Tampa Bay Buccaneers tell Jeff Garcia to move on

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have told well-traveled quarterback Jeff Garcia to move on.

Garcia, who turns 39 before the start of free agency Feb. 27, said Sunday night Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik has informed his agent, Steve Baker, that the team did not want him to return for a third season.

"My time in Tampa has come to an end,'' Garcia said.

The Bucs signed quarterback Luke McCown to a two-year, $7.5-million contract last week, preventing him from becoming a free agent.

"I'm not under contract and I'm about to hit free agency and that means it's time again for me to just move on,'' Garcia said. "It is disappointing because I enjoyed the atmosphere and the team environment in that locker room...Change is needed at times. Sometimes it's how you tweak it, not change it. With a new head coach, they want somebody pulling the trigger that they can mold. Beyond that, I don't know why they're making the move.''

Garcia went 14-10 in 24 starts during the regular season with the Bucs the past two seasons, leading Tampa Bay to a playoff appearance in 2007 and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl while throwing 13 touchdowns and four interceptions.

But last season, a calf injury he sustained in training camp led to his benching after a season-opening loss at New Orleans. Garcia regained the job the second quarter of the season and finished with an 8-5 record.

But after a 9-3 start, Tampa Bay lost its final four games in December -- including one that Garcia was forced to miss at Atlanta because of a leg injury. Coach Jon Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen were fired Jan. 17 after failing to reach the playoffs.

At the time of Gruden's firing, Garcia said he believed a change was needed. But he says Gruden pushed him to become a better quarterback in two seasons with the Bucs.

"I think in many ways, Jon has received somewhat of a bad rap after all that's been said and done after his firing,'' Garcia said. "To the quarterback room, he brought a lot of knowledge and definitely brought enthusiasm every single day. He challenged me as a player to find ways to better myself as a player. That was on a daily basis. There wasn't a day that went by when you felt you could relax and rest upon what you knew as a quarterback.

"That's something I needed as a quarterback. I needed to be challenged and not rely on what I've done throughout my career. Jon did that to me. He can be draining because of his energy level and approach. It can zap you at times if you don't know how to handle it. I think that's where young players do have a hard time in dealing with Jon because of his expectations and the maturity you have to have in order to deal with his intensity and emotions.''

Garcia, who has played for five different teams in the last six years, says he wants to continue his career and believes he will get another opportunity when the free agent signing period begins next week.

"I do feel like I have football life in me,'' Garcia siad. "I feel I can still contribute. I'm not sure what my role will be with another team. I'm not looking at it like I need to start and be the man...Hopefully, I'll have some opportunities out there. I'm pretty sure there's going to be something out there for me.

"I think what started in Philly and continued in Tampa was the rejuvenation of me and the fire coming back and the excitement of the game and the thrill of playing the game again. I had a great time playing in front of those fans in Tampa. We'll miss Tampa.''

(Times photo -- Brian Cassella. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Donovan Kelley]

This was coming down the pipe for a while now. So before everyone chimes in with all the foul words and criticism, I'll say: thanks for playing for the Bucs Garcia and bringing your class with you. You DID have style and lead the team as best you could. Best of Luck.

[OAR]

The O-line is probablly estactic. No more happy feet.
Oh, and good luck to you Garcia.

[Banjo Jones]

You were a warrior, jeff. Good luck.

[B.T.J.]

My prediction for the Bucs in 2009 is no more than 6 wins. I'm guessing the Bucs will draft a q.b. in rd. 1. Mark it down folks!

All Garica has done in the last 3 yrs. or so is win. He'll look good in K.C. or some other team that needs a q.b. Garica helps more than he hurts you.

[OAR]

BJT, "Garica helps more than he hurts you." Did you watch any of his games, especially his last two?
Also, 14-10(24 games) is not a great stat(that puts his career win-loss record at .500, 58-58 impressive?). BTW he was hurt 25% of his time here; 8 games out of 32 games = 25%.

[B.T.J.]

Oar...

I think Garcia is the best option for the Bucs in 2009. McCown and a rookie q.b. Good luck in 2009. Mark it down, no more than 6 wins.

Also remember Garica missed the last couple games of 2007 because Gruden was resting him. Garica could have played in those games if the games meant anything. I'm not saying he is a great q.b. but more than adequate.

