With the uncertainty surrounding the situation with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, the Packers have decided to bring in an insurance policy in former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles. The two parties agreed to a one-year deal, which was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.
This move makes a lot of sense from both sides. Bortles, who Jacksonville drafted with the third overall pick in 2014, led the team to an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2017 but struggled the following year. He was released in 2019 after the team signed quarterback Nick Foles to a big deal.
Bortles backed up Jared Goff in Los Angeles in 2019, attempting two passes in three appearances, and he started the 2020 season with the Denver Broncos before being released and signed to their practice squad. The Rams brought him back by signing him off the Broncos’ practice squad in December, but he didn’t appear in a game for either team.
But in Green Bay, Bortles has a chance to reunite with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who held the same role in Jacksonville starting on an interim basis in 2016 before becoming full-time the following season. He was Bortles’ position coach in 2015 and 2016, as well.
The Packers could also use the help. It’s uncertain what will happen with Rodgers, but the 37-year-old future Hall-of-Famer has made it clear that he has no desire to return to Green Bay. That relationship seemingly began to sour when the Packers drafted a quarterback in the first round last year in Jordan Love.
Love didn’t appear in any games in 2020, and as of now, he’s the only quarterback other than Rodgers on the roster. Bortles may not be a hot commodity on the free-agent market, but he’s a relatively young quarterback with starting experience. Considering how well he knows Hackett’s system, he may be the initial starter if Rodgers is dealt or decides to hold out.