ALLEN PARK, Mich. (March 12, 2005) -- The Detroit Lions and Jeff Garcia agreed to terms on a one-year contract, reuniting the quarterback with coach Steve Mariucci.
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
The Cleveland Browns released Garcia on Feb. 22 after a tumultuous season. He went 144-of-253 for 1,731 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 10 starts, while his relationship with then-coach Butch Davis became rocky. Garcia ended the season on injured reserve after tearing a knee ligament.
Before his disastrous year in Cleveland, Garcia spent five seasons with San Francisco and learned under Mariucci, who coached the 49ers from 1997-2002.
The 35-year-old Garcia earned his second successive Pro Bowl selection in 2001 with the 49ers. He completed 62.7 percent of his passes and throwing for 3,538 yards and 32 touchdowns that year.
His addition should provide immediate competition for starter Joey Harrington. The former first-round pick was booed often at home and challenged regularly by Mariucci in 2004, and has been inconsistent throughout his career.
The Lions made it an offseason priority to find a veteran backup. They also lost reserve QB Mike McMahon, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 11.
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