Redblacks trade QB Brown to Winnipeg, sign veteran Bethel-Thompson
Dru Brown requested a move after losing his starting job at training camp. Ottawa receives first-round 2027 pick and second-rounder in 2028.
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The winless Ottawa Redblacks made significant moves in their quarterback room Tuesday, trading away Dru Brown and acquiring McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who previously played for head coach Ryan Dinwiddie when both were with the Toronto Argos in 2022.
Brown was sent to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2027 CFL draft and a second in 2028. The Redblacks included the 2027 second-round pick they had acquired from the Blue Bombers in a draft-day deal two months ago. Brown, according to a source, asked to be moved after he lost his starting job to Jake Maier before even taking a snap at training camp.
The 29-year-old from Palo Alto, California, began his CFL career in Winnipeg as a backup quarterback for three seasons. Over two seasons as Ottawa's starter, he compiled a 10-13 record while dealing with injuries.
Bethel-Thompson, 37, was unemployed before signing with Ottawa. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder dressed for 15 games and started eight last season with the Montreal Alouettes, completing 155 of 243 passes for a 82.1 efficiency rating, with nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions. He was with Toronto in 2022 before losing his starting job to Chad Kelly, who led the Argos to a 44-24 win over the Redblacks on Saturday. The Redblacks return to practice Wednesday and will face the Alouettes in Montreal on Sunday.