Bombers acquire QB Dru Brown

VictorRomano · June 23, 2026, 10:27:46 PM

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/06/23/3-takeaways-from-the-dru-brown-trade/

Blue Bombers acquire quarterback Dru Brown in trade with Ottawa

WINNIPEG, MB., June 23, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has acquired quarterback Dru Brown and a second round pick in the 2027 CFL Draft (previously traded by Winnipeg to Ottawa), in exchange for Winnipeg's first round selection in 2027 and a second round selection in 2028 (conditional).

Brown (5-11, 200; Oklahoma State; born: March 21, 1997, in Palo Alto, CA) first came to the CFL with the Blue Bombers in 2021 and spent three seasons with the club, appearing in 38 games over that span and going 2-1 in his three starts while also being a member of the 2021 Grey Cup championship team.

His negotiating rights were traded to Ottawa on January 18, 2024, before he became a free agent and after signing with the RedBlacks he was the team's starter in 2024-25.

Brown appeared in 11 games with Ottawa in 2025 and completed 71.5 percent of his passes for 2,389 yards with 14 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. In his first season with Ottawa the team was 8-6 in his 14 starts and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2018 as he threw for 3,959 yards and 18 touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

In 2023, his last season in Winnipeg before heading to Ottawa, Brown set a CFL record for the most touchdown passes thrown without an interception in a season with nine.

The Blue Bombers first signed Brown on March 11, 2020, but the 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He made his debut in 2021.

Brown split his college days between the College of San Mateo (2015), Hawaii (2016-17) and Oklahoma State (2018-19). He was named the MVP of the 2016 Hawaii Bowl after leading Hawaii to a win over Middle Tennessee.

Sir Blue and Gold · June 23, 2026, 10:29:32 PM

Ummm...why?

Pete · June 23, 2026, 10:32:00 PM

Gives us some real depth at qb, nearly every team ly needed the backup for a number of games. Given our history lately with 1st round picks its not too high a price

gobombersgo · June 23, 2026, 10:32:09 PM

Its a good idea to grab him for the future if this is Zach's last season. Just surprised they do it now.

Blueforlife · June 23, 2026, 10:34:45 PM

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on June 23, 2026, 10:29:32 PMUmmm...why?

Have you heard of the term succession planning? Have you heard of the term insurance policy?

Umm..why not?

Absolutely fantastic trade. Good day to be a Bomber fan. The son is back and the teacher is waiting to finish his training.

The Zipp · June 23, 2026, 10:35:07 PM

hopefully it doesn't mean Zach is hurt.

Blueforlife · June 23, 2026, 10:41:15 PM

Quote from: The Zipp on June 23, 2026, 10:35:07 PMhopefully it doesn't mean Zach is hurt.

1st thing my buddy thought

My happy meter will be 110% as long as Zach is ok
My confidence meter just went from a B to an A for this club mid term

I always loved Dru. I think a bigger question wil be is he hurt and can remain healthy mid term.

Quote from: Pete on June 23, 2026, 10:32:00 PMGives us some real depth at qb, nearly every team ly needed the backup for a number of games. Given our history lately with 1st round picks its not too high a price

Price was reasonable

Jesse · June 23, 2026, 10:42:08 PM

DRUSKI!

I don't know how they fit him on the roster - or what this means for Elgersma. But ultimately, you bring good players in and let them figure it out on the field.

towelie · June 23, 2026, 10:45:11 PM

Lots of possibilities here i guess.

Collaros might be playing through something the team is a little concerned about and want a more proven/ready backup if he can't go.

They want to contend this year and want to give Elgersma more time to learn the ropes and not throw him in if Zac gets hurt.

Maybe they're having some doubts about the overall ceiling of Elgersma and this move not only gives us depth this year but locks down a good qb that can take over as starter next season (assuming ZC retires).

3rdand1.5 · June 23, 2026, 10:46:10 PM

That is a massive insurance policy behind Zach!

Pete · June 23, 2026, 10:46:14 PM

the risk is that Brown is on a one year contract so if hes in our succession plan we need to extend him

Jesse · June 23, 2026, 10:47:51 PM

Quote from: Pete on June 23, 2026, 10:46:14 PMthe risk is that Brown is on a ne year contract so if hes in our succession plan we need to extend him

That probably isn't the main reason he's here. We don't have a back-up plan and the FA QBs were garbage so we kinda had to put Elgersma in that role which he completely isn't ready for.

3rdand1.5 · June 23, 2026, 10:49:56 PM

one more thing Ott must be looking around maybe at Arbuckle?? They can't role with Mair can they??

VictorRomano · June 23, 2026, 10:50:43 PM

Quote from: Jesse on June 23, 2026, 10:42:08 PMDRUSKI!

I don't know how they fit him on the roster - or what this means for Elgersma.

I suspect Perkins best be looking over his shoulder.

Jesse · June 23, 2026, 10:52:23 PM

Quote from: VictorRomano on June 23, 2026, 10:50:43 PMI suspect Perkins best be looking over his shoulder.

He's the short yardage guy. He's not going anywhere. I bet Elgersma is on the reserve roster.