Blue Bombers acquire QB Glenn from Alouettes, send QB Willy to Argos

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers sent out one quarterback and brought in another with a familiar face on Sunday in two different trades.

Winnipeg traded Drew Willy to the Argonauts for Toronto’s first-round pick in the 2017 draft, the Argos’ third-round pick in the 2018 draft, and defensive back T.J. Heath.

The Bombers also traded their fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft to Montreal in exchange for quarterback Kevin Glenn, who will replace Willy behind starter Matt Nichols.

“The opportunity to acquire a first-round pick next year along with a player we have really liked this season in T.J. Heath, and an experienced quarterback in Kevin Glenn was something we needed to strongly evaluate,” said Bombers general manager Kyle Walters.

“Ultimately, for a variety of factors, we felt this was the right move for our football team, both short and long term. We sincerely thank Drew Willy for his hard work, professionalism and dedication to our program over the past two plus seasons.”

The Bombers have won six straight games since Nichols took over as their starter, making Willy expendable.

Willy began his CFL career with Saskatchewan in 2012 and was traded to Winnipeg on Feb. 6, 2014.

Glenn is a veteran of 16 CFL seasons, including five with Winnipeg from 2004 to 2008. He started nine games with Montreal this season, completing 222 of his 314 passes for 2,547 yards, 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Glenn has played 250 career games, throwing for 48,766 yards and 270 touchdowns. He has led two teams to Grey Cup appearances, including one with Winnipeg in 2007.

He sits third on the Bombers all-time passing yardage list at 18,116 and fifth on the club’s all-time passing touchdowns list.

Heath is in his first CFL season, having played in 10 games (nine starts) for Toronto.

He had a team-high five interceptions and 37 defensive tackles with the Argos. His five interceptions are tied for the league lead with Bombers linebacker Maurice Leggett.

Heath signed with Toronto in May 2016 after stints in the NFL with Jacksonville, Buffalo, Cleveland, Miami and New York Giants.