McLeod Bethel-Thompson, the former Toronto Argonauts quarterback, has been released from his contract with the United States Football League’s New Orleans Breakers. This announcement comes amid speculation of Bethel-Thompson’s potential return to the Canadian Football League (CFL) following a significant injury to Ottawa Redblacks’ quarterback Jeremiah Masoli.

Before his time in the USFL, Bethel-Thompson had a successful tenure in the CFL. In his final regular season with the Argonauts, he threw for a career-high 4,731 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading the team to a first-place finish in the Eastern Division. His excellent performance extended into the Grey Cup where he completed 15-of-28 pass attempts for 203 yards, contributing to the Argonauts’ eventual championship victory despite a hand injury forcing him to leave the game.

Transitioning to the USFL, the San Francisco native continued to shine as a seasoned quarterback for the New Orleans Breakers. He was instrumental in driving the Breakers to a 7-3 record and a playoff berth, setting a modern USFL record for passing yards and leading the league in that category in 2023. Over the course of the season, he compiled 2,433 yards and 14 touchdowns over 10 games, showcasing his leadership and reliable performance.

Although the Breakers were eliminated from the USFL playoffs by the Birmingham Stallions, Bethel-Thompson’s solid performance under Coach John DeFilippo has left an undeniable mark on the team. Their chemistry, which originated during their previous collaboration with the Philadelphia Eagles, was a significant factor in the Breakers’ high-powered offense.

Despite his release from the Breakers, the quarterback’s professional future remains open. Rumors hint at a potential return to the CFL, especially considering the current instability in the league’s quarterback position. Alternatively, there could be an opportunity for Bethel-Thompson to land in an NFL camp but at 35 years of age that seems like a tall order. Don’t discount a future return to the USFL, perhaps with the Breakers or another USFL franchise.