The Canadian Press
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts have signed quarterback Nick Arbuckle to a one-year deal.
The move completes a roundabout exchange of quarterbacks between the Argonauts and the Ottawa Redblacks.
The Argonauts cut quarterback Matt Nichols on Sunday, and he was quickly picked up by the Redblacks, who then released Arbuckle.
The moves reunite quarterbacks with familiar coaches. Ottawa head coach Paul LaPolice also coached Nichols in Winnipeg while Toronto first-year head coach Ryan Dinwiddie coached Arbuckle as the Calgary Stampeders quarterbacks coach (2016-19).
Arbuckle reportedly received a $150,000 signing bonus from Toronto. A league source said a reason why Arbuckle was released by the Redblacks was a $150,000 roster bonus he was due Monday.
Ironically, Nichols’ deal with Ottawa reportedly included a $200,000 signing bonus.
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as the signing bonuses were not divulged.
The 27-year-old Arbuckle was acquired by Ottawa from the Calgary Stampeders in January 2020 and the signed an extension with Ottawa, but didn’t suit up in the nation’s capital after that year’s season was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
