Possible upgrade?

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 8, 2011 3:14 AM PDT

I know full well I am going to be blasted for this, but, I don't care. Just a shot in the dark. Now that Jacksonville has parted ways with David Garrard, what do you think of the Niners giving him a shot to compete for the #3 spot? Let's be honest, like him or not, Alex Smith has THIS YEAR and no longer to show that he's capable of leading this team. Colin is simply not ready to take the helm, and unless you followed him in college, who the heck really knows what Scott Tolzien is capable of? With Garrard, you have a proven commodity. No, he won't light up the scoreboard like Brady or Manning. However, he will come in with a plethora of real game experience. Also, if we pick him up after the first week, we can sign him to the vets league minimum and not tie up a ton of money in his siervices. Think of it this way.....if the offensive line is as hodge podge as some on here claim, a big, mobile, veteran QB at the #3 spot can only help us. Think Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich in Pittsburgh. Yes, they have Dennis Dixon, but Batch and Leftwich have contributed plenty to the stability of the team with their timely intervention at times of injury (self inflicted or not) to Rothlesbuger. Let me know what you think.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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You said it

You’re gonna get blasted for this. There are some very simple reasons for it. Garrard is old and one hit away from retirement. He was turning into a cancer in the locker room in Jacksonville and was playing at a sub-par level.

As far as Kaepernick and Tolzien, there is a reason Harbaugh is going into the season with them as the backups. They’re going to surprise you, trust me. Kaepernick’s pre-season was, quite simply, a joke. Harbaugh was not playing “Kaepernick’s offense” during the preseason. Trust me on this one, Kaepernick is going to be good when used correctly. We saw this at Nevada and I saw it at practice. When Kaepernick is running “The Kaepernick Plays”, he’s a good QB. That’s why Harbaugh has continued to be complimentary of him and why he’s comfortable with Kap as the primary backup.

Not a troll

by Riding The F Train on Sep 8, 2011 4:07 AM PDT reply actions

How exactly was he a cancer?

All the guy did for Jacksonville was play hard week in and week out. It’s not like he was all over the airwaves blasting Del Rio and the organization. He may have played sub-par as far as his numbers may seem, but he ended last season with 23 tds to 11 ints. With a qb rating of 90.8%. Hmmmmm….comparable to another guy already on this team.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 8, 2011 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Just being a parrot

From what I’ve read, he was getting mad at teammates and blaming them for his mistakes this year.

Not a troll

by Riding The F Train on Sep 8, 2011 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, to be honest

He didn’t have that good of a supporting cast, except for MJD

"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango

by Rabbit T on Sep 10, 2011 4:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Garrard is on record as wanting a #1 spot as soon as he can.

There’s no way that he’ll want to come on to an unproven team as a backup to a rookie and a clear starter. Even as a #2, it’s a stretch, and he’ll demand far more money than a number 2 is worth. It’s not feasible.

Also, don’t think there’s any chance of him signing at a vet minimum. He and his agent know he’s worth quite a bit to a few teams. You don’t sign starting QBs at a minimum price for a number 3 spot on a historically struggling team when demand is high and the QB market is slim. Not gonna happen.

If we do sign Garrard, it’s to directly compete with Alex. There’s no good reason I can see for that, especially since it causes us to lose someone on our roster, maybe a good special teams player, and Alex is signed for only one more season.

I would be shocked if we picked up Garrard, although not entirely surprised if we offered him a lowball offer. Never hurts to ask, and there’s no doubt he would be an upgrade, at least as a backup.

by Rhombus on Sep 8, 2011 8:53 AM PDT reply actions

Thanks for making my point....

Garrard knows more than anyone,rightnow he needs to prove to the league (and maybe even himself), that he is worthy of being a #1 guy. Plus, I don’t know about you, but a vets minimum contract is better than non at all which is what he’s receiving from Jacksonville. Besides, what a better position than backing up a guy who has proven to be fragile at times, and is on his last legs on a team. Also, as you said….they aren’t running Kap plays. If this is so, (BTW: I personally hollered like a lottery winner when we got him this year) why not get Kap used to the plays that Alex runs for continuity instead of putting together completely different packages? If he is our heir apparent, then teach him as such. Not like he’s Nate Davis.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 8, 2011 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry.....

some of this re-post was meant for Rhombus.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 8, 2011 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions

He was getting paid 9M a year

He is not going to accept anything less than 3-4 million a year.

