Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reported Thursday that the team will look to trade Tebow. This comes after the polarizing quarterback reportedly said he would request a trade or his release at some point.

Tim Tebow's request to be traded/released after season is only half the equation. The Jets will, indeed, look to trade him, per source. #nyj

—
Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) December 20, 2012

That, of course, would make the divorce a mutual one, as Mehta also reports.

So, the Jets and Tim Tebow will have a mutual parting of the ways after this season in the form of a trade or release, per source. #nyj

—
Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) December 20, 2012

The decision to bring Tebow to New York has been nothing short of a disaster this season. Tebow has rarely been used, even despite starting quarterback Mark Sanchez‘s woeful struggles throughout the season. Reports of Tebow’s unhappiness surfaced earlier this week when the Jets decided that third-string quarterback Greg McElroy, not Tebow, would be the starting quarterback this week (and likely the rest of the season).

Tebow has appeared in 11 games for the Jets this season, but he’s only attempted eight passes. He completed six of those, but for only 39 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He has also attempted 32 rushes for 102 yards.

ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reported via Twitter on Tuesday morning that the club had recently placed the right-hander on waivers.

Daisuke Matsuzaka was just put on trade waivers the other day; looked great in pitching vs. KC Monday.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 28, 2012

Matsuzaka is coming off a fine performance against Kansas City on Monday afternoon, his first appearance since early July. The Japanese righty might be an intriguing option for a team looking to make a playoff push, as his contract will expire after the season. He’s still due about $2 million for the rest of this season.

Olney also reports that Matsuzaka – as well as Marlins left-hander Mark Buehrle – could be available for “little” in return. One team to keep an eye on would be the Dodgers, who are reportedly seeking more starting pitching. They’ve also proved in the last week or so that they’re unafraid to wheel and deal on the waiver wire. 

If Matsuzaka goes unclaimed, the Red Sox would be able to deal him to any team before the Aug. 31 waiver deadline. If a team claims him, then one of three things could happen. The claiming team could claim Matsuzaka – and the rest of his contract — outright, that team could work out a trade with the Red Sox to acquire him, or the Sox could decide to pull the pitcher back and let him finish out his contract in Boston.

The New York Post reports that the Dodgers have inquired with the Yankees about the possibility of acquiring CC Sabathia or Mark Teixeira from New York. According to the report, the Yankees currently have no interest in dealing either of the high-paid All-Stars.

The Dodgers have hit the ground running under new ownership, acquiring Hanley Ramirez from the Marlins last month before taking on $260 million worth of contracts by acquiring Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto from the Red Sox over the weekend.

After this season, Sabathia still has four years and $99 million left on his contract, while Teixeira will earn $90 million over the next four full seasons. 

Of course, acquiring Gonzalez from Boston probably changes the dynamic of things considering both he and Teixeira play first base.

The New York Post's Joel Sherman suggests that if the Yankees were to seriously entertain the thought of dealing Sabathia and/or Teixeira, it would make sense for them to try and include Alex Rodriguez's massive salary in the deal.

The same kind of tactic is likely how the Dodgers were able to pry Gonzalez from the Red Sox, with Boston adding the burdensome contracts of Beckett and Crawford as part of the swap. Rodriguez still has five years and $114 million on his contract after this season.

CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reports via Twitter that the Red Sox have placed the veteran right-hander on waivers, but he's not expected to be claimed.

Josh Beckett is on trade waivers now. Competing execs don't expect him to be claimed. #redsox

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 23, 2012

If Beckett does go unclaimed, the Red Sox would be able to openly explore trading him before the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline.

If the sources are wrong, and a team does claim Beckett, it opens up some more opportunities for Boston.They could just let Beckett go to the claiming team, and that team would be left to pay the rest of Beckett's salary. The Sox would also be able to work out a trade with the claiming team for Beckett. Finally, they could just pull him back and keep him in Boston.

It's probably unlikely that anything does happen, as anyone will tell you, "just about every player is placed on waivers this time of the year" or something like that. There's also the hefty price tag that comes with the underperforming Beckett. He's still owed $15.75 million in both 2013 and 2014.

CSNNE.com's Sean McAdam reported Wednesday night that first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has also been placed on waivers.

The rookie QB, who has been one of the most surprising stories of the preseason, is slated to be under center to start Seattle's third preseason game on Friday night, according to ESPN.com. Former Packers backup Matt Flynn — who signed with Seattle this offseason — had started the team's first two preseason games.

Yet, it's been Russell who has been able to steal his show in his first two preseason appearances. The Wisconsin product has completed 22 of 33 passes thus far for 279 yards. He's also thrown three touchdowns to just one interception while running for 92 yards and a rushing touchdown. Flynn, on the other hand, has been pedestrian, competing just 17 of 26 passes for 102 and an interception.

