Garrard Richest Jag Ever
April 7, 2008 — JohnDavid Garrard was rewarded for his play last season with a seven year, 60 million dollar contract. It is the largest contract handed out by the Jaguars in their rather short history.
Garrard was given the job after the Jags released former starter Byron Leftwich. Garrard had solid numbers, throwing 18 touchdowns with only three picks and a 102.2 passer rating. In the playoffs he had a key run late in the fourth quarter of their Wild-Card win against the Steelers. Leftwich is currently bouncing around the NFL.
John
April 7, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I thought Garrard did a good job last year, but 7 years/60 mil? Seems a bit high.
April 7, 2008 at 7:22 pm
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April 7, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I’d have to agree. His main job was giving the ball to that dangerous two-headed rushing monster and not throwing INTs.
Factor in his injury, and this looks like they jumped the gun on paying him so much.
And Garrard was actually asking for more money. He wanted a Tony Romo-type deal (7 years, 67.5 mil).
Although I guess Garrard did have some basis for his demands; he at least managed to win a playoff game…
April 7, 2008 at 7:35 pm
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April 8, 2008 at 2:37 pm
I would have to agree but, he did have very good stats last season. He does have very good running backs, but he still had very few interceptions.
April 8, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I see your point kc, but the amount they paid him is really high just to not throw picks. If he starts throwing 25 or so TDs a season to go with his 3 interceptions, this deal would be okay.
But at least they paid that money for somebody who shouldn’t have any off-the-field problems (That means you, Mike Vick). No worries about losing lucrative bonus money to a criminal.
The Jags need to make sure they have someone to spell Jones-Drew once Taylor retires, though. Otherwise the whole offensive system goes out the window.
April 9, 2008 at 11:19 pm
i think it was too early to sign Garrard to an extension of that magnitude. Was last year a contract year for him? I mean, there is no doubt he was a superior quarterback to Byron Leftwich, but I think, if you’re the Jags, you want to see him play well consistently. That would mean wait to see how well he does this season and then reward him if he is deserving.
April 10, 2008 at 8:52 am
I am pretty sure that it was NOT a contract year. To the best of my knowledge it was an extension. I guess they wanted to get him under contract before he could have another solid year.
If he performs better next year, he would have more leverage to get a larger contract. If he recedes over the next few years, this is going to hurt the Jags a lot.