Vernon Adams Jr.’s story with the Alouettes ended as it began. Just over six years after being traded to the BC Lions for a first pick, Adams Jr. was traded to the same Lions for a first pick on Wednesday, a meaningful ending to all sides.
Updated yesterday at 4:26 p.m.
The Alouettes gained space under the salary cap, saved money and got a first pick. The Lions improved their quarterback group to salvage a promising season that was in danger of being ruined by the injury of Canadian Nathan Rourke. And Adams Jr. will have the chance to play, while being close to his family and his home in the Seattle area.
Danny Maciocia has confirmed that several teams are interested in Adams Jr., who has recovered from the right elbow injury that caused him to miss his last four games. The two men had been discussing the possibility of a transaction for weeks until the ideal scenario presented itself.
“In the last three or four days, we talked twice, and he asked me to check if there was a possibility that he could play elsewhere. There were already interested teams calling me on a regular basis,” explained Maciocia, who had two offers on the table for the 29-year-old quarterback.
“If there was an opportunity to help someone like Vernon Adams by allowing him to be closer to his family and go play with a team that has a winning record and needs a quarterback, Why not do it ? »
“We must not forget that we get a first-round pick. We all know the history of this team with the first round picks, we have been several years without having any, “said the GM, who recalled that the team had drafted several promising players with high-placed picks for a few years. years, including Tyson Philpot, Tyrell Richards, Pier-Olivier Lestage and Marc-Antoine Dequoy.
Maciocia also confirmed that the decision was influenced by the salary cap. Trevor Harris will receive bonuses tied to his playing time at the end of the season…
“I won’t hide that it was a factor. Could it have continued to work? Maybe. But there were decisions to be made in the coming weeks. Someone was going to have to bail. »
Maciocia would also neither confirm nor deny the rumor that Gary Stern was blocking a transaction involving Adams Jr. That’s what TSN reported about the club’s minority owner.
A risk
When he’s at the top of his game, Adams Jr. is one of the most electrifying players in the CFL, as seen in 2019 when he was named the East Division MVP.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
When he’s at his peak, Vernon Adams Jr. is one of the most electrifying players in the CFL.
“I felt we had two of the top five quarterbacks in the league on our team. So I think the Lions just added one of the top five, I’m sure he’ll do a good job,” said Harris, who spoke to Adams Jr. Wednesday morning.
“His potential is limitless and I told him this morning that he would win multiple MVP awards, it’s only a matter of time. »
In a league where good quarterbacks are far from commonplace, Maciocia knows he took a risk in getting rid of Adams Jr.
“There is always a risk. […] We are happy with Dominique Davis and we are excited to have someone like Davis Alexander with us. »
“If I hadn’t been comfortable, the deal wouldn’t have gone through. I’m comfortable with our two reserve quarterbacks [Davis et Alexander] and our coaches share the same opinion. »
“Since Trevor is the starter, we see the results, whether it’s with our record or the fact that we are able to distribute the ball well,” noted Maciocia.
“The fact remains that Vernon is an excellent quarterback, who will probably benefit from a change. »
Among all the members of the Alouettes, it is surely for Eugene Lewis that the trade of Adams Jr. had the greatest effect. The two players are close friends, who used to spend a lot of time together off the pitch.
“On the one hand, I’m super happy for him. VA is one of the most talented players in this league and his potential is immense. I’m happy he can play. But it’s difficult for me. […] On a human level, and selfishly, I am disappointed, ”launched the star receiver.