It looks like we have our first blockbuster trade of the 2018 CFL season. After just a few preseason games with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Johnny Manziel is now packing his bags for Montreal to play for the Alouettes. TSN reporter, Duane Ford, broke the news on Sunday night with official confirmation from the league dropping a few moments later.
The deal will see the Ticats add national defensive end Jamaal Westerman, international wide receiver Chris Williams and two first-round draft selections from the Als in 2020 and 2021. Montreal will be getting national offensive lineman Landon Rice, international offensive lineman Tony Washington, and of course, Johnny Football. David Naylor broke down the package on Twitter and called it a "done deal".
Manziel initially signed a contract with Hamilton this off-season that would have see him in black and yellow for two years. Despite the contract, the Heisman Trophy winner only suited up for a couple of preseason games where he completed 21 out of 31 passes and connected for one single touchdown. Montreal may work out for the 25-year-old, however, as the move will reunite Manziel with coach Mike Sherman, who recruited him for NCAA competition back in 2012.
We likely won't have to wait long until we see JM in action. The Als need some offensive help for their next game this Thursday, which is at home against the Edmonton Eskimos. Meanwhile, the Tiger-Cats will have a chance to face their former player in Montreal on Friday, August 3.
