Bombers, Argos have discussed trade for Zach Collaros

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Argonauts have discussed the possibility of a trade involving quarterback Zach Collaros.

Michael “Pinball” Clemons has taken over as general manager of the Argos. Clemons succeeds Jim Popp who was fired from the role. According to sources, Winnipeg made an offer for Collaros but Toronto countered with James Franklin. The double blue have been trying to extend Collaros’ contract beyond 2019.

The 31-year-old quarterback was placed on the six-game injured list by Saskatchewan following a head shot he sustained from Tiger-Cats’ linebacker Simoni Lawrence in Week 1. Collaros failed concussion protocol and has been sidelined ever since, but he is now healthy and cleared to play.

The Argos traded a 2020 fourth-round pick to the Riders for Collaros in July. The fourth-round pick can possibly become a second-round pick depending on playing time and extension clauses. The asking price for Collaros was a first or second-round draft pick.

The veteran quarterback missed four games in 2018 due to concussions. Collaros sat out three games due to a head injury in 2016 and missed time in 2014 after suffering a concussion while with Hamilton. The Ticats traded Collaros to Saskatchewan in January 2018 and the Riders re-signed him to an incentive-laden deal for the 2019 season.

Collaros passed for 2,999 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games a year ago while producing a 10-4 win-loss record for Saskatchewan. In 59 games with the Argos (2012-13) and Ticats (2014-17), Collaros threw for 13,759 yards while completing 66.5 percent for 83 touchdowns and 38 interceptions.

The Bombers are in need of a quarterback with Matt Nichols out due to a season-ending shoulder injury and Chris Streveler struggling. Streveler has a 2-4 win-loss record since Nichols was sidelined, including a three-game losing streak which has dropped Winnipeg to 9-6 and out of first place in the West Division.

Collaros is viewed as a veteran who can come in, learn the offence quickly and be productive.