Tebow fallout: Jets trade recently signed QB Stanton to Colts

Drew Stanton joined the New York Jets to be Mark Sanchez's backup. Then along came Tim Tebow.

Less than one week after signing Stanton, the Jets traded the quarterback and a seventh-round draft pick to Indianapolis for the sixth-round pick the Colts received from the Philadelphia Eagles in a March 14 trade for offensive lineman Winston Justice. Both picks are for this year's draft.

In the wake of the Jets' trade for Tebow, a one-time Denver Broncos starter, Stanton began considering asking for a trade or release, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Wednesday.

"It's a big relief to have this over," Stanton told The Associated Press on Friday after the trade. "I'm excited about the opportunity in Indy. I can't wait to get there and get down to business."

Stanton left the Detroit Lions for a chance to be the Jets' backup after sitting behind Matthew Stafford and Shaun Hill. Stanton has played in 12 games, including four starts, since being drafted in the second round five years ago.

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"A big reason I signed with the Jets was the opportunity they gave me," Stanton said. "Circumstances changed, of course, but the Jets were nothing but professional and helped me get to Indy."

But Stanton's agent, Deryk Gilmore, appeared to tweak the Jets on his Twitter page.

"Excited for the (hash)Colts to get (at)drewstanton a leader, winner, and QB not a gimmick to sell tickets," Gilmore tweeted -- a reference to the Jets' trade for Tebow. "Drew will be great for (hash)Indianapolis!"

A few minutes later, Gilmore complimented the Jets.

"(hash)Jets are a class organization for doing the right thing," Gilmore wrote. "I believe in my players and know what they can do. Glad it all worked out!"

The Associated Press contributed to this report.