The Jacksonville Jaguars got the quarterback they desired.
Chad Henne agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the team, a source informed of the process told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport on Friday. Fox Sports first reported the news.
Rapoport added that the deal includes $4.5 million guaranteed, according to a source who has seen the contract. The maximum value on Henne's deal is up past $15 million if he starts and the team makes the playoffs. Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said in a Friday conference call that his mindset is that Henne will be the team's No. 1 quarterback and should start in Week 1.
General manager Dave Caldwell said throughout the process that he wanted to retain Henne, who started 13 games in 2013.
The Jags targeted bringing back Henne as a veteran presence and a quarterback who could bridge the gap for their future franchise signal-caller.Â
According to Rapoport, Henne would have garnered interest from other teams, including the Houston Texans, had he chosen to test the market.
This shouldn't affect Jacksonville's draft plans. (If Henne changed the No. 3 pick of the draft, something is seriously wrong.) All it really says is that the Jaguars like Henne better than the other mediocre free-agent quarterbacks out there. No shame in that.
Owner Shad Khan indicated his team would draft at least one quarterback this year. Retaining Henne as the stopgap allows Jacksonville the opportunity to sit a young quarterback if he isn't ready to start from the get-go.
The move also is one more indicator that Blaine Gabbert's days in Jacksonville are coming to a close. The Jaguars have spoken kindly of the former first-round draft pick, but their actions have spoken louder. Gabbert would count $3.8 million against Jacksonville's salary cap if cut, but the team has plenty of cap space. A split is likely best for both sides.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" talks the latest news, Jimmy Graham and the best fits in free agency. *
