Another CFL quarterback is on the move with Nick Arbuckle heading to Edmonton. In return, the Elks will receive a conditional 2022 third round pick. They will also gain the negation rights to American quarterback Chad Kelly. Kelly is the nephew of former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly. The draft pick will become a second round pick if Arbuckle resigns with Edmonton. Arbuckle was signed by Toronto to be the starter, but ultimately it did not work out.
Why Trade Him Now?
That’s certainly a fair question to ask. Edmonton is out of it with a 2-7 record and last place standing in the west. There is no chance the Elks can get back in the race this year. This seems like a move for the future. Taylor Cornelius had been the starting QB when Trevor Harris got moved, but Arbuckle has more starting experience. Arbuckle is the only QB to get a win over the Blue Bombers this season edging them out in week two. Injuries limited his playing time which made the Argos feel like it would be best to go back to McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Arbuckle has 1,158 passing yards with a 5/6 TD-INT ratio so far along with two rushing touchdowns.
This Isn’t A First
Zach Collaros was a mid season addition to that helped the Bombers win it all in 2019. When Matt Nichols got hurt and Chris Streveler wasn’t getting the job done, Collaros was acquired from Hamilton. Even with the missed year due to the pandemic, he is playing lights out football. Good quarterback play is a huge reason why Winnipeg is the best team in the CFL right now. Edmonton will need that to get back on track as they build towards next year.
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