While Blake Bortles could have likely taken his time surveying prospects this offseason, it appears the prospect of joining the Los Angeles Rams was too good to pass up.
After years of speculation regarding his future with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was finally set to test the waters of free agency after being released. Despite his struggles in Jacksonville, he still could have potentially competed for a starting gig elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles had been in search of a new backup with the departure of Sean Mannion. As a result, Bortles’ tour of the market did not last very long once the Rams had expressed interest, via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press:
QB Blake Bortles says he would've signed with the Rams without even taking a visit because he wanted to work for Sean McVay so badly: "Everybody wants a piece of what he's doing and wants to understand what he's doing at the level he's doing it at."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) March 21, 2019
It is safe to say that Bortles was rather adamant about joining the Rams this offseason. After all, his reasoning is certainly understandable given the offensive resurgence that has gone on in Los Angeles over the last two years.
The Rams had the worst offense in the NFL prior to McVay’s arrival. He has since not only managed to turn them into one of the most high-powered units in the league but has vindicated Jared Goff’s status as a Pro Bowl quarterback.
There is no question that Bortles had largely underwhelmed during his time as a starter in Jacksonville due to his inconsistencies under center. Perhaps he is hoping that spending some time with a bonafide quarterback guru like McVay will do wonders for his progression like it has done for Goff in recent years.
The 26-year-old will have some major re-tooling to do if he hopes to earn another chance at being a starter in the NFL. Spending a year under the tutelage of McVay could pay huge dividends for his progression down the line.
