Montreal Alouettes
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed free agent receiver Kenny Stafford to a two-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.
Stafford, an international with four years of CFL experience, was eligible to sign with any team after being released by the Montreal Alouettes late last season.
The 26-year-old Columbus native spent part of last season with Montreal, where in nine games he caught 16 receptions for 218 yards and two touchdowns. Stafford’s best season came in 2015, hauling in 47 receptions for 732 yards and nine touchdowns in 18 regular season games with Edmonton. He also recorded four receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown in the 2015 playoffs, helping Edmonton win the 103rd Grey Cup.
“Kenny is an experienced receiver in our league, with great athletic ability and big play capability,” said Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters. “He’s got the range to go up and get the football and he’s a competitor. We’re very confident he will fit comfortably into our locker room, and are excited about what he will bring to our offence.”
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Kenny Stafford was released from his second stint with Montreal last fall (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)
Stafford, checking in at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, has played 41 career CFL regular season games, catching 89 receptions for 1,214 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The move marks what continues to be a busy off-season in Winnipeg. While the Bombers reportedly move closer to a deal with pending free agent quarterback Matt Nichols, on Monday they extended the contract of international receiver Darvin Adams.
The Bombers also hold the first overall pick in the 2017 CFL Draft.
“I’m really excited to start a new chapter of my career with an organization who wants me and a fan base who is so passionate about its team,” Stafford said. “Every time I have played in Winnipeg, I’ve thought about how great the atmosphere is, and to be on the good side of it will be a great thing.
“This is a team on the rise with great leadership, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
