Jags, QB Garrard close to extension

Mar 19, 2008 - 3:55 PM CARSON, California (Ticker) -- The Jacksonville Jaguars are close to making a major financial commitment to David Garrard.

The Jaguars and Garrard are nearing an agreement on a new contract that would be the richest in franchise history, according to a report on NFL.com.

Citing numerous sources, the report stated that the deal could be finalized as early as this week.

If the report is accurate, Garrard would become the latest quarterback to ink a lucrative contract. Ben Roethlisberger cashed in on March 3, signing a $102 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tony Romo, Marc Bulger and Derek Anderson also have agreed to new deals in the past year, all receiving contracts with annual average salaries of at least $10 million.

Garrard, 30, enjoyed a breakthrough 2007 campaign in his first full season as a starter, recording a 102.2 passer rating and leading the Jaguars to an 11-5 record in the regular season.

Jacksonville defeated Pittsburgh in the AFC wild card round before losing to the conference champion New England Patriots the following weekend.

Garrard passed for 2,509 yards and 18 touchdowns against just three interceptions in 12 games last season.

Named as the Jaguars' full-time starter just days before the season opener, Garrard posted the third-best passer rating in the NFL, trailing only Tom Brady and Roethlisberger.