Ottawa's quarterback situation has taken a dramatic turn, with the Redblacks making back-to-back moves that reshape the depth chart heading into the 2025 CFL season.
The team has acquired veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson while sending Dru Brown packing to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — a move that, according to a source, Brown himself had requested after losing his starting job to Jake Maier before throwing a single snap at training camp.
A Bruising Start for Brown
It was a tough camp for Brown, who came into the 2025 season with legitimate starting aspirations. The former Oregon State signal-caller had shown flashes of promise but was overtaken by Maier during the early going in Ottawa. Rather than settle into a backup role, Brown reportedly asked for a fresh start elsewhere — and the Redblacks obliged, facilitating the trade to Winnipeg.
Being leapfrogged before the regular season even begins stings, but Brown lands in a solid situation with the Blue Bombers, one of the CFL's most consistent franchises. Whether he gets an opportunity to compete for playing time in Winnipeg remains to be seen.
Bethel-Thompson Brings Experience
In return, Ottawa lands Bethel-Thompson, a seasoned CFL pivot with significant starting experience. The California native has bounced around the league over the years and brings the kind of veteran savvy that can stabilize a quarterback room — even as a backup.
For a Redblacks team building around Maier, having an experienced hand like Bethel-Thompson on the roster is a sensible insurance policy. If Maier struggles or gets nicked up during the long CFL grind, Ottawa now has a credible option waiting in the wings rather than scrambling.
Maier's Moment
The bigger story here may be what this signals about the Redblacks' confidence in Maier. By moving Brown — a player who clearly wanted to start — and bringing in Bethel-Thompson in a backup capacity, the organization is making a clear statement: Jake Maier is their guy.
Maier, who found his footing in the CFL after time with Calgary, will carry the Redblacks' offensive hopes through 2025. Ottawa hasn't been to a Grey Cup since their 2016 championship, and the pressure is on to build something sustainable under head coach Bob Dyce.
What It Means for Ottawa Fans
For Redblacks fans at TD Place this season, the quarterback carousel finally appears to have stopped spinning — at least for now. A settled QB1 in Maier, backed by the experience of Bethel-Thompson, gives Ottawa's offense a clearer identity heading into week one.
The Redblacks open their 2025 regular season schedule in the coming weeks. Whether Maier can deliver on the faith the organization is placing in him will go a long way toward determining just how far Ottawa can go this year.
Source: Ottawa Citizen
