Big man Bryant sticking around

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This article was published 12/12/2017 (3121 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In pondering his future, Winnipeg Blue Bombers all-star offensive lineman Stanley Bryant allowed the personal to seep in.

Not long after the 12-6 Bombers were eliminated from the Canadian Football League playoffs, falling 39-32 at home to the Edmonton Eskimos in the West Division semifinal, Bryant began hearing various sales pitches from within the organization.

One message in particular, from quarterback Matt Nichols, included the spectre of guilt if Bryant decided to test free agency in February. Nichols, who had the benefit of the big — 6-5, 308 pounds — left tackle’s protection on his blind side, said his three-year-old daughter Elliot wanted to know her father was safe.

“Elliot would be mad if I didn’t come back to protect her dad,” was how Bryant, who signed a two-year extension with the Bombers Tuesday, recalled the message in a conference call, adding, “It will be great to play with Matt again.”

As compelling as Nichols’ daughter’s case was, what was most appealing to Bryant was the direction he felt the Bombers are headed. He has seen how far they’ve come since joining the team after spending his first five years in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders.

Bryant was twice named Calgary’s top lineman (2011, 2013) and was a CFL all-star in 2013 and 2014. After winning the Grey Cup in his final year with the Stampeders, he signed with the Bombers as a free agent in 2015. Following his first year in Winnipeg, he was extended through the 2017 season.

“I know a lot of guys that are on the team right now feel like last season was a good season for us, but we have a lot more left in the tank. And I feel like I want to be a part of that, when things happen and we win that Grey Cup,” he said, noting he told his agent he wanted to stay with the Bombers.

“It’s been a long time coming and I think we’ll get it done. That’s the main reason I wanted to come back.”

Bryant, 31, received a two-year deal worth upwards of $200,000 per season, including bonuses, according to league sources. He made $180,000 last season with the Blue and Gold, but with the new deal, the Goldsboro, N.C., native is now among the highest-paid American offensive linemen in the CFL.

The compensation resembles the contract for Derek Dennis, who signed a three-year commitment with the Saskatchewan Roughriders this year after a breakout season with Calgary that included winning the CFL’s most outstanding offensive lineman award. Dennis is expected to make close to $190,000 in each of the final two seasons of his contract.

During his time in Winnipeg, Bryant has established himself as one of the CFL’s most dominant pass protectors. He is also among the most durable, starting in all 54 games for the Bombers over the past three seasons. In total, he has 120 regular-season starts over his eight years in the league.

Though Bryant had a strong first two seasons with Winnipeg, his best performance in a Bombers jersey came this past year. In 2017, he was named both a division and league all-star and was named the CFL’s top offensive lineman during Grey Cup week in Ottawa. Bryant beat out East Division nominee, Toronto Argonauts centre Sean McEwen, earning 60 of the 77 first-place votes.

“This year, my mindset was different,” Bryant said shortly after winning the award on Nov. 23. “I tell myself before every play that I’m the best and that I can do anything. Just having that belief each and every play, each and every game, has helped me a lot.”

Bombers general manager Kyle Walters, in his season-ending press conference a week before the awards ceremony, said it was a priority to keep the offensive line together.

Following years of instability on the O-line, Winnipeg has boasted one of the league’s best offensive fronts over the past two seasons. This season, the unit helped running back Andrew Harris get to the top spot in rushing (1,035 yards) and had Nichols face the fewest quarterback pressures, with 71. The Bombers ranked second in the CFL in points per game.

“That was the strength of the team, I believe, this year,” Walters said. “We were able to run the ball effectively and were able to protect Matt, for the most part. You don’t have to be too smart to say I think we better keep the core of this group together moving forward.”

On Tuesday, Walters called Bryant “an exceptional talent on our offensive line.”

“Obviously his winning the most outstanding lineman award this season speaks for itself, and he is such a strong anchor for an already very solid group,” Walters said in a release.

“He elevated his game a step further in 2017, and we’re excited to see even more from him moving forward.”

By securing Bryant, the Bombers are just one signing away from reuniting their starting five.

Jermarcus Hardrick, who has played right tackle for the Bombers the past two seasons, was signed to a deal shortly after the end of the season. Canadians Sukh Chungh, at right guard, and centre Matthias Goossen, both of whom are Winnipeg draft picks, remain under contract through the 2018 season.

Travis Bond, the Bombers’ hulking left guard and a CFL all-star in 2016, is unsigned. He’ll likely test free agency — a move hinted at when Winnipeg re-signed the versatile Patrick Neufeld last month. With Neufeld back in the mix, the Bombers could go with three Canadians on the line rather than two, with Neufeld returning to his spot on the left side.

Neufeld began the 2016 season as the starting left guard, but was replaced by Bond in Week 6 after suffering an ankle injury. Bond evolved into one of the best at his position. But after he suffered a lower-body injury in a Week 18 loss in Toronto, Neufeld regained the spot.

“We have great chemistry,” Bryant said.

“We all have different personalities, which is a great thing, but when we get out on the field we’re one heartbeat and we all work together.

“We’re up and coming, so I want to leave a legacy in Winnipeg. I feel like we have the team, the parts and the people to compete for a Grey Cup, get to a Grey Cup and win a Grey Cup.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @jeffkhamilton