The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed centre Chris Kolankowski to a two-year contract extension, tying him to the team through 2025. He was scheduled to become a free agent next month.
Per sources, Kolankowski will earn close to $140,000 in 2024 and around $150,000 in 2025 as part of his new deal. This is a significant raise over what he made in 2023, which came in just shy of $90,000.
The six-foot-one, 309-pound blocker started all 18 games for the Blue Bombers at centre in 2023 as well as the West Final and Grey Cup. He helped the club finish first in offensive points, second in yards per play, second in average gain per rush, and second in sacks allowed.
The native of Etobicoke, Ont. was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2016 CFL Draft out of York University. He played 22 games as a member of the team before signing with Winnipeg as a free agent in 2020.
The Blue Bombers now have three members of their starting offensive line from 2023 under contract for next season, including Kolankowski, left tackle Stanley Bryant, and right guard Patrick Neufeld. Left guard Geoff Gray and right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick remain pending free agents.
CFL free agency is set to get underway on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at noon EST.
