The Miami Dolphins released David Garrard on Tuesday, a day after the veteran quarterback returned to practice from a knee injury that had bothered him for the entire preseason.
Garrard confirmed his release on Twitter, writing, “To all the dolphins fans thx for ur support! Best of luck to all my teammates. Thx for making me feel at home!! Phins up!!”
Garrard, 34, underwent arthroscopic surgery in early August and missed all four preseason games. He was listed as the fourth-string quarterback on the depth chart Monday after being the first-team QB early in training camp.
Had the Dolphins kept Garrard, they would have had to guarantee his contract – a risky move considering he’s coming off an injury.
Garrard, a longtime starter with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was signed by Miami in the offseason. His injury opened the door for rookie Ryan Tannehill to get more playing time and eventually earn the starting job.
Garrard looked much improved while practicing on a limited basis on Monday, warming up with the team before going through early drills and throwing some passes.
Garrard did not participate in either 7-on-7 or full-team drills Monday.
He was ultimately done by his own price tag. Both he and fellow backup Matt Moore make too much money to be the third-string quarterback, meaning one of them had to go.
Moore has struggled by most accounts in picking up the Dolphins’ new offense, but was still a safer choice than the injury-prone Garrard.
Moore, who was last year’s starter, will back up Tannehill, while Pat Devlin is listed on the depth chart as the No. 3 quarterback.
Garrard could still land another job within the league, especially after Week 1 because any contract he signs at that point would not be guaranteed for the year.
Garrard was a fourth-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2002 NFL Draft after enjoying spectacular collegiate career at East Carolina.
