The Packers have released quarterback Blake Bortles (Twitter link via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com). In addition, they’ve also waived fellow QB Jake Dolegala, according to Joe Buscaglia of TheAthletic (Twitter link).
Aaron Rodgers reported to the Packers on Tuesday, but these backups didn’t have long to catch up with him. With the MVP back in action, both players faced long odds of making the final cut. Now, the Packers will move forward with Rodgers, Jordan Love, and Kurt Benkert as their top QBs, though Benkert may find himself battle with a fourth signal caller at some point.
The Packers signed Bortles to a one-year deal with zero guarantees back in May. The former No. 3 overall pick spent last season with the Broncos and Rams but saw zero action. And, in 2019, he threw two passes while serving as Jared Goff‘s backup in Los Angeles. Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett worked as Bortles’ OC for nearly four years in Jacksonville, but the familiarity wasn’t enough for him to keep his job.
Dolegala, meanwhile, was added in June to fill reps during Rodgers’ absence. The 24-year-old will go up for grabs on the waiver wire and hope to see his first live action.
Blake Bortles: “When does the next bus leave for Winnipeg?”
Bortles to Jets seems like a rational fit
Agreed. Any QB that has actually started a regular season game seems reasonable at this point.
You mean we’re not getting the Rodgers vs. Bortles QB competition?!
Just curious…who’s better, Bortles or Dwayne Haskins?
At least Bortles has won some meaningful games in the pros.
Better or more upside? Bottles isn’t the solution after Big Ben obviously. Is Haskins? Doubtful, but (very slightly) possible.
Id move him to the practice squad. All the interceptions and pick 6s he throws would be a great confidence builder for a defense. Of course that guy King on the Packers would probably still get torched by Bortles.
Bortles looks like an NFL quarterback right up until kick-off.
Bortles has thrown for 4400 yards in a season and also thrown 35 TD’s against 18 interceptions in a season. The low career completion percentage (under 60%) is killing his game. Still a serviceable backup at the right price: almost good enough to be a starter. Backups who are good enough to be starters ARE starters in the NFL.