The Toronto Argonauts have acquired quarterback Dalton Bell from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, sources told sportsnet.ca.
He spent the past two seasons with Saskatchewan, who receive a fifth-round draft choice in the deal. However Bell, a mobile and athletic pivot, saw limited action.
“We feel very fortunate to obtain the playing rights of Dalton Bell,” Argonauts GM Adam Rita said in a statement. “He’s a young quarterback with a bright future. He is a good candidate to come to Toronto and compete for a quarterback spot.”
Bell, who turned 27 on Tuesday, played in 40 games at West Texas State A&M and had a 20-4 record in two seasons as the starter. He threw for 7,841 yards and 63 touchdowns, connecting on 699 of 1,044 passes.
The Texas native signed with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers in 2007, but was released quickly. He spent most of the 2008 season with the Seattle Seahawks on the club’s practice roster before signing with the Roughriders.
Bell, listed at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, is the first quarterback of note for the reconstructing Argos, who released all three of the passers from last season, including starters Kerry Joseph and Cody Pickett along with little-used reserve Stephen Reaves.
The Argos are reportedly hoping to sign free agent quarterback Gibran Hamdan, who had been with the Bills. Bell gives the Argos a quarterback who at least has some CFL experience.
