Why did the Ottawa Redblacks trade Dru Brown, their starting QB the last two seasons? - Ottawa Citizen
Redblacks trade Dru Brown
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 team’s starting quarterback. Redblacks head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed that Brown had asked for his release on the same day he learned he would not be the starter.
The trade involves Ottawa receiving Winnipeg’s first-round selection in the 2027 CFL Draft and a conditional second-round selection in 2028. In return, the Blue Bombers acquired Brown and a second-round pick in the 2027 CFL Draft, which Winnipeg had previously traded to Ottawa. The condition for the 2028 pick is that it will become a first-round selection if Brown re-signs with the Bombers for 2027 and plays a certain amount that season.
Brown, who previously played for the Blue Bombers, returns to Winnipeg as the backup quarterback behind Zach Collaros. He had signed with Ottawa as a free agent in 2024. Dinwiddie stated that the Redblacks were not going to release Brown outright due to their investment in him, and they sought other avenues to resolve the situation. The offer from Winnipeg was deemed favourable by the Redblacks.
During his time with the Redblacks, Brown made 24 starts, throwing for nearly 6,500 yards, with 32 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions. In 2025, injuries limited him to 11 games, where he recorded 2,389 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Dinwiddie indicated that a factor in the decision was the team’s desire to push the ball downfield, a capability he believes Maier offers.
Maier and Bethel-Thompson’s arrival
Following the trade of Brown, the Redblacks announced the signing of veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Bethel-Thompson, an eight-season CFL veteran, previously won a Grey Cup in Toronto with Dinwiddie in 2022. He played with Montreal last season and was available until Brown’s trade. Due to prior commitments, Bethel-Thompson is not expected to join the Redblacks until next week.
This means that rookie quarterback Bryson Barnes will serve as the backup to Maier for the upcoming game against the Alouettes in Montreal. Barnes, who spent four seasons at Utah and two at Utah State, was a late addition to the Redblacks’ training camp roster in May. His professional experience includes a relief appearance in a preseason game against the Alouettes, where he completed 10 of 13 passes for 144 yards and rushed three times for 22 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown run.
Dinwiddie expressed confidence in Barnes, noting his performance in practice and the preseason. He mentioned that Barnes’ ability to use his legs would be beneficial for short-yardage situations. The decision to name Maier the starter before Brown took a preseason snap was based on evaluations during practice, according to Dinwiddie. Maier had a strong preseason debut against Montreal, completing 16 of 23 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, though the offence struggled in a subsequent exhibition game.
Maier expressed his support for Brown following the trade, stating they had become friends during training camp. He welcomed the addition of Bethel-Thompson, emphasizing the importance of quarterback depth for successful teams. Maier stated that he is grateful for the opportunity to play quarterback for the Redblacks and is focused on his role.
Impact on the Redblacks and Blue Bombers
The trade allows the Redblacks to acquire assets for Brown, who was potentially going to leave in the off-season. Dinwiddie acknowledged that Brown’s reaction to the backup role was a “little bit of a distraction,” and the trade provided him with the opportunity to play elsewhere. The Redblacks had not brought Bethel-Thompson to camp initially because they already had Maier and Brown.
For the Blue Bombers, acquiring Brown provides a proven backup quarterback who can step in if Collaros, who missed four games due to injury in 2025, is unavailable. Currently, rookie Taylor Elgersma is listed as the second-string quarterback, with Bryce Perkins as the third-string. Brown broke into the CFL with the Bombers in 2021, appearing in 38 games over three seasons, completing 102 of 153 attempts for 1,484 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He started three games during that period, with a 2-1 record.
The Blue Bombers sent Brown’s negotiating rights to Ottawa on January 18, 2024, as he sought to advance his career. The Redblacks are also monitoring the status of several players due to injuries, including receiver Geno Lewis, safety Alonzo Addae, defensive back Bennett Williams, and linebacker Brian Cole II. The team has 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 Blue Bombers are scheduled to host the Edmonton Elks on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Source: ottawacitizen.com
