David Garrard announced Wednesday he was leaving the New York Jets just two months after joining the team.
“Having to call it quits. My knee is not holding up. Continuing to swell after practices. Limiting what I can do,” Garrard wrote in a text message to SiriusXM radio host Adam Schein.
The Jets signed Garrard in March as a potential alternative at quarterback to Mark Sanchez. The 35-year-old Garrard hadn’t played in an NFL game the past two seasons because of back and knee injuries, but was the starter with the Jacksonville Jaguars for several years before that. He passed a physical with the Jets this spring.
“Talked to David yesterday. He was having his knee looked at,” Garrard’s agent, Al Irby said. “I’ve been out of pocket today. About 20 minutes ago, I checked my phone and saw everyone in the media had reached out to me. I have not talked to David yet. I’m surprised that this has happen(ed) so suddenly. I will reach out to David this evening.”
It was the first major signing by new Jets general manager John Idzik.
Two weeks ago, the Jets released quarterback Tim Tebow. That leaves four QBs on the roster: Sanchez, second-round draft pick Geno Smith, Greg McElroy and Matt Simms.
On a conference call with season-ticket holders earlier Wednesday, new offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said the team’s starting quarterback job is open.
“This will be a bona fide quarterback competition. Period,” Mornhinweg said. “I’m hoping that somebody will rise to the top quicker rather than later.”
With the departure of Garrard, it appears there are now two primary candidates: the struggling incumbent, Sanchez, and the former West Virginia star, Smith.
