The Denver Broncos are going to be without Drew Lock for multiple weeks and they've added someone to add depth at the quarterback position. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Blake Bortles has signed a one-year deal with the Broncos on Tuesday amid Lock's injury.
Update: Denver is signing former Jags’ and Rams’ QB Blake Bortles to a one-year deal once he passes his COVID protocols, per source.
With Drew Lock out 3-5 weeks, the Broncos almost signed Bortles last year and now will take the next step this year.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2020
Before he officially signs with Denver, Blake Bortles will need to clear COVID-19 protocols. But if he does pass the protocols then Bortles will likely be the No. 2 quarterback for the Broncos in Week 3.
During Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lock took a massive hit from Bud Dupree while evading pressure. The second-year quarterback would land awkwardly on his throwing shoulder, causing him to exit from the game.
After undergoing an MRI, it was revealed that Lock suffered a severe rotator cuff strain to his right shoulder. As a result, Lock is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks before being re-evaluated.
With Lock missing an extended period of time, Jeff Driskel is the only quarterback that was remaining on the roster before Blake Bortles signed. Driskel stepped in for Lock versus the Steelers and will likely get the nod in Week 3 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As for Bortles, he joins the Broncos after spending the 2019 season with the Los Angeles Rams as the backup to Jared Goff. Of course, Bortles is known for his five-year tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014-2018.
Regardless of Lock's timetable, Denver needed to add another quarterback to the roster to provide insurance behind Driskel. Of the options they had in free agency, the Broncos have chosen to sign Bortles to a vet-minimum deal.
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