Jeff Garcia could be invaluable to the Oakland Raiders
On Monday, Jeff Garcia returned to the Bay area, but this time, he will be donning the Silver & Black of the Oakland Raiders.
Garcia inked a one-year contract with Oakland knowing he will have to take a back seat to starter JaMarcus Russell. The 39-year old has spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the last five campaigns with four different clubs since departing the San Francisco 49ers after 2003.
Raiders executive John Herrera stated to The Associated Press that the passer would join the club’s off-season workout program immediately.
A native of Gilroy, Ca., it has been reported that Garcia will be paid slightly more than the league minimum.
There is no doubt that Oakland will go with Russell as the starter for the foreseeable future. Garcia’s arrival will just ensure there is more competition for the back up role and provide stability to the offense if Russell happens to miss any time due to injury.
Garcia is a fiery quarterback and a proven leader who gains the respect of his teammates. The professionalism and work ethic he will bring to the Raider locker room can be invaluable as head coach Tom Cable will try to change the losing culture that has festered this team since the start of the 2003 season.
Garcia may not impact the team physically on the field. But if any of his determination, approach and preparation can rub off on Russell, the Raiders may have just added a key component to their club. Plus, regardless of whether he plays or not, Garcia is a positive presence that can only bring some spunk to a Raider team that will try to learn to win with many young players.
Andrew Walter and Bruce Gradkowski are the other two back-ups on the roster. Neither will be insured a roster spot, and if the Raiders go into the pre-season with that same line-up, depending on performances and need around the league, they may be able to swap a player like Walter if a team is in search of depth to fill out their corps.
Oakland continued a solid off-season with this signing. Garcia is savvy and knows how to win. If Russell goes down, they will be in good hands. And if Russell’s play is down, Garcia will be the right guy to light fire under the no. one overall choice.
Nothing was ever given to Garcia on a silver platter. Maybe his presence and story will influence and push Oakland’s franchise passer to greater heights.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
