Bombers re-sign offensive lineman Stanley Bryant to one-year extension.
Stanley Bryant never gave any indication that he wanted to retire or leave the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, so it came as little surprise when the veteran offensive lineman signed a one-year contract extension on Tuesday.
Bryant, who will be 38 when training camp begins in May, will return for a ninth season with the Bombers in 2024.
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It will be the 14th season in the CFL for the sure-fire Canadian Football Hall of Famer, who has been selected the league’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman a record four times in his historic career.
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With Bryant playing left tackle, the Bombers have made it to the playoffs in each of the last seven seasons, have played in the last four Grey Cup games and have won two titles (2019, 2021).
Bryant has played 170 games for the Bombers, never missing one due to injury or illness in his career. He is a seven-time CFL all-star and has played a major part in shielding the blind side for two-time league Most Outstanding Player Zach Collaros.
Bryant is the sixth possible free agent to sign with the Bombers so far this off-season, following defensive end Willie Jefferson, defensive back Deatrick Nichols and offensive lineman Pat Neufeld among those with star power.
The Bombers still have 28 possible free agents, including top running back Brady Oliveira and standout receiver Dalton Schoen.
Last week, Bombers’ general manager Kyle Walters stated things were tied up in terms of getting some free agents signed, as the organization was waiting to hear what it might take to retain Oliveira and Schoen in the fold.
Oliveira led the CFL in rushing and yards from scrimmage in 2023 and is anticipated to earn a salary excess of $200,000 next season, while Schoen has been one of the most spectacular receivers in the league over his two seasons and might cost at least as much as Oliveira on the market.
Among the other long-time Bombers currently seeking contract offers are offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick, receivers Rasheed Bailey and Drew Wolitarsky, defensive linemen Jackson Jeffcoat, Ricky Walker and Jake Thomas, safety Brandon Alexander and all-star cornerback Demerio Houston.
There have also been rumblings that quarterback Chris Streveler is interested in making a return to the Bombers, with whom he played a role in winning the 2019 Grey Cup.
There are still a great deal of decisions to be made on how the Bombers might fit all of those free agents under the wage cap, but getting a building block like Bryant out of the way is a significant step.
Though he was 37 last season, Bryant was still selected a West Division all-star and played a key role in the Bombers topping the CFL in rushing (139.1 yards per game). Winnipeg also allowed the second fewest number of quarterback sacks in the league (33).
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