Argos trade Arbuckle to Elks

The Toronto Argonauts traded quarterback Nick Arbuckle to the Edmonton Elks, the team announced Tuesday.

As part of the deal, Toronto receives a third-round pick and the rights to Edmonton negotiation-list player Chad Kelly. The draft selection becomes a second-rounder if Arbuckle eventually signs an extension with the Elks.

Arbuckle joined Toronto this year and leaves the club with seven appearances in 2021, including four starts. The 28-year-old has completed 62.7% of his passes while tossing 1,158 yards and five touchdowns against six interceptions this season. He was under center and helped the Argos beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for their best win of the year in August.

Arbuckle won the Argos' starting job over McLeod Bethel-Thompson during the first month of the regular season but lost it weeks later after suffering a hamstring injury. Toronto, which ranks second in the East Division with a 6-4 record, is 3-1 over its last four games with Bethel-Thompson under center.

Edmonton acquires Arbuckle just days after trading former starting signal-caller Trevor Harris to the Montreal Alouettes.

The Elks have mostly relied on Taylor Cornelius at quarterback, but the 26-year-old has struggled to meet expectations. He's 0-3 as a starter and has thrown for four touchdowns to six interceptions over nine appearances in 2021.

Edmonton, currently on a five-game losing streak, sits last in the West with a 2-7 record.