Quarterback Tim Tebow warms up while still with the Denver...

Quarterback Tim Tebow warms up while still with the Denver Broncos. He signed with the New York Jets in March 2012 (Nov. 17, 2011) Credit: AP, 2011

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The Tim Tebow era officially began Monday for the Jets as they began offseason workouts at their training facility.

Santonio Holmes and Nick Mangold gave their stamp of approval on the unexpected addition of the backup quarterback. Despite his tight relationship with Mark Sanchez, the center said he's excited about Tebow.

"If it's going to help our team, I'm all for it," said Mangold, who added that Sanchez won't have any issues with friendly competition from Tebow because he isn't "wishy-washy with his role and his ability.''

Holmes, who worked out with Sanchez last week in Orlando, Fla., said he expects Tebow to do "great things" this year.

"He's going to be a guy we can depend on when situations come about," Holmes said. "And when he gets on the field, he's going to prove that he's a playmaker and he's willing to help this team win by any means."

The day began with a brief team meeting in which the collective-bargaining agreement was discussed. Players then split into offensive and defensive units and received their playbooks. Rex Ryan said two players did not attend the workout but would not name them because the sessions, technically, are voluntary.

Captains without stripes

Ryan reiterated that he won't select captains this season, which is fine with Holmes.

"We're all going to still feel like we're that guy," he said, referring to himself, Sanchez, Brandon Moore and Darrelle Revis. "Regardless of him putting a 'C' on our chest, we're still going to be the vocal leaders for this team."

Jet streams

Ryan wouldn't discuss "what- ifs" about "Hard Knocks," adding "I'm sure we'll have some candid conversations about it" if the Jets are asked to do the HBO series again . . . Ryan said he hasn't talked to Revis about a new contract, but "those conversations would be private if they were to take place."

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