Jacksonville Jaguars

Blake Bortles hoping Jaguars re-sign backup QB Henne

Published Jan. 4, 2016 11:52 p.m. ET

foxsports

As the Jacksonville Jaguars head into the offseason, quarterback Blake Bortles is hoping the team is able to hang on to his backup, Chad Henne.

With Bortles firmly entrenched as the Jaguars' starter and Henne headed for free agency, the veteran backup may head elsewhere for the chance to compete for more playing time. Henne started 22 games for Jacksonville between 2012-14 before giving way to Bortles early last season.

The eight-year veteran didn't take a snap for the Jaguars in 2015, but Bortles praised Henne's mentorship over the last two seasons.

“He has become a really good friend,” Bortles said, via the team's official website. “He’s really been good for me on the field and off the field. I’ve learned a ton from him as both a football player and as a man. I’ve cherished the relationship that we’ve had and the things we’ve done. That’s obviously up to (head coach) Gus Bradley and (general manager) Dave Caldwell and everybody, but I’d love to have him back for sure.”

The 30-year-old Henne's last playing time came in Jacksonville's 44-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 21, 2014. He spent the past four seasons with Jaguars after starting his career with the Miami Dolphins.