Couch, the top pick by Cleveland in 1999, hasn't played a down in the NFL since the 2004 preseason.

The contract, which did not include a signing bonus, will pay Couch the veteran minimum of $595,000 this season if he makes the team. He would earn slightly more in 2008.

Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio wanted to take a look at the former Kentucky star, who had shoulder surgery last year. The Jaguars needed another quarterback in training camp because third-stringer Quinn Gray has an ankle injury and is on the physically unable to perform list.

The Jaguars also have backup David Garrard and undrafted rookie Lester Ricard.

Scott Eyster from Delta State and Sam Hollenbach from Maryland worked out alongside Couch on Sunday, and the Jaguars struck a deal with Couch after a physical.

His five years in Cleveland were filled with disappointment. He was sacked often, booed regularly and plagued by elbow trouble.

After leaving the Browns, Couch signed a one-year deal with Green Bay to be Brett Favre's backup. The Packers didn't work out Couch before signing him to a contract that included a $625,000 bonus, and it seemed to backfire.

Couch was bothered by a sore throwing arm, struggled to grasp the West Coast offense and couldn't even unseat third-string quarterback Craig Nall.

Couch completed 11 of 34 passes for 96 yards with no touchdowns in three preseason games and was cut just before the 2004 season.