JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars acquired a backup quarterback Wednesday.
By doing so, they addressed a lingering roster need with a young player with a half a season of NFL starting experience.
Cody Kessler, a backup quarterback with the Cleveland Browns last season, on Wednesday was acquired by the Jaguars in exchange for a conditional seventh-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. The teams announced the deal Wednesday afternoon.
"We are excited about the opportunity to add Cody as depth to our quarterback position," Jaguars General Manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement. "Despite being just 24 years old, Cody has already seen NFL game action. From our research and through getting to know Cody during the draft process, we know he is a smart, tough and competitive young man and we expect him to be a great addition to our quarterback and offensive meeting rooms."
Kessler (6-feet-1, 215) started eight games for the Browns in 2016.
The Jaguars had been without a backup quarterback to starter Blake Bortles since former backup Chad Henne signed as an unrestricted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 16.
The Jaguars in late February signed Bortles to a contract extension through 2020.
