The Oakland Raiders are in need of a quarterback, and they might have to turn to free agency. There aren't many noted names out there, but there is one capable veteran out there that could fill in the role Jason Campbell filled.
If the Raiders choose not to start Kyle Boller, David Garrard is the likeliest name on the docket out there. Garrard didn't finish too strongly with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He put up a solid enough passer rating in his final season, but his interception totals rose right along with his touchdown numbers, cancelling out any positive gains he made season-by-season. With a game-changing running back like Darren McFadden though, Garrard would not be asked to do quite as much as he had to with his old team.
Matt Conner of SB Nation Kansas City has a take on why the Raiders should consider Garrard.
That’s exactly why the Raiders need to seriously consider bringing in David Garrard as a free agent signing for the rest of the season. While Garrard would have no time to master the playbook in time to play against the Chiefs, the Raiders have a bye week coming in week 8 which would give an offensive mastermind like Jackson the chance to get Garrard up to speed for the second half of the season.
Garrard was ousted unexpectedly by the Jags before the beginning of the season after a career year in 2010. It sunk the Jags season and Garrard has yet to sign, but an opening with the Raiders is the ideal situation for a veteran like Garrard. The pieces are in place in Oakland. The team is playing inspired football. The running game takes pressure off of the passing game and yet the Raiders have talented receivers for Garrard to use.
To talk about Raiders football and their search for a new starting quarterback, head to Silver and Black Pride.