The “expectation inside EverBank Field” is that the Jaguars will reach an agreement with Chad Henne on a new contract within the next couple days, reports Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (via Twitter). If Henne remains unsigned by Saturday, his agent can begin talking to teams besides the Jaguars, but it sounds like it may not reach that point.
Henne, 28, started 13 games for the Jaguars last season after taking over the job from Blaine Gabbert. The veteran signal-caller completed 60.6% of his attempts, compiling 3,241 passing yards and 13 touchdowns to go along with his 14 interceptions.
While those numbers aren’t spectacular, they make Henne one of the more desirable options among a underwhelming group of free agent quarterbacks that also includes Michael Vick, Josh McCown, and Matt Cassel. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter) suggested earlier today that the Jaguars shouldn’t be ruled out as a potential suitor for Vick or McCown. However, if Jacksonville finalizes a new deal with Henne, the team will likely turn to the draft to add a second quarterback.
Depending on how high the Jaguars select a quarterback, Henne may head into 2014 competing for the starting job in Jacksonville, assuming he re-signs with the club.