The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have reacquired quarterback Dru Brown in a trade with the Ottawa RedBlacks, the team announced on Tuesday. The deal, finalized on June 23, 2026, brings Brown back to the club where he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons as a backup before signing with Ottawa as a free agent in 2024.
Trade Details and Player Background
Financial terms and draft pick compensation were not disclosed, but sources confirmed the Bombers sent a combination of future draft picks to the RedBlacks. Brown, 28, returns to Winnipeg after a season and a half in Ottawa, where he started 12 games, completing 68.2% of his passes for 3,214 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He led the RedBlacks to a 7-5 record as a starter in 2025 but was sidelined early in the 2026 season with a minor shoulder injury.
Brown originally joined the Blue Bombers in 2022 after a stint with the Toronto Argonauts. In Winnipeg, he served as the primary backup to Zach Collaros, appearing in 10 games over two seasons and throwing for 456 yards and three touchdowns.
Impact on Both Teams
The trade addresses Winnipeg's need for a reliable backup after Collaros, 36, missed two games in 2025 with a knee issue. The Blue Bombers have relied heavily on Collaros, the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2023, but Brown provides proven starting experience. “Dru knows our system and our culture,” said Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea in a statement. “He’s a competitor who can step in and win games. We’re thrilled to have him back.”
For Ottawa, the move signals a commitment to younger quarterbacks. The RedBlacks have 2025 draft pick Tyrell Thompson and veteran Nick Arbuckle on the roster. “This trade allows us to build for the future,” said RedBlacks general manager Shawn Burke. “We thank Dru for his contributions and wish him well in Winnipeg.”
Brown's Reaction and Future Role
Brown expressed excitement about returning to Winnipeg. “I loved my time here the first time,” he said. “The fans are incredible, and I know the coaching staff well. I’m ready to help this team win another Grey Cup.” The Bombers have reached the Grey Cup in each of the last six seasons, winning in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Brown is expected to serve as the primary backup to Collaros for the remainder of the 2026 season.
