Those holding out hopes in Duval that the Jacksonville Jaguars might look to upgrade their quarterback position ahead of next Tuesday’s trade deadline are going to be sorely disappointed.
According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Jacksonville has no plans to add a quarterback through that avenue. Instead, the team is more focused on teaming up the recently-acquired Carlos Hyde with injured running back Leonard Fournette to field an elite rushing attack.
Jaguars not trading for QB, which includes Eli, as much love as EVP Tom Coughlin has for him. Jags believe debut of Carlos Hyde, eventual return of Fournette, gives them "hammer" RBs they need for QBs, defense and injury-riddled O-line, which still needs somewhat mobile QB.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) October 22, 2018
Given just how poorly Blake Bortles had performed prior to being benched this past Sunday in a blowout loss to Houston, there can’t be much confidence that the Jaguars will some how turn it around. Cody Kessler came in for the struggling Bortles, but did nothing of substance against the Texans.
Now, heading into their Week 8 game against Philadelphia in London, the Jaguars will turn back to Bortles under center.
There are some obvious possibilities out there on the trade market, including reigning Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles, the above-mentioned Eli Manning and Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. All three are better than Bortles. Unfortunately, it seems like the Jaguars believe they’re set at quarterback.
Bortles, 26, has put up nine touchdowns compared to eight interceptions for a Jaguars team that’s riding a three-game losing streak and boasts a 3-4 record on the season.