Following the Jacksonville Jaguars' most successful season in nearly two decades, there has been much uncertainty surrounding quarterback Blake Bortles' long-term future with the franchise. It has led to ongoing chatter that the front office could be seriously considering moving on from him for another option under center at some point during this offseason.
This had put the Jaguars in various rumors involving other available quarterbacks in the league, namely the Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins' impending free agency in just a few weeks. However, it appears that chatter was put to bed on Saturday afternoon with the Jaguars closing in on a lucrative extension with Bortles, according to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network.
The #Jaguars and QB Blake Bortles agreed on a 3-year new contract worth $54M that covers the 5th year option and two additional years, I’m told. He was under contract for 2018 at $19M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2018
What should be noted is that Bortles was already under contract for the 2018 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal worth $19 million that was picked up last offseason. The team was already on track to have him as their quarterback next season regardless of what transpired over the next several months.
This recent development shouldn't come as much of a surprise as previous reports had indicated that the team was planning on keeping Bortles at least through next season.
Although he struggled at times in 2017, he was able to help guide Jacksonville to their first AFC Championship game since 1999.
Blake Bortles has become a magnet for a bevy of criticism over the last couple of seasons due to his inconsistent play on the field. He had posted 3,687 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and a career-low 13 interception despite dealing with a right wrist that ultimately required surgery.All of this has quieted the conversation about Bortles' future in Jacksonville with him now locked under a lucrative long-term deal that runs through 2020.
With their quarterback situation now resolved, the Jaguars can now turn their attention toward working out a new contract with former Pro Bowl wide receiver Allen Robinson, who played in just one game last season, before he hits the free agent market.
Follow Us
Subscribe