What does a starting quarterback have to do to get cut just days before the first game of the regular season? I guess we’ll have to ask David Garrard.
The Jacksonville Jaguars released the nine-year veteran quarterback Tuesday.
Garrard has never been flashy, but he’s been a reliable passer. In his best season in 2007, he threw 18 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Last year, he had a respectable 90.8 passer rating.
Jacksonville seemed ready to move in a new direction after drafting Blaine Gabbert with the 10th pick in April.
So the move away from Garrard is not surprising, but the timing is shocking.
Jacksonville similarly parted ways with Byron Leftwich after the preseason finale in 2007 and went on to make the playoffs with Garrard as its starter.
This time around, the Jaguars are turning to Luke McCown, who has a 1-6 career record.
Ownership has informed coach Jack Del Rio that he won’t be back next year if the team misses the playoffs. Just days before Week 1, isn’t Del Rio’s best chance to keep his job with Garrard at quarterback?
– Jeffrey Tomik
