David Garrard said shortly after reaching an agreement with the Dolphins that he’ll be competing for the starting job in Miami. But he doesn’t know who the other entrants in the Dolphins’ quarterback derby are.
“They didn’t say for sure they were bringing another guy in, but they said it’s a possibility, whether in the draft or whatever,” Garrard told the Associated Press.
At the moment, Garrard would appear to be competing with Matt Moore, who started the Dolphins’ final 12 games last year, for the No. 1 quarterback job. But Garrard referencing the possibility of competing with a quarterback who is brought in via the draft raises the question of whether the Dolphins hope to select Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill and make it a three-man race. The signing of Garrard presumably means Alex Smith is no longer a candidate to sign in Miami.
The 34-year-old Garrard, who sat out the entire 2011 season after being cut by the Jaguars and having back surgery, said he’s ready to prove he deserves to be the starter no matter who else is part of the competition.
“It’s going to be a great competition, and I’m all about that,” Garrard said. “I’m going to do my best to make sure it’s me on opening day.”
Despite the talk that no one wants to play in Miami, Garrard said he had a great time visiting with the Dolphins and was eager to sign.
“I just love the vibe,” Garrard said. “I love everybody’s mission and goal, and the purpose they have and the direction they’re heading.”
In loving the Dolphins’ direction, Garrard is outside the norm in this NFL offseason.