Redblacks trade Brown, acquire 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 team’s starting quarterback. 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 selection if Brown re-signs with the Bombers for 2027 and plays a certain amount that season. Winnipeg also received a second-round pick in the 2027 CFL Draft, which had previously been traded by Winnipeg to Ottawa.
Redblacks head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed that Brown had asked for his release after Maier was named the starter. Dinwiddie stated that the team was not going to grant an outright release due to their investment in Brown. The trade to Winnipeg was finalized after an offer that the Redblacks found favourable, and it allowed for the acquisition of veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Bethel-Thompson, a veteran quarterback, will join the Redblacks next week due to prior commitments. This means that rookie quarterback Bryson Barnes will serve as the backup to Maier for the upcoming game against the Montreal Alouettes. Barnes, who spent time at Utah and Utah State, was a late addition to the Redblacks’ training camp roster in May. His professional experience includes a preseason appearance 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.
Quarterback dynamics and team strategy
Dinwiddie explained that the decision to name Maier as the starter was based on evaluations during practice, not solely on preseason game performance. While Maier had a strong preseason debut, the offense struggled in a subsequent exhibition game. Brown, in relief during the preseason, completed seven of eight throws for 69 yards and two touchdowns. Dinwiddie indicated that the team sought a quarterback who could push the ball down the field, a quality he believes Maier and now Bethel-Thompson possess.
Brown, who threw for almost 6,500 yards with 32 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions in 24 starts with the Redblacks, has faced questions regarding his arm strength. Dinwiddie acknowledged that arm strength and mechanics were factors in the team’s decision-making. He also noted that Brown’s desire to leave, while not a major distraction, did create some issues regarding his backup role.
Maier expressed support for Brown following the trade, stating, “I love Dru, and I wish Dru the best.” He also welcomed the addition of Bethel-Thompson, emphasizing the importance of quarterback depth for championship-contending teams. Maier views Bethel-Thompson as a player whose game he has respected and looks forward to learning from him.
For the Blue Bombers, acquiring Brown provides a proven backup for Zach Collaros, who missed games due to injury in 2025. Brown previously played for the Bombers, appearing in 38 games across three seasons where he completed 102 of 153 attempts for 1,484 yards, 14 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He started three games during that period, achieving a 2-1 record. Brown signed with Ottawa as a free agent in 2024.
In his first full season as a starter with Ottawa, Brown recorded 3,959 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the team to an 8-6 record. His performance in 2025 saw a decrease in playing time due to injuries, limiting him to 11 games with 2,389 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. The Redblacks made other roster changes, including the release of veteran right tackle Martez Ivory and moving former Ottawa Gee-Gees star Zach Pellehos to that position.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are scheduled to host the Edmonton Elks on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Source: ottawacitizen.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
