Locked In: Bombers officially ink Nichols to three-year deal
WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ priority this off-season was to ensure that quarterback Matt Nichols didn’t hit the open market.
On Wednesday, the Bombers officially inked Nichols to a multi-year deal that will keep the veteran pivot in Winnipeg through the 2019 season.
It was reported earlier in the week that the two sides were close to a deal. Now, one of the premier pivots in the league is off the free agent market.
“We made it very clear heading into the off-season that getting Matt signed was a top priority for us,” Blue Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters said in a statement. “Obviously it was going to take some time on both sides, but we’re ecstatic as an organization to get this finalized today and continue building for 2017 and beyond.”
Nichols emerged as the starter after replacing Drew Willy in the first third of the season. His role was cemented once Willy was shipped out of town in a trade with Toronto.
Although few doubted that Nichols would ultimately return to the Blue and Gold, were he to hit the open market, it would have impacted a number of teams once Noon on Feb. 14 hit.
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> Locked In: Bombers ink Nichols to three-year extension
> Bio: Matt Nichols’ Career Numbers
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Armed with a new contract, Matt Nichols is ready to truly lead an organization for the first time. (Photo: Johany Jutras/CFL)
“I truly feel we are on the precipice of great things with this organization from top to bottom”
– Blue Bombers QB Matt Nichols
After taking over the Winnipeg offence in Week 6 last year, Nichols proceeded to guide the team to seven consecutive victories – the longest club winning streak for a quarterback since Khari Jones in 2001 – and finished the season with a 10-3 record.
He concluded 2016 with career highs in touchdowns (18), yards (3,666) and completions (327), while throwing only nine interceptions and being named the club’s Most Outstanding Player. His 3,666 passing yards placed him fifth in the CFL despite starting only 13 regular season games, and he finished the season with four 300 yard passing games.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Kyle Walters and Coach O’Shea gave me when they acquired me in 2015,” Nichols said in a team-issued press release. “That was the beginning of a fresh start for me, and I was able to get a full opportunity last season.
“I truly feel we are on the precipice of great things with this organization from top to bottom, and I’m appreciative that they feel I am the quarterback to lead them there.”
Nichols was acquired in a trade for a late round draft pick in 2015 and started seven games for the Bombers that season.
