Tim Tebow leaves the field after loss to San Diego...

Tim Tebow leaves the field after loss to San Diego Chargers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Dec. 23, 2012) Credit: Getty Images

Rather than release Tim Tebow outright, the Jets will try to trade their seldom-used backup quarterback, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The earliest they could trade Tebow is March 12 -- but the challenge will be finding a suitor. The Jets were one of only two teams interested in trading with Denver last offseason for Tebow (Jacksonville was the other). But new Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell ruled out a Tebow homecoming during his introductory news conference.

According to the report, the Jets are hoping another team will give up a "mid- to late-round" draft pick in exchange for Tebow.

The former Broncos QB led Denver to a playoff victory in Pittsburgh last season, but was rendered a non-factor by the Jets in 2013.

He completed just six passes for 39 yards and carried the ball 32 times for 102 yards.

Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, who made the media rounds Tuesday in New Orleans, took responsibility for the failed Tebow experiment.

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