Report: Blake Bortles to Sign 1-Year Broncos Contract After Drew Lock's Injury

Free-agent quarterback Blake Bortles is reportedly signing a one-year contract with the Denver Broncos after starter Drew Lock suffered a shoulder injury that'll keep him sidelined at least three weeks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network noted Bortles will make the league minimum.

Mike Klis of 9News reported Bortles is expected to sign with the Broncos after he clears COVID-19 protocols Friday, when he could officially join the team. Klis also noted "it's not out of the question" that Bortles could serve as the backup to Jeff Driskel on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In March 2019, Michael Silver of NFL Network reported Denver and the Baltimore Ravens were among the teams to consider Bortles before he signed with the Los Angeles Rams.

The 28-year-old Florida native attempted just two passes across three relief appearances for the Rams last season while serving as the backup to Jared Goff.

Bortles spent the prior five seasons as the starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who drafted him third overall in 2014. He posted a mediocre 80.6 passer rating with 103 passing touchdowns and 75 interceptions in 75 games (73 starts). He added 1,775 rushing yards and eight scores on the ground.

After the UCF product signed with the Rams, he told reporters he understood his role but aimed to regain the status he had in Jacksonville.

"I also expect to be a starter in this league again, and I know it's not going to be here in L.A," Bortles said. "So I'm trying to just better myself. ... And if I get an opportunity to play, great. If not, then I spent a year learning from [Sean] McVay, and being around a really good organization."

Jeff Driskel is expected to take over the Broncos offense in Lock's absence. He completed 18 of 34 attempts for 256 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in relief during Sunday's 26-21 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The backup role is unsettled. Denver has Brett Rypien, a second-year signal-caller who didn't attempt a pass last season, on the practice squad.

Bortles is in line to give the Broncos a more experienced option behind Driskel.

Denver (0-2) is back in action Sunday when it welcomes Tom Brady and the Bucs (1-1) to Empower Field at Mile High for a Week 3 clash.