REGINA — Charleston Hughes is on the move again.
The CFL’s second-active leader in quarterback sacks was traded for the second time on Friday, this time going to Saskatchewan following a trade between the Riders and Ticats.
Going the other way in exchange for Hughes and his 99 career sacks is quarterback Vernon Adams. Jr.
The original trade saw Hughes and the 34th overall pick (fourth round) in the 2018 CFL Draft go from Calgary to Hamilton in exchange for the 28th overall pick (fourth round) in the 2018 CFL Draft and a fourth round pick in the 2019 CFL Draft.
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Charleston Hughes chases down Esks quarterback Mike Reilly during a game in 2017 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Hughes, 34, spent 10 seasons with the Red and White, where his 99 sacks rank him second among active leaders behind only Montreal’s John Bowman.
Despite his age, Hughes is considered one of the CFL’s most feared pass rushers. He’s hit double-digit sacks in five of his last six seasons, from his career-high 18 sacks in 2013 to his 11 quarterback takedowns last season.
Moreover, Hughes’ 27 sacks over the last two seasons are far and away the most in the CFL.
The Stamps issued a statement on the Hughes trade earlier in the day:
“In a salary cap world, sometimes difficult decisions have to be made and this is definitely a very difficult decision,” said Stampeders president and general manager John Hufnagel. “Charleston has been a big part of our winning ways over the past 10 years and I thank him for his service and for the positive impact he made on this organization and this community. I wish him nothing but the best for the future.”
Hughes is 12th all-time with a career total of 99 Sacks in 147 games played. His per game rate of 0.67 sacks per game is in the top-20. Hughes also has five seasons of 10 or more sacks, something only 13 other players have accomplished.
Hughes was named a CFL All-Star in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017 while being named a West Division All-Star in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015-17. He won Grey Cup championships while with the Stampeders in 2008 and 2014.
Adams was acquired by the Riders in August, 2017 and went on to dress for 11 games as a backup quarterback.
