Things are now official for Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Blake Bortles. He just signed a new four-year rookie contract, which is fully guaranteed for $20.6 million. It includes a fifth-year option.
"It's a cool feeling." – @BBortles5
EXCLUSIVE video of #BortlesKombat signing: http://t.co/YUlAjkbTXc pic.twitter.com/Pz70OhvzUs
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) June 18, 2014
Bortles was the first quarterback selected, third overall in the 2014 NFL draft. Speaking about his experience thus far with the Jaguars, Bortles had this to say, reported via NFL.com…
It’s been huge, the amount of growth that’s happened, the amount of more knowledge I know, I’m trying to get better each and every day and trying to improve what I can do.
At 6’5″, 232 pounds, Bortles is compared to quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck for his accuracy on short to intermediate passes and ability to avoid pressure.
Speaking of being compared to quarterbacks, Bortles contract amounts to slightly over $12 million more than that of Johnny Manziel, who just signed his four-year rookie deal with the Cleveland Browns. Someone is showing Bortles the money. But that’s the name of the game under the new CBA.
For now, Bortles is behind veteran Chad Henne as the Jaguars starter and is in the role to watch and learn from Henne. We’ll see how long that plan lasts soon enough.
#Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell reiterating on ESPN Radio he'd like Henne to be the starter in 2014 to give Bortles a chance to sit and learn.
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) May 9, 2014
Photo: Fox Sports