Brink likely to stay with Bombers for 2012

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This article was published 11/02/2012 (5226 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It looks like Alex Brink will remain a part of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback stable for the 2012 season.

The former Washington State standout has agreed to terms on a contract with the club, sources confirmed Saturday. The deal still needs to be ratified by the CFL office, but that approval is typically just a formality. The league is expected to make the contract official Monday.

It’s believed the two sides have been close to an agreement since the start of the month. The club, however, wouldn’t confirm the signing when reached for comment Saturday.

“We’re very close but nothing is signed and registered yet,” a Bombers spokesman said.

That hasn’t stopped Brink from taking to Twitter to announce his happiness about the situation. He’s been hinting that staying in Winnipeg was his desire for a while now, leaving this tease for his followers Friday night:

“Official like a ref with a whistle,” he wrote, implying that contract details have been worked out with the Blue and Gold.

Brink, entering his third year in the CFL, threw for 1,023 yards (89-for-140) with five touchdowns and four interceptions. The 27-year-old also rushed for 148 yards and six touchdowns, as he was often used as Winnipeg’s short-yardage quarterback in goal-line situations.

The 6-foot-3, 216-pound import quarterback started the 2011 season as the No. 3 guy on the Winnipeg depth chart and is the last of the three free agent QBs to come to terms with the Bombers, joining starter Buck Pierce and backup Joey Elliott.

Elliott suffered a season-ending knee injury in the third game last summer.

Earlier this off-season, Winnipeg management worried they were only going to be able to sign two of their three pivots; as one of the backups — Brink or Elliott — might be inclined to look elsewhere for a better opportunity and more playing time.

That never materialized, though, and the Bombers are now set at the position four months before training camp.

Winnipeg has seven players who can become free agents next week, including offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte and receiver Greg Carr.

Free agency opens up Wednesday at 11 a.m.