Bombers lock up veteran DE Jake Thomas on one-year extension
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Jake Thomas was ready to put pen to paper on an extension a few days after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost their second straight Grey Cup.
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Bombers lock up veteran DE Jake Thomas on one-year extension Back to video
So if the only team he’s ever known in the CFL would have liked him back, as he said in November, he was certain he and the club would have been able to hash something out before the league’s free-agency window opened on Feb. 13.
Seems like both sides agreed as the veteran Canadian defensive tackle and Winnipeg’s longest-serving member inked a one-year extension with his beloved Bombers on Friday.
Thomas returns for a 12th season in 2024, all with Winnipeg after the Blue Bombers drafted him 29th overall in 2012.
Since then, he’s gone on to suit up for the Blue and Gold in 186 regular season games and the last four Grey Cups.
“It’s just tough to walk away from,” Thomas said after the Bombers dropped a 28-24 decision to the Montreal Alouettes in November’s championship game. “It would be easier if we don’t go to the playoffs or don’t go to Grey Cups.
“But it’s tough to leave when you’re so close every year.”
Indeed, the 33-year-old dressed for all 18 games in 2023, matching a career-high five sacks while pitching in with 17 defensive tackles.
For his career, which includes two Grey Cup rings in 2019 and 2021, the New Brunswick product has amassed 25 sacks and 123 tackles.
“It’s almost easier for them to just tell you to be done: ‘We don’t want you back.’ Or your body’s failing you,” Thomas said. “But I don’t think my body’s failing me right now.”
The Bombers have been busy ahead of CFL free agency, signing local legend and backup pivot Chris Streveler earlier this week.
The team also re-signed a pair of defensive backs with brothers Nick and Noah Hallett to two- and one-year extensions, respectively, and offensive lineman Chris Kolankowski to a two-year pact.
Two big pieces still remain, with 2023 Most Outstanding Canadian, running back Brady Oliveira, and the 2022 rookie of the year, receiver Dalton Schoen, inching closer and closer to testing free-agent waters.
The CFL’s negotiation window opens on Sunday.
sbilleck@postmedia.com
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