"I talked to them in the very beginning -- they were one of the teams that were very interested," said Garrard. "But they basically said, 'We want to give our guy (Henne) a chance, see how he performs and if we don't like way it goes, we'll make a move.' Then it comes when (Henne) unfortunately gets hurt. My feeling is if you want me, prove it to me."
Garrard says he really wants to play football this year and wants to find a "committed team." Garrard is 33 with a wife who is going to have his second baby soon, so many think football may not be fully on his mind.
However, Garrard has been training hard and is in good shape. He's also healthy, despite being said to have back problems recently.
"Hey, I'm working out and I'm throwing to (former tight end) Kyle Brady," Garrard said. "He wanted to lose a few (pounds) and he's running all the routes for me from wide receiver and tight end positions. People ask me about my back problems. My back is fine. In fact, once I got into camp (with the Jaguars), my back stopped bothering me.
"Here's the bottom line: I'm staying in shape. I'm taking care of my body, my legs, my arm -- I'm having regular massage treatments. I'm ready to play. I'm ready for the right opportunity. This (with the Dolphins) just isn't the right opportunity."
Garrard, however, did not sign with the Dolphins due to money and the desire to play for the team.
"They were not willing to guarantee me the kind of money that reflects a real commitment and what I believe would protect me from being cut twice in one season," Garrard said. "That doesn't mean I'm one of those players who thinks I'm worthy of another big pay day. My thoughts are the money I did want guaranteed the rest of the year was miniscule with respect to what I accomplished over my career. It wasn't outrageous."
Another reason Garrard will not play is that he can't turn this team around. Already in an 0-4 hole and with rumors of firing coach Tony Sparano, it could turn out to be a huge mess with him and the organization.
"I didn't think I have ability to change an organization in that situation," Garrard said. "I'm just one man. This is a team sport. I told them I've been part of locker rooms with teams that are struggling. I know how the vibe can be in there and it's tough.
"Maybe if I had started the season with them, it would be different. The concept of coming in under these circumstances and fast-tracking me to play -- I have no history with that. Is the head coach (Tony Sparano) going to be there in two weeks? Then what? I prayed about this and there are just too many things in my heart and mind that says this is just not something I feel I can put my family through."
Other teams have contacted Garrard, but the veteran QB has not stated him, nor his agent. I really hope Garrard gets a chance, but at this point in the season, I really don't think he'll be going anywhere.
Best bet might be the UFL or something like that.
Garrard is a ten-year veteran and has thrown for over 16,000 yards with 89 touchdowns and a 85.8 rating.
