With their preseason opener just around the corner, the Toronto Argonauts announced Sunday that they had signed veteran quarterback Nick Arbuckle to add depth to their QB room.
Arbuckle joins a Toronto team still seeking answers under centre following the CFL’s announcement that starting QB Chad Kelly would be suspended for a minimum of 9 games to start the year. Kelly’s suspension came on the heels of a months long investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate workplace conduct levied by a former female Argos staffer.
The signing is a return of sorts for Arbuckle, who previously suited up for 11 games with Toronto back in 2021. During that time, he started 4 contests and threw for 1,158 yards and 5 TDs before eventually being traded to the Edmonton Elks.
After going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, Arbuckle broke into the league as a member of the Calgary Stampeders. Most recently he spent time in a back up role in the nation’s capital, completing 47 passes for 461 yards and 0 TDs with the Ottawa Redblacks.
In a corresponding move, the Argos announced the release of quarterback Hunter Raquet. With Kelly suspended, that leaves Toronto with a current QB room of Arbuckle, 25 year old Cameron Dukes, and 28 year old Bryan Scott.
With a preseason clash on the docket against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday May 25th, and their season opener slated for Sunday June 9th vs. BC, many around the league believe the Argonauts could still have a few moves up their sleeve.
Nevertheless, Arbuckle’s addition provides the organization with a veteran presence in the locker room, and will add another wrinkle to the QB battle over the coming weeks.
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