Marrone expects Bortles to take 'big jump' after signing rich deal

Blake Bortles signed a three-year, $54-million contract in February, and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone expects him to play like a $54-million quarterback come September.

"By being rewarded a contract - like I always tell the players - you get rewarded with that contract, obviously, we expect something in return and we expect you to make a big jump again this year," Marrone said of the pivot Tuesday, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com.

Bortles had been a lightning rod for criticism during most of his first three NFL seasons - and justifiably so - but led Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game in his fourth campaign, and nearly to the Super Bowl.

The quarterback then inked the three-year deal early this offseason, but questions linger about whether he can become anything more than a game manager. The former third overall pick threw for 3,687 yards with 21 touchdowns and a career-low 13 interceptions in 2017.

The Jags, loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball, are expected to contend for a championship this season.