NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots Could Deal For New York Jets Tim Tebow? Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears Other Teams Interested?

While Tim Tebow makes waves along the lecture circuit, the New York Jets are still actively shopping the rush-first quarterback.

So far there have been few takers for the 25-year-old out of Florida, though several teams might have interest in the former Heisman winner, according to a report by ESPN New York.

After the Jets traded for him a year ago, Tebow was supposed to be an integral part of a new risk-taking offense under coordinator Tony Sparano. Yet New York sparingly used Tebow in 2012. In 12 games, he completed six of his eight pass attempts, and rushed 32 times for 102 yards. Sparano was fired at the end of last season after the Jets were 28th in points per game.

Among the teams speculated are the New England Patriots. Current offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was head coach of the Denver Broncos when the team drafted Tebow in the first round of the 2010 draft. And the Patriots are now aware of young reserve Ryan Mallet’s trade value.

There was also this letter penned to Tebow making a case for New England and Bill Belichick.

Then there’s two new NFL head coaches with major market teams that could make use of Tebow’s unique skill set.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and his spread offense might find more creative ways to use Tebow than the Jets mustered. Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman prepared Tebow for the 2010 Senior Bowl and his draft workouts so he is rather familiar with the former Florida star.

Should the Jets find no trade partner for Tebow, they are expected to release him.

The 49ers were another club mentioned as a destination for Tebow. They traded away Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs, thus creating the need for a back-up. Also, quarterback Colin Kaepernick rushed 63 times in 2012, which could make Tebow a solid fit in San Francisco’s offense.

New York is already hunting for a deal for cornerback Darrelle Revis, with San Francisco seen as a top trade partner. However, several reports over the past few days claim that the 49ers have very little interest in trading for the currently injured Revis.