QB Collaros subject of trade talks; Ex-NFLer Manziel ruled out after CFL consulted
ARGOS MAY GET BACK QB — OR RIDERS
Hamilton has discussed trading quarterback Zach Collaros with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and received a substantial offer from the Toronto Argonauts, say sources.
Prior to the 29-year-old being benched by new Ticats head coach June Jones, Hamilton was presented with a potential deal from the Argos that would have included three Canadians and a high draft pick. Since Collaros was demoted that proposal fell by the wayside and his trade value has since diminished.
Toronto would be a logical landing spot for Collaros for a number of reasons. Former Ticats offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell, now a receivers coach with the Argos, is known to have a close relationship with his former player. Collaros also played in a Marc Trestman-style offensive system while in Toronto under Scott Milanovich and Marcus Brady, who is still with the club. The latter was the offensive co-ordinator for the Argos in 2013 when Collaros burst onto the CFL scene.
Collaros’ best season came in 2015 when he passed for 3,376 yards, 25 TDs and eight interceptions, completing 70 per cent of his passes. Those numbers were put up in just 12 games before he went down with an ACL injury that ended his year. That’s the kind of ability the Argos believe Collaros still possesses.
The Argos have veteran Ricky Ray at quarterback, but the 37year-old has struggled with injuries the past few seasons — Collaros went 5-2 as a starter for the Argos with Ray sidelined in 2013.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan has an even older pivot as their starter in Kevin Glenn, 38, an ex-Ticat. Even though he’s off to an impressive start this season, the Riders are clearly looking for a quarterback of the future, and recently traded for Vernon Adams.
Current backup Brandon Bridge is a free agent this coming off-season.
Collaros is the highest-paid player in the league this season, with a base salary of $520,000. Sources say his deal for 2017 was front-loaded, but the contract has another year to run.
The 29-year-old has lost 12 straight starts, one short of the CFL record and has been replaced by Jeremiah Masoli for Hamilton’s upcoming Labour Day Classic. Collaros has thrown for 1,743 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions this season with a 62.7 completion rate.
He has been under duress at a higher rate than any other QB in the CFL this season, including 77 pressures.