In a move that will save the Jacksonville Jaguars $9 million this season, former starting quarterback David Garrard has been cut. Garrard, 33, who played at East Carolina, played poorly toward the end of last season and had a bad preseason this season.

Luke McCown won the quarterback battle while Blaine Gabbert, whom the Jaguars drafted in the first round of this year’s draft, will be the backup quarterback.

Garrard tweeted: “Thank you Jaguar fans for an awesome ride! You are the best fans ever. You’ll always have a special place in my heart and my family’s heart!”

In other moves

Kendric Burney, a rookie cornerback from UNC, cleared waivers and was added to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. Former UNC linebacker Quan Sturdivant, also a rookie, wasn’t as fortunate as he was cut by Arizona and not added to their practice squad.

Former NC State runner Andre Brown was cut by the Giants but he cleared waivers and was added to the Giants’ practice squad. Former Duke receiver Eron Riley was cut by the Broncos but was later added to their practice squad.

Former Carolina tight end Zack Pianalto was released by Buffalo and quickly acquired off waivers by the Tampa Bay Bucs. Similarly, former Tar Heel receiver Brandon Tate was acquired off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals after being cut by the Patriots.

Veteran Jeff Reed, who kicked for years in Pittsburgh after his UNC career, was released by Seattle. On a more positive note, former ECU offensive tackle Willie Smith made the Washington roster as a backup.