Winnipeg Blue Bombers Trade QB Dru Brown to Ottawa Redblacks for Draft Pick
Quarterback Dru Brown is one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the CFL this offseason. Many were wondering if he would move on from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers due to his success in 2023, and they got their answer.
The Bombers announced Thursday they traded Brown to the Ottawa Redblacks in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft.
This is something that has been in the works as Winnipeg general manager Kyle Walters alluded to Brown potentially not being on the team in 2024 during the CFL winter meetings earlier in the month.
We have traded quarterback Dru Brown to the @REDBLACKS in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft. #ForTheW pic.twitter.com/LRU9MEzfCy
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) January 18, 2024
“I believe Dru and his agent want to go to an organization where it’s less about who’s going to pay him the most money. I think it’s more about where he can go and have the best opportunity to compete with the incumbent quarterback or the other guys under contract to play.
“My gut tells me even if the Winnipeg Football Club could afford to match a contract they would think long and hard about the opportunity of where to go.”
The 26-year-old quarterback has been impressive as the Bombers’ backup for the last three seasons. In 2023, Brown started two games and threw for 983 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception, setting the CFL record for most touchdowns thrown without an interception in a season.
His total career numbers in three years are 1,484 passing yards with 14 touchdowns to just two interceptions. He also added 113 rushing yards and five scores in 38 games.
Now with Brown no longer on the team, it could open the door for the Bombers to have more money to spend in free agency. The team already announced the signing of quarterback Eric Barriere as well as wide receivers Cody Case and Tyler Adams to the roster Thursday. It will also open the door in the draft as they have 10 picks coming up.
Ottawa provides Brown with the best chance to start as the team has six quarterbacks on the roster. Jeremiah Masoli appears to be the top challenger for Brown as he is back for another season after restructuring his contract. Dustin Crum and Nick Arbuckle could also compete for a starting job or the backup roles.
With Masoli’s health as a big concern, it leaves the door open for Brown to get his first chance of being a full-time starter in the CFL.
The Redblacks also added six additional players earlier in the week, including four wide receivers and two defensive backs. They also re-signed wide receiver Bralon Addison on Thursday.
Ottawa Redblacks, Jeremiah Masoli Agree to Restructured Deal
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Anthony Miller has been covering professional spring football since 2019 including XFL, USFL, and CFL. He was a local news reporter in Texas before transitioning to sports. Other sites he writes for includes College Football Network and NTZ Network.