Redblacks trade Brown, sign Bethel-Thompson
The Ottawa Redblacks have traded quarterback Dru Brown to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This move comes after Brown reportedly requested his release from the Redblacks a month ago, following the decision to name Jake Maier as the starting quarterback. Redblacks head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed that Brown wanted to go elsewhere. The trade involved Ottawa acquiring a first-round selection in 2027 and a conditional second-round selection in 2028 from Winnipeg. The conditional pick would become a first-round pick if Brown re-signs with the Bombers for 2027 and plays a certain amount that season.
In a related move, the Redblacks announced the signing of American quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Bethel-Thompson, an eight-season CFL veteran, previously played with Dinwiddie when they won a Grey Cup in Toronto in 2022. He spent last season with the Montreal Alouettes. Dinwiddie expressed enthusiasm for Bethel-Thompson’s addition, highlighting his experience and competitive nature.
Brown’s history and departure from Ottawa
Brown initially joined the Redblacks as a free agent in 2024. Before his time in Ottawa, he broke into the CFL with the Bombers in 2021, appearing in 38 games over three seasons. During that period, he completed 102 of 153 attempts for 1,484 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions, starting three games with a 2-1 record. His negotiating rights were sent to Ottawa on January 18, 2024.
In his first full season as a starter, Brown recorded 3,959 yards and 18 touchdowns with 10 interceptions, going 8-6. In 2025, injuries limited him to 11 games, where he had 2,389 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Dinwiddie, who was hired as the Redblacks’ new head coach and general manager this off-season, brought in Maier and named him the starter.
Dinwiddie indicated that Brown’s desire to leave contributed to the trade. He noted that while Brown did his best to support Maier, he wanted to go to another team, and the trade provided that opportunity. Dinwiddie also mentioned that the team had invested money in Brown and sought avenues to address the situation.
Quarterback situation for the Redblacks
With Bethel-Thompson committed to prior engagements in the U.S., he will not join the Redblacks until next week. This means rookie quarterback Bryson Barnes will serve as the backup to Maier for the upcoming game in Montreal against the Alouettes. Barnes, who spent four seasons at Utah and two at Utah State, was a late addition to the Redblacks’ training camp roster in May.
Barnes’ only professional experience so far was a preseason relief appearance against the Alouettes, where he completed 10 of 13 passes for 144 yards and carried the ball three times for 22 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown run. Dinwiddie expressed confidence in Barnes, noting his sharp performance in practice and his ability to use his legs, which will be utilized for short-yardage snaps.
Maier, the current starting quarterback, expressed his well wishes for Brown, stating, “I love Dru, and I wish Dru the best.” He also welcomed the addition of Bethel-Thompson, recognizing the importance of quarterback depth for championship-winning teams. Maier emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to play quarterback for the team and his commitment to working hard every day.
Bethel-Thompson’s CFL career includes seven seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, and Montreal Alouettes. He has completed 1,598 of 2,394 passes for 18,755 yards, with 103 touchdowns and 69 interceptions. He is a two-time CFL East Division All-CFL quarterback and a two-time Grey Cup champion with the Argonauts, winning his second championship with Dinwiddie in 2022.
The Redblacks will monitor the status of several players, including receiver Geno Lewis, who is dealing with a shoulder issue, safety Alonzo Addae, defensive back Bennett Williams, and linebacker Brian Cole II. The team also released veteran right tackle Martez Ivey and moved former Ottawa Gee-Gees star Zach Pellehos back to that position on the offensive line.
The Bombers, with a 1-1 record, are scheduled to host the Edmonton Elks, who are 2-0, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
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Source: ottawacitizen.com
