Edmonton Elks Trade McLeod Bethel-Thompson for Cody Fajardo in Big Quarterback Swap
In a major move that is sure to shake up the Canadian Football League, the Edmonton Elks have acquired veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo from the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for McLeod Bethel-Thompson. This trade, announced on December 17, 2024, is a pivotal moment for both teams, with each acquiring a player with significant experience and leadership capabilities.
Cody Fajardo, a seasoned quarterback with eight years of experience in the CFL, has spent the past two seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, where he played a crucial role in their success. Notably, he was named the 2023 Grey Cup MVP after leading his team to a dramatic 28-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. During the 2024 season, Fajardo threw for 3,105 yards and 16 touchdowns across 14 games. Despite his impressive performance, the Alouettes' season ended in a tough loss to the Toronto Argonauts in the East Final.
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Fajardo’s track record extends beyond Montreal, having previously played with the BC Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Toronto Argonauts. His extensive CFL experience and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset to the Elks, who were seeking depth and stability at the quarterback position. Ed Hervey, the Elks’ VP of football operations and general manager, emphasized the importance of having multiple reliable quarterbacks, stating that Fajardo would bring "valuable experience" to the team and locker room.
On the other hand, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, who played the 2024 season with the Elks, is heading to Montreal. Bethel-Thompson’s impressive 2024 season saw him throw for 3,748 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, placing him second in the league in these categories. Prior to joining Edmonton, he spent five seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. The Alouettes are excited about the potential Bethel-Thompson brings, particularly as a veteran presence in their locker room. Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia expressed his appreciation for Fajardo’s contributions to Montreal, wishing him success in Edmonton while acknowledging the strength Bethel-Thompson adds to their roster.
In addition to this trade, the Elks recently secured Canadian quarterback Tre Ford on a three-year contract extension, although Ford has seen limited playing time during his first three seasons in Edmonton. This trade between the Elks and Alouettes sets the stage for an intriguing quarterback competition and is a clear sign of both teams' aspirations for a competitive future in the CFL.
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