Sun Sep 2 05:08:57 2007

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Jaguars Cut Leftwich, 18 Others; Trade Pearman

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Jacksonville, FL (Sports Network) - The Jacksonville Jaguars released former starting quarterback Byron Leftwich on Saturday, also trading running back Alvin Pearman and cutting 18 others as part of their "cut-down day" maneuvers.

The imminent departure of Leftwich was announced by the team on Friday, though it was unknown until Saturday whether the club would trade or release the former first-round pick. The team chose the latter route, parting ways with a player who had started 44 games for them since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2003 Draft.

David Garrard, who opened 10 games in place of Leftwich last season, has been named Jacksonville's starting quarterback for 2007.

Also gone is Pearman, a fourth-round pick in the 2005 Draft who was dealt to Seattle in exchange for an undisclosed draft choice. The Virginia product was the team's main punt returner and a backup running back last season, but was deemed expendable on a club that already features Maurice Jones-Drew, Fred Taylor, LaBrandon Toefield, and Greg Jones in the backfield.

Others released by the Jags were guard defensive tackle Joe Anoai, linebacker Kevis Coley, guard Dan Connolly, defensive lineman Walter Curry, safety Jamaal Fudge, safety Josh Gattis, tackle Ryan Gibbons, linebacker Nick Greisen, defensive end Tyler King, defensive back Jamar Landrom, linebacker Roy Manning, guard Pete McMahon, cornerback Rashod Moulton, defensive tackle Seth Payne, wide receiver Charles Sharon, tight end Isaac Smolko, cornerback Bruce Thornton, and cornerback Dee Webb.

Notables in that group include Gattis, a fifth-round draft choice in 2007; Greisen, a 10-game starter for the Jags at linebacker last season; Payne, the 10-year veteran attempting to begin his second tour of duty with the club; and Webb, who played in 11 contests for Jacksonville a year ago.

Two players - defensive end James Wyche (groin) and wide receiver Mike Walker (knee) - were placed on season-ending injured reserve. Walker was the team's third-round choice out of Central Florida in the 2007 Draft.

The Jaguars will begin their season on Sept. 9, when they host the Tennessee Titans.