The Jaguars announced that they have exercised quarterback Blake Bortles‘ fifth-year option. Bortles will now have the 2018 season tacked on to his contract, but it’s guaranteed for injury only. 
[RELATED: 2018 Fifth-Year Option Decision Tracker]
“This is a smart business decision for the team for several reasons,” said Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin. “It makes sense for us going forward and it’s good for Blake and for the Jaguars.”
The Jaguars used the No. 3 overall pick to select Bortles in 2014 and things have not gone according to plan. Last year, Bortles was horrendous, but he reportedly was playing through a shoulder injury that hampered his production. Those taking the half-glass-full approach can point to the 2015 season as proof that Bortles can turn things around. In that sophomore campaign, Bortles threw for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. Pro Football Focus gave him an 80.3 overall score that year, a mark which painted him as a quality starter.
Earlier this year, before the team reorganized the front office, GM Dave Caldwell said the next coach wouldn’t have to start Bortles this season. Later, after Doug Marrone was hired as head coach and Coughlin was appointed as a top decision maker, he backtracked on that statement, saying the fourth-year player was going to be the team’s main quarterback.
Bortles is scheduled to earn upwards of $19MM in the additional season.
I’d rather have Johnny JamBoogie
Kind of figured it was coming. He showed he can be productive which kind of makes it easier to swallow. A lot of pressure will be taken off him as long as Fournette can stay on the field.