The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have acquired quarterback Zach Collaros from the Toronto Argonauts.

The Bombers sent their third-round choice in the 2020 CFL draft for the Argos fifth round selection. If Winnipeg re-signs Collaros, Toronto receives an additional first-round pick.

It’s the first major move under the new Argos’ pairing of general manager Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons and vice president of player personnel John Murphy. Meanwhile, Bombers’ GM Kyle Walters has gained insurance at the quarterback position.

The 31-year-old quarterback was placed on the six-game injured list by Saskatchewan following a head shot he sustained from Tiger-Cats’ linebacker Simoni Lawrence in Week 1. Collaros failed concussion protocol and has been sidelined ever since, but he is now healthy and cleared to play.

The Argos traded a 2020 fourth-round pick to the Riders for Collaros in July. The fourth-round pick could have possibly become a second-round pick depending on playing time and extension clauses.

The veteran quarterback missed four games in 2018 due to concussions. Collaros sat out three games due to a head injury in 2016 and missed time in 2014 after suffering a concussion while with Hamilton. The Ticats traded Collaros to Saskatchewan in January 2018 and the Riders re-signed him to an incentive-laden deal for the 2019 season.

Collaros passed for 2,999 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games a year ago while producing a 10-4 win-loss record for Saskatchewan. In 59 games with the Argos (2012-13) and Ticats (2014-17), Collaros threw for 13,759 yards while completing 66.5 percent for 83 touchdowns and 38 interceptions. He led Hamilton to a Grey Cup appearance in 2014.

The Bombers are in need of a quarterback with Matt Nichols out due to a season-ending shoulder injury and Chris Streveler struggling. Streveler has a 2-4 win-loss record since Nichols was sidelined, including a three-game losing streak which has dropped Winnipeg to 9-6 and out of first place in the West Division.

Collaros is viewed as a veteran who can come in, learn the offence quickly and be productive.