You Treat Jeff Garcia Nicer, Tampa!

When it comes to disgruntled NFL players you typically think of Chad Johnson or Terrell Owens. Not Jeff Garcia:

"For me to go into this season and if it doesn't work itself out, if a contract is not presented as far as a renewal and a chance to finish my career here, then I will seriously think about . . . what my alternate options may be. It may come to not even playing football anymore.  And I'd hate to even say that, but I feel like when you mistreat people there comes a time when it doesn't matter how much money you're going to be paid. If you're not being treated the right way it's going to lead to some drastic decisions and those decisions may just take me away from the game."

Remember when that small group of people in Philly wanted Garcia to take over for McNabb? Silly.

>>Jeff Garcia is at it again [Tampa Bay.com]

Comments

[Loqiel]

Hold on while I attempt to summon any amount of sympathy for a man who has made millions of dollars throwing an oblong ball.

This could take a while.

[Kulp]

Does Jeff Garcia honestly believe he is the franchise quarterback in Tampa Bay? They signed him to a two-year contract for a reason. Just because he wants to finish his career there does not mean he is in their plans.

Part of the problem they are having right now is being way, way under the salary cap. Jeff makes it sound like this is not about money, but he's only set to make $2 mil after a Pro Bowl season and the Bucs are something like $20 below. Still, that's life as a journeyman QB in the NFL. He got a fat signing bonus to go play there, and he should be happy to have a starting job for another year.

[johndewar]

Didn't Garcia just sign that deal? Am I missing something here? How can he be complaining already? Is that wife of his so high maintenance where he needs a raise already?

He probably doesn't deserve the money he's looking for, but to play devil's advocate, you have to admit that he is CLEARLY the best QB option on the Bucs roster. Who is Gruden going to put out there if Garcia goes away? Luke McCown? Please.

[Kulp]

He's the best quarterback on the Bucs... this year. If Jeff Garcia goes home, 2008 will be a trainwreck.

2009 is another story. Fifth rounder Josh Johnson is an interesting small school prospect who could develop into a starter, and there are several NFL quarterbacks that may become available next season. Derek Anderson, Aaron Rodgers, and supposedly Donovan McNabb could all wind up moving.

So why should they commit to Garcia? It's become standard practice to renegotiate with one or two years left on a contract, but this was only a two-year deal to start. He may be coming off a Pro Bowl season and the Bucs are WAY under the cap, but he obviously is not the long term solution.

Let him quit. The Bucs would wind up with a high draft pick and have plenty of cap room to make a splash next season. In fact, I would be doing everything in my power to induce the abrupt retirement of Jeff Garcia.

[Chamomiles Davis]

"Now if you'll excuse me I must get home to the loving embrace of my beautiful wife, who I have sex with and am very much attracted to in a physical way."

[Scott]

A small group of Philly fans? How about half the city, Enrico.