Resigned to the fact that they were going to lose him in free agency anyway, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers traded promising quarterback Dru Brown’s rights to the Ottawa Redblacks on Wednesday.
The Redblacks were rumoured to be targeting Brown, who let it be known to the Bombers that he wanted to go to a team where he could compete for a starting job. Brown is scheduled to become a free agent on Feb. 13, but will surely sign with the Redblacks before then.
He performed admirably for the Bombers in 2023, while serving as the backup to star quarterback Zach Collaros.
Brown went 2-0 in the games he started and also led the Bombers to a comeback win after entering the game when they were down 22-0 against the Edmonton Elks.
He put up stellar numbers on the season, completing 69.7% of his passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns, with zero interceptions.
Brown was with the Bombers for three seasons, including two as the primary backup to Collaros. He dressed for 18 games in both 2022 and 2023.
In Winnipeg, he was stuck behind two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player Collaros, who has two more seasons on his contract.
The Bombers have reportedly had talks with quarterback Chris Streveler, who played for them in 2018 and 2019 and helped them win a Grey Cup but has been bouncing around the NFL since 2020.
Though they would need to work some salary magic to make it happen, they could look at him in a role as a true backup and short-yardage quarterback in 2024.
The Bombers also still have 28 potential free agents, with the Feb. 13 deadline for re-signing fast approaching.
Among those unsigned at the moment are running back Brady Oliveira, who led the CFL in rushing and yards from scrimmage and was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 2023, and standout receiver Dalton Schoen.
Both are expected to command upwards of $200,000 next season.
Brown will join a crowded quarterback room in Ottawa, but could have the inside track on a starting job.
Jeremiah Masoli was expected to be Ottawa’s starter for a few years, but he suffered a torn Achilles last season and is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign.
He recently restructured his contract and is aware that there will be a quarterback competition under the eye of head coach Bob Dyce at training camp.
The Redblacks also still have Dustin Crum, who showed flashes as the starter for much of last season, and Tyree Adams, who had one good game before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
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