The Calgary Stampeders confirmed they've dealt the veteran quarterback Henry Burris, the 2010 league MVP to Hamilton for quarterback Kevin Glenn, offensive lineman Mark Dewit and a conditional draft pick. After Drew Tate, who recently signed a 3 year contract extension, took over first string duties late in the 2011 season, Burris' days were numbered.
Many fans will be happy to see him go, but I'm not among them.
Not only was Burris a great team player, and a solid contributor to the community, he also has some compete left in him. You don't just lose your touch one-year after winning league MVP. He may have had difficulties performing deep in the playoffs (2 game playoffs in this league) but he still consistently gave the Stamps a chance to win until late in 2011.
Burris will perform well for Hamilton and I expect that offence, along with the other East teams, to shine in the offensive department this upcoming season.
OF course the questions is whether the Stampeders are a better team after the trade. Glenn will come in and backup Tate and provide an insurance policy in case there's a meltdown. But it goes without saying I'd rather have Burris in the fold than Glenn.
That speaks to two things (maybe three). Frist it's a salary issue, Burris earns significantly more and is up for a huge bonus. Second he still believes he has some game left and wants to be the #1 man which isn't going to happen in Calgary. Third, maybe HUfnagel doesn't want him around.
The Stamps need to look to the future in the QB department. Only BC seems to be manufacturing QBs at any rate. Although it may be a shaky season at QB, over the long term this is probably the best move for the Stamps (Assuming Dave Dickenson doesn't stymie the offence again this season).
So with the new man in charge in Drew Tate it'll be very interesting start to 2012.
