Jacksonville Jaguars exercise option on QB Blake Bortles

Executive VP Tom Coughlin calls move 'smart business decision'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have exercised a fifth-year option on quarterback Blake Bortles, a move that executive vice president Tom Coughlin called a "smart business decision."

The 2018 option is guaranteed for injury only, so the Jaguars could decide to cut Bortles if he struggles again in 2017 and avoid paying him about $18 million in the final year of his deal.

If Bortles plays well and looks like a long-term solution at the all-important position, the Jaguars would work on an extension to keep Bortles in town beyond 2018. If not, they'll be in the market for a quarterback in next year's QB-rich draft.

"This is a smart business decision for the team for several reasons. It makes sense for us going forward, and it's good for Blake and for the Jaguars," Coughlin said.


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