Leftwich to be released or traded...*Merge*

[dallasfaniac]

Trade Leftwich within the division? Doubt that happens.

Huh? Jax is AFC, Atlanta is NFC

 

[theebs]

Leftwich expected to be released or traded; Garrard named starter
By Adam Schefter | NFL Network



NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting quarterback Byron Leftwich will be traded or released by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars are expected to part ways with Leftwich before Saturday's deadline to reduce rosters to the 53-player limit.

Meanwhile, David Garrard, who started Thursday night's preseason finale against Washington, has been named the starter for Sunday's season opener against the Tennessee Titans. Garrard was 7-for-10 for 77 yards against the Commanders. Leftwich was one of 30 players who did not dress for the game.

Leftwich, who missed 10 games last season due to injuries, has started 44 of 46 career games in Jacksonville since he was the seventh overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. He is in the final year of his contract.

The Jaguars have called a press conference for 5:30 p.m. ET.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

What is the deal here? Did they say? I know Leftwich and Del Rio have never gotten along very well, but I thought it was reported that Leftwich had the job for sure this time around. I know a month or two ago I heard Leftwich on The Huddle saying how he was glad this year he knew the job was his and he didn't have to worry about "winning" it again.

And it seemed even more solid after Garrard was named the starter last year for the final games and the team lost a lot. Is there something going on with Leftwich behind the scenes or something?

 

[dallasfaniac]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Jacksonville Jaguars are parting ways with quarterback Byron Leftwich after four frustrating, injury-filled seasons.

Coach Jack Del Rio said the team plans to trade or release the former first-round draft pick. Del Rio also named mobile backup David Garrard his starter heading into next week's season opener, believing Garrard gives the team a better chance to win.

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.

Leftwich, who missed 10 games last season because of an ankle injury, was 19-of-38 passing 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 messy mechanics with his feet and throwing motion.

Making the decision 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, naming Leftwich his starter in February and backing him every day since -- until now.

Leftwich was in the final year of his contract, so releasing him would not cost the team anything extra against the salary cap in 2007.

But it would leave the Jags with little room for injury at that position. Third-string Quinn Gray, who played well in the preseason finale after missing most of camp because of a sprained ankle, will move into the No. 2 spot.

Leftwich has completed nearly 59 percent of his passes for 9,042 yards, with 51 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He started 13 games as a rookie, then missed two games in 2004 with an injured left knee.

He missed five games the following year because of his oft-injured left ankle. He returned to the starting lineup in the playoffs, but played poorly in a loss.

 

[Longboysfan]

Did not hear anything about this till today.
He will be picked up by someone.
Hopefully not the Commanders.:laugh1:

 

[InmanRoshi]

Are his offensive linemen going to pick him up and carry him to the waiver wire?

 

[Roughneck]

Are his offensive linemen going to pick him up and carry him to the waiver wire?

Well played sir.

 

[miamicowboy21]

He's gone by saturday for sure. IF they can't trade him by tonight, he'll be released saturday.

 

[joseephuss]

He's gone by saturday for sure. IF they can't trade him by tonight, he'll be released saturday.

And KC will come a knockin.

 

[dallasfaniac]

Are his offensive linemen going to pick him up and carry him to the waiver wire?

<-- Co-workers wondering what's up...

 

[InmanRoshi]

While we're at it, let's talk about what an idiot Jack Del Rio is. So he has so little faith in Lefty that he doesn't even want him on the roster for opening day ... but he's still going to make absolutely no contingency plans all offseason about bringing in or drafting another QB, declares Lefty his starter all offseason, starts him every preseason game, gives him all the first team snaps ... and then you cut him 10 days before the season starts. Now you've put all your eggs into one rickety, scary David Gerrard basket.

 

[dogunwo]

i think it's silly to go and compare it like what happened in one place could happen in another.

what if troy were a bengal?
young did how well in tampa again?

so people thought leftwich could have been a good cowboys qb - maybe he could have been. maybe he still could be.

some people gotta go a long way back to reach just for a self-serving pat on the back.

 

[joseephuss]

While we're at it, let's talk about what an idiot Jack Del Rio is. So he had so little faith in Leftwhich that he doesn't even have enough faith to keep him on the roster for opening day ... but he's still going to name him the starter all offseason, still going to start him every preseason game, and make absolutely no contingency plans in the offseason when it comes to bringing in a QB. Now you've put all your eggs into one rickety, scary David Gerrard basket.

But he looks good in that suit.

 

[miamicowboy21]

Released officially.

 

[Jay-D]

While we're at it, let's talk about what an idiot Jack Del Rio is. So he has so little faith in Lefty that he doesn't even want him on the roster for opening day ... but he's still going to make absolutely no contingency plans all offseason about bringing in or drafting another QB, declares Lefty his starter all offseason, starts him every preseason game, gives him all the first team snaps ... and then you cut him 10 days before the season starts. Now you've put all your eggs into one rickety, scary David Gerrard basket.

I guess if Gerrard really stepped up, he has no choice but to allow him to win the job.

I definately haven't been watching Jacksonville's perseason games.....but Gerrard must really be playing well to take this drastic of a step.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

While we're at it, let's talk about what an idiot Jack Del Rio is. So he has so little faith in Lefty that he doesn't even want him on the roster for opening day ... but he's still going to make absolutely no contingency plans all offseason about bringing in or drafting another QB, declares Lefty his starter all offseason, starts him every preseason game, gives him all the first team snaps ... and then you cut him 10 days before the season starts. Now you've put all your eggs into one rickety, scary David Gerrard basket.

Actually, they are very high on Quinn Gray, who got some playing time last year.

 

[DallasEast]

Does this mean that NFL Network will cut out Leftwich's scene in it's Ocho Cinco commercial?

 

[dallasfan]

If he's smart, he'll sign a 1 year deal as a back-up. Going to a place like Atlanta/Kansas City/Minnesota is a high risk, high reward situation, and probably not in his best intrest. He would be behind in learning the offesnse and is 2 of the above mentioned teams have young QBs whom they'll be willing to sit through lumps with. Ofcourse if he goes 9-7 or 10-6 with either he is a savior.

To be honest an ideal situation for him would be Chicago (just sit back and wait for Rex to mess up), Dallas (Romo may not be the answer, but if that's the case he should be available next offseason), Seattle (Mike Holmgren is great with QBs, and they are in need) and the NY Jets (back-up Pennington, if he struggles or gets hurt like he often does, he could step into a good situation).

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

And KC will come a knockin.

Yes, Herm will make yet another BIG coaching mistake and sign this guy. Unbelievable.

 

[burmafrd]

Del Rio has never gotten along with Leftwich. Del Rio has a rep for that. It is dumb to let him go and leave yourself with no viable option if Garrard is injured. I admit I wanted Leftwich- I watched that game where he broke a bone in his leg and had his O Linemen carrying him down the field. I thought someone with Stones THAT big and his record and stats would make at least a good NFL QB, and maybe a great one. Maybe he will do better elsewhere. BUt he has never shown the ability to really lead the team.