Bombers gain experience, flexibility by re-signing Jake Thomas

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers came to terms with Canadian defensive tackle Jake Thomas today after allowing the veteran to explore free agency back in February. Sources tell me that Thomas fielded offers from multiple teams this off-season but was waiting for the right fit in terms of team, role, and dollars.

With national defensive tackle Ian Marouf going down with what looked like a serious injury on Tuesday – he was carted off the field – the Bombers found a way to get a deal done with Thomas.

The Acadia product has spent the past six seasons with Winnipeg after being drafted 29th overall in 2012. Thomas has recorded 75 defensive tackles and ten sacks in 101 career games, including a career-high 21 tackles in 2017.

By adding Thomas, the Bombers give themselves another Canadian to rotate with last year’s first overall pick Faith Ekakitie. Though the Bombers aren’t expected to start a national defensive tackle this season, starting Thomas or Ekakitie would be a viable option should injuries pile up over the long CFL season.

John Hodge
John Hodge is a Canadian football reporter based in Winnipeg.