Mcleod Bethel-Thompson’s run in the CFL is over. The journeyman veteran QB announced on his Instagram account today that he had signed with the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League. The move ends what was an on-again, off-again, five-year run for MBT in Double Blue with the Toronto Argonauts.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson Bids Goodbye To The Argos And CFL

The 34-year-old McLeod Bethel-Thompson had a career season with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022. He threw for a league-leading and career-high 4,731 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. MBT connected on 19 passes for 299 and two majors in the Argos’ 34-27 win over the Montreal Alouettes in the Eastern Final. To help the Boatmen get back to a Grey Cup.

Bethel-Thompson was forced to exit the 109th Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with a dislocated thumb. Rookie Chad Kelly assumed the quarterbacking duties for the final deciding moments in the second half of the Argos’ triumphant championship victory.  Considering MBT’s career, it was a fitting end in Canada for someone who was always underappreciated and overlooked.

A two-time Grey Cup champion with the Argonauts, one as a backup in 2017 behind Ricky Ray. Bethel-Thompson has thrown for 13,261 yards, 70 touchdowns, and 49 interceptions in 79 career CFL games. 

The two-time CFL East All-Star McLeod Bethel-Thompson departs Double Blue as the Argonauts’ fourth-leading passer all-time. It was quite a wild run for MBT in Canada. The San Franciso native has had a unique playing journey. He started out in college at UCLA before ending up at Sacramento State. He’s been a part of five different playing leagues (CFL, NFL, TSL, AFL, and the UFL). He now adds the USFL to his career list.

What Now For The Argos At QB?

It was easy to read the tea leaves on this one once when Toronto’s season ended in glory at Grey Cup 109. The Argonauts were hoping to get McLeod Bethel-Thompson back. But there were no guarantees they wouldn’t turn the keys over to Chad Kelly in 2023.

That decision is made easier now with MBT’s departure from the 6ix to the USFL. Ironically enough, at the moment, Kelly’s backup is former USFL 2022 first-round QB selection, Ben Holmes. It’s possible that Ryan Dinwiddie, GM Michael Clemons, and the Argos’ front office could add a veteran pivot with CFL experience. Perhaps a Dane Evans type. But for now, Toronto is rolling with two Americans at quarterback.

The bridge to the Boatmen’s next quarterback has come sooner than anticipated.