[e]

Jeff was solid, but we were just in for more and more injury time as he gets older... Time to move on. See what Luke can do... and I STILL say trade for Brian Brohm.
e

[Sunglasses Future]

The real reason was that McKown was cheap and younger. As for #7, now that your unemployed and not wanting to be seen as someone who festers controversy, Gruden was a great coach for you, huh? And for a new team you don't have to be a starter? I guess you just have to be "honest" in expressing yourself. Good luck with your journeyman career. My suggestion though would be go back to your dad and become a college coach.

Does anyone remember the stories before the Lions game last 2 years? The reason Detroit thought they could win was BECAUSE Garcia was our QB. That was not a minority view in the league.

Does anyone know if the Stimulus plan has anything it for football teams or their owners? That's the only way the Glazers will spend in the way that matters on free agency.

[Valrico Rick]

No, the real reason is that Garcia is a dump off passer that looks best in a West Coast offense, and the Bucs aren't running the WC anymore. Ball down the field time, strong arms and big chunks of yardage. That's why Luke stays and Jeff goes. I love the doom sayer though. "Mark it down, no more than 6 games"! Next year you will be hoping the Bucs lose because it's more important for you to be right than for your team to win. Thanks for laying your true colors out there for us b.t.j.

[CrowdSurf1]

Jeff was good when he wasnt hurt, had time, and wasnt hand cuffed by a midget coach with an attitude problem!

We wont draft a Qb.....After Stafford and Sanchez the QB pool is lackluster. Maybe Rd 3 we could pick up cheap talent.
It'll be Beanie Wells in Rd. 1.

[D Block]

BTJ are you serious? We all pulled for Garcia because he was the bucs starting QB not because he was a great QB. Luke McCown deserves a shot and will impress a lot of doubters early with the vertical game. This team will have a winning record and additude next season especially with a truthful coach leading the charge. McCown is better then you think and Johnson could possibly be the future. He is an atheletic QB with great technique, not an athelte playing QB. So enjoy the season.

[DR]

oar, Garcia's 14-10 record was better than Gruden's 57-55 record as head coach and yet Gruden was your god. Garcia should walk because he played in a bad offensive system but Gruden should stay with his average record...really? Do you ever think before speak/type?

[DR]

And thanks Garcia for playing with heart and wearing it on your sleeve with integrity. You never lied to us and you put your body on the line. Thanks for the hard work and leadership. Good luck to you wherever you go. It would be nice to see you backing up Tony Romo in Dallas.

[B.T.J.]

D Block...

McCown has shown you what??? A very small sample size. He did play well in N.O. back in Dec. of 2007. That game basically won them the division. McCown with a vertical game??? I disagree on that. As I said earlier, mark it down...6 wins for the Bucs in 2009. You are dreaming if you think the Bucs will be better in 2009 than in 2008. I hope I am dead wrong but I doubt it.

[DR]

I think it is the right move in the right direction for the Bucs though. They need to get younger and Garcia would fit on a competitive team and the Bucs won't be that next year unless they make a huge splash in the off season which i would have to see to believe.

[Greg285]

The Bucs made the right decision here as they need to stabilize their QB position by getting younger. They need to draft a QB with their 1st rd pick as Luke McCown is not the answer. Forget this crap about he deserves a shot! Get a real QB in their, no more marginal player please..Ask Carolina what marginal gets you (Jake and 4 ints in the playoffs)..New Orleans and Atlanta have stud QBs and we need to follow that trend…

[B.T.J.]

Valrico Rick....

Whether the Bucs win 6 games or 13 games. I gain nothing. I love your optimism! What is your win total for the Bucs in 2009? I am looking forward too hearing this one.

[OAR]

Ah the great DR speaks, once again. Wow, we are so lucky. Didn't see any post comments back on the article about Bryant, of course not though you never go back and check someone's comments back on your holy posts.
Here I'll go get my question and see if you reply: DR the great spews, whatever. Again, I would like to see Antonio get on the end of a real qb(not no-arm Garcia). Antonio was open, due to match ups and just getting separation. Garcia couldn't see him or didnt trust his noodle arm to make the throw(ie; the fair catches Antonio had to make). A one year wonder? He has played before were not talking a rookie here. He was successful before, although not great, but decent and those years were with Trent Dilfer and Quincy Carter. So I will say it again, I wold like to see him have real qb to catch from.
Here, which one would you rather have a reciever that has averages of 1,113yd/yr, 6tds/yr, & 14.6yd/rep or one that has 722yd/yr, 4tds/yr, and 11.3yd/rep? I'll let you guess which is TJ and which is Chad Johnson(the Bengals problems run much deeper than Chad, BTW).

