The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly finalizing a multi-year extension for quarterback Blake Bortles. While not yet confirmed as official, Ian Rapoport states it’s “essentially done.” The new deal would keep the quarterback on the roster through the 2020 season.
The #Jaguars and QB Blake Bortles are finalizing a multi-year extension that keeps him in Jacksonville for years to come, sources say. It’s essentially done and should be official tonight.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2018
The Jaguars finished the season with a 10-6 record and sat on top of the AFC South. Their appearance in the postseason was the first for the club since 2007. They defeated the Buffalo Bills on their home field and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. The Jaguars made it to the AFC title game and eventually fell to the New England Patriots.
His 60.2 percent completion percentage marks the highest of his young career. He finished with 3,687 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
The new deal is reported as being a three-year, $54 million deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jaguars are giving QB Blake Bortles a new three-year, $54 million deal, worth up to $66.5M with incentives, that includes $26.5M guaranteed, tying him to Jacksonville through the 2020 season, per source.
Jacksonville out of QB market.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 25, 2018
Bortles struggled mightily to begin the season and head coach Doug Marrone was on record as saying they “wanted to run the ball on every play.” The Jags played most of the season missing a few of their key receivers. Allen Robinson tore his ACL very early in the season. Both Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee missed significant time, giving way to impressive rookie debuts by both Keelan Cole and Dede Westbrook.
The Jaguars selected Bortles third overall in the 2014 draft. He had a rough rookie season where he threw 11 touchdowns to 17 interceptions. Bortles rebounded in 2015 to have a breakout season throwing for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns. Both were a single-season franchise record for the Jaguars.
The new contract seems to be setting up Bortles for a chance to shine while allowing the Jaguars some time to test the quarterback market.
