, Fla.  Laurie Hice Michaelson, AP
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Tim Tebow is as comfortable at the crosses of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis as he is around football goal posts.  Lisa W. Buser, for USA TODAY
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Florida quarterback Tim Tebow runs around Dolphin Stadium shaking hands with Florida fans following the Gators' 24-14 win over Oklahoma at Dolphins Stadium to win the BCS Championship Game in 2009.  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
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Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow poses with the Heisman Trophy as he addresses the media on Dec 8, 2007 after winning the 2007 award.  James Lang, US Presswore
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At the University of Florida ,Tim Tebow wore eye black without Bible verses on them.  Phil Sandlin, AP
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