ORLANDO, Fla. – ESPN is reporting that the deal to send Tim Tebow to the New York Jets from the Denver Broncos has hit a snag.
Citing anonymous sources, ESPN says Wednesday that provisions in the quarterback's contract are causing complications in the completion of the trade. ESPN says Tebow's contract has $5 million worth of "recapture language," which means the Jets would have to pay back some money to the Broncos
The hang-up comes just a few hours after the Jets announced they had agreed in principle to acquire the polarizing quarterback. Denver general manager Brian Xanders said the Broncos would receive fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, while New York gets a seventh-rounder -- all in 2012.
Tebow, whose stardom rose to national levels this past season as he led the Denver Broncos to nine wins and a playoff defeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been traded the New York Jets.
Local 6 Sports Director David Pingalore first reported Tuesday that Tebow would be traded to the Jets or Jaguars by early Wednesday afternoon.
The Broncos will receive fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, while New York gets a seventh-rounder and the QB-- all in 2012.
Tebow, who lost his starting job this week when the Broncos signed Peyton Manning.
Tebow is expected to complement starter Mark Sanchez, who recently received a $40.5 million contract extension, with $20.5 million guaranteed. The Jets also had pursued Manning.
Tebow starred collegiately at the University of Florida and hails from Jacksonville.
Tebow has spent the offseason in Los Angeles while working on shortening and quickening his throwing motion with UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone.
Tebow completed just 46.5 percent of his passes last season. He threw for 1,729 yards while tossing 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
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