Jags to part with Leftwich; new starter Garrard 'beyond shocked'
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Coach Jack Del Rio and the Jacksonville Jaguars said Friday they are parting ways with Byron Leftwich after four frustrating, injury-filled seasons.
They hope to trade the quarterback, but are resigned to releasing the former first-round draft pick.
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"To make a decision this bold requires some strong conviction, and I have that," Del Rio said.
Del Rio also chose mobile backup David Garrard as his starter heading into next week's season opener against Tennessee, saying Garrard gives the team a better chance to win.
"I believe David is our guy," Del Rio said. "He's proven to be a playmaker for us. He can be a threat both throwing and running it. We believe he's really improved during this offseason, and I feel he's earned this opportunity.
"He has a quick release, good feet and really has done a nice job of taking his game to another level."
Garrard outplayed Leftwich in the preseason, completing 36 of 47 passes for 456 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score. But his numbers came primarily against second-team defenses.
"It's bittersweet news," said Garrard, who has started 18 games in five years as a backup in Jacksonville. "I'm definitely shocked. I didn't see this happening. I'm beyond shocked. I really feel like this is a dream, but I know it's not and I know I'm ready."
Leftwich, who missed 10 games last season because of an ankle injury, was 19-of-38 for 226 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games. He misfired on several passes, badly overthrew Dennis Northcutt on two deep routes against Green Bay, and continued to show sloppy mechanics with his feet and throwing motion.
Making Del Rio's decision a bit easier, Leftwich hasn't played a full season since being the seventh overall selection in the 2003 draft. But the former Marshall star felt he was in the best shape of his life following ankle surgery and a rigid offseason conditioning program.
Del Rio seemed to agree, making Leftwich his starter in February and backing him every day since -- until now.
"Over the last five years, Byron was given every opportunity to lead this football team," Del Rio said. "We've gone through the entire offseason, training camp, preseason, and during that time, it became very apparent to me that David was the best choice for us, the best selection for us to lead this football team."
Leftwich is in the final year of his contract, so releasing him would not cost the team anything extra against the salary cap in 2007.
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