Bombers ink receiver, centre

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/01/2022 (1566 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed a pair of reliable players on offence on Monday, but they might be losing one of their most important pieces soon.

The club announced they’ve retained two Canadians that were set to hit free agency next week in wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky and centre Michael Couture. Wolitarsky, a 26-year-old product of the University of Minnesota, signed a two-year extension that will see him return to Winnipeg for a fifth season. Wolitarsky dressed and started in every game in 2021, making 32 receptions for 386 yards and one touchdown in regular season play.

Couture, 27, also started every game and was recognized by being named to the 2021 CFL Players’ Association All-Star Team. Couture has appeared in 86 regular season games for the Bombers since he was drafted out of Simon Fraser in the second round of the 2016 CFL Draft.

But there’s a good chance Wolitarsky and Couture won’t be playing next to wide receiver Kenny Lawler this season. It’s been reported that the B.C. Lions have made a substantial multi-year offer to Lawler that would pay him $250,000 in 2022. If accepted, Lawler would become the league’s highest paid non-quarterback. In 13 games, Lawler made 64 catches for a league-best 1,014 yards in addition to six touchdowns.

CFL free agency officially begins on Tuesday, Feb. 8.