The Jaguars created an instant quarterback controversy Thursday night by making a bold move to trade up for Blaine Gabbert, who is now their quarterback of the future.
The Jaguars dealt their second-round pick to Washington to trade up six spots (10th overall) and take Gabbert, who will eventually replace David Garrard as the team’s starting quarterback. The question is when the transition will take place. both coach Jack Del Rio and general Gene Smith stressed that Garrard is still the starter.
“Our intention is to have David as our quarterback and have Blaine come in and push David,’’ Del Rio said. “David is our quarterback," Smith said. “We’ve got Luke McCown behind him. He’s a proven starter."
While Jack Del Rio may be saying David Garrard is the starter for now, it will only be a matter of time before the reins are handed over to Blaine Gabbert. The Jaguars could take the smart rout and let Gabbert hold a clipboard for most of 2011.