Alouettes trade Grey Cup MVP Fajardo to Elks for rights to Bethel-Thompson in QB swap
Montreal Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) throws a pass during first half CFL football action against the Toronto Argonauts, in Toronto, Friday, June 28, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Veteran quarterbacks Cody Fajardo and McLeod Bethel-Thompson are on the move again.
The Edmonton Elks acquired Fajardo — the 2023 Grey Cup MVP — from the Montreal Alouettes on Tuesday for the rights to Bethel-Thompson, a two-time CFL champion.
Bethel-Thompson completed his first season in Alberta but is slated to become a free agent Feb. 11.
That means Montreal will have until then to negotiate exclusively with Bethel-Thompson, after which the veteran quarterback will be able to entertain all other offers.
The deal essentially is a swap of backup quarterbacks as both teams have recently committed long-term to young starters.
In November, Montreal signed Davis Alexander to a multi-year deal, then earlier this month Edmonton did the same with Canadian Tre Ford.
"Cody is an accomplished CFL quarterback who will bring valuable experience to our locker room and organization," Edmonton general manager Ed Hervey said in a statement. "We believe Cody can help this team and push Tre Ford to be the most successful quarterback he can be."
Fajardo, 32, spent the last two seasons with Montreal, compiling a 16-12-1 record as a starter. He led the Alouettes to the '23 Grey Cup, earning MVP honours in the club's 28-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers after completing 21-of-26 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns.
Fajardo is a nine-year CFL veteran, having also spent time with the Toronto Argonauts, B.C. Lions, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The six-foot-four, 236-pound Bethel-Thompson threw for 3,748 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 16 games with Edmonton last season. He was part of two Grey Cup-winning teams over five seasons with the Toronto Argonauts (2017, 2022).
"McLeod is a veteran in the CFL and he could be a great backup for our team," said Montreal GM Danny Maciocia. "I thank Cody for his two years in Montreal; he has been a true leader both in the locker room and on the field.
"I wish him the best of luck in Edmonton."
Bethel-Thompson spent the '23 season with the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League. He led the league in passing with 2,433 passing yards.
During his time with Toronto (2017-19, 2021-22), Bethel-Thompson, 36, threw for 13,261 yards and 70 touchdowns while starting 46-of-74 games. In 2022, he led the CFL with 4,731 passing yards and had 23 TDs.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 17, 2024.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fall sitting bookended by Liberal byelection losses ends with Trudeau government in tumult
The House of Commons adjourned on Tuesday, bringing an end to an unstable fall sitting that has been bookended by Liberal byelection losses. The conclusion of the fall sitting comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government is in turmoil.
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
B.C. teacher disciplined for refusing to let student use bathroom
A teacher who refused to let a student use the bathroom in a B.C. school has been disciplined by the province's professional regulator.
Most Canadians have heard about Freeland's resignation from Trudeau cabinet, new poll finds
The majority of Canadians heard about Chrystia Freeland's surprise resignation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet, according to a new poll from Abacus Data released Tuesday.
Police chief says motive for Wisconsin school shooting was a 'combination of factors'
Investigators on Tuesday are focused on trying to determine a motive in a Wisconsin school shooting that left a teacher and a student dead and two other children in critical condition.
After investigating Jan. 6, House GOP sides with Trump and goes after Liz Cheney
Wrapping up their own investigation on the Jan. 6 2021 Capitol attack, House Republicans have concluded it's former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney who should be prosecuted for probing what happened when then-President Donald Trump sent his mob of supporters as Congress was certifying the 2020 election.
Wine may be good for the heart, new study says, but experts aren’t convinced
Drinking a small amount of wine each day may protect the heart, according to a new study of Spanish people following the plant-based Mediterranean diet, which typically includes drinking a small glass of wine with dinner.
The Canada Post strike is over, but it will take time to get back to normal, says spokesperson
Canada Post workers are back on the job after a gruelling four-week strike that halted deliveries across the country, but it could take time before operations are back to normal.
Calgary
-
Calgary man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2022 shootings
A Calgary man was sentenced to 16 years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with two 2022 shootings.
-
'Condensed timeline' puts pressure on Calgary council to approve Green Line project
With timelines tightening, Calgary city council is asking for an urgent meeting with the Alberta government to discuss a reworked plan to build a multibillion-dollar light-rail-transit line connecting the city's southeast to downtown.
