Jaguars pick up Blake Bortles' $19 million contract option for 2018
In a move that probably shouldn't come as a surprise, the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday picked up quarterback Blake Bortles' $19 million contract option for 2018.
Bortles, the third overall pick of the 2014 NFL draft, has shown promise along with wild inconsistency during his first three seasons. He passed for 35 touchdowns during the 2015 season but took a step back last year when the team was expected to contend for a wild-card shot rather than go 3-13. He's passed for 69 TDs and 51 interceptions during his career. But Bortles' most worrisome stat: He has 11 career wins and 11 pick-sixes.
“This is a smart business decision for the team for several reasons,” executive VP of football operations Tom Coughlin said in a statement. “It makes sense for us going forward and it’s good for Blake and for the Jaguars.”
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Jacksonville can still cut Bortles after the 2017 season without financial penalty if he doesn't suffer a major injury.
There were rumors that the Jags were interested in Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson heading into the draft. But they spent their first two picks on LSU running back Leonard Fournette and Alabama offensive lineman Cam Robinson, two players who should immediately improve Bortles' supporting cast. The team has also spent prodigiously on the defense during free agency the past two years, another factor that should prevent Bortles from routinely having to win shootouts.
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