Eskimos add QB Christian Hackenberg to neg list

The Edmonton Eskimos have added quarterback Christian Hackenberg to their negotiation list.

Hackenberg was selected in the second round, 51st overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons in New York City and the Jets traded Hackenberg to the Oakland Raiders in May for a conditional 2019 seventh-round, but the silver and black released the 23-year-old on June 12 sending the choice back to Oakland. The New England Patriots had the free agent signal caller in for a visit on June 14, however, no contract was offered, which means Hackenberg is currently a free agent.

Esks general manager Brock Sunderland has ties to the Jets organization: he was a pro scout for the club from 2007 to 2012.

Through two NFL seasons, Hackenberg has never taken a regular season snap but made over $2.7 million dollars. He went 17-of-47 (36 per cent) for 159 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and rushed one time for 15 yards in 2016 pre-season action. In 2017 exhibition play, Hackenberg hit on 42-of-74 (56.9 per cent) for 372 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions with eight rushes for 24 yards but fumbled five times and lost two.

Hackenberg started three seasons for Penn State University from 2013-2015. He passed for 8,318 yards 48 touchdowns, 31 interceptions while completing 56.1 of his attempts in 38 games.

Reigning CFL MOP Mike Reilly, veteran Kevin Glenn, Danny O’Brien and Zach Kline are the current quarterbacks on the Eskimos roster.