Drew Willy didn't live up to expectations, Bombers say after trade
Bombers acquired Kevin Glenn, TJ Heath in trades with Toronto, Montreal
A day after shipping quarterback Drew Willy east in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts, Winnipeg Blue Bombers management say the 29-year-old didn't live up to expectations on the field.
"Drew will go into Toronto and get a fresh start and I think he can have a long successful career in the CFL," Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said Monday.
"Here in Winnipeg it just looked like it wasn't going to happen this year. And when we moved over to Matt and the success that he has had, I think it was just evident that we are going to go in a different direction."
The Bombers sent Willy to the Argos (5-6) Sunday in exchange for defensive back TJ Heath, a first round draft pick in 2017 and a third round pick in 2018.
The Bombers also announced they had reacquired quarterback Kevin Glenn from the Montreal Alouettes (3-8) for a fourth round 2017 draft pick.
Walters said bringing Glenn back into the fold at this point in the season was the right call for the team.
Glenn is back in Blue and Gold for the first time in almost eight years. He quarterbacked the team between 2004 and 2008.
The Bombers (7-4) are riding a six-game winning streak and could really use a reliable second string QB like Glenn heading into playoff season, Walters said.
"Glenn has shown this year the ability to win football games in our league and put up stats and make plays," Walters said. "We are bringing him in as a veteran backup that has been in games before that we think can come in and just solidify that quarterback departure."
Walters said losing Willy will impact the dynamic in the locker room, but noted that everyone on the team is used to seeing friends come and go.
"It is pro football, it is a business and these guys are professionals and they understand it's a business," said Walters.
He said it was a very quick conversation with Willy's agent about the trade. The two see many things eye to eye, he said.
"It was clear that he expected us to honour the contract or be released [from] the contract," Walters said.
"When we signed Drew we believed in Drew. Things change. Unfortunately for all of us, Drew didn't have the success that we all expected."
Bringing 29-year-old Heath into Winnipeg was an attempt to shore up the team's defensive game, Walters said.
"TJ provides some depth; he's a good football player," Walters said.
The Bombers next game is Saturday in Winnipeg against Heath's former team in the Argos.