Of hogs and piggys

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/07/2023 (800 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA – When Drew Desjarlais made the decision to return to the Canadian game this year after an up-and-down season in the NFL, there were plenty of teams looking to ink the physical offensive lineman.

A reported six of the league’s nine teams reached out to the Belle River, Ont. native, including his former club, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Bombers had drafted Desjarlais with the fourth overall pick in 2019, developing him into an all-star and making him a starter midway through his rookie season.

Desjarlais helped guide the Bombers to back-to-back Grey Cups in 2019 and 2021 before spending the next season split between the practice rosters of the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. While the Bombers would have wanted him back in the fold, Ottawa came with an opportunity that just couldn’t be ignored.

The Redblacks inked Desjarlais to a two-year deal that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the CFL, with the left guard earning more than $250,000 each season. The Bombers couldn’t come close to offering the same kind of commitment.

“It was incredibly tough,” Desjarlais, speaking after Friday’s walkthrough, said when asked about the decision to leave Winnipeg. “I’ve got a ton of great friends there and love the whole organization. I have a ton of respect for them and just realized it was time to maybe try something different.”

Desjarlais, 26, chose the Redblacks for a couple of reasons. He loved the city, which he got to experience a few times as a member of the Bombers and was encouraged by what he felt was a solid coaching staff, led by first-year head coach – and Winnipeg native – Bobby Dyce.

In return, the Redblacks got a hard-working, hard-hitting guard who helps plug the run and brings professionalism and leadership to the group. Having earned two championships also brings with it a winning pedigree and an expectation of excellence, which has rubbed off on his teammates.

“Drew is a fantastic player,” Dyce said. “Quiet guy, but extremely focused, and he’s brought what I would say is a workman’s-like approach. Drew goes out there and he more so leads by example, with the physicality of his play. He really fit into the group outstandingly.”

Desjarlais said he is looking forward to facing his old teammates and he expects a healthy dose of Jake Thomas, the Bombers veteran defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Winnipeg definitely understands what they’re facing in Desjarlais and they’re up for what should be a stiff challenge.

“Just have to go at him, give him a hard time,” Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said, adding Desjarlais is known for having a strong right hand. “Just mess with him, have fun with him and, again, just make it hard for him.”

PIGGY’S BACK IN THE CFL

Tyrrell Pigrome has found his way back to the CFL.

Pigrome, who turned a lot of heads after a stellar preseason with the Bombers, only to be released after the signing of QB Dakota Prukop, is now with the Redblacks. Ottawa inked the 25-year-old to a contract earlier this week, bringing him back to Canada not long after he returned home to Florida.

It’s been a wild couple of weeks.

“I had my thoughts but at the same time I tried to stay positive,” Pigrome, who is affectionately known by his nickname Piggy T, said. “I went back to Florida, worked out, saw my little girl and my girlfriend. It was good to be with the people that I love.”

Pigrome said he was grateful for his time in Winnipeg and the bond he was able to form with his teammates. He also loved the fan base and appreciated all the support he received, as well as from his coaches who invested their time and energy into helping develop him at the CFL level.

As for his release, Pigrome said he’s still somewhat confused about it. He said he got a few answers for why he was being cut but wasn’t willing to disclose any.

“I still don’t get it. But, yeah, it is what it is at this point,” he said. “Can’t look back, always looking forward. Just got to thank God for this opportunity, it’s a blessing to be here.”

At least part of it had to do with the fact Pigrome struggled to execute his role as the short-yardage QB. Twice in Week 1 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats he was stopped on a QB sneak up the middle, including third-and-one from the goal line, which led to No. 2 QB Dru Brown taking over the rest of the way.

“I’m pretty sure we all agree with that,” Pigrome said about the small sample size to prove himself. “I wasn’t a fit for them. But I’m still grateful for the opportunity.”

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jeffkhamilton

Jeff Hamilton
Multimedia producer

Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University’s journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff.

Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.