After a couple of days of trimming roster spots most notably by releasing QB Taylor Cornelius, DB Aaron Grymes, and WR, Steven Dunbar Jr, the Edmonton Elks made a big splash in obtaining one of the biggest free agent signings by obtaining McLoud Bethel – Thompson that was currently not in the CFL as reported by TSNs Farhan Lalji.

Photo via the Canadian Press (Justin Tang)

The deal is reported to be a one–year deal and could reach as much as $500,000 with incentives. 

This puts the rumors to rest over the last month in which the Elks were going to pursue a veteran quarterback to help develop the Elks’ offense, and more importantly, mentor QB Tre Ford for the near future.

The two-time Grey Cup champion who last played in the CFL for the Toronto Argonauts in 2022, elected during the offseason to stay closer to home and sign with the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL.  In 10 games with the Breakers during the 2023 season, he would contribute to the team’s success in the form of 2,433 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes, with 8 interceptions.  He would engineer the Breakers electrifying offense with a 7 – 3 record. 

What the Edmonton Elks obtain in the Bethel – Thompson signing is a player with a wealth of experience in playing pro football on both sides of the 49th Parallel with stops with the San Jose SaberCats of the Arena Football League (2011), San Fransico 49ers (2011), Sacramento Mountain Lions of the United Football League (2011), Miami Dolphins (2011), Minnesota Vikings (2012), San Fransico 49ers (2013), Minnesota Vikings (2014), Miami Dolphins (2014), San Fransico 49ers (2015), Philadelphia Eagles (2016), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2016), Toronto Argonauts (2017 – 2022), and the New Orleans Breakers United States Football League (2023)

With most of his pro football career being primarily on the practice squad in the National Football League, McLoud Bethel–Thompson became a fan favorite with the Toronto Argonauts during the 2019 season.  Although there were still ups and downs as it is in pro football, McLoud Bethel–Thompson answered the bell on many occasions when the tough Toronto media was on him as he would let his play speak for itself as he would lead by example.  McLoud Bethel–Thompson is a quarterback who hit his stride when he was with the Toronto Argonauts.  More importantly, he is a player that puts his team and family first.

During the 2022 Grey Cup victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, there was a special moment when he greeted now-starting quarterback Chad Kelly.  It was a moment when he told Chad Kelly that he would be a special quarterback in the CFL and that the keys were being passed on to him to begin his football journey.  When it came to the Toronto Argonauts Grey Cup Championship parade that ended up at Maple Leaf Square outside the Scotiabank Arena, McLoud Bethel–Thompson was not present.  He would address the City of Toronto, along with Toronto Argonauts fans via a jumbotron message that he was currently at his home to spend time with his family as it was a couple of days before American Thanksgiving Day.  It was a special message to hear.  

So now the Edmonton Elks get an upgrade at the quarterback position in which you now have a 1 and a 1A as your signal callers. 

With the 2024 CFL season arriving in June, and the Edmonton Elks who will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary. This is great news to hear at a time when a team needs to find a way to restore their winning tradition.      

Stay in tune with CFL News Hub for the 2024 season. 

Be sure to joinAlt Football Reddit and connect with CFL and alt-football fans. 

Subscribe to our CFL News Hub YouTube Channel.  Get breaking news and the latest CFL news.  Plus, the CFL Week in Review PodCast.