We usually try to limit PFT posts to one major topic, but two stories broke Monday afternoon that are unquestionably connected, and deserve to be together.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Jeff Garcia has agreed to a contract to return to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Meanwhile, A.J. Feeley has decided to join the Panthers, apparently spurning overtures from Philadelphia, according to multiple reports.
The Panthers could not wait around for Josh McCown’s foot to heal, and wanted another quarterback option on the roster. Feeley could eventually threaten to take over Jake Delhomme’s starting job, and his presence is a sign that the Panthers may not be that high on Matt Moore. (So is the fact that Moore was behind McCown on the depth chart.)
Garcia’s signing is fascinating.
The 39-year-old quarterback wasn’t too pleased with the organization two years ago when the Eagles didn’t make an aggressive move to re-sign him after Garcia led the team to the playoffs after the 2006 season. (They choose Feeley.)
That the Eagles felt it necessary to bring back Garcia now may indicate that McNabb’s rib injury could take a little longer to heal than anticipated, and the team isn’t too confident in Michael Vick’s progress as a true option at quarterback.
Yes, they need a backup quarterback for this week. But taking on Garcia and his baggage means that he could have a significant role on the Eagles for a while.
More than anything, the signing of Garcia is an indictment on the development of Kevin Kolb.
The third-year player did not look good in relief of McNabb once again Sunday, and the organization may be wondering if Vick or Kolb are truly capable of leading the team to the playoffs should McNabb miss time with this or any future injury.
Kolb will likely get his first start of his career against the Saints this Sunday, according to ESPN’s Sal Palantonio. Maybe Garcia will finish the game off.
Man, this season is going to fun.