By Canadian Press

Argonauts sign quarterback Nick Arbuckle after his release from Redblacks

Feb 1, 2021 | 9:00 AM

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have signed quarterback Nick Arbuckle to a one-year deal.

The move completes a roundabout exchange of quarterbacks between the Argonauts and the Ottawa Redblacks.

The Argonauts cut quarterback Matt Nichols on Sunday, and he was quickly picked up by the Redblacks, who then released Arbuckle.

The moves reunite quarterbacks with familiar coaches. Ottawa head coach Paul LaPolice also coached Nichols in Winnipeg while Toronto first-year head coach Ryan Dinwiddie coached Arbuckle as the  Calgary Stampeders quarterbacks coach (2016-19).

Arbuckle reportedly received a $150,000 signing bonus from Toronto. A league source said a reason why Arbuckle was released by the Redblacks was a $150,000 roster bonus he was due Monday.

vehicle damage

Over 40 vehicles damaged during late-night Nanaimo vandalism spree

1h ago

rising costs

RDN taxpayers want relief as board grapples with budget

5h ago

new mayor

Spring Mayoral by-election called in Ladysmith

18h ago

Ironically, Nichols’ deal with Ottawa reportedly included a $200,000 signing bonus.

The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as the signing bonuses were not divulged.

The 27-year-old Arbuckle was acquired by Ottawa from the Calgary Stampeders in January 2020 and the signed an extension with Ottawa, but didn’t suit up in the nation’s capital after that year’s season was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arbuckle won four of seven games as a starter for Calgary in 2019 while star Bo Levi Mitchell was injured.

He completed over 73 per cent of his passes for 2,103 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019, while adding another four scores on the ground.

Arbuckle helped the Stampeders win a Grey Cup in 2018.

Toronto will still be looking to add to its depth at quarterback, as the only one on its roster is Canadian Michael O’Connor.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 1, 2021.

The Canadian Press