Jags Release Starting Quarterback Garrard

Added on Sep 07, 2011 by Jack Thurman in

NFL

The David Garrard era is over in Jacksonville. On Tuesday, the team released their starting quarterback just days before the start of the season. Although General Manager Gene Smith characterized it as purely ‘a football decision’ it’s worth noting that the move will save the franchise $9 million this season. Luke McKown will start the Jags’ opening game against Tennessee though don’t be surprised if rookie Blaine Gabbart ends up atop the depth chart before all is said and done.

Making the timing even more bizarre–the announcement of Garrard’s release came just a couple of hours after he was introduced as the Jags’ starting quarterback at a Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Head coach Jack Del Rio explained the decision:

“He just couldn’t get it going. I had met with him a couple of weeks ago and brought him in and said, ‘Hey, listen, you’re my guy. I need you to get it going.’ He was given every opportunity. He was somewhat apologetic that he wasn’t able to deliver.”

Although tight end Marcedes Houston was shocked by Garrard’s release he said that the team would be behind McKown:

“I was shocked by the decision. They obviously felt it was time to go in a different direction. Luke had a great camp, everyone knows that, and now he’s the guy. There’s no drop-off. We believe in Luke and we’re going to rally around him.”

Gararrd displayed considerable class after the announcement, taking the high road on his Twitter feed:

“Thank you Jaguar fans for an awesome ride! You are the best fans ever. You’ll always have a special place in my heart and my family’s heart!”

GM Smith had respect for the way Garrard handled the release:

“I think he’s handled it like a man, like he’s handled everything else. I think he’s been a tremendous example how to handle adversity since he’s been here. … At some point, you have to go through this as an NFL player.”

The Tennessee/Jacksonville game was briefly off the NFL betting board after news of the move broke. Before the announcement of Garrard’s release the Jaguars had been a -3 favorite, afterwards they were a -1 favorite over the Titans.