Jaguars have decision to make on Blake Bortles

The Jacksonville Jaguars were one quarter away from the Super Bowl. Hell, they were really about five minutes from going to their first Super Bowl. That was before Tom Brady prematurely ended what was one of the best campaigns in franchise history. Jacksonville moves forward with plenty of certainty, but one large, looming question: what is it going to do about Blake Bortles?

The Jaguars picked up his fifth-year option back in 2017. They will owe Blake Bortles $19 million when the league year comes new on March 14. However, the Jaguars can release Bortles and not owe him a dime. This wold open up significant cap space and the opportunity to improve at the sport’s most important position.

Despite only being 10-6 in one of the league’s worst divisions, the Jaguars have a tremendous defense that should continue to shine. A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey are the best corner duo in the league, helped out by safeties Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson. The front seven is loaded with Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent including Marcell Dareus, Calais Campbell, Myles Jack, Melvin Smith, Yannick Ngakoue and Malik Jackson. In short, it’s a stacked unit that only needs a little bit of help to take the next collective step.

Bortles has been in the league four seasons, and outside of his second year, things have been ugly. The Jaguars have often had to tailor gamelans around him, hiding their quarterback to give themselves a chance. When that hasn’t been able to take place, we’ve seen more turnovers than any fanbase should have to count. Since Bortles was drafted back in 2014, nobody has thrown more interceptions.

Kirk Cousins

So why not just cut him? A few reasons. For starters, the team just went to the AFC Championship Game with him under center. A bounce here or there could be the difference next year, especially if Bortles can continue handing off to Leonard Fournette and staying out of the way. Additionally, it is no sure thing that Jacksonville is getting a good replacement.

If Kirk Cousins goes elsewhere for more money in free agency, the other options are a gamble. Can Teddy Bridgewater or Sam Bradford stay healthy for a full season? Will Case Keenum regress into what he has always been? Would Josh McCown really help matters? Could the Jaguars pry Nick Foles or Eli Manning away in a trade, and if so, what would they have to give up?

Jacksonville’s brass has the next month to figure out a plan of action, and the decision could be the tipping point in the franchise’s direction.