-
Sexual assault, breach of trust charges laid against former Calgary police officer
Vancouver police say Sgt. Matthew Ball and Const. Ryan Johnston, both of the Central Saanich Police, formed separate "intimate" and "inappropriate" relationships with a woman in her mid-20s they met while on duty.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge businesses counting on a strong holiday shopping season
Local businesses have been seeing plenty more foot traffic over recent weeks, as shoppers head to downtown Lethbridge to pick up holiday gifts.
-
Lethbridge residents react to Canada Post operations resuming
Lethbridge residents will see mail begin moving again, now that Canadian postal workers are heading back to work.
-
Province provides $150K to help fund programs for newcomer youth
Brooks, Alta., officials with the John Ware Youth Empowerment Program are hoping gto help even more young newcomers thanks to a $150,000 grant from the province.
Saskatoon
-
First Nation leaders push to close 'loophole' laws after judge stays fatal THC-impaired driving charge
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) wants to change the Criminal Code of Canada to prioritize victims that are children.
-
'She was fiercely competitive': Saskatoon historic Olympic medal winner honoured
One of Saskatoon’s most famous Olympians finally gets her official recognition — and it’s been almost a century in the making.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Regina
-
Conflict of Interest Commissioner recommends reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill
Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is recommending a reprimand for Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill after finding he broke legislative rules when a company tied to his family participated in government contracts.
-
Chappell Roan 'looking at venues' for possible Sask. show
American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan is expressing some interest towards performing in Saskatchewan – after shouting out the province in a yet to be released song.
-
Sask. local businesses seeing holiday sales dip due to Canada Post strike
Canada Post employees are heading back to work after a month-long dispute – leading many local businesses to breathe a sigh of relief. However, business is not back to usual just yet.
Vancouver
-
City staff recommend demolition for derelict vacant building in downtown Vancouver
The City of Vancouver’s chief building official has deemed a 176-room hotel in the heart of the city’s downtown too derelict and poorly maintained to remain standing.
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
'It's another Hail Mary pass by the Trudeau government': Experts and B.C. businesses react as GST holiday begins
B.C. businesses have been left scrambling to make the federal government's decision to slash GST for the holidays a reality.
Vancouver Island
-
2 B.C. police officers charged with sexual assault
Two officers with a Vancouver Island police department have been charged with the sexual assault of a "vulnerable" woman, authorities announced Tuesday.
-
Langford council votes unanimously in favor of purchasing Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre
Langford city council has voted unanimously in favor of purchasing the Westhills Langford Aquatic Centre for the price of $35 million. The facility's largest tenant is the YMCA/YWCA, which operates the municipality's only public pool.
-
Tofino Harbour Authority closed due to standoff with 'squatter,' agency says
The Tofino Harbour Authority says it has temporarily shuttered its office in the coastal Vancouver Island community due to an escalating standoff with the operator of a so-called "squatter" vessel.
Toronto
-
Two men charged in death of Markham real estate agent as search continues for murder suspect
Two people have been charged in connection with the disappearance and death of a Markham real estate agent whose remains were found in Parry Sound over the summer.
-
2 people seriously injured in Scarborough shooting
Toronto police say two people have been injured in a shooting in Scarborough.
-
Canadian government announces new border security plan amid Donald Trump tariff threats
The federal government has laid out a five-pillared approach to boosting border security, though it doesn't include specifics about where and how the $1.3-billion funding package earmarked in the fall economic statement will be allocated.
Montreal
-
69-year-old woman dies after being struck by city bus in Montreal-North
Montreal police (SPVM) have confirmed that a pedestian has died after a collision with an STM bus in the Montreal-North borough on Tuesday evening.
-
Major fire in Montreal-North apartment building leaves 30 families homeless
The Montreal Fire Service battled a three-alarm fire in Montreal-North on Tuesday evening.
-
Another woman testified against Just for Laughs founder as civil trial continues
The civil lawsuit against Gilbert Rozon, founder of Just for Laughs, continued Monday as nine women seek damages, alleging sexual assault by Rozon.
Atlantic
-
Snow forecast to fall in parts of the Maritimes this week
As rainy and gusty weather clears the Maritimes Tuesday, a round of snow and rain is lined up for late week.
