ESPN NFL

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Todd Bouman signed a one-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday, giving them a backup quarterback while David Garrard recovers from an ankle injury.

Clayton: QB Quest

The season's not half over but it seems like the majority of teams have some kind of trouble with the quarterback position, writes John Clayton. Blog

Bouman, a 10-year pro who has six career starts, signed for the veteran minimum of $720,000. The 35-year-old Bouman has played in 42 games with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers.

Bouman was Brett Favre's backup last season with the Packers, but did not play. He has thrown for 1,683 yards with 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Bouman, Doug Johnson and Drew Henson worked out for the Jaguars on Wednesday. Bouman may have had an advantage since he played six years in Minnesota (1997-02) while current Jacksonville assistant head coach Mike Tice was part of that staff.

"You've got to be ready to go," said Bouman, who also worked out for the Atlanta Falcons earlier this season. "In a couple of days you can do a lot. You stay up late, get your nose in the playbook and get ready."

Garrard sprained his left ankle Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts and could be sidelined up to a month, leaving Quinn Gray to make his first career start Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press