NFL Roster Cuts: 5 Landing Spots for Former Jaguars QB David Garrard

Jack del Rio and the Jacksonville Jaguars completed the unthinkable.

They inexplicably released veteran QB David Garrard, according to FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer.

Jacksonville is uncharacteristically willing to entrust their Super Bowl aspirations in veteran Luke McCown and rookie Blaine Gabbert. McCown is expected to start against Tennessee Week 1, but there is no chance in hell he keeps the job the entire season.

This doesn’t make a lick of sense and Garrard has every right to feel disappointed. He gave the Jags their best opportunity to win this season—and the Jags are in prime position to shock the world as they did last year.

Garrard was the ideal game manager for this gritty, run-first offense. In the first post-lockout season, del Rio will rue the day he decided to give Garrard the axe. He would have been invaluable to their success this season.

Garrard still has solid pocket awareness, accuracy and arm strength. More importantly, he is a leader with playoff experience and can lead teams to victory.

Luckily for Garrard, there are still teams in dire need of a quality starting-caliber QB. We’ll countdown the top five teams that should be calling, texting and knocking down the former Jacksonville starter. 

Honorable Mention: Indianapolis Colts

Given Peyton Manning’s Week 1 availability is in jeopardy, the Colts would benefit from employing another intelligent and capable veteran QB. At this point, why not just load up on former division foes?

Garrard could provide insight to the Jaguars’ organization and offensive scheme to assist the Colts’ weaker defense. If Kerry Collins stumbles out of the gate against Houston, Indy would be better suited going with Garrard than Curtis Painter.

5. Carolina Panthers

I agree that Cam Newton should start, but not many would be a better mentor to him than David Garrard. Garrard was once the poor, poor man’s Cam. He would be a much better mentor than Derek Anderson, that’s for sure. Garrard would help teach Newton when to and not to run the ball and how to improve his field vision and accuracy.

Right now, Newton doesn’t have anybody to accelerate his progression in the NFL. He desperately needs somebody to come in to help. Garrard may not like to be the backup, but he would do the NFL a great service.

The Panthers actually have quality pieces on offense. If Ron Rivera doesn’t like what he sees from Cam out of the gate against Arizona, Garrard could step in and manage this team. 

4. Seattle Seahawks

Tarvaris Jackson makes most people want to vomit when he plays football. He is beyond terrible and the Seahawks are getting what they deserve for signing him in the first place.

Charlie Whitehurst should be starting for this team, but David Garrard would position the Seahawks for back-to-back division titles in the ever-improving NFC West.

Garrard has the experience, pocket presence, athleticism and accuracy Pete Carroll and the Seahawks desperately need behind center. Garrard is a prime candidate for this offense. Still, knowing Carroll, he’ll be too stubborn to do the right thing for this teetering franchise.

3. Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan has been debating between Rex Grossman and John Beck this offseason. That right there says it all. I understand he wants Andrew Luck, but can we give the Washington fans something to root for?

Garrard is a fine candidate to run Shanahan’s offense. He would have a solid rushing game behind him with Tim Hightower and Roy Helu. More importantly, Garrard would benefit from tossing the rock to Santana Moss, who would be one of the best receivers Garrard has ever worked with.

Washington doesn’t have a bad defense, but they’ll be reeling all season as they play the majority of the game. Washington’s offense needs somebody who won’t turn the ball over as much as Grossman and Beck certainly will. 

2. Cincinnati Bengals

As much as I like Andy Dalton and believe he progressed this preseason, Garrard would be a great fit for this young offense. Cedric Benson would take pressure off him. The Bengals have an emerging offensive line, which will keep him sturdy inside the pocket.

The Bengals have an upcoming young receiving corps with A.J. Green, Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham. All four men would benefit from Garrard’s leadership in the huddle and superior accuracy.

Cincinnati let Carson Palmer sit behind Jon Kitna and would be better served sitting Dalton this season. Garrard would at least give Cinci fans some hope for the season.

1. Miami Dolphins

Miami would make a run at the Wild Card if they had a quality quarterback. I’ve lost all faith in Chad Henne, who I believed would become a successful starting QB out of Michigan.

Miami’s run-first offense is similar to Jacksonville’s, so Garrard would feel comfortable off the bat. More importantly, Garrard is familiar with the weather conditions coming from nearby Jacksonville. He wouldn’t have to relocate too far, which would ease his transition to a new team.

Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess would provide the best one-two punch at WR he’s ever worked with. Garrard would keep the gritty Dolphins in each game as their beastly offensive line keeps him upright.

Miami’s one-two bunch at running back with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas would take the pressure off Garrard just like Maurice Jones-Drew did in Jacksonville.

More importantly, Garrard is familiar with the Patriots and would be a major upgrade Week 1 in their Monday Night matchup.

Garrard is the answer to the prayers Dolphins fans sent to the football Gods all offseason. This is a match made in heaven. Miami needs to make the move immediately to ensure success this season.