Drew Richmond has retired from the CFL, opening a hole in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ offensive line.
The six-foot-five, 314-pound blocker was slated to earn near the league’s minimum salary in 2024 and, per sources, was unwilling to return to Winnipeg without a new contract. The club was open to renegotiating but, when a deal couldn’t be reached, Richmond decided to move on from professional football.
The 28-year-old joined the team in 2021 following a stint in The Spring League, a predecessor to the USFL. He made one start at left tackle that same year and a second start in 2023 after missing the entire 2022 season due to a knee injury.
Richmond was clearly the front-runner to replace Jermarcus Hardrick, who is leaving the team to sign a big-money deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Though he played predominantly on the left side in Winnipeg, he started at right tackle for parts of his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee and the University of Southern California.
Seven-time CFL all-star Stanley Bryant is back to protect Zach Collaros’ blindside, though the right tackle spot is now a mystery as recently-signed Micah Vanterpool is the only other American offensive lineman currently on the roster.
The Blue Bombers will open the 2024 regular season by hosting the Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday, June 6.