Redblacks deal for rights to QB Dru Brown, sign Dominique Rhymes

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Looking to take some of the uncertainty out of their need for a starting quarterback, the Ottawa Redblacks may have found their guy.

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And, while it’s not official, it looks like they’ve also hit a home run with the expected signing of receiver Dominique Rhymes.

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On top of that, they’re bringing back another dynamic receiver, Bralon Addison.

Yeah, so it was a big day for the Redblacks.

First things first: The Redblacks announced Thursday they’ve acquired the rights to pending free-agent quarterback Dru Brown from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The price was low. The Redblacks will give the Blue Bombers a fifth-round selection in this year’s CFL Draft. Ottawa will now have exclusive negotiating rights with Brown, who is scheduled to become a free agent on Feb. 13.

In Brown, they’re getting a player who many around the CFL say has what it takes to be a starter.

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The 26-year-old has spent all three of his CFL seasons in Winnipeg, taking a big step ahead last season while filling in for an injured Zach Collaros. Brown won both his starts, completing 62-of-89 passes for 983 yards, nine touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Late last week, the Redblacks reached an agreement to bring back quarterback Jeremiah Masoli on a restructured deal that will pay him a guaranteed $133,800 (with potential incentives on top of that). Dustin Crum, who was elevated into a starting role last season, will be among those also in the quarterback mix.

The Canadian Press’ Dan Ralph reported Rhymes has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with Ottawa. The Redblacks have not yet announced the deal.

Rhymes, who spent three seasons with the B.C. Lions before being released Wednesday, played the first three seasons of his career with the Redblacks and lives in Ottawa in the off-season. 

In 2019 with the Redblacks, he had 65 catches for 1,056 yards. In 2022 with the Lions, he had 85 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns. The report said Rhymes will be paid about $420,000 guaranteed.

Addison bounced back from an Achilles injury, playing eight games for the Redblacks last season, catching 26 passes for 272 yards with a pair of touchdowns. It wasn’t that long ago — 2019 — when he was a CFL all-star, with 1,236 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

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