In an effort to “guide the team,” Dru Brown signs a two-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks.

Dru Brown sees his two-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks as a fresh start and a chance to advance his CFL career.

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The 26-year-old quarterback’s two-year contract was signed, the Redblacks announced on Wednesday. Late last week, they acquired Brown from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a fifth-round pick in the CFL Draft. After the transaction, Brown—who was set to become a free agent on February 13—became exclusive to the Redblacks for negotiations.

This season, Brown will receive $286,000 in real money in addition to $54,000 in playtime bonuses, for a possible total of $340,000. It will increase to $355,000 in 2025, with $45,000 in playtime (possibly worth $400,000).

“It’s evident that I’ve aspired to lead a team,” stated Brown. “I’m eager to start working and I’m full of excitement. Since you can only play for one team at a time, I wasn’t really interested in getting offers from a lot of different teams. I desired an organization with nice people and a club that had faith in me both as a player and as a person. Talking with Coach Bob Dyce, Offensive Coordinator Tommy Condell, and General Manager Shawn Burke made it clear that there are excellent people in this place, individuals I look forward to getting to know more about.

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“I’m sure there are standards, but I don’t really think about them. It is a potentially hazardous path. As obvious as it may seem, improving is what counts. Move the ball and place it in the end zone; be proficient in what you do.

Brown is now ranked No. 2 behind Zach Collaros on the Blue Bombers depth chart. Brown was outstanding in the previous season, winning both of his games and throwing for 983 yards and nine touchdowns on 69.7% of his passes with no interceptions. He also set a CFL record for the most touchdown passes without an interception.

“When I arrived in the CFL, I understood it was a different game,” Brown stated. “I didn’t want to appear with the idea that I was too superior. Zach was an excellent mentor to me. My excellent instructors were able to provide me with a setting where I could grow, make errors, and learn from them. I had time to grow and mature. Instead of being angry that I wasn’t on the field, that’s how I perceived it.

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I have what it takes, physically, Collaro said. He advised me to simply be sincere. I’ve participated in enough groups and initiatives to know how crucial it is to be authentic about who you are.

Brown is adamant about his ability to help a football club succeed. In 2021, he won a Grey Cup with the Bombers.

“There is definitely confidence. It’s somewhat who I am,” he remarked. It’s not always a result of being a Bombers member. It’s more about how much time and energy I put into bettering myself. In terms of my skill set, I consider myself to be really good. However, I also have enough humility to realize that there is a mindset and progress. You can never know everything. I’m excited about the chance to improve even more. One thing leads to another when done correctly with the proper people, and success is usually the outcome.

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The Redblacks have only won 14 games in the last four seasons, finishing 4-14 in the previous campaign. There is new hope that perhaps in 2024, as the team enters free agency, things might turn around.

Brown asserted, “Everyone has talent in pro athletics.” It all boils down to having a few key components, the proper people in the facility, and creating a positive environment. Teams that have been successful for a long time tend to have sincere players who care about winning and are now learning what it takes to succeed. The Redblacks are moving in that direction. I hope that I can contribute in some small way to the mystery.

The Redblacks have contracts with Jeremiah Masoli, Dustin Crum, and Tyrie Adams, but Brown is anticipated to earn the first crack at starting for Ottawa.

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As Brown moves forward, learning from Collaros, who has grown to be a close friend, has been really beneficial.

Brown claimed that “he was very much my mentor as our relationship started.” “He taught me the ropes and wrapped his arm around me.” We clicked right away because we both enjoy football, him and me. We grew to be really good friends. He has played a significant role in my growth, both as a leader and as a player.

In addition, Collaros was a young quarterback in Hamilton who worked under Condell.

“Zach still enjoys doing a lot of the things he did with Tommy,” Brown remarked. Upon speaking with Tommy, I had the impression that I knew him somewhat already. I’ve viewed recordings of his system. It should be an easy transition, in my opinion. He’s worked with a lot of people, and their record of accomplishments is extensive.

“Being able to move about a bit and lengthen plays, being able to get the ball where it has to go, getting the ball in space to people who are excellent with it,” is what quarterback Brown, whose off-season home is in Oklahoma, said when asked about his talents. I’m willing to give up a lot of time and effort to prepare in order to make that happen, if you ask anyone I’ve worked with.