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."
|
