David Garrard: Jacksonville Jaguars QB Is Playing for His Last Big Payday in the NFL

David Garrard got the message from Jacksonville Jaguars management long before they selected Blaine Gabbert with the 10th overall pick in the draft. The team that failed to reach the playoff the last two years by losing their last three games of the season, wants stronger play from behind center.

It did not take Gabbert being drafted for Garrard to know his play needs to be better in the 2011 season.

“My thing is the best man will play,” Garrard said in an interview with the Florida Times-Union. The 33-year-old starter set a franchise record by throwing for 23 touchdowns last season and is two years removed from a Pro Bowl year.

But, Garrard had his moments last season when he looked pedestrian. An injury to his hand at the end of the season put him on the shelf with two games remaining, and backup Trent Edwards played at a time when the team’s leader was not taking snaps to win games.

Garrard was not the only star on the team who did not suit up for the final two games. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew was also sidelined with injuries.

“The cream will rise to the top,” Garrard said. “You want the best person out there.”

Garrard is in a difficult position. He has been the starter the last three-plus seasons when he replaced Byron Leftwich in 2007. In 2008 he threw 18 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions but has not matched that output since. There was speculation in the offseason that head coach Jack Del Rio would be fired and Garrard’s job would be in jeopardy as well.

Both are back this season with something to prove.

It is assumed that in 2012, Gabbert will take over the reins of the team. Top-10 draft status and money may dictate that. But, fans and team owner Wayne Weaver are also on edge and have demanded better play from not only quarterback, but the entire team that went 8-8 last season.

This could also be Garrard’s last chance to prove to other teams that he is a viable option as a starter in the NFL.

Going into the 2012 season, there will be teams that may be looking for a starting quarterback. Miami, Washington, Seattle, Oakland and Buffalo may be among them.

It also means that Garrard is one of the older quarterbacks in the league. Taking a flier on Garrard with other younger quarterbacks to choose from may make it more difficult for him to latch on to a team as the proven starter.

He also knows that Gabbert will be just as hungry to play as Garrard was as a rookie back in 2003. At his news conference after being drafted, a spry and confident Garrard said he was ready to challenge then starter and Pro Bowl player Mark Brunell.

The lockout helps Garrard because while Gabbert has his playbook to study and learn from, he has not been able to practice with the team.

“If Blaine comes in and he is above and beyond just better than me, then best of luck to him. Because the best person is going to give this team a chance to win should be out there. I’ve always believed that,” Garrard said.

For now, Garrard practices on his own, and waits for the challenge with Gabbert. But more importantly, the challenge to prove he is the starter and should be the starter is the one thing that continues to drive him toward success.