Portland, OR (Reuters) - The Oregon Ice obtained running back Toby Radke yesterday from the Chicago Hitmen in a blockbuster deal.

Radke, who averaged 4.35 yards per carry last season as the backup to three-time CFL MVP Arthur Brady, gets his chance at being a feature back. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to get twenty to thirty carries a game," said an ecstatic Brady from his home in Denver. "I had a wonderful time in Chicago, but I'm very excited about this new chapter of my life."

Radke did not come cheap. It took a late-night haggling session to finalize the deal, with Oregon giving up it's first round pick this year (ninth overall), a second in 2012, and wide receiver Cornelius Webster. "I didn't think we were gonna get a deal done," said Chicago owner Dberner. "But when they agreed to throw in Webster, I couldn't say no."

The price, according to Oregon GM Grid Iron, was well worth it. Radke, an 8-year veteran, is scheduled to make just $2.09 million over the next two years. "He's the best bargain in the league," said Iron, who predicts Radke to break 1,500 this season. "This is going to be a very exciting year."

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Former Owner of the Orgeon Ice:
2003 CFL Champions
'03, '04 and '06 Ring of Ice Division Champs

Reports out of Chicago indicate that Brady, a perennial league leader in rushing, was unhappy sharing carries with Radke last season. Brady offered to sign a very cap friendly deal to allow him to finish his career as Chicago's feature back so long as Radke was traded or cut. In meeting Brady's demands, the Hitmen traded Radke for a promising young WR and the 9th overall pick this year. Rumor has it that Chicago may be looking to add a new safety with either its 1st overall or 9th overall picks. Only time will tell.

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As a GM was has had Radke on the roster twice, and has seen him up close in some pre-season work, but never a down for us during a regular season, I think Radke can do well on a balanced team. He has got Angie running the offense and a decent to solid line, so it is not like the pressure is on him to win games on his own *cough* Brady *cough*.

[quote735d0bb="thater"]As a GM was has had Radke on the roster twice, and has seen him up close in some pre-season work, but never a down for us during a regular season, I think Radke can do well on a balanced team. He has got Angie running the offense and a decent to solid line, so it is not like the pressure is on him to win games on his own *cough* Brady *cough*.[/quote735d0bb]

I can see how your fear of future CHI success could take your breath. Just relax and breathe slowly until you recover.

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[quote9a77e59="dberner30"][quote9a77e59="thater"]As a GM was has had Radke on the roster twice, and has seen him up close in some pre-season work, but never a down for us during a regular season, I think Radke can do well on a balanced team. He has got Angie running the offense and a decent to solid line, so it is not like the pressure is on him to win games on his own *cough* Brady *cough*.[/quote9a77e59]

I can see how your fear of future CHI success could take your breath. Just relax and breathe slowly until you recover. [/quote9a77e59]

yeah, cause I need your pick next year to be better than 9th overall