Bombers have Bryant signed for another season

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/01/2019 (2458 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Matt Nichols was feeling all warm and fuzzy after getting his security blanket back for another season.

Stanley Bryant, who was named the CFL’s most outstanding offensive lineman for the second straight season in 2018, has signed a one-year contract extension. That had Nichols all smiles as he met the media Thursday, knowing a key piece was back in the fold.

“It goes without saying what Stanley means to me. The guy’s the best in the business. I feel very comfortable with him in the huddle,” Nichols said.

Bryant, 32, was a CFL all-star for the fourth time this past season and played a pivotal role in Winnipeg’s offensive attack, which included fielding the league’s top rushing attack. He was among three of the five starters on the offensive line on expiring contracts, with right guard Sukh Chungh and centre Matthias Goossen also able to test the free-agent waters. Financial terms were not disclosed by the football club.

Bryant has played nine seasons in the CFL, including the past four in Blue and Gold. The North Carolina native has started 83 consecutive games since signing in 2015 after winning a Grey Cup with the Calgary Stampeders in 2014.

“It’s incredible. I think it just speaks to his preparation and his work ethic. He’s a guy who puts in the time to make sure his body’s right for the entire season. And he’s just one of those guys where there’s literally no worry in your mind about him. He’s going to be on assignment, he’s going to get his guy taken care of. He doesn’t miss,” Nichols said.

Bryant is the second big re-signing of the week for the Bombers, who inked middle linebacker Adam Bighill to a three-year deal on Tuesday.

“Obviously, key parts of this team, this organization. I think it just says a lot about where this organization is. Continually, year after year, guys that would easily have opportunities to go wherever they wanted are choosing to stay here. It says a lot about what we have going in this locker room,” Nichols said.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have, obviously, those two guys back. They’re big pieces of the puzzle. And big for me. Adam makes me a better player every single day on the practice field. Just talking ball with him on road trips and in the locker room. I can’t say enough good things about him.”

The Bombers have also re-upped kicker Justin Medlock, long-snapper Chad Rempel, fullback John Rush and defensive tackle Jake Thomas this month.

As for Chungh and Goossen, Nichols was hopeful about playing behind the same offensive line for another season. But, whether Bombers general manager Kyle Walters can make it all fit under the salary cap while also addressing other needs of the team, remains to be seen.

“We’ve had that group together now for quite a while, and they have such a good rapport with each other. They all bring something different to the table. Those two (Chungh and Goossen) in particular are kind of our nasty guys on the field,” Nichols said.

“I have no idea, honestly, where all that stands right now. But, I hope both those guys are back. They mean a lot to me. I’ve shown that to them and they understand… if that doesn’t work out, they’ll be my brothers forever. But I hope to have that same five back.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg