Jacksonville Jaguars: Why Cody Kessler over other options?
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded for Cody Kessler to back up Blake Bortles. Why did they go with the former Brown instead of someone else?
Cody Kessler is the newest addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars roster. Kessler was obtained in a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Kessler is projected to be Blake Bortles’ backup currently, but for how long?
In the trade, Jacksonville receives Kessler in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk gave his perspective of the trade:
"The trade is for a 2019 conditional seventh-round pick, which basically means the Browns were about to cut Kessler and were glad to get anything for him at all."
Kessler is coming to the Jaguars at a bargain. According to Spotrac.com, he is scheduled to make $758,098 for 2018. Most of all, should Jacksonville cut him prior to Week 1, Kessler’s dead cap number is $0. Seems like the conditional pick would be nullified because of Kessler not making the team.
This trade looks like a way for the Browns to gain more salary cap space. Is there a chance Kessler wins the starting job? Why did the Jaguars trade for him instead of someone else?
The remaining unrestricted free agent quarterbacks do not seem like “must sign” guys. Those listed by OverTheCap.com, are journeymen or career backups. Also, Jay Cutler delayed retirement last season to play in Miami.
Something must give the Jaguars reason to trade for Kessler. The trade itself is a win-win situation for both teams. Jacksonville gets a young inexpensive quarterback and Cleveland gets cap space.
In his career, Kessler has completed 139 passes for 1,506 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. His quarterback rating 87.4. Kessler has a pass completion percentage of 63.8. Kessler stands 6-1 and weighs in at 224 pounds. Bortles, meanwhile, comes in at 6-5, 232 pounds. Why trade for a shorter signal caller?
For the record, Jaguars legendary quarterback Mark Brunell measured in at 6-1, 217 pounds. Since Brunell was Tom Coughlin’s starter, is this trade a result of Coughlin’s influence? Could this foreshadow a new direction for Jacksonville due to a change in the quarterback prototype?
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Post-free agency 3 rounds
Baker Mayfield might be the Jaguars draft target. He is very similar to Brunell physically. Mayfield has the ability to escape and extend plays with his athleticism. Remember, Doug Marrone cited Bortles ability to escape the pocket as reclaiming the starting position.
There is a chance that the Jaguars move up in the first round to select Mayfield. Maybe Lamar Jackson is the real target. Either Mayfield or Jackson would certainly push Bortles. Let’s see how it all plays out.