Each NFL team’s worst free agent signing

Each NFL team’s worst free-agent signing

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 14: Nnamdi Asomugha #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammate Brandon Boykin #22 after intercepting a pass against the Detroit Lions during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 14, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lions won 26-23 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Jeff Garcia (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns: QB Jeff Garcia

The Browns’ struggles since their resurrection in 1999 are well documented. While they swung and missed on several draft picks, they haven’t had many bad free agent signings. This is in large part because they weren’t a prime destination for high-status guys who were on the market.

The Browns did go all in on Jeff Garcia, though, prior to the 2004 season. Garcia had found success in San Francisco from 1999-2003. He was a three-time Pro Bowler in that span and helped lead the 49ers to the playoffs twice, including a comeback win over the Giants in which the 49ers trailed 38-14.

Cleveland awarded Garcia with a four year, $25 million contract, hoping he would be their quarterback for the foreseeable future. Instead, the San Jose State product lasted just ten starts before being cut by the Browns. He went 3-7 in those ten starts, completing just 57 percent of his passes and throwing for 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. This was one of the earliest failures for the Browns in a quarterback search that would see them go through over 20 quarterbacks in a 14 year span.

Garcia would find later success with the Eagles, stepping in for an injured Donovan McNabb and helping Philadelphia go to the playoffs. He was a Pro Bowler in 2007 the next season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well.

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