Bombers add veteran LB Tony Jones, FB Bailey Feltmate

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed American linebacker Tony Jones and Canadian fullback Bailey Feltmate.

Jones was released by the Edmonton Elks as part of final training camp cuts. He played in all 18 regular season games for the Green and Gold in 2023, making four starts at linebacker while registering 41 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

The Texas Tech product originally joined the Elks in 2022 after beginning the year on the Toronto Argonauts practice roster, suiting up in two games and recording a pair of defensive tackles and special teams tackles.

Feltmate retired this offseason but has opted to stage a comeback after the Hamilton Tiger-Cats relinquished his rights earlier this month. He was originally selected in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft by the Ticats, suiting up in 43 games for the team while amassing 35 special teams tackles and four defensive tackles in three seasons.

The six-foot-two, 240-pound native of Moncton, N.B. converted from linebacker to fullback in training camp in 2023, notching 15 special teams tackles in 16 games.

In a corresponding move, the Bombers released American linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel from their practice roster.

Winnipeg (0-1) will return to action on Thursday, June 13 when they visit the Ottawa Redblacks (0-0) at 7:30 p.m. EDT.