[Danamal]

im Tebow's debut at Dove Valley was delayed by dollars -- a lot of dollars.

Tebow, the former University of Florida star quarterback, agreed to a five-year, $33 million contract with $8.7 million guaranteed Thursday afternoon, a source told NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi. The Broncos announced the deal with the 25th overall draft pick, but they didn't disclose the terms.



Tebow missed three practices before coming to terms and likely will report to the Broncos for Friday morning's workout. Training camp officially starts Sunday with the first full-squad, full-pads session.

The Broncos are using four practices this week to give rookies, selected veterans and players coming off injuries a head-start on the playbook and practice plans -- and also get the jitters out before camp starts in earnest after the rest of the veterans report this weekend.

"It's just an opportunity to feel better about playing faster," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said before Tebow's deal was announced. "And I think whether you're a rookie quarterback or an injured player, it makes sense to come in and try to start crawling before you walk and walking before you run -- because certainly none of them are going to hit the ground running because they're behind.

"Every day is a great opportunity."

The Broncos' starting quarterback remains Kyle Orton, who threw for 3,800 yards last season but faltered down the stretch when he was banged up and the team kept its offense conservative. The Broncos were unwilling to commit to a long-term relationship this offseason, so Orton signed a $2.621 million tender as a restricted free agent and didn't miss any of the team's offseason program.

But Orton did receive some better competition for his job as the Broncos jettisoned Chris Simms and Tom Brandstater and brought in Brady Quinn in a trade with the Cleveland Browns and Tebow via the draft.

Tebow might not be ready to make a big impact as a rookie because he faces a big adjustment as he morphs from combination college quarterback to prototypical pro passer. Still, many consider him the best college player ever, and he's creating the kind of buzz in the Rockies that John Elway did back in 1983.


Tebow's jersey already is a best-seller, he's pitching products for Jockey, EA Sports and Nike. And he's sure to be under a microscope from the second he steps on the practice field.

Tebow's teammates aren't concerned that he'll crater under all the attention.

"As successful as he's been, I'm sure he can handle it," 10-year veteran Russ Hochstein said.

Rookie tight end Riar Geer said the one thing he has learned in the four months he has known him is that Tebow prospers under pressure.

"He definitely thrives on it. He's a competitor," Geer said. "Watching him out here in all the workouts, he's always coming in first place."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.