[OAR]

BTW; DR when did I ever say Gruden was my coaching god? Give me a break. Once again commenting to your hater posts and correcting your wrong posts, sometimes have nothing to do with my thoughts, favorites, opinions, or loves. I guarantee I'll be one of the first to comment or correct you when your hatered comes out for Morris, if all doesn't go your way.

[Vincent]

Preach DR, Preach! Preach Valrico, preach! Are you guys getting tired of being right all the time? Virtually every move the Bucs have made have been in conjunction with your predictions. For all we know, you are the Glazer brothers in disguise! And for the record, E, I don't think your "Brian Bohm" for QB is a bad idea either.

Garcia was a leader and a warrior! "Happy trails" Garcia. This was a decision for the longevity of Morris as coach of the Bucs. If he doesn't at least have a franchise QB in place by the end of his contract, he's finished in Tampa!

[TNT]

Garcias gone Grudens gone Kiffins gone!!! Lets live in the present and for the future!! A new offense, new defense!! Even if we are rebuilding, the few games we might win will be more exciting and hopeful than the same old play calling and cover two defense that doesn't work without a pass rush. But the whole Buccaneer future depends on how well we can find and sign talent from free agency and the draft. Thats the key!!! Look at the Steelers talent!! Thats picking them!!! Even the Dolphins draft and free agency!! A couple years like that and their future will be moving on up in the playoffs!! Change was needed in Tampa Bay!!

[TNT]

Quit fighting amongst yourselves and lets get behind and support the NEW BUCCANEERS!!!!!

[Tuck]

Garcia'a departure was a no-brainer. Almost any time a team changes the GM & the Head Coach, the QB changes too. They are trying to build a new "culture", which will mean many new faces.

Plus, Garcia will be 39-years old. You can't build with any QB that old.

How can anyone be predicting the Buc's final record next season? Have you heard of that thing they call Free Agency or that other thing called The Draft? Please hold back on your pessimistic, uneducated predictions until you at least know which players will be on the team.

BTW, the last time the Bucs changed the Head Coach, they won the Super Bowl. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

[chrisslooter]

Garcia is good if you are in a pinch, like when Philly lost McNabb and Garcia helped them get into the playoffs. He was here for two years and did good, but it is better that he goes, since we are rebuilding, the sooner we know who our QB is, the better.

[B.T.J.]

Tuck...

How can you even mention the word Super Bowl. Wow! I love your optimism and I could use another word but I'll be nice. LOL!!

I'll say no more than 6 wins in 2009 for the Bucs. When the season is over...Think of me when you are complaining why the Bucs just had a losing season. You heard it here first!

[Stacy]

This was a most excellent move by the Bucs !!! As for next year, lets go into it w/LM an JJ fighting for the 1 & 2 spots. Greise - while not my favorite QB by any stretch is serviceable off the bench and good for leadership. Next year we can look for that franchise QB, but I think LM has been more than humble waiting for his time to prove himself. Now is that time. He had best do it in the coming year though because I do not think Morris will give him a chance after that. The team is restructuring - not rebuilding because I think we have a good core, so LM does not have to be stellar but he does have to prove to be a leader in the huddle and locker room as well as do more than MANAGE the game.

[Stacy]

DR...You R more than welcome to take Garcia to Dallas w/you..I would love to see the arguments that he will have w/T.O. after he breaks the pocket - (in 2 seconds) -w/T.O. wide open 25 yards down the field and he does'nt throw it to him - instead checks off to Barber 2 yds from the line of scrimmage....Take him.

[MyBucs]

At the beginning of the 2007 season the Bucs were suppose to win no more then 5 games, we saw how that worked out so thats funny BTJ. Well Luke McCown will lead the Bucs in this 2009 to the playoffs you heard it first here... McCown has the bigger more accurate arm. He is younger, faster, and has more talent in his left pinky then no arm lisp Garcia. All Luke needs is time. Look at Garcia's career the guy can't win a big game. Heck he is probably as bad as Romo when it comes to big games. And if the Bucs sign Byrant again and pick up another WR in the free agent market all Luke will do is excel. Luke is a pocket passer who can run. Bucs will go at least 11-5 and make the playoffs. The Gruden injury curse is over.

