The Argonauts cut quarterback Matt Nichols on Sunday, and he was quickly picked up by the Redblacks, who then released Arbuckle.
The moves reunite quarterbacks with familiar coaches. Ottawa head coach Paul LaPolice also coached Nichols in Winnipeg while Toronto first-year head coach Ryan Dinwiddie coached Arbuckle as the Calgary Stampeders quarterbacks coach (2016-19).
Arbuckle reportedly received a $150,000 signing bonus from Toronto. A league source said a reason why Arbuckle was released by the Redblacks was a $150,000 roster bonus he was due Monday.
A second CFL source said Nichols deal with Ottawa included a $200,000 bonus for reporting to training camp and passing a team physical. That source spoke on the condition of anonymity as terms of the bonus signing bonuses were not divulged.
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OTTAWA Just a few months ago, Ahmed Meradjah never dreamed he would get a private tour of the Ottawa Redblacks stadium, but on Tuesday that dream came to life. “It’s kind of given us a look of how I would like to be in the future,” the 16-year-old said. His childhood was different from that of most kids. He grew up in Ottawa’s Herongate neighbourhood with very little. “We didn’t grow up with much,” he said. “It’s good sometimes for some people to grow up here, it teaches them to be humble and grateful for everything they have.”