What We Learned from David Garrard's Release, Miami Dolphins' Handling of QBs

All offseason long, the Miami Dolphins quarterback position has been in flux.

If the recent report (via Jay Glazer of Fox Sports) is true that the Dolphins will release David Garrard, then it looks like things are starting to settle down.

Just got a text from David Garrard that he is being released from Fins today

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) September 4, 2012

For the past month, we have known that whoever the Dolphins kept would be the backup to Ryan Tannehill, the team's first-round draft pick from April. 

But here are some other things we learned along the way.

 

David Garrard is Not a Viable Starting Option at This Point

The Dolphins' quarterback saga looks to finally be reaching its end; unfortunately, it's an unhappy ending for a genuinely good guy in Garrard.

At this point, it's unclear whether or not Garrard will get back to his old form.

He was never a dominant quarterback, but he was at least serviceable for the Jaguars. Then suddenly, he became expendable when the team drafted Blaine Gabbert. He suffered the same fate in Miami; where it once appeared he might be crowned the starting quarterback, it was his body that was his undoing this time around. 

In the end, it turned out he was just keeping the seat warm for Tannehill to take the throne.

Were it not for his injury, there might be plenty of opportunities for him elsewhere. Unfortunately, though, the market may be tough to an injured-but-healing quarterback whose best days may be behind him.

 

The Dolphins Were Unable to Get Good Value for Matt Moore

There were rumors and reports that the Dolphins were receiving offers for Matt Moore. That's different from if they were fielding calls; they weren't trying to get rid of Moore, which should also tell you something about how they felt as it relates to Garrard (and how other teams felt, since there were presumably no calls about his trade availability).

Whatever the case(s), it's clear now that the Dolphins didn't get any offers close to what they think would be good value for their backup quarterback.

It wouldn't be the first time someone low-balled general manager Jeff Ireland. We don't know exactly what was offered, but whatever it was, that indicates that the Dolphins' perception of Moore's value is higher than the league's perception of the same.

 

At Least They Have a Solid Backup Option if Ryan Tannehill Goes Down

The franchise is placed firmly in the hands of Tannehill; that would have been the case regardless of whether they kept Garrard or not. 

The Dolphins always had their bases covered. It was just a matter of making a decision. Fortunately for the Dolphins, and unfortunately for Garrard, that decision was made for them.

Even for the months of drama, speculation and indecision, this is a good dilemma to have. Too many quarterbacks to choose from is far better than too few.

 

Erik Frenz is the AFC East lead blogger for Bleacher Report. Be sure to follow Erik on Twitter and "like" the AFC East blog on Facebook to keep up with all the updates. Unless specified otherwise, all quotes are obtained firsthand.