Washington Redskins: Should the Redskins Move for David Garrard?

Since his surprising release on Tuesday, former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has been linked with every quarterback-needy team in the league.

The Washington Redskins certainly fall into that category.  Which begs the question, should Mike Shanahan make a move for Garrard?

Although Rex Grossman managed to emerge as the last man standing in his offseason battle with John Beck, not many Redskins fans will be confident about the situation under center heading into the new season.

Grossman in simply too erratic and prone to turnovers to inspire any genuine enthusiasm about his chances of leading the team back to the postseason.

Garrard is a proven NFL commodity who has enjoyed some fine individual success during his 10 pro seasons.

The 6'1" 236-pound signal caller has a strong arm and good mobility.  These attributes could serve him well in Kyle Shanahan's offensive schemes, which feature a lot of rollout plays and deep crossing patterns.

Garrard is also used to directing a run-heavy offense, having played second fiddle to the efforts of pint-sized Jaguars' rushing dynamo Maurice Jones-Drew.

The Redskins will likely feature the run this season, in the absence of a true game-breaking receiving option.

Mike Shanahan has traditionally preferred his offense to be directed by his famed zone-blocking running schemes.

But Garrard's accuracy and attitude issues could put the Redskins off. Garrard has struggled to maintain an efficient completion percentage in recent seasons.

He has lacked decisiveness in the pocket, contributing to him suffering 117 sacks in the last three seasons.

Most worrying is Garrard's tendency to clash with teammates.  The struggling passer has often been quick to blame a lack of offensive production on the perceived failings of his supporting cast.

The last thing the Redskins need is another player who could disrupt the chemistry within the locker room.  Garrard also lacks the system familiarity offered by Grossman.

On a talent level, Garrard offers more play-making skills than Grossman.  He has a stronger arm and can challenge defenses with his feet.

The 2010 Pro Bowl selection has the skill set to thrive in D.C.  He would restore a healthy measure of confidence in the Redskins' quarterback position.

But there is plenty of baggage with Garrard.  At 33, he goes against the Redskins' commitment to get younger.

In the end, the Redskins could be no better off with Garrard and face the same situation they now have with Grossman.

Mike Shanahan would have to asses if Garrard's physical intangibles outweigh some of the leadership question marks.