Jacksonville Jaguars: Could Mike Reilly be a bridge quarterback in 2019?

Could the Jacksonville Jaguars look to the Great White North to find their short-term fix at quarterback in Mike Reilly?

Conventional wisdom says that the Jacksonville Jaguars will move away from Blake Bortles this offseason. There is much speculation as to which college quarterback that Jacksonville will select in the 2019 NFL Draft.

However, it does not seem to be a good idea to start a rookie quarterback in Week 1. Rather, the Jaguars would be better served to allow him to watch and learn for a season. Until whatever rookie is ready, who will be the bridge quarterback from Bortles to the rookie?

Joe Flacco is a name that has been mentioned as being available if Baltimore severs ties with him in the offseason, either via trade or outright release. Flacco might be too expensive for the Jaguars, though. Jacksonville has salary cap troubles ahead for 2019 that will need adjustment to get under the cap limit.

Could the Jaguars looking North to find their bridge quarterback? The Canadian Football League (CFL) is a quarterback-driven passing league. Could Mike Reilly be the next man up for the Jaguars?

Jacksonville worked out Reilly in December after the CFL season ended. Apparently, Jacksonville liked what they saw. Gerry Moddejonge of EdmontonSun.com reported the following:

"“Can confirm reports Mike Reilly did work out with the Jacksonville Jaguars,” TSN’s Matthew Scianitti posted on Twitter. “Sources say the workout went well…”"

Reilly would be a good fit with Jaguars quarterbacks coach Scott Milanovich. Remember, Milanovich coached in the CFL. Reilly has built a terrific résumé during his time up North.

Physically, Reilly comes in at 6-3, 230 pounds He completed 421-of-621 passes for 5,562 yards with 30 touchdowns and 18 interceptions this past season in the CFL. For his career, he has thrown for 27,625 yards with 148 touchdowns in 103 games.

Perhaps, Reilly could be next Warren Moon or Joe Theismann. Moon played several seasons in the CFL before his stellar NFL career. Theismann led Washington to a Super Bowl victory under Joe Gibbs.

All signs point to a change for the Jacksonville at quarterback. Even Bortles expects to be released. Kevin Skiver of CBSSports.com quoted him as saying:

"“I don’t think I’ll be back next year,” Bortles said … “Being honest, I envision I’ll be somewhere else next year.”"

You can expect a new signal caller to wear black and teal. Reilly might be that bridge quarterback in 2019 — or at least an option among many to keep an eye on.