Garcia: Have Howie give me a call
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Garcia: Have Howie give me a call
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
At 42 years old, Jeff Garcia isn't quite ready to call it a career.
And he wouldn't mind a third stint with Andy Reid and the Eagles.
Speaking to 94 WIP's Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow, Garcia said he's in the best shape of his life and will be ready if a team calls.
"Philly's the team my wife will let me go back and play for," he said. "She's the only one that will approve the move, so to speak. Our experience there in Philadelphia in 2006 was just, for me as a player, one of the best experiences that I've had."
The Texans signed Garcia last December, but the last time he threw a pass in the NFL was in 2008 as the starter for the Bucs. The Eagles signed him during the 2009 season as a backup, but Garcia only appeared in one game.
"Could I step into a game? I don't know," Garcia said. "I mean, it's been a couple years, you know. But hey, Houston called me last year at the end of the season, brought me in because they wanted some help around their young guy. I can be that guy. I can be that person who can continue to motivate and inspire and help teach and educate, and if given the opportunity to step on the field, I'm gonna give everything I have to find success, no matter how it happens."
Back in 2006, Garcia led the Eagles on a six-game winning streak, including a playoff victory over the Giants, before the Birds fell to the Saints in the divisional round. He threw 12 touchdowns and two interceptions during that span. If Reid calls, Garcia said he'd definitely be interested in returning.
"Absolutely, man, I'm picking up the phone," Garcia said. "I'm gonna say, 'How much do you want me to pay you Andy so I can come in and get things fired up around there?' I'd pay to play. That's just me. I'm just that kind of guy. I love the game.
"If the writing's on the wall, the writing's on the wall. ...I'm 42 years old. I'm not expecting any calls, but if the call comes, I know I'm physically and mentally ready and capable."
While Garcia's playing days are probably over, as I've written before, the Eagles' backup quarterback situation is likely the biggest concern on the team. Mike Kafka has attempted 16 career passes, and Trent Edwards was out of the league last year. Rookie Nick Foles will be slated as the No. 3 guy.
By not signing anyone else, Reid is signaling that he believes Kafka can get the job done. And maybe he can. But the position is still a major question mark.
Going forward, the only way the Eagles would sign a quarterback is if they believe the new guy is absolutely a better option than Kafka. Michael Vick and Foles have the one and three spots locked down, so if the Eagles were to add another quarterback, they would almost certainly let Kafka go. That seems like an unlikely scenario at this point, although Garcia would be in favor of it.
"Just have Howie Roseman give me a call, and I'll be more than happy to answer that one," he said. "You have Michael Vick and you have the drafted kid out of Arizona, and then you have me. You don't need anybody else."
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GARCIA WOULD BE GREAT,NO DOUBT.ANYONE WOULD BE BETTER THAN SAY,"VINCE YOUNG".I WOULD TAKE STEVIE WONDER OVER VINCE YOUNG.SERIOUSLY.— knicknasty- The only way the Eagles would sign Garcia would be if Ruben Amaro became the GM. He likes those old guys!— Phillip Phan
- Give him another shot, .......a shot of geritol!— Phillip Phan
- Let's see, slow news day, what to write about? How about Jeff Garcia, a popular guy, who has four years of rust on his arms and leg.— armchairGM
- Call me crazy but I'm nit comfortable with the back up QB situation. Not many options out there but one name comes to mind.......#5....McNabb. He knows the system and personnel. He has his shortcomings but I would rather see him than Kafka, Edwards or the new kid!
— komplex2005 - Bring Garcia and his hot wife back. After vick goes down, and Garcia plays well in a win, call McNabb's mom to see if she's bittersweet about his play.— Tyrone Biggums
- Maybe the Eagles could sign Charles Barkley to play QB...he has lost a ton of weight and looks like a TV in a dress— sedale
- And while we're at it let's see if Randall Cunningham isn't doing anything— garyv
- Does anyone else remember Stallworth getting open all game against the Saints in the playoffs and Garcia not being able to reach him? He had a great run but that was 6 YEARS AGO! I'd be surprised if he could throw 25 yards in the air. Non-story— JayOfDaJungle
- Kafka just needs time to play,as does Foles.We might just need them this year.Once again,our quarterbacks don't have to carry the team,just manage it.With all the talent,if everyone does their job the team will consistently win...with or without Vick.— greenbloodVAEagle
- Please call plaxico before the Giants do— Yes_General
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