Tim Tebow could play contributing role for Eagles in 2015

It couldn't possibly be Tebow Time, could it?

After signing a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this offseason, many gave Tim Tebow little to no chance at making the final roster out of training camp.

A former first-round draft pick who fizzled out due to a playing style that simply didn't fit NFL offenses, Tebow seemed like nothing more than a short-term tryout addition or training camp arm at best.

While it's true that his limited skill set leaves him unfit to run a pro-level offense, the polarizing quarterback still has a legitimate chance to break camp with the Eagles this summer.

Given the number of situational packages in which Tebow still brings value, don't rule out the chances of him earning a contributing role, either.

Two-point Conversions

Following the NFL's vote to pass new PAT rules, teams will now have the option of kicking a 32-yard field goal for the extra point after a touchdown or attempting the standard two-point play from the two-yard line.

While the 32-yarder is anything but daunting given the talent of place kickers in today's game, the potential payoff in going for two, especially in inclement weather, becomes more intriguing with the slightly more difficult kick.

In Tebow, the Eagles have a player who's proven capable of picking up the tough yards where needed. If Chip Kelly believes the offense can convert at a minimum 50-percent clip with Tebow taking the shotgun snap and darting up the middle, he'll almost certainly make the two-point call more often than not.

As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network indicated earlier this month, it was the Eagles who proposed the two-point try be moved up to the one-yard line. The rule didn't pass in the end, but the proposal indicated Kelly has his sights set on going for two more often.

Short Yardage

Similar to what Tebow brings on two-point conversion plays, he also gives the Eagles a potential playmaker in all-important short-yardage situations elsewhere on the field.

After a year in which the Eagles narrowly missed out on the playoffs, it's the club's losses to the San Francisco 49ers (Week 4) and Washington Redskins (Week 16) that stand out. Both games largely came down to failed short-yardage situations on the part of Philadelphia's offense late in the fourth quarter.

As the success of Wildcat formations and read-option plays have shown in years past, teams enjoy a significant numbers advantage in the blocking scheme when using a quarterback as the primary ball carrier.

Though Tebow's overall offensive value would be limited to such package roles, the value of the unit being able to convert third-and-short situations and better sustain drives can't be overstated.

Scout Team

Yes, the scout team.

This may seem like a stretch, but consider the level of game-day preparation that goes into every team's week of on-field work.

Largely having proven incapable of making the throws expected of him within a typical offense - and even that of the quarterback-friendly scheme employed by Kelly - Tebow won't be taking any meaningful snaps away from other quarterbacks on the practice field. But his athletic ability and experience as a runner will come into play on the scout team.

In preparation for slowing down and containing the dual-threat quarterbacks of several NFC foes, including the divison-rival Redskins, Tebow could conceivably provide the defense with the practice looks it needs to best simulate in-game situations.

Such an ability alone is hardly worthy of a roster spot at the NFL level, but it does add to Tebow's value considering the other elements he can bring to the offense on a situational basis.

Overall, for as much as it appeared as though Tebow's NFL career was over, he may have found himself an ideal home for his talents in Philadelphia.

While the signing was curious at first glance, Tebow should have an opportunity to make the Eagles' final 53-man roster, and earn a contributing role.

In fact, he could provide the difference between a late-game win or two over the course of Philadelphia's season.

Tebow time, indeed.