Blue Bombers trade Willy to Argos, acquire Glenn from Alouettes

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers felt that it was time to shake things up and finalized not one, but two major moves.

The Bombers have sent quarterback Drew Willy to the Toronto Argonauts in exchange for international linebacker TJ Heath, along with the Argos' first-round pick in the 2017 CFL Draft, and third-round pick in the 2018 CFL Draft, according to CFL.ca.

Winnipeg then made a move to fill the void left by Willy at quarterback, acquiring veteran gunslinger Kevin Glenn from the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for the the Bombers fourth-round pick in the 2018 CFL Draft.

"The opportunity to acquire a first-round pick next year along with a player we have really liked this season in TJ Heath, and an experienced quarterback in Kevin Glenn was something we needed to strongly evaluate," Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said Sunday. "Ultimately, for a variety of factors, we felt this was the right move for our football team, both short and long term. We sincerely thank Drew Willy for his hard work, professionalism, and dedication to our program over the past two plus seasons."

In five games so far this season with the Bombers, Willy is 137-of-191 for 1,473 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. The 29-year-old has not played since being benched in favour of Matt Nichols on July 24.

The Argonauts address a key issue at the quarterback position, after it was revealed Ricky Ray suffered a partially deflated lung that will likely keep him out for the next 4-6 weeks.

Glenn, a sixteen-year veteran in the CFL, makes his return to Winnipeg after making nine starts for the Alouettes this season, going 222-for-314 for 2,547 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Glenn was previously a member of the Bombers from 2004-08, and led the team to the Grey Cup before suffering a broken arm in the East Division final that year.

In TJ Heath, the Bombers acquire a first-year CFL player who played college football for Jacksonville State and previously spent time on the practice squad of a number of NFL franchises, including a spot on the Miami Dolphins active roster in 2014. In 10 games thus far in 2016, Heath recorded 37 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles and five interceptions.

In a strange coincidence, Willy may not have to wait long to exact revenge on his former team. The Argonauts will travel to Winnipeg to take on the Bombers in week 13, and it is very possible that both Willy and Glenn will go head-to-head wearing their new colours.