Two Grey Cup champion pivots will be switching teams in 2025.
The Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Elks announced on Tuesday a trade that sends McLeod Bethel-Thompson to Montreal and Cody Fajardo to Edmonton.
Bethel-Thompson led the Toronto Argonauts to victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 109th Grey Cup, while Fajardo was named MVP of the 110th Grey Cup after guiding the Alouettes to a win against the Bombers.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson:
- Signed with the Elks in 2024, sharing starting duties with Tre Ford.
- Threw for 3,748 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024.
- Completed 1,443 passes for 17,009 yards and 94 touchdowns over 70 CFL games.
- Named to the East Division All-CFL team twice (2021-2022).
- Scheduled to become a free agent in February.
“McLeod is a veteran in the CFL, and he could be a great backup for our team,” said Alouettes General Manager Danny Maciocia. “I thank Cody for his two years in Montreal; he has been a true leader both in the locker room and on the field. I wish him the best of luck in Edmonton.”
Cody Fajardo:
- Appeared in 14 regular season games with the Alouettes in 2024, throwing for 3,105 yards and 16 touchdowns.
- Dealt with injuries throughout the season, with Davis Alexander stepping in as backup.
- Signed with Montreal in 2023, reuniting with head coach Jason Maas to win the 110th Grey Cup.
- Has appeared in 116 career games, throwing for 17,998 yards and 83 touchdowns with the Argos, Lions, Roughriders, and Alouettes.
“We believe in the importance of depth at the quarterback position and having two dependable options behind centre in the Canadian Football League,” said Elks VP of Football Operations & General Manager Ed Hervey. “Cody is an accomplished CFL quarterback who will bring valuable experience to our locker room and organization.”
“We believe Cody can help this team and push Tre Ford to be the most successful quarterback he can be.”
