NFL 49ers dump Garcia, name Rattay starter

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Quarterback Jeff Garcia was released by the San Francisco 49ers here, the American football club dumping its five-year starter and handing Tim Rattay the starting job.

Garcia's passer rating has fallen the past four seasons even as his salary has leaped above 12 million dollars due to an escalator clause in his contract.

Garcia, who turned 34 last week, completed a career-low 57.4 percent of his passes for 2,704 yards with 18 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last year. He threw for more than 3,300 yards the previous three years, with 4,278 in 2000.

"Releasing players is never a fun thing, especially players who have had the impact that Jeff Garcia has had," general manager Terry Donahue said.

"But this is part of our long-term...