The Winnipeg Blue Bombers won the Drew Willy trade. The Kevin Glenn one, too.
It’s often tough to draw instant conclusions and make declarative statements without the players involved playing a single snap of football but getting a first round pick for a back up quarterback with a hefty starter’s contract – one that’s even more onerous next season – is an unqualified success for Winnipeg general manager Kyle Walters. The addition of promising young defensive back T.J. Heath and a mid-round 2018 pick is simply extra gravy on an already decadent dish.
Which isn’t to say the move doesn’t make sense for the Argonauts. They are still very much in the thick of the East Division turtle race, particularly after their win over the Ticats on Sunday. They clearly feel good about their team and have faith in head coach Scott Milanovich’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer. With Ricky Ray now well into his injury-prone golden years, they need a quarterback right now and for the future. It’s possible – and only possible – that Willy fits both bills.
There’s some pressure to win in Toronto. The city is hosting the Grey Cup this year and attendance at BMO Field has been less than stellar. As an organization, the Argonauts could not afford to hope that their cast of unproven, unknown quarterbacks could get them to the playoffs this season. The timing of the deal was a locker room gut punch – Heath had two interceptions on Sunday and they’ve created an instant quarterback controversy – but it does make sense.
That said, it’s risky. If he plays well, Willy might get to keep his massive contract for next season, otherwise he’ll be asked to renegotiate a more cap-friendly deal. Failing that, Willy could be a free agent by next winter and the Argonaut’s will have paid a King’s Ransom for a rental. That the Argonauts have allowed Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris to get away and are now left hoping that Willy can resurrect his career is astonishing.
Back to the Bombers. By shedding Willy and adding Glenn, Winnipeg will see a minor cap savings (though much of Willy’s 2016 money has been paid) and they clarify their slightly awkward quarterback situation: Matt Nichols is the starter, Glenn the back up. Both guys are free agents after the season so the Bombers are without a starting quarterback under contract for 2017 but that’s a problem to sorted out in the off-season when they’ll likely be a couple quality guys available (see Durant, Darian.) And that’s not a new problem: it was pretty clear that Willy was no longer the quarterback of the future in Winnipeg.
Check out this quote from Walters, who hints that Willy was struggling under the pressure.
“Now, I anticipate Drew going to Toronto and getting under Scott and it almost being like a breath of fresh air for him to be, truth be told, away from this media market and the scrutiny he was under. He took it pretty good in the media negatively and it might be good for him and his family to be in a market where he isn’t under the microscope like he was here.”
And the idea of Glenn returning to Winnipeg has a warm and fuzzy feel to it. He’ll come in as the back up, say and do all the right things. He knows how to play the role of veteran leader and earning the trust and affection of his teammates has always been a strong suit. That said, the Bombers are now a hit away from potentially placing their playoff fate in the hands of The Kevin Glenn Experience, which can be a roller coaster ride of happiness and heartbreak. But Willy wasn’t going to inspire much confidence in the Bomber faithful had he been pressed into service – they may actually feel better with Glenn.
@qterback5 one of the greatest leaders I’ve ever played with! Sad day to see him traded away! I’m gonna keep my emotions to myself tho!
— Jovon Johnson (@Mr_Consistent_2) September 12, 2016
It’s the first round pick that clinches it. At a time when Canadian talent has never been more valuable or difficult to find, the Bombers now have a golden bauble in their war chest. There weren’t many around the CFL who felt the Bombers could get a first-rounder for Willy, never mind a first rounder and a bunch of other stuff. No matter how the players involved perform, that pick makes this deal a winner for Winnipeg.