[Steven]

I'm shocked; he's only 39. Yes, I'm being facetious. Time for a change.

[Robert]

It's time for the BUCS to mold a franchise QB, but I do appreciate the job garcia did in Tampa. If Johnson becomes the franchise Qb around here, he will have gotten to see a true competitor out there and hopefully he learned a little of what it takes to be a NFL QB. GO BUCS!!

[marie]

Good luck Garcia. Remember Dilfer, Testaverde, Williams and Young all got their Superbowl rings after they left the Bucs. The best for me was Dilfer.

[DR]

Yup, Garcia has no arm. That's why he is still playing at the highest level of football at the age of 38. his no arm took three different teams to the playoffs and his no arm has passed for 30 TDs in back to back seasons, which only 7 QBs have ever done. Sounds like a terrible QB to me. Let's just ignore the fact the offensive line was young and inconsistent and if it wasn't for Garcia's legs, the o-line would be responsible for his death. Lets not blame Gruden's great dink and dunk offense that never threw the ball down field no matter who his QB is. McCown was what 15-15 or something like that and none of his passes were downfield.
To say that Bryant was wide open downfield all the time is again, another stupid and immature comment. Anybody who has played and/or coached knows that when the QB is being hurried, you run back to the ball. Only guys with the strongest arms do otherwise. DBs are good enough in the NFL to know they can release a WR going deep when the QB is being rushed out of the pocket, especially when they have a good defensive line. The only thing Bryant has proved is one year when his talent has outweighed his attitude. He still has much...much to prove.
Go ahead and deny that you were a Gruden supporter. You told me time and time again that he would be here for the next 3 years and told you he should be and will be fired.
You have proven nothing in any of your blogs. I respond to your crap all the time.

[MyBucs]

And I have a few predictions for free agency that the true Buc fans will love. Haynesworth, hoshmandzedeh, Devry Henderson, Peppers, Shawn McDonald, Chris Canty. This are some guys on the defensive line or WRs that could be an instant impact.

[Julie]

Jeff Garcia,
Thank you for being a great player and assest to the Buc's . You will be missed. God's speed with your new career. You did the Buc's justice, and played some dang good football here. Tampa Bay will be the losers now. Why don't the Glaziers fire themselves instead of just thinking about the Super Ball all the time. I think this was one of your best yrs.

[DR]

Thanks Vincent!
Mybucs, how much more time does McCown need? He's been in the league for how many years? He's at a make or break point right now. He doesn't do well here, he is done. Opportunity is knocking on his door and he better answer it.

[MyBucs]

Look at Garcia's career stats and W-L. If he was as good as you say why was he on 5 different teams in the last 6 years? But your right he is great. Did you watch the games? How many times did he under throw Bryant? Garcia did have time in the pocket the fact that he is not happy unless hes moving is the truth.

[MyBucs]

DR relax, Watch this year. Gruden was and is a great coach, but the fact that his love for vets because they understand his complicated annoying lingo has nothing to do with it?

[BucFandango]

At 29 Garcia was mediocre, in his prime, just OK. At 39 he is mediocre on a good day and way over the hill on a bad day. The team could not possibly improve with Garcia at the helm. The same goes for Griese. Kick him to the curb as well. Something new is the order of the day, be it McCown, Johnson or whomever. If we go through 10 in one year, at least we are moving forward. Thanks Carmella, you will always have a special place in my heart and a spot on my Bookmarks & Favorites list. How you ended up with a loser like Jeffy, I'll never know. Now you have graduated from Hot Babe to Super-M-i-l-f. Leave Jeff at home with the Kids, and restart your wonderful modeling career. Buc You Jeff. Bubbye.

[GTSkyrider]

This was an interesting move by our beloved Bucs; it possibly might bite them in the azz...I would have offered him a back up role and left it at that, cause he's not starter material anymore. The best move to make now would to pick up Byron Leftwich. I hear someone saying Brian Brohm, but I beg the differ...Leftwich is ripe and ready and would be a good fit at this time.

[mike norris]

the #'s dont lie! he was the WORT rated qb in the red zone and the WORST rated qb in the 4th quarter. he had no classed ... he whined in the media about contracts, gruden and farve. his play was the reason gruden had to keep looking for more qb's. griese is a below average qb and had the same to beter #'s that garcia had. there is a big reason NO keeps garcia around long. HE SUCKS... bryant would have had 10 td passes with an average qb.garcia makes the easy look hard. he sucks!!!

