David Garrard Reportedly Signing with Miami Dolphins

A day filled with quarterback intrigue will seemingly end with the Miami Dolphins shoring up the position with veteran David Garrard. 

Florida Times-Union beat writer Tania Ganguli reports via Twitter that the Miami Dolphins have acquired the services of former Jaguars quarterback David Garrard.

"

David Garrard is a Miami Dolphin.

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 20, 2012"

This is sure to fire up Miami Dolphins fans who were awaiting a splash signing this offseason at the quarterback position. 

Through a frantic initial free-agency push, the Dolphins had been rumored to have their eye on everyone from Peyton Manning to Matt Flynn. 

News came Monday that Manning had indeed decided on becoming the star quarterback of the Denver Broncos. That left one giant question mark as to the future of Broncos standout Tim Tebow.

Even the report issued by ESPN on Manning surmised that Tebow would be traded, leaving Miami as a rumored destination. 

Chuck Schilken of the LA Times asks this very question in the wake of the biggest free-agent news. It seems that the Dolphins would much rather a fight between veterans takes place. 

Garrard will come into a fierce battle to win the position and, subsequently, the fanbase that has been hungry for more than they've received in meager Dolphins results. 

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has a gut feeling upon hearing the Garrard news, and I am inclined to believe every last detail.

"

David Garrard won't beat out Matt Moore.Dolphins will be picking Matt Barkley or Wilson from Ark or the Bray kid from Tenn next year

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) March 20, 2012"

The obvious note in this transaction is that David Garrard is not a clear upgrade over Matt Moore. The Dolphins have instead decided to shore up the position with a quality backup that can fill the role seamlessly if needed. 

It's clear Miami did not like any of the solutions still on the market. And that includes Tim Tebow, which would have warranted a complete overhaul to their offensive system. 

Moore completed 13 games in relief of Chad Henne last season and did a serviceable job, completing 60 percent of his passes for 2,497 yards and 16 touchdowns. 

Garrard last played for the Jaguars in 2010 and had a fine season, throwing for 2,734 yards and 23 touchdowns. 

Jacksonville proceeded to draft Blaine Gabbert after that season and release Garrard right before the 2011 kickoff. 

He has since stayed out of the league to rehabilitate a back injury and should come in fresh and hungry to compete for the starter's job. 

The Miami Dolphins opted to ride the wave of consistency that Matt Moore gave them last season instead of rocking the boat. 

With success comes the fans' vote of confidence; failure will buy the Dolphins a great quarterback in the 2013 draft. 

While Dolphins management might argue that it could be worse, fans will scream that it could be better. 

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