The first major domino of the CFL offseason has fallen as the Calgary Stampeders swung a trade for BC Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
The full trade will see Adams, along with BC’s 2025 4th round draft pick, and their 2026 3rd round selection head to Calgary, while the Lions will receive a 2025 second and fourth round selection, as well as Calgary’s 2026 2nd rounder as well.
“We’re excited to bring Vernon to Calgary,” Stampeders general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson said in a team release. “We know he is a dynamic player and great leader and we look forward to him bringing his big talents to the Red and White.”
The 31 year old quarterback threw for 2,929 yards, and 16 TDs last season, but became expendable when Nathan Rourke signed on with the team following a stint in the NFL. The move officially hands the keys to the offence back to Rourke, while providing Calgary with a proven quarterback under centre.
The Stampeders have been plagued by inconsistent QB play for the last 2 seasons, going 6-12 and 5-12-1 respectively. Following the departure of Bo Levi Mitchell, the Stamps hoped that incumbent Jake Maier would be able to take the next step in his progression and become their quarterback of the future.
While the 27 year old showed flashes of potential, the peaks were too often interrupted by valleys of poor play, forcing the Calgary front office to seek a solution outside their locker room ahead of the 2025 campaign.
The team is clearly banking on Adams returning to his Most Outstanding Player candidate ways as they hope to reach the postseason again. 2024 was the first CFL campaign in which the Stampeders missed out on the postseason since 2004.
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