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Sep 8, 2011 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Only if he stayed with the team after week 1

Then he would have been paid. But, since he is now a complete free agent, he would have to have a new contract with whomever he signs with.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 9, 2011 3:42 AM PDT up reply actions

He'll retire before he takes vet minimum

You’re just being foolish thinking otherwise. He’s not broke

Gimme 1 round!

by ItBurnzWhenIP on Sep 9, 2011 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions

No...he's not broke...

Yet. Remember, he’s married, lives in Florida, and has a lifestyle they are accustomed to living. No pay check….no home in the hills…no more Mani/Pedi dates, etc. Besides, he will get bored sittin at home.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 10, 2011 2:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Pros and Cons

I agree that if Garrard were signed, it would be in order to compete for the starting job and then hold it until Kaepernick is ready. Maybe retire at that point, but players often don’t plan to retire, they want to keep playing until they’re no longer in demand.
If you look at who had a better season last year, then Garrard definitely did. You could add as an argument in favor of him that he might play better with more weapons to throw to (Crabtree and Vernon are at least just as good as any receivers he had in Jacksonville).
On the other hand, how quickly could he adjust to the 49er offense? If he is brought in, it completely undermines any statement of confidence in Alex Smith that Harbaugh made. (Honestly, after last season I no longer share that confidence) It seems unlikely to me that Harbaugh and the front office would name a guy as starter and then cut ties with him in 2-4 weeks.
So I think it’s a good idea at least on paper but not likely to happen.
Seattle might be a better bet for Garrard.

"Verde que te quiero verde..."
Το πράσινο είναι ζωή!
That's right, I bleed green multiculturally
"if you shut someone down with class, it's more effective" - Udalango

by Rabbit T on Sep 10, 2011 4:20 AM PDT up reply actions

no

Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs this season, hopefully! :)

by teekay on Sep 8, 2011 9:23 AM PDT reply actions

Garrard is done.

Even at the veteran minimum it’s a bad idea. It complicates the line of succession and undermines the public confidence Harbaugh has expressed in Alex.

by Ougadas on Sep 8, 2011 1:44 PM PDT reply actions

That confidence was shaken when they only signed him to one year....

I believe more than anything, backing Smith was more about PR than actually liking what he sees. Then again, I have been wrong before. Besides, the line of succession is as steadfast right now as it has ever been. Alex is the man….for now; and that leash is shorter than a midget on his knees. If having another mid quailty QB on the team unhinges Alex, he already has his bags packed. Kap is the future, in theory. Tolzien is the insurance policy in the most UNFORTUNATE of circumstances. Having another bullet in the gun never hurts. Especially when this team is riding on the HOPE that Smith improves his play.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 9, 2011 3:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Why would Garrard want to come to SF?

Smith has the starting job locked down and Harbaugh seems more willing to roll the dice with Kaepernick than have a vet on board.

Frankly, I expect Garrard to end up with the Colts.

by reedkrase on Sep 8, 2011 3:46 PM PDT reply actions

Colts....not bad.....

But honestly, the Colts for now have tied their ship to Kerry Collins. Only Mannings physical inability to play (and that comes from a medical Dr not clearing him ever) will give Garrard the idea that he will be the Colts man. As for Alex, I said earlier, he is the man….for now. IMO not because he’s the best QB, but, because he’s the best QB for PR. The FO and Harbaugh know beyond a shadow of a doubt, while Kap is good…he’s simply not ready to run the show yet, and any free agent they could’ve gotten in the off season was simply a band aid, or was too expensive an option.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 9, 2011 3:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Garrard doesn't have a full season left in him

but he does have a few games, if it takes 4-5 weeks to get manning in there then he’s the perfect pick. Kerry Collins is good for 1-2 games, not 4-5.

by reedkrase on Sep 9, 2011 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions

I agree whole heartedly.

When Kerry played for TN as the starter, he gave the Titans a via option to throw the ball downfield with confidence and consistancy. Once opponents figured out he was as mobile as “Lady Liberty” in NY, they forced the O-line to pass protect, something they simply weren’t good at. So, he either had to throw the ball away, or eat it and get killed. Indy will be the same thing. Only this time, he has no power run game to ease the pressure. Indy’s line has been suspect for the past few seasons, only Mannings deft, quick passes have covered that short coming. Garrard at least is still fairly mobile. Besides, he’s only 34. Not ready for a wheelchair just yet.

K.C.Edwards -AKA- "THE" DarkkStarr

by DarkkStarr1 on Sep 10, 2011 2:59 AM PDT up reply actions