Bombers' Brady Oliveira, Argos' Chad Kelly finalists for CFL's best player

Rushing leader Brady Oliveira and record-setting quarterback Chad Kelly are the finalists for the CFL's outstanding player award.

The CFL unveiled its individual finalists Wednesday after voting by the Football Reporters of Canada and nine head coaches.

The five-foot-10, 222-pound Oliveira, a Winnipeg native, led the CFL in rushing with 1,534 yards (5.9-yard average) and nine touchdowns.

The 26-year-old also has 38 catches for 482 yards and four touchdowns for 2,106 combined yards for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Kelly, 29, enjoyed a record-setting 2023 campaign, his first as Toronto's starter.

The 29-year-old nephew of former Buffalo Bills star Jim Kelly won 15 of 16 starts, guiding the Argonauts to a franchise-best 16-2 record, which also tied the single-season league record for wins set in 1989 by Edmonton. The 93.8 win percentage also set a league record by a starter with at least 14 starts.

Kelly was one of six Argos to earn East Division nominations. The others included linebacker Adarius Picket (defensive player), tackle Dejon Allen (lineman), returner Javon Leake (special teams), defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers (rookie) and Ryan Dinwiddie (coach of the year).

The six-foot-two, 216-pound Kelly finished 270-of-394 passing (68.5 per cent) for 4,123 yards (fourth overall) with 23 touchdowns (third most) and 12 interceptions. He also rushed 40 times for 248 yards (6.2-yard average) and eight TDs (tied for second most in the CFL).

The CFL will honour its top individual performers Nov. 16 at Fallsview Casino & Resort in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Oliveira got the nod in the West ahead of CFL passing leader Vernon Adams Jr. of the B.C. Lions (4,769 yards), Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (2,069 yards passing, 622 yards