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Tim Couch signs with Jaguars
Tim Couch back in NFL with Jags
From Post news services
PHIL COALE/Associated Press
Former Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch is trying to win a job with Jacksonville.
Former No. 1 draft pick Tim Couch signed a two-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, getting a chance to revive his career as a backup to quarterback Byron Leftwich.
Couch, the top pick by Cleveland in 1999, hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2004 preseason.
The contract, which did not include a signing bonus, will pay Couch the veteran minimum of $595,000 this season if he makes the team. He would earn slightly more in 2008.
Couch could end up supplanting Quinn Gray as the team's third-string quarterback - a move that would save the Jags about $700,000 this season.
Gray, who has failed to move up the depth chart in four years playing behind Leftwich and David Garrard, signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million in April.
But Gray has a sprained ankle and started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Coach Jack Del Rio said he needed a fourth quarterback during camp. The team also has undrafted rookie Lester Ricard.
"We plan on throwing the ball in this camp and we're a little short at that position with Quinn down, so we've added a fourth quarterback," Del Rio said. "At some point, Quinn will get healthy and we'll deal with the numbers. At this point, we've added an experienced quarterback to come in and give us an opportunity to throw the football like we need to in this camp."
The Jaguars struck a deal with the former University Kentucky star after he passed a physical. Couch had shoulder surgery last year.
Couch's five years in Cleveland were filled with disappointment. He was sacked often, booed regularly and plagued by elbow trouble.
He played in 62 games with the Browns, completing 59.8 percent of his passes for 11,131 yards with 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions.
After leaving Cleveland in 2004, Couch signed a one-year deal with Green Bay to be Brett Favre's backup. Couch completed 11 of 34 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns in three preseason games and was cut just before the season opener.
From Post news services
PHIL COALE/Associated Press
Former Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch is trying to win a job with Jacksonville.
Former No. 1 draft pick Tim Couch signed a two-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, getting a chance to revive his career as a backup to quarterback Byron Leftwich.
Couch, the top pick by Cleveland in 1999, hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2004 preseason.
The contract, which did not include a signing bonus, will pay Couch the veteran minimum of $595,000 this season if he makes the team. He would earn slightly more in 2008.
Couch could end up supplanting Quinn Gray as the team's third-string quarterback - a move that would save the Jags about $700,000 this season.
Gray, who has failed to move up the depth chart in four years playing behind Leftwich and David Garrard, signed a one-year deal worth $1.3 million in April.
But Gray has a sprained ankle and started training camp on the physically unable to perform list. Coach Jack Del Rio said he needed a fourth quarterback during camp. The team also has undrafted rookie Lester Ricard.
"We plan on throwing the ball in this camp and we're a little short at that position with Quinn down, so we've added a fourth quarterback," Del Rio said. "At some point, Quinn will get healthy and we'll deal with the numbers. At this point, we've added an experienced quarterback to come in and give us an opportunity to throw the football like we need to in this camp."
The Jaguars struck a deal with the former University Kentucky star after he passed a physical. Couch had shoulder surgery last year.
Couch's five years in Cleveland were filled with disappointment. He was sacked often, booed regularly and plagued by elbow trouble.
He played in 62 games with the Browns, completing 59.8 percent of his passes for 11,131 yards with 64 touchdowns and 67 interceptions.
After leaving Cleveland in 2004, Couch signed a one-year deal with Green Bay to be Brett Favre's backup. Couch completed 11 of 34 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns in three preseason games and was cut just before the season opener.
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