The Kansas City Chiefs have gone on the record as saying that they intend to create competition for Matt Cassel at the QB position this offseason. One player they might consider bringing in for a workout is former Jacksonville Jaguars QB David Garrard.
Last night on AA Radio, Big Matt and I were discussing what the options were as far as competition for Cassel. We agreed that Tyler Palko was a goner and that Ricky Stanzi would likely be returning. We also decided that guys similar to Cassel in skill, like Kyle Orton, probably will avoid KC because they will likely have an easier time finding a team where they are guaranteed a starting role, whereas in KC they will have to battle Cassel and would be looking at even odds, at best, at winning the job.
That left rookies in the draft and broken down free agent QB’s desperate for another shot. We decided that no rookie QB the Chiefs select, short of a first round pick, is likely to come in and take the starting job.
That leaves desperate veteran QB’s.
Big Matt threw out the name Jason Campbell last night. Today, I’m throwing out a name.
David Garrard.
Garrard has Scott Pioli written all over him. He’s a veteran and he’ll be cheap. He could legitimately challenge a QB like Cassel for the starting job in KC without being a slam dunk replacement. Garrard could push Cassel just enough to make him better but not enough to destroy his confidence. Garrard also provides the veteran presence the Chiefs were lacking last season when Cassel went down.
Here is a quick recap on the last few months for Garrard. The Jaguars said that they planned to keep him as their starter after they drafted Blaine Gabbet, however, they changed their minds on September 6th and cut Garrard. He drew interest from the Colts, Raiders and Dolphins but eventually decided to take the season off to have surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. He will turn 34 tomorrow.
It is hard to say what, if anything, Garrard has left. The former fourth round pick has had some decent years but nothing too overwhelming. He made the Pro Bowl in 2010 throwing 23 touchdowns, 2,734 yards and a quarterback rating of 91. In his career he has 89 TD’s vs. 54 interceptions. He also has 29 fumbles.
I am not saying Garrard is the best option available but he is someone we should probably keep an eye on. If the Chiefs are going to keep Stanzi then the competition they bring in for Cassel could very well be a veteran.
What do you think Addicts? Will the Chiefs kick the tires on Garrard or will they look elsewhere for QB help in 2012?