BC Lions' quarterback Mike Reilly looks to throw a pass during the first half of their CFL football game against the Calgary Stampeders in Calgary, Alberta, October 26, 2012Reuters
The Edmonton Eskimos may have solved their quarterbacking issue.
The Eskimos acquired pending free-agent passer Mike Reilly from the B.C. Lions on Thursday, and he promptly signed a new contract with the team. As part of the deal, the two teams also exchanged second-round selections in this year's Canadian college draft. (B.C. now has the 11th overall selection in exchange for the 14th overall selection). The Lions also acquired Edmonton's second-round selection in the 2014 draft.
"I was approached by Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey seeking permission to talk to Mike before the free agency period began," said Lions' vice-president of football operations and GM Wally Buono, "and in light of Mike's desire to explore opportunities to become a starting quarterback, I believed a trade was doable."
Hervey said, "Mike has the chance to be an elite quarterback in this league. This is a step toward stabilizing our quarterback position."
Reilly joins the Eskimos after three seasons with the Lions where he completed 55 of 77 passes with four touchdowns. He also carried the ball 34 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
The Eskimos' other quarterbacks are Matt Nichol, who is coming off an ankle injury, and veteran Kerry Joseph.