Jets Free Agent Signings

Jets sign David Garrard, tender Austin Howard

Admin - March 11, 2013

In a rather expected move, the New York Jets signed QB David Garrard to create at least some competition for the starting QB job. Garrard, who hasn't played in the NFL since 2010 is expected to provide some competition to QB Mark Sanchez, who hasn't really been challenged since his rookie season. Garrard spent last preseason with the Miami Dolphins and nearly won their starting job before a freak knee injury off the field sidelined him for the rest of the year.

Garrard\'s best season was in 2009 when he made the Pro Bowl as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He passed for 3,597 that season, 15 TD and 10 INT. As a starter in Jacksonville, from mid-2005 through the 2010 season, Garrard, 35, had a 62 percent completion rate and threw for 15,312 and 85 touchdowns and 51 interceptions.

The Jets also tendered right OT Austin Howard at the second-round level, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person requested anonymity because the Jets did not make an official announcement.