[stvndberryhill]

Well, I was gonna just say thanks and good luck to Jeff Garcia no matter what he did. But after reading all this back and forth trash talk between 3 people who obviously don't have lives, and using this forum as a chat room, I just want to say you are a bunch of clowns! I didn't know there were so many armchair football analysts here! L 2 the O 2 the S 2 the E 2 the R and S! LOSERS! All of you! Feel free to shoot back and crap on me. I won't be back on this page like you dips--ts probably still will be 2 hours from now. Get Lives!

[jerseybuc]

Garcia is no longer able to sustain the rigors of a 16 game season, it is a young man's game. I wish him well, he did a good job for us, brought energy and excitement, but he was hamstrung by nagging injuries and having only one true receiver the past two years, Galloway last year and Bryant this year.... Joey disappeared on him in the playoff game, and hasn't been seen since. Running game has been blown up the past two years due to season ending injuries. What QB would have won under these conditions? Our historic collapse this year is squarely on the shoulders of the Defense, how bout we start addressing that? Hope Bates has the guts to do what is necessary.

[Stacy]

Steven - The - Transvestite - N - D - Berryhill also known as STVNDBERRYHILL...No one invited you here?!? For the most part we are dedicated Bucs fans w/educated and knowledgeable opinions...see ya, dont come back...

[Grs]

GOOD RIDDDDANCE #7. Thanks for nothing.

Is it me or were the negative remarks about Jon Gruden's firing came mainly from players who were in a contract year? Garcia, Clayton, Graham (although he was the faintest of all voices) oh and yeah from the folks over at 620 WDAE! So are we keeping Clayton? Can we convert him to a TE? since all he gets props for is his blocking skills anyway?

[DR]

Who said Garcia was great? Another immature stupid comment with no merit. The fact that he started on five teams should mean he is worthy of being a starting QB. The Eagles left him because they needed to pamper their overrated baby and can't win the big game. They didn't want a QB controversy after the Eagles, who were out of the playoffs played better with Garcia at QB.
The Bucs don't need to go on with Garcia but McCown isn't the answer either. He's a huge gamble and he might turn out to be alright but I think the odds makers would favor that. I hope i'm wrong.
What did Bryant do with Griese at QB? What was Bryant's best season up until last year? Bryant's best NFL season was with Garcia playing QB. You guys didn't seem to have a problem when Garcia was hooking up with Bryant in the Carolina game. The o-line isn't nearly as good as you guys say it is. They were were a mediocre at best o-line.

[BucFandango]

I can not in good conscience blame the last Atlanta loss on the Defense. They only gave up 13 points in regulation. They sure bent, but didn't break in that Gruden Coaching Disaster...and I'm a Chucky fan, Griese lost that game with his Boss' help. Garcia the weenie was a scratch, 1 hour before game time. Luke was ready & who knows what he may have accomplished, but do not blame that loss on the defense. The other 3 games, by all means, but not that one. I still fault Monti & Chucky for not making changes, more than I blame the actual players, but they did manage to suck too...very badly.

[Tuck]

DR -- the Buc's O-Line was better than mediocre. RG in the Pro Bowl and the C probably should have made it too.

They are young too and will probably improve for many years to come.

[BucFandango]

STVNDBERRYHILL...

Soy un perdedor...
Im a loser baby, so why dont you kill me?

I love the Bucs much more...
Im a loser baby, so why dont you kill me?

[DR]

Tuck, 2 out of 5 guys doesn't make it good. You left out the LT which is the most important spot for the passing game. It will be interesting to see how McCown does. I think th ebiggest mistake they will make with him is to have no competitive QB behind him. A QB competition in the off season and preseason could only help him get better. They need someone else with experience to be in camp at the QB position and Griese is not the guy.

[D Block]

BTJ since you are posting 6 wins for next yr list the only 6 games we will win! Since you have foreseen the future of this franchise. The bucs loss their last 4 games after a 9-3 start how many of those games did Garcia play in? Was the offense scoring through the air? Those answers are irrelevant it was the teams D who went 9-3!! When the D went south so did the bucs. Garcia did a descent job but he wasn't the reason the bucs had a winning record. It was the D