Wilson was the Seahawks' third-round pick in this spring's draft. 

According to multiple reports, Hamels has agreed to a six-year extension with the Philadelphia Phillies. USA Today and CBSSports.com both report that the deal is worth $144 million, while FOXSports.com says it's "only" worth $137.5 million.

The USA Today report also says the deal has a vesting option for a seventh year, an option that bumps it up to $160 million.

It represents a pretty big raise for the three-time All-Star. Hamels, who was set to become a free agent this offseason, is making $15 million this year. 

Hamels has never thrown fewer than 193 2/3 innings in any of his full major league seasons since 2007 in what has already been a pretty impressive career. The 2008 World Series MVP has been one of the bright spots for the Phillies this season, going 11-4 with a 3.23 ERA. 

Click here for an opinion on why the Phillies should have locked up Hamels>>

The two will almost undoubtedly explore various trade scenarios with the July 31 deadline approaching, especially given the fact that the Cubs are in the middle of the rebuilding process while Boston looks to add another piece or two for a stretch run.

The two clubs are reportedly talking pitching, and according to ESPN's Jayson Stark, Boston is no longer interested in Chicago right-hander Ryan Dempster. Boston's reported interest in the veteran righty varied depending on who you asked. But according to Stark, the club is officially out on Dempster now.

However, Stark added that the club still has interest in fellow right-handed starter Matt Garza. 

#Cubs still working to trade Ryan Dempster ASAP. One source says Red Sox are officially out on Dempster, still in on Matt Garza

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 19, 2012

Both are having fairly strong years, despite the fact that the Cubs are one of the worst teams in baseball this season. Dempster has been incredible, and he'll put his 33-inning scoreless streak on the line on Friday against St. Louis in what could be one of his last starts with the Cubs. Garza, who has another year on his contract after this season, has been decent this season. He's 5-7 with a 4.02 ERA, while only getting four runs of support per start.

FOXSports.com reports that could be an option, as the Sox are reportedly one of several teams interested in Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew. He, of course, is the brother of former Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew.

The Pirates and Tigers are also showing interest in the D-Backs shortstop, according to the report.

The 29-year-old is struggling at the plate since returning from a gruesome ankle injury suffered early in the 2011 season. 

Drew has only played in 15 games since returning from the disabled list, and he's hitting just .192 to go along with a .496 OPS. That's coming off of a year in which Drew hit .252 with five home runs and 45 RBIs in 86 games last season.

In Drew's best season, 2008, he hit .291 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs to go along with a .836 OPS.

It's been a bit of a rocky season for Drew in Arizona this season. Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick ripped the shortstop as Drew neared his return from the ankle injury, questioning Drew's true motivation.

"I think Stephen should have been out there playing before now, frankly," Kendrick said in a radio interview in early July. "I, for one, am disappointed. I'm going to be real candid and say Stephen and his representatives are more focused on where Stephen is going to be a year from now than on going out and supporting the team that's paying his salary."

Drew does have a $10 million mutual option for the 2013 season.

FOXSports.com reports that the Red Sox are still interested in right-handed pitcher Matt Garza. 

"The Red Sox, according to a source, maintain equal or greater interest in Cubs right-hander Matt Garza, who is under club control through next season," writes Ken Rosenthal. 

The extra year on Garza's contract would almost certainly make his asking price higher than any deal for Dempster who is set to be a free agent at season's end.

Garza's numbers have been relatively unimpressive, at least compared to Dempster, who is in the midst of a 33-inning scoreless streak. Garza is just 5-7 with a 4.02 ERA in 17 starts this season. His WHIP, though, is a career-low 1.172 at the moment.

The Red Sox would certainly know what they would be getting if they were to acquire Garza.

The 28-year-old is battle-tested in the AL East after spending three years with Tampa Bay. Garza went 34-31 with a 3.86 ERA in his three seasons with the Rays.

Bringing Garza to Boston would also ensure that the Sox wouldn't have to face him, which likely be a welcomed idea for Red Sox hitters. He's 7-4 with a 3.73 ERA in 19 career appearances versus Boston. Just as impressive is his 5-3 career record at Fenway Park.

It must also be noted that Garza would be willing to pitch "on the freaking moon" if need be, which is always good, just in case.

"I'd love to stay here, but if that's not in [Theo Epstein's] plans, then so be it," Garza said last month. "I just want to keep playing," Garza reportedly said. "The AL East doesn't scare me a bit. Everywhere I go, it's a blast."

The left-hander turned in one of the best starts of his career on Friday night when he struck out 15 batters in a loss to the Oakland A's. Unsurprisingly, interest in Liriano is starting to increase on the heels of that outing and with the trade deadline two weeks away.

