Bombers trade QB Jyles to Argos
By KIRK PENTON, QMI Agency
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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Wednesday traded backup quarterback Steven Jyles to the Toronto Argonauts for a first-round draft pick this year and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2012.
Many in CFL circles believed Jyles was done in Winnipeg the moment the Bomber brass decided to start rookie third-stringer Alex Brink last October when they were still pushing for a playoff spot.
Jyles, 28, completed 196 of 318 attempts last season for 2,804 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He had the CFL’s third-best quarterback rating, behind only Anthony Calvillo and Henry Burris, but he fumbled at inopportune times and was 3-8 as the starter of record.
Landing Toronto’s first-round pick gives the Bombers the first and fourth picks overall.
The 2012 pick the Bombers got is a fourth-rounder right now but could be elevated to a second-round selection depending on how many games Jyles players for the Argos this season.
Jyles suffered a serious, season-ending shoulder injury in late October that required surgery, but the Argos obviously feel he has recovered.
The departure of Jyles leaves Brink and Joey Elliott behind No. 1 Buck Pierce. Brink started one game last season, while Elliott was under centre for the final two contests of the season.
