David Garrard Declares Himself Healthy

Added on Feb 23, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Remember David Garrard? The quarterback Jacksonville shockingly dumped days prior to the 2011 season opener. Well, he’s back. Sort of. Garrard is nearly recovered from the herniated disc surgery he underwent last fall and is looking forward to latching on with a new team once free agency begins in three weeks. According to his agent, a handful of teams have already expressed interest in the veteran signal-caller.

Garrard, ever positive, is eager to return to the field and prove he’s ready to kick-start his stalled career.

“This is going to be a fun time,” Garrard told the Florida Times-Union. “I’ve never been a free agent before. It’s almost like you’re being recruited again.”

More importantly to his job prospects, he is willing to accept a backup role.

“I don’t have a big ego,” he said. “I love starting, I love being the guy that everybody looks up to. If that’s not quite the situation… I don’t have any harsh feelings toward that.”

A guy with a resume that includes 76 starts, 16,003 passing yards and 106 total touchdowns should have little trouble finding a new gig, especially as a quality number two. Considering the dearth of receiving options in Jacksonville during the last few years, it’s reasonable to surmise Garrard could do very well if surrounded by better talent.

Potential contenders in need of a serviceable backup include Philadelphia, San Francisco, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, among others. However, a starting role isn’t out of the question with teams like Miami, Seattle, Washington and Cleveland desperate to find a reliable quarterback atop their depth charts.

Garrard’s last season as a starter was one of his best. In 2010, he set career highs in passing percentage (64.5%), touchdown passes (23) and rushing scores (5). If fully healthy, he brings experience and athleticism to the position and at age 34 should have at least two or three years left in the tank.

Source: NFL.com