CBSSports.com reports that the Red Sox are among a handful of teams who are interested in Liriano. According to the report, the Angels, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays and Braves are also among teams thought to be interested in the 28-year-old southpaw.

Liriano has been inconsistent throughout his career despite being highly touted as a prospect on his way up. He's been much better as of late this season after making the move back to the starting rotation. He's 3-3 in his last nine starts with a 2.83 ERA. Over those 57 1/3 innings of work, Liriano has 67 strikeouts to just 25 walks while limiting opposing hitters to a .170 batting average.

Liriano also has the ability to start or relieve. 

TSN's Darren Dreger reported via Twitter on Monday that Jagr would like to join the Montreal Canadiens. According to Dreger, Jagr is looking for a one-year deal worth $4 million.

@drosennhl @IMadhavji.Jagr wants to play in Mtl, but other teams say he wants $4 mil for 1 year. May take some time.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 2, 2012

That figure would represent a raise for the 40-year-old forward, who made $3.3 million last season while playing with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Playing in the NHL for the first time since leaving for the KHL following the 2007-2008 season, Jagr had a nice 2011-2012 with the Flyers. He played in 73 games during the regular season, recording 19 goals and 35 assists. He was held to just one goal in 11 playoff games, but he did add seven assists before the Flyers bowed out in the second round at the hands of the New Jersey Devils.

ESPN.com reports that the Dodgers outfielder has agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $85 million that would keep him in Los Angeles through the 2017 season. There's also reportedly a club option for an additional year that would be worth $17.5 million.

"I have been instructed that I won't comment … until [Tuesday]," Ethier said following the Dodgers' game Monday night, according to ESPN.com. "There will be an announcement [Tuesday]. We will talk [Tuesday], I promise."

Ethier avoided arbitration last offseason by signing a one-year deal, and he would have been a free agent this offseason. Rumors surfaced last season that Ethier may be interested in joining the Red Sox, where he would be reunited with Dustin Pedroia, his good friend and college teammate at Arizona State.

"He's got his best buddy, Dustin Pedroia, telling him how great Boston is,'' wrote CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, then of Sports Illustrated, last July. "In Andre's mind, [the Dodgers' situation] is embarrassing, and Boston has a different [vibe] right now.''

Ethier was reportedly unhappy with the Dodgers' ownership mess at the time of those reports. That has been resolved, however, with a new ownership group taking over the club.

Ethier is having another big season this year, hitting .287 with 10 home runs and a league-leading 53 RBIs. He's been one of the best sluggers in baseball throughout his career, posting a career .844 OPS, while teaming up with Matt Kemp to form one of the better outfields in baseball.

The NFL season is still three months away, but the talk surrounding Chad Ochocinco and his role — or lack thereof — with the Patriots is already up in the air.

The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots wide receiver is still on the team after questions had been raised at practice Thursday about this status. Ochocinco wasn't on the field for organized team activities, which were open to the media Thursday.

According to the Herald, Ochocinco showed up but left Gillette Stadium 10-15 minutes after showing up. ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reported shortly thereafter that Ochocinco left the stadium because he had an eye doctor appointment to go to.

Also, for what it's worth, Ochocinco also took the mention of being a Patriots receiver out of his Twitter bio. That tidbit, of course, is far from being any sort of proof that Ochocinco is on his way out, but it is worth noting.

UPDATE: Chad Ochocinco has reportedly been released by the Patriots.

SI.com reports that the former NBA head coach is still interested in a job with the Orlando Magic, where he would serve as the top personnel person for the Magic. This actually challenges an Orlando Sentinel report from a little less than a week ago that stated Jackson no longer had interest in the position.

If Jackson were to get the job, he would reportedly work remotely from Los Angeles, where he currently lives. 

Sam Vincent, who played for the Bulls when Jackson was an assistant in Chicago, is also part of the plan. According to SI, Vincent would have a job in the front office, while the team would be coached by a Jackson protege.

The front-runner for that job, according to the SI report, is Brian Shaw, who served under Jackson as an assistant in Los Angeles. That plan would also include Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen serving as the team's lead assistant.

According to the report, Magic CEO Alex Martins isn't a huge fan of having an absentee leader, as Jackson would be working out of Los Angeles.

Jackson is also reportedly seeking a small piece of minority ownership as well.

The Magic are in the process of searching for a new head coach and general manager after letting go of Stan Van Gundy and Otis Smith following the season.

ESPN.com reports that the Rangers are still the favorites to land the veteran right-hander, as sources have told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick a team would have to heavily outbid Texas to steal Oswalt.

"I would be shocked if he doesn't go to Texas," a baseball official told ESPN.com. "A team is going to have to greatly outbid Texas to keep him from going there."

Oswalt threw for the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, and he's also been linked to the Red Sox and Phillies. 

