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5 quarterbacks next in line to cash in like Drew Brees

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Blake Bortles

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles was a relative unknown coming out of college. Even though Bortles was the third round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, people didn’t really know who he was. He has been impressive in his first two NFL seasons, throwing for 7,336 passing yards. In 2015, Bortles threw for 4,428 passing yards in 2015 with 35 touchdowns.

The Jaguars have been searching for a franchise quarterback for what seems like forever. Expect them to jump all over extending him as soon as they can. He has a fifth-year option for 2018 as a first round pick, but he likely won’t see it since the Jaguars will extend him.

Bortles has to keep taking steps forward in order to cement his status as a $100 million man. He took one in 2015, but he’s got to chill with the interceptions. In 606 pass attempts, Bortles threw a league high 18 interceptions. That can’t happen again. It is, however, encouraging that Bortles went from a 3.6 interception percentage in 2014 to a 3.0 percentage in 2015.

Ironically, Bortles reminds a lot of people of a taller version of Brees with his arm and mobility. The Jaguars have surrounded him with a quietly efficient receiving core. Thanks to an improved defense, Bortles likely won’t have to throw the ball over 35 times a game to give the Jaguars a chance to win. That should help him become a better, more efficient quarterback.

Next: 1. Derek Carr

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