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Bombers re-sign Morley, sign Matechuk
Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed offensive lineman Steve Morley. (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed veteran non-import offensive lineman Steve Morley, the club confirmed Tuesday morning.
Morley, who first signed with the Bombers in 2009, was eligible to become a free agent Wednesday at 11 a.m. The 30-year-old was originally a first-overall draft choice by the Calgary Stampeders in 2003.
"Steve is a very experienced offensive lineman and a valuable commodity to our team," Bombers GM Joe Mack said in a statement.
"We’re happy we were able to lock him up before the deadline."
Morley is the first of four free agent offensive linemen the Bombers are trying to get under contract before free agency starts. The big name on that list is all-star Canadian Brendon LaBatte, but all signs point to the 25-year-old heading to the open market.
While the gap between the Bombers and LaBatte is said to be large, negotiations with veteran import tackle Glenn January are believed to be close. Import Andre Douglas is the other lineman eligible for free agency Wednesday.
Right now, the Bombers have two of the five offensive line starters (Morley and centre Obby Khan) under contract for the 2012 season.
Backup linemen Kelly Butler (import) and Chris Greaves (non-import) are also locked up for this year.
Winnipeg also announced the signing of non-import linebacker/long-snapper Jordan Matechuk Tuesday, a move that gives the former Winnipeg Rifles player a second chance in the CFL.
Matechuk was arrested and charged in May 2011 after he was discovered in possession of performance enhancing and recreational drugs at an international border crossing in Michigan. He was on his way from the U.S. to Hamilton, for the start of the Tiger-Cats training camp.
He was sentenced to 90 days in jail last September.
Here’s what Mack had to say about Matechuk in the release:
"We are signing Jordan based on his football talent and because we feel that he can improve the depth on our roster. Whatever Jordan has gone through in the past in his personal life doesn’t affect our decision to bring him in. We feel everyone deserves a second chance and Jordan has demonstrated professionalism and honesty throughout this entire process. We’re very excited to have him in our training camp and we look forward to seeing what he can do for our team."
The Bombers also made a decision with the coaching staff Tuesday, moving Markus Howell from linebackers coach to receivers coach.
Howell, who spent most of his 11-year CFL career as a receiver, started the 2011 season (his first as a coach) as a defensive and special teams assistant, but was moved up into a bigger role following the death of defensive line coach Richard Harris.
History
Updated on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 11:55 AM CST: adds note re: Matechuk, quote from Mack
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