Feeley Reups with Eagles...Garcia Probably Out

[HoustonFrog]

From ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2779247

"INDIANAPOLIS -- In a move that almost certainly will preclude the return of quarterback Jeff Garcia to Philadelphia in 2007, and figures to send the eight-year veteran scrambling to find a new team in free agency, the Eagles on Sunday reached agreement with A.J. Feeley on a three-year contract extension.

Jeff Garcia
Quarterback
Philadelphia Eagles

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
188 116 1269 10 2 95.8


Financial details of the extension, which was confirmed by sources here for the annual NFL scouting combine, were not yet available.

There were rumblings the past few days that Philadelphia officials, apparently convinced they could not strike a deal with Garcia before the start of the free agency period on March 2, had turned their attentions to Feeley, a six-year veteran.

Steve Baker, the agent for Garcia, said here Sunday afternoon that the Eagles preferred to have a deal in place with his client before free agency started. Apparently, Garcia asked for a five-day grace period at the outset of unrestricted free agency, one that would permit him to test the market and gauge his value, before determining whether to re-sign with the Eagles.

"Once we would not agree with their ultimatum," Baker said, "they apparently moved on to [Feeley] to get a deal there. But Jeff will be fine."

While the move is somewhat surprising, given that Garcia posted a 5-1 record and led the Eagles to a playoff berth after replacing the injured Donovan McNabb, it is not altogether shocking. At age 29, Feeley is nearly eight full years younger than Garcia, and the staff in Philadelphia, including head coach Andy Reid, holds him in high regard.

A.J. Feeley
Quarterback
Philadelphia Eagles

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
Att Comp Yds TD Int Rat
38 26 332 3 0 122.9


Under the right circumstances, Philadelphia probably would have welcomed Garcia back for another season, but only on its conditions and on its timetable. His reluctance solidified the desires of some within the organization to pursue Feeley instead, and to essentially make him the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.

Feeley began his career with the Eagles in 2001 but, after three seasons, was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2004. He subsequently played in San Diego, and then returned to the Eagles last year after the Chargers released him. In two games in 2006, he completed 26 of 38 passes for 342 yards, with three touchdown passes and no interceptions.

For his career, Feeley has completed 313 of 562 passes for 3,389 yards, with 22 touchdown passes and 25 interceptions.

A three-time Pro Bowl performer, but a quarterback nomad since 2003, Garcia now will be on the move again. He faces the prospect now of playing for a fourth different franchise in four seasons and, while Garcia has value and will attract attention in free agency, the future is somewhat clouded.

At least two teams perceived as having a need for a veteran quarterback, Minnesota and Chicago, said in recent weeks they are not interested in adding Garcia. Baker said Sunday he is "very confident" he will have a competitive market for his client.

In 99 games, including 92 starts, Garcia has completed 1,811 of 2,972 passes for 20,385 yards, with 136 touchdown passes and 73 interceptions, for an efficiency rating of 86.4. He has thrown for more than 2,500 yards five times in his career."

[powerfuldragon]

how soon till we see threads fertilizing the bull pen with phrases like "Rumor: Garcia to texans" or "GARCIA IS BETTER THAN CARR"

[Trap_Star]

Originally Posted by PowerfulDragon

how soon till we see threads fertilizing the bull pen with phrases like "Rumor: Garcia to texans" or "GARCIA IS BETTER THAN CARR"

I dont want either of those two guys here...

[HoustonFrog]

I knew this would fuel the fire but I just was reporting the news.

[PapaL]

Bad move by Garcia. He had it made in PHI. Knew the system, knew the HC, was going to get playing time (McNabb always misses time). He's no where near as effective as he is in that time system.

[Mr teX]

I'd like him to come here before Plummer as someone to hold the spot for the eventual "guy" though.

[Dawkins]

Originally Posted by LCROD

Bad move by Garcia. He had it made in PHI. Knew the system, knew the HC, was going to get playing time (McNabb always misses time). He's no where near as effective as he is in that time system.

The system made Garcia look like a ProBowler again. Feeley played it perfectly, because he and Garcia are practically clones in Reid's system.

So unless Kubiak or whatever team he ends up with runs a system almost identical to Reid's, then he'll be Detroit/Cleveland Garcia again.

[kastofsna]

Originally Posted by LCROD

Bad move by Garcia. He had it made in PHI. Knew the system, knew the HC, was going to get playing time (McNabb always misses time). He's no where near as effective as he is in that time system.

he'll get paid a lot more though.