(11-01-2017, 09:50 AM)NYC4jags Wrote:

(11-01-2017, 05:37 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: Okay, I looked it up, and the 19 million is not locked in and guaranteed until opening day.  If Blake is on the 53 man roster on opening day, the 19 million is guaranteed.  

So that gives us all kinds of options, because we can go right up to opening day in September 2018 before we decide what to do with Blake.  

If we land a guy like Cousins in free agency, cut Blake loose then, but if not, see if someone can beat him out in training camp.

Yeah. That was the way I understood it too, but my question now is whether they can negotiate the deal?

My understanding is that - since it's part of the new rookie compensation plan in the new CBA - they can't negotiate his deal. Meaning the only way Bortles is a Jag in 2018 is by paying him 19 million.

OR  - is it possible to sign him to a multi-year deal that matches or exceeds that figure over time  - and keep him as the back-up?

(might be the way to go if they plan to draft the QB of the future instead of signing him)

I'm no contract CBA expert at all but I think it boils down to these options.

1. Playing on the 5th year option at 19 mil for the year
2. Cutting him before option kicks in and then negotiating a deal.
3. Extend him 19 mil + extension beyond.

And I think they won't make up their mind until after the draft and free agency.
If the draft and FA doesn't fall their way, they fall back on Bortles.

All of this contingent on Bortles playing well enough. If he nose dives for any reason I think he'll be an easy cut.

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