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Only in the CFL would a Canadian quarterback not be classified as a Canadian … national … whatever.

Welcome to the (ahem) logic that, at least for the time being, applies to the likes of Andrew Buckley and Brandon Bridge.

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Buckley plays for the hometown Calgary Stampeders. Bridge is under contract to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Bridge and Buckley just happen to play football’s marquee position. For many years, there has been a frequent lament about the dearth of Canadian starting quarterbacks in the CFL. However, the rules — as currently applied — actually create a disincentive for teams to develop and deploy a home-grown quarterback.

Teams are allowed to dress three quarterbacks of any nationality. So, naturally, most of those roster spots are held by Americans.

Buckley and Bridge are rare and notable exceptions. Buckley is second on the Stampeders’ depth chart, behind Bo Levi Mitchell. As the backup to Kevin Glenn in 2017, Bridge received significant playing time and generally impressed when he was utilized.