Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert thought his job as starter was safe when the team opted to not draft a quarterback this year. Instead they addressed needs at the offensive line, seemingly giving a vote of confidence to Gabbert. Well, Gabbert may not be as safe as once presumed. The Jaguars claimed quarterback Mike Kafka off waivers and plan on giving him a real chance at starting.
The New England Patriots released Kafka when the team opted to sign free agent Tim Tebow. Kafka has been in the league for three years after being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010. He only saw playing time in 2011, throwing 16 passes for 107 yards. He has yet to even take a snap for the Jaguars yet and already the team believes he has a fighting chance at being a starter.
General manager Dave Caldwell has been keeping an eye on Kafka for some time. Even when the Patriots had signed the 25-year old, he still held out hope that Kafka would become available. Caldwell is very familiar with Kafka's potential after seeing him replace the injured Michael Vick when the general manager was with the Falcons. Kafka hit 7-of-9 passes for 72 yards in the loss. He believes the quarterback has "just as good an opportunity" to win the job.
Jacksonville's quarterback roster is officially crowded. Along with Kafka is third-year starter Gabbert, Ched Henne and undrafted rookie Matt Scott. Rookie Jordan Rodgers is also with the team, but is sitting out of camp due to injury. Five quarterbacks on the roster does not bode well for at least two player's chances of making the team.
Gabbert might not have the confidence of the team like he is hoping for. The team essentially scouped Kafka off the street and have officially placed him on equal footing as the former first-round pick. Henne knows the quarterback competition currently taking place is very real and every player will be considered despite their draft status.
Jacksonville has been giving Gabbert and Henne equal reps with the first-team offense throughout OTAs and minicamps and that is expected to continue well into training camp. Head coach Gus Bradley knows that a quarterback competition can truly pay off. He watched first hand as Russell Wilson and Matt Flynn battled it out in Seattle. Gabbert may be a first-round pick, but the team is prepared to give the better player the starting job no matter what.