Couture seeks starting spot on Bombers’ O-line

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This article was published 22/01/2019 (2650 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed Canadian offensive lineman Michael Couture, a career backup, to a one-year extension Tuesday but the development could take on added significance when the CFL’s free agency period opens on Feb. 12.

Winnipeg, the model of stability on its O-line for the last three seasons, could have some big shoes to fill with the possibility of centre Matthias Goossen and guard Sukh Chungh, a pair of pending free agents, heading out on the open market.

“I know some guys are free agents right now and we’ll see what happens,” said Couture during a conference call with reporters from his off-season home in Burnaby, B.C. “I definitely want to take that next step and I want to see that happen with Winnipeg, so I’m going to come into camp and fight for a job…

“I feel like I’ve prepared the last few seasons to play whatever position they need me to play.”

The 24-year-old Couture, scheduled to become a free agent next month, was Winnipeg’s 10th overall pick out of Simon Fraser University in the 2016 CFL draft. The 6-4, 295-pounder has suited up in all 54 regular-season games and four post-season outings in his three seasons with the club.

Couture also made the first two starts of his pro career in 2018 and believes he is sufficiently seasoned for a starter’s role at guard or centre. But Goossen, a CFL and West Division all-star in 2018, and Chungh, a division all-star last year, would be difficult to replace.

“It’s given me an opportunity to learn from a lot of different guys,” said Couture. “We’ve had the same O-line coach but to be able to take reps in games and obviously in practice behind all five spots on the O-line has been quite beneficial. I started to learn things I wouldn’t have learned if I had stuck to right guard or centre or whatever it may be. It’s definitely an advantage.”

Couture has learned to appreciate continuity on the offensive line, with the starting unit of Stanley Bryant, Patrick Neufeld, Goossen, Chungh and Jermarcus Hardrick developing into one of the league’s finest. However, Couture’s interest in becoming a starter and the late-season addition of first-round draft pick Geoff Gray signal there could be change afoot.

“I got to Winnipeg in 2016 and from what I’ve heard, it was a bit of a revolving door with guys, the amount of guys that were starting and the guys they had at practice,” said Couture. “But we’ve had now, for… going on four years now, a consistent seven guys that have stayed as a core. Especially in football and especially playing O-line, keeping the same core together is very important.”

Couture considered testing the marketplace.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about it at all but it was a very short, short period and Winnipeg has everything I’m looking for in an organization and a city to play for, so it didn’t take much,” he said.

A one-year deal was Couture’s preference. The idea being he could prove his worth as starter in 2019 to increase his bargaining power for a new deal. Whatever happens, he said he would be content.

“It’s not always about starting right away or getting that starting job,” said Couture. “I’ve dressed in every game since I’ve been in Winnipeg and I’ve been in a lot of tight end sets, so it’s not like I’m not contributing. So being a part of whatever this offence is going to have me do going forward, I’m more than happy to be a part of.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14