The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released Canadian offensive lineman Drew Desjarlais in order to pursue NFL opportunities.
More than 10 franchises have called to inquire about Desjarlais — over double digits has led to contracts for players in the past. He worked out for the New England Patriots, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.
The 24-year-old was a first-round pick, fourth overall in the 2019 CFL Draft out of the University of Windsor and established himself as a starter at guard for the Bombers by the midway point of his rookie season. He started all 14 regular season games at left guard in 2021, plus the West Final and Grey Cup.
The native of Belle River, ON. has yet to miss a game through his CFL career (32) and has won back-to-back CFL championships. He was named a West Division all-star in 2021, helping Winnipeg’s offensive line allow a league-low 16 sacks and a produce a league-high 14 rushing touchdowns.
The six-foot-two, 314-pounder recorded a 5.19-second 40-yard time, 4.57-second shuttle, 7.75-second three-cone, 30-inch vertical, nine-foot, one-inch broad jump and 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the 2019 CFL Combine. He earned invites and attended Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants rookie mini-camps that year while visiting the New York Jets.
Desjarlais was a pending CFL free agent and can now sign with an NFL team immediately if he is offered a contract south of the border.
