Jacksonville Jaguars growing impatient with Blake Bortles

Could the Jaguars just be a quarterback away from making a playoff run?

Few quarterbacks have been as frustrating to watch as Blake Bortles over the last three years with the Jaguars. A surprise top-three pick in 2014 Bortles had a strong sophomore campaign, throwing 35 touchdowns despite leading the league in interceptions.

Despite executive vice president Tom Coughlin exercising Bortles’ fifth-year option worth over $19 million for 2018, the club is still searching for answers from their 25-year-old quarterback.

The Jaguars can ultimately move on from Bortles next year without having to pay the $19 million if the 2017 season is a bust. After multiple incidents involving teammates the Jaguars may ultimately decide to release their once thought franchise quarterback.

The first issue came in practice when leading receiver Allen Robinson voiced his displeasure when Bortles sailed a ball out-of-bounds during practice.

Warning, Robinson does utter a few unkind words in the video below.

If a quarterback can’t keep the leading receiver on his team, who’s due to be a free agent, happy it could lead to the end of the line for both in Jacksonville.

The second incident came up when sophomore defensive back Jalen Ramsey liked a story on Instagram looking at potential replacements to Bortles.

It’s obvious Bortles garners little respect from his teammates in the locker room if a young player such as Ramsey believes Matt Moore could be a better option.

If the Jaguars win only a handful of games again in 2017 it likely means the end of the line for Bortles in Jacksonville. The Jaguars will be in prime position to add a young quarterback through the draft, whether it be Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, or Josh Allen.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Offense dominates early

Free agency could potentially be the route for Coughlin and company in Florida as well. Much will depend on how the Patriots handle Jimmy Garopolo and likewise with the Redskins and Kirk Cousins.

Other veterans due to become available include Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, and Teddy Bridgewater. Perhaps Stafford will look to reunite with former Lions teammate Ndamukong Suh in Florida.