Tim Tebow gets head-start on training camp

By ARNIE STAPLETON,

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Tim Tebow is working out with the Denver Broncos for the first time since signing his contract.

The two-time national champion from Florida who was selected in the first round of the NFL draft in April is getting in an hour's worth of field work with other rookies before the veterans report Saturday. The first full-squad workout is Sunday.

Tebow signed a five-year deal Thursday worth $11.25 million with $8.7 million of that guaranteed. He could earn up to $33 million over the life of the contract if he ascends to the top of the quarterback chart.

Right now, the starter is Kyle Orton.

The Broncos are still negotiating with their top pick, Georgia Tech wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who was selected 22nd overall, three spots ahead of Tebow.

Tebow, the most intriguing pro prospect since Michael Vick, is generating the kind of buzz that John Elway did during his rookie season in 1983.

Tebow, however, isn't nearly as polished as Elway was coming out of Stanford and he's not only cramming the NFL playbook but has been working on tweaking his techniques and mechanics as he makes the switch from a combination college quarterback to a prototypical pro passer.

While his detractors say he won't measure up in the NFL even if he was a great college player, Tebow's supporters, who include Elway, suggest his athleticism, work ethic and pedigree will translate into success at this level.

The safe bet is for Tebow to get limited action his rookie season in "wildcat" sets while Orton serves as the starter for the second straight season.

Orton and Brady Quinn split snaps this week while Tebow's agent and the Broncos were hashing out details of his deal.

Updated July 30, 2010