Bombers sign Jyles; release Bishop, Bramlet

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This article was published 23/02/2010 (5946 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed free-agent quarterback Steven Jyles and released quarterbacks Michael Bishop and Casey Bramlet.

Jyles, rumoured last week to be joining the Bombers, was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for the past two seasons. Bishop had joined the Bombers midway through the 2009 season on July 26. The Bombers also announced the addition of import receiver D.J. Hall, who most recently was on the NFL’s Oakland Raiders practice roster.

However, Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice addressed the starting quarterback situation and said Jyles has not been handed the starting role.

“We’ve said from the get-go there’s entitlement here, we’re not naming him the saviour, he’s here to compete for a job just like everybody else,” LaPolice told a gathering of local media on Tuesday afternoon. “We’re not making Steven Jyles our starter. He will compete for a job.”

Last season, Jyles dressed in all 18 regular-season games for Saskatchewan as well as the West Final and the Grey Cup. He saw limited action in the season, completing 25 of 40 passes for 290 yards and one touchdown. He also carried the ball 24 times rushing for 102 yards and four touchdowns.

LaPolice said Jyles “adds depth at the quarterback position” for the Bombers.

“What I like about Steven Jyles is he’s an athletic kid who can use his legs and run. He’s got the ability to throw the ball down field and he’s a very intelligent kid,” LaPolice said.

LaPolice said he spoke to Bishop on Tuesday morning.

“I’ve worked with him (Bishop) on two different teams, he’s a tremendous person,” LaPolice said. “It’s just that we wanted to go in another direction.”

That would be a different direction than the 7-9 Bombers went last season when the team searched all season for leadership and consistency at the quarterback position and missed the CFL playoffs. Bishop had been brought in midway through giving fans hope that he was the answer but it wasn’t to be. Bishop finished the season with a 50.4 passing percentage.