It will be interesting to see if a team like Phillies does come on strong and try to overbid for Oswalt, especially with Roy Halladay's status up in the air. Halladay left his most recent start early with a shoulder issue, and if he's out for an extended period of time, it may put the pressure on the Phillies to sign Oswalt, who spent the 2011 season in Philadelphia.

However, the Rangers are looking to fill a hole, too, after Neftali Feliz recently went on the disabled list with a shoulder injury of his own.

One of the main concerns for many Sox fans has been what the club would decide to do with Will Middlebrooks upon Youkilis' return, as the young third baseman has taken off since being called up. It sounds like Youkilis' return might not mean Middlebrooks is heading back to Pawtucket.

CBSSports.com reports that the Red Sox are entertaining the idea of giving Youkilis some time at first base when he returns. If that were to happen, it would mean that Adrian Gonzalez would also see time in the outfield. It would not be a permanent move, of course, as Youkilis would also see plenty of action at third base.

As the CBS report points out, it's safe to assume that both Youkilis and Gonzalez will sign off on the shakeup. Both veterans have had time at their secondary positions, especially Youkilis. He actually won a Gold Glove at first base in 2007. Gonzalez, on the other hand, was serviceable in limited time in the outfield during interleague play when he was moved to right field to give David Ortiz some innings at first base.

UPDATE: Youkilis has been activated prior to Tuesday night's game. He's in the lineup and playing first base, while Gonzalez is playing right field. See the full lineup here.

Kevin Youkilis

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick tweeted Sunday that both the Phillies and Indians had been monitoring the Boston third baseman during his recent rehab stint with Pawtucket. Crasnick also noted that the Indians haven't been in contact with the Red Sox about Youkilis, but they are interested in adding a right-handed bat.

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo wrote Sunday that he feels the Diamondbacks may also have interest in the veteran infielder, should he become available.

Youkilis had played in 18 games before hitting the disabled list with a bad back in late April. At the time of the move, he was hitting just .219 with a .344 on-base percentage. He could be activated as early as Tuesday.

In Youkilis' absence, Will Middlebrooks has been real good, despite tailing off a little as late. His power numbers have been impressive, as he's hit five home runs to go along with 15 RBIs in his 17 games with the big club. That pace has slowed in the last week, however, as he's hitting just .222 with 13 strikeouts in his last seven contests.

ESPN.com reports that the NFL and its commissioner are likely to suspend the Pro Bowl for at least the 2013 season. The game is scheduled to be played the week before the Feb. 3 Super Bowl in New Orleans, but the site for this year's Pro Bowl has not been announced because the game is up in the air.

Goodell was critical of the game this year after lackluster effort from players on both sides, and that is apparently part of his decision-making process, according to ESPN. He's also said in the past, including in the week following the game, that eliminating the Pro Bowl would be a possibility.

According to ESPN, players will still be "selected" for the Pro Bowl, which would still carry some importance because of contract clauses that reward players for making the Pro Bowl roster.

Paul Pierce

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Celtics came close to deals for both of the future Hall of Famers at this year's deadline.

According to the report, the Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies had come to agreement on a deal for Allen. The trade would have sent the veteran sharpshooter to Memphis in exchange for guard O.J. Mayo and a draft pick. In fact, according to Wojnarowski, Celtics coach Doc Rivers had even called Allen to tell him that he was headed to Memphis. Twenty minutes later, Rivers called back to tell Allen the deal was done.

Danny Ainge apparently had another deal in the works, but it wasn't as close to being as the Allen deal. However, the Yahoo! story reports that Pierce was close to being dealt as well. The Celtics were reportedly in talks with the New Jersey Nets. The C's would send Pierce to Jersey, and in return, Boston would receive Mehmet Okur's expiring contract and a lottery pick. 

Ainge reportedly loves this year's draft class, which is apparent considering these would-be deals, but decided that it was best to keep the team together for one more run.

Reports surfaced Friday morning that ruled one interested team out of the running, while seemingly bolstering the chances of another.

Manning told the Miami Dolphins that he will not be signing with them, according to the NFL Network's Jeff Darlington. The former Colts quarterback contacted the Dolphins on Thursday to inform him of his decision.

"Manning liked Miami's roster – but the Dolphins could never provide the familiarity he desired," Darlington tweeted. "That was biggest shortcoming, they believe."

Meanwhile, The Denver Post reported on Friday morning that the Denver Broncos — more specifically executive vice president of football operations and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway – are on their way to North Carolina to see Manning. The veteran quarterback has been working out in North Carolina at Duke.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeted Friday morning that Manning will work out for Elway and the Broncos at Duke on Friday afternoon.

It's encouraging news for the Broncos and their fans, as they appear to be one of the two finalists for Manning's services, as many feel the Tennessee Titans are still in the hunt for Manning.