The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed American defensive back Alden Darby Jr. ahead of CFL free agency.
The five-foot-11, 194-pound defender was re-acquired by Winnipeg from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in October, coming over at the CFL trade deadline in exchange for defensive end Cedric Wilcots. It marked the second time that the Bombers had traded for Darby mid-season after they picked him off of the Toronto Argonauts in July of 2021.
Slotting in at strongside linebacker, Darby posted 34 tackles, one tackle for a loss and a pass knockdown in nine regular season starts after being acquired in 2021, earning West Division All-Star honours. He added eight tackles, a sack, a pass knockdown and an interception in the playoffs to help the team capture a second consecutive Grey Cup victory.
In 2022, Darby made just two regular-season starts after the trade, posting six tackles. He contributed four more tackles and a sack during the playoff run.
Darby first signed with the Argos in July of 2017. In 66 career games split between Toronto, Hamilton, and Winnipeg, he has amassed 200 defensive tackles, two sacks and nine interceptions — including three returned for touchdowns.
The Arizona State first signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2014 and had NFL looks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.
