The Ticats have acquired the 10th overall selection in the 2018 CFL draft from the Riders in exchange for quarterback Zach Collaros.
“I am happy for Zach to land on his feet with a chance to be on a good team that can compete for a championship, and not a rebuilding situation,” said June Jones, Hamilton head coach in a press release.
“As I said during the season, Zach was put into a difficult situation, as was I, and he handled himself as a true pro. He came to work every day and tried to be the best he could be. Zach was an asset to me and our team in the areas he could control. There is no question in my mind had he gotten his chance again to play for me, he would have been successful. I saw enough in practice and witnessed his work ethic to know he is a tough kid and a winner. As I told him, this is a business. Zach understands the game, and the business. I wish him all the best and so does everyone in our organization.”
Collaros has lost 12 straight starts dating back to 2016, one short of the CFL record. He completed 62.7 per cent of his passes for 1,743 yards with eight touchdowns (lowest among the league’s starters at the time) and seven interceptions in 2017.
Hamilton ranked last in the CFL in points scored (148), possession time (25 minutes. 54 seconds), passing yards (1,888), rushing yards (459) and net offence (269 per game) at the time Collaros was benched. But the Ticats did give up 21 sacks and 77 pressures while Collaros was at the helm.
In 59 career CFL games with the Argos (2012-13) and Ticats (2014-17), Collaros has accumulated 1,127 pass completions on 1,694 attempts (66.5%) for 13,759 yards, 83 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.