-
Sex-ed group deemed 'inappropriate' by Tory government returns to N.B. schools
A sexual-education group whose presentations were deemed "clearly inappropriate" by the previous New Brunswick Progressive Conservative government has been cleared to return to the province's schools.
-
N.B.'s Horizon Health Network says they've 'planned far more diligently' for holiday season
With both sick and holiday seasons here, New Brunswick's Horizon Health Network say it's prepared heading into the holidays with proactive steps being taken.
Winnipeg
-
'Drastic measures' needed as Manitoba faces $1.3B deficit, experts say
With both Manitoba and Canada facing deficits far exceeding what they had hoped, experts warn drastic measures will be needed but fear Manitobans will be the ones paying.
-
Winnipeg to start exploring the potential of 24-hour firefighter shifts
Firefighters in Winnipeg could one day work around the clock, like they already do in other cities.
-
One arrested following school threats: Winnipeg police
The Winnipeg Police Service is providing more details about three threats made toward two schools Monday and Tuesday, which resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old girl.
Ottawa
-
Inquest jury deems Abdirahman Abdi's death after arrest a homicide, makes recommendations
The jury at a coroner's inquest deemed the 2016 death of an Ottawa man after his violent arrest a homicide, as it made more than 50 recommendations Tuesday aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.
-
Villa Marconi, board refute union allegations about hygiene care
The chair of the board of directors at Villa Marconi, a long-term care facility on Baseline Road, says allegations around supply shortages leading to neglect of resident hygiene are "all false."
-
Ottawa Public Health asking customers of south Ottawa Tim Hortons to monitor for hep A symptoms
Ottawa Public Health is warning residents about a possible risk of exposure to hepatitis A at a local Tim Hortons in the city's south end.
Northern Ontario
-
Two in northern Ont. charged with manslaughter in death of a child
Two people have been charged with manslaughter and other offences in connection with the death of a seven-year-old two years ago in Hearst, Ont.
-
'There's just no rhyme or reason': Sault gun shop owners frustrated by additions to gun ban
The federal government’s recent expansion of its gun buy-back program has frustrated firearm owners and sellers in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
-
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have been harassed by local councillor
Volunteer firefighters in Markstay-Warren say they have had enough of what they call unfair public scrutiny from a local municipal councillor.
Barrie
-
'We've been scammed,' Customers allege floating home company owner left them in limbo after payment
Several customers of a floating home company say their dream of living on the water has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
-
New taser technology put to the test as Barrie police undergo training
Police officers in Barrie participated in a jolting experience on Monday as they voluntarily felt the effects of a new conducted energy weapon during an intensive training session.
-
Two drivers nabbed for allegedly speeding over 150km/h on Highway 11
Police patrolling Highway 11 in Orillia pulled over two vehicles on Tuesday morning, each allegedly travelling more than 60 kilometres per hour over the posted limit.
Kitchener
-
Victim of Cambridge, Ont. dog attack claims same animal is up for adoption without disclosure
A Cambridge, Ont. woman who was involved in a vicious dog attack this summer claims one of the dogs involved is now up for adoption.
-
Cambridge kitchen fire results in serious burn injuries
One person was taken to hospital with serious burns after a fire Tuesday at a Cambridge apartment complex.
-
3 suspects wanted following jewelry store robbery at Cambridge Centre Mall
Police said they were called to the shopping centre on Hespeler Road around 8:15 p.m. Monday for reports of a robbery at a jewelry store.
London
-
WATCHWATCH Supporters of Councillor Stevenson disrupt council meeting that imposed 30-day suspension of pay for bullying staff
Coun. Susan Stevenson has been docked 30-days’ pay after an investigation by the Integrity Commissioner determined she bullied and harassed a senior city staffer.
-
London man sentenced for his role in shooting death
A London man has been sentenced for his role in the shooting death of Josue Silva.
-
Death investigation underway in Hanover
Officials have released few details about a death investigation in Hanover.
Windsor
-
Canada Post strike ends, but Windsor businesses still feel the pain
While small businesses in Windsor are relieved to see Canada Post moving again, many are still feeling the sting of the four-week work stoppage.
-
Shots fired at home in east Windsor
Windsor police are looking for a suspect after multiple shots were fired at a home in east Windsor.
-
Windsor transitional home gets a helping hand ahead of the holidays
A Windsor philanthropist has donated an abundance of food for those seeking help at a sober living transition home on Windsor's west side ahead of the holidays.
