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According to a report by TSN’s Farhan Lalji, the team has reached a one-year deal with former Toronto Argonauts pivot McLeod Bethel-Thompson that has the potential to be worth as much as $500,000.
The CFL passing leader in 2022, Bethel-Thompson led the way with 4,731 yards, while completing 66.8 per cent of his passes for 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
The 35-year-old started the Grey Cup final before being sidelined in the fourth quarter by a thumb injury.
He spent the past season in the United States Football League, where he completed 65.5 per cent of his passes for a league-leading 2,433 yards to go with 14 touchdowns and eight interceptions with the New Orleans Breakers.
He became a free agent in July.
The six-foot-four, 220-pound native of San Francisco is being reunited with both Elks offensive co-ordinator/quarterbacks coach Jarious Jackson and run-game co-ordinator/receivers coach Marcus Howell, who were together with Bethel-Thompson in Toronto in 2021.
All told, the quarterback played 74 games over five seasons in Toronto, where he was named a two-time East Division all-star (2021, ’22).
What this means for incumbent starter Tre Ford, 25, remains to be seen. But given the dollar amount of Bethel-Thompson’s contract, Ford will at the very least be fighting for the starting role when training camp kicks off in May.
Last year, Ford took over the starting job from Taylor Cornelius, who was released by the club Thursday. Under Ford and Jackson, who was promoted to the co-ordinator role previously held by Stephen McAdoo, the Elks went 4-6 following an 0-8 start to the season.
