Blake Bortles to sign with Denver Broncos as backup quarterback, per reports

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With starter Drew Lock sidelined for multiple weeks, the Denver Broncos are putting a new quarterback plan in place as they shift backup Jeff Driskel into the lead role.

Blake Bortles is signing a one-year deal with the team, according to multiple reports.

Bortles, 28, was a five-year starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014-18. The No. 3 pick in the 2014 NFL draft signed a three-year, $54 million extension with the team in 2018 after the team reached the AFC championship game the previous year, but he was released just one year into the deal.

Bortles spent the 2019 season as a backup to Jared Goff on the Los Angeles Rams.

The deal will require a physical and COVID-19 testing before it can be completed.

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The Broncos have had to reshuffle their offensive outlook after losing Lock to a shoulder injury that coach Vic Fangio said would keep him out for three to five weeks. Driskel took over for Lock in the Broncos' 26-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday and completed 18 of 34 passes for 256 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The Broncos also lost top wide receiver Courtland Sutton to a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Denver did not have another quarterback on its active roster to serve as Driskel's backup.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.