Henne: Chance to mentor Bortles was main reason to stay with Jaguars

Chad Henne, who will remain Blake Bortles' backup for at least two more seasons after signing a new contract Thursday with the Jacksonville Jaguars, said his relationship with the young passer played a big part in his decision to stay.

Henne said that while he had outside offers, he'd likely never again be given an extended starting role with any team, so it felt right to remain in Jacksonville with Bortles.

"There was always opportunities, like I said, to kind of venture out, kind of jump out and play again," Henne said, according to Mike DiRocco of ESPN. "Really, there's not that many opportunities like that out there and those teams that needed a quarterback are most likely going to be in the same situation - draft a quarterback - and then I’d be in that same position again.

"Why not be here where I feel comfortable and love working with Blake?"

Henne hasn't played since Bortles was given the starting job early in the 2014 season, but he remains one of the league's most dependable backups. Having a quality backup is important to the development of a young quarterback, and Bortles made major strides in 2015 with Henne's guidance.

"I think in my mind right now, I see him work each and every day and I feel like I have a good work ethic, but this kid really wants to get better and has the drive and has the right attitude," Henne said. "When you work with somebody like that, kind of similar to your work ethic, you want to be around that because you two can tie together and be together all the time.

"… I just really think we study well together. We’re always together, whether we’re in the film room or on the field doing footwork. Just bits and pieces. Anything he wants to ask me - defenses, different coverages, reads - we’re a culminating factor together. It’s just a great relationship and that’s why I wanted to be back here."