Former Hamilton Tiger-Cats Henry Burris signs with Ottawa Redblacks
Burris was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last week after the club signed Zach Collaros
The expansion Ottawa Redblacks made a splash on the CFL's free-agent market Tuesday, signing veteran quarterback Henry Burris.
The move ends a whirlwind six days for the 38-year-old Burris, who was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last week after the club signed Zach Collaros to be their starting quarterback.
"I'm very excited to make Ottawa my next CFL home," Burris said in a statement. "I've heard many great things about the new stadium and how people are getting pumped about football coming back to Ottawa. I'm really looking forward to being part of that scene."
The Ottawa move comes as a bit of surprise given the Redblacks selected former Calgary Stampeders quarterback Kevin Glenn with the first pick in December's expansion draft to help stock the CFL's ninth franchise.
Burris led the Tiger-Cats to last season's Grey Cup, where Hamilton fell 45-23 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was tops in the league with 4,925 passing yards in 2013 to go along with 24 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
"Henry's credentials speak for themselves. His addition to our team's depth chart is a major step for our team and our organization," said Redblacks general manager Marcel Desjardins. "Henry is a true professional both on and off the field and we all know that he will be ready to compete when our training camp begins this spring."
Burris one of four QB's on roster
Ottawa will be Burris' fourth CFL team after stops with Calgary, Saskatchewan and Hamilton. He won two Grey Cups during his time with the Stampeders and was named the game's MVP in 2008.
In 15 CFL seasons, the native of Spiro, Oklahoma, ranks fourth all-time in regular-season passing yards (51,529), touchdown passes (324) and completions (3,672).
It remains to be seen what the move for Burris means for the 34-year-old Glenn, who was expected to be Ottawa's starter heading into training camp. Glenn split time under centre with the Stampeders last season, finishing with 2,710 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Burris and Glenn are joined on the Redblacks' quarterback depth chart by Thomas DeMarco, who was also taken in the expansion draft, and Matt Faulkner.
The Redblacks are the CFL's third attempt at a franchise in Ottawa. The Rough Riders folded in 1996 after 120 years of operation. The expansion Renegades began play in 2002, but folded after just four seasons.