CFL.ca
Bound for Bomberland: Esks trade Nichols for pick
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Posted: September 02, 2015 11:00 AM
Updated: September 02, 2015 11:24 AM
CFL.ca Staff
WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have acquired some depth under centre while Drew Willy mends, acquiring Matt Nichols Wednesday in a trade with the Edmonton Eskimos. Going the other way is the Bombers' 7th round pick in the 2017 CFL Draft.
The 28-year-old provides some much-needed veteran experience at the quarterback position in the wake of an injury to the Bombers’ starting quarterback. Willy has been sidelined since Aug. 9, when he suffered a knee injury in a loss to the Ticats.
“Matt is a player with significant experience in this league," said Blue Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters. "He has proven to be a solidified quarterback, and will come in and add immediate depth to this position on our roster.”
Robert Marve currently holds down the Bombers’ starting role but could be challenged by Nichols. The 26-year-old Marve lost his first two career starts, including most recently a 36-8 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in which he completed 12 of 20 passes for 94 yards and two interceptions.
The Bombers’ next game is on Sunday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the annual Mark’s Labour Day Weekend Classic.
Nichols was once considered a top prospect in the Eskimos’ organization, viewed as a potential quarterback of the future. He competed for the starting job with Mike Reilly in 2013 but suffered a season-ending knee injury in pre-season.
Reilly emerged as one of the CFL’s top quarterbacks that season, while Nichols filled in during tow brief stints a year ago while the Esks’ starter was injured.
The Eastern Washington alum was given his first extended chance to start this year when Reilly suffered a knee injury in a season-opening loss to Toronto, but in seven starts Nichols threw more interceptions than touchdown passes.
On the season Nichols has thrown for 1,488 yards on 128-of-209 passing for eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His quarterback rating this season is 75.6 to go with a 61.2 completion percentage. For his career, Nichols owns an 82.1 quarterback rating and provides some quality insurance behind Willy on the Bombers’ depth chart.
Willy is three weeks into his six to eight week timeline to return.
Fan Comments
UnderDogFan
I dont think Nichols is a good trade for the Bombers. He isn't highly mobile and with Marcelle sacrificing QB's like a Mayan priest, he'll be on the IR before too long. Drop the OC and give the job to Pierce, he can actually run an offence.
September 02, 2015 - 11:17pm
Sharky99
Hearing O'Donnell and Hennan will be signed by the Esks in the next two week once both are released.
September 02, 2015 - 9:20pm
Sharky99
This is GM Hervey moving a player to keep his cream alive and give him a chance to to sign on next year with another team. This deal does nothing for the Eskies, but it is good PR with the player community. Next time the Naysayers want to take a shot at Hervey remember this one, he traded in Division for nothing for the betterment of the player.
September 02, 2015 - 8:42pm
113Bradley
Can't complain about the deal itself as the BBs only gave up a 7th round pick. However, this is not much of an improvement. They will still be one of the 2 worst teams in the league!!
September 02, 2015 - 7:30pm
alsdontrule
This worked well for both teams. Now we just have to hope Franklin doesn't get injured on Labour Day!
September 02, 2015 - 6:36pm
blazer
What a joke. As a long time season ticket holder I am totally disgusted with how this Bomber organization has been run from top to bottom. Nichols will not improve this team. I guarantee you that the Bombers will not win another game this year. Walter's ability to keep, recruit and add better talent has been dismal at best and OShea's ability to coach is surprisingly mediocre at best including his inability to be open with the fans and the media (need to see the film). Sick and tired of this fiasco of a team. The way things are going Winnipeg has a good chance in the next year or two of becoming a city without a football team.
September 02, 2015 - 2:57pm
blueman
Have you been watching football this year. the bombers have needed a quarterback. Ya they have problems in the staff. but they still needed a quarterback with experience. and there not going to lose there football team because they suck. over 20000 people still show up and cheer at the games witch is more then Hamilton and Toronto who are at 6 an 2. maybe you should look at the bigger picture.
September 02, 2015 - 7:37pm
Larks
Good trade for both Teams. Wpg needs QB and Edm gets draft pick to build on future. Nichol's was not going to play for Eskies with Franklin starting. Best of Luck in Wpg.
September 02, 2015 - 11:54am
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