Blue Bombers extend contract of linebacker Kyrie Wilson

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers extend contract of linebacker Kyrie Wilson

WINNIPEG, MB., December 16, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American linebacker Kyrie Wilson to a two-year contract extension. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Wilson (6-1, 221, Fresno State; born: November 5, 1992, in Fresno, CA) returns to the Bombers in 2023 for what will be his sixth season after originally signing with the club in 2017.

Wilson had his 2022 season cut short after suffering an Achilles injury in the fourth game of the season. In his four games prior to injury, he registered 17 tackles, adding another on special teams, while also picking up one quarterback sack.

A versatile linebacker who had patrolled the weak-side spot in the club's two championship runs of 2019 and 2021, Wilson's best season statistically came in 2019 when he started all 18 games and finished third on the club in defensive plays, registering 63 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, along with three sacks, one interception, five pass knockdowns, three fumble recoveries and three tackles for losses.

Wilson has now appeared in 35 games in a Blue Bombers uniform with 96 career tackles, four sacks and one interception for a touchdown.

He was first signed by the Bombers in April of 2017 after agreeing to a contract with the Oakland Raiders in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. Wilson was a three-year starter at Fresno State

 

[Blue In BC]

Excellent news today for two reasons. Kyrie is an excellent WIL and seems to be a very good team player. It might also indicate that his re-hab has gone well and he'll be ready for the start of the 2023 season.

I was more concerned about his injury rather than whether we would be able to retain him.

Not a real big issue but I wonder why some players sign 2 year deals and others only 1 year deals.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Excellent news today for two reasons. Kyrie is an excellent WIL and seems to be a very good team player. It might also indicate that his re-hab has gone well and he'll be ready for the start of the 2023 season.

I was more concerned about his injury rather than whether we would be able to retain him.

Not a real big issue but I wonder why some players sign 2 year deals and others only 1 year deals.

My take is if a player is ascending they are most likely to sign a one year deal trying to push their value up, if their career has already peaked or is on it's way down, they will seek to sign for multiple years and hold on as long as they can.

Great to have Kyrie back, hope he has a huge year.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Good news!

Seems to be a constant parade of resigning

[Blue In BC]

My take is if a player is ascending they are most likely to sign a one year deal trying to push their value up, if their career has already peaked or is on it's way down, they will seek to sign for multiple years and hold on as long as they can.

Great to have Kyrie back, hope he has a huge year.

Well yes, no and maybe. Bryant and Jefferson for example are at the top of their game and if anything on the way down, not up. Both lean towards 1 year deals and neither have indicated any interest in leaving Winnipeg.

Wilson is 30 years old coming off a severe injury. In that sense I wouldn't say he's far off from peaking and is not going to be a candidate for any NFL gig in 2024. More likely than not he returns to Winnipeg in 2024. 

In his case it may be more of a team direction to evaluate his ability to return to form. However, 2 year deals are not guaranteed. So .......?

Anyway. No issue, just wondering now that we have a new CBA and an effort to retain veteran imports etc etc.

Wilson was an excellent player before his injury and a welcome player to return.

[ModAdmin]

"I'm so happy where I'm (Kyrie Wilson) at, so I never even thought of free agency," he added. "This is home. I've been here for six years. I love Winnipeg and wasn't tempted to see what might be out there. This is where I wanted to be."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/12/16/this-is-home-i-love-winnipeg-and-this-is-where-i-wanted-to-be/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

"I'm so happy where I'm (Kyrie Wilson) at, so I never even thought of free agency," he added. "This is home. I've been here for six years. I love Winnipeg and wasn't tempted to see what might be out there. This is where I wanted to be."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/12/16/this-is-home-i-love-winnipeg-and-this-is-where-i-wanted-to-be/

Wow, had no idea Wilson has been here six years.  Tremendous.

[Pete]

This could be a massive signing. Kyrie when healthy could be an all star linebacker,, He was really overshadowed by us having the two jeffs and Bighill.
The key will be his ability to bounce back from the injury. We've seen what could happen with Maston who was a very good player as well.
Heres hoping he pulls an Alexander and is able to have a great year!

[blue_gold_84]

Great news!

[Jockitch]

Definitely agree that this is great news

[Pigskin]

Very nice to have him back. But, he has to stay healthy. He has only played in 11 regular season games in the last two season.

[Jesse]

Excellent news today for two reasons. Kyrie is an excellent WIL and seems to be a very good team player. It might also indicate that his re-hab has gone well and he'll be ready for the start of the 2023 season.

I was more concerned about his injury rather than whether we would be able to retain him.

Not a real big issue but I wonder why some players sign 2 year deals and others only 1 year deals.

On this topic, apparently Wilson signed a 2 year deal.

[Nic16]

Glad to hear he is signed and very happy to be returning.

KW19 was a big loss to the D and more importantly Biggie.

[TecnoGenius]

On this topic, apparently Wilson signed a 2 year deal.

Says in the OP it's 1 year.  It would make sense to do 1 year so we can see if he's fully healed for a full season.

It's a good signing.  Missing Wilson likely cost us hugely in the GC.

[gobombersgo]

Paul Friesen   @friesensunmedia
#Bombers clarify new deal for linebacker Kyrie Wilson is for two years, not one as they originally stated in their news releas

[Jesse]

Says in the OP it's 1 year.  It would make sense to do 1 year so we can see if he's fully healed for a full season.

It's a good signing.  Missing Wilson likely cost us hugely in the GC.

Sigh....

[bwiser]

The Bombers run defense was not as strong after Wilson got injured. If he can return to form he could be an all star in 2023. Wilson will go down in Bomber history as the player who sealed the Grey Cup win in 2021.

[Pigskin]

Paul Friesen   @friesensunmedia
#Bombers clarify new deal for linebacker Kyrie Wilson is for two years, not one as they originally stated in their news releas

Makes sense as he lives in Winnipeg year around.

[TecnoGenius]

Paul Friesen   @friesensunmedia
#Bombers clarify new deal for linebacker Kyrie Wilson is for two years, not one as they originally stated in their news releas

Ah, ya, that's a bit of an important piece of info to get right.  Maybe he was selected as an all-star, too?    Haha

Well I guess we're confident in Wilson's recovery.  Seems to me he might be the fastest WILL in the CFL?  Dude has wheels.  I bet he brings down Kelly early in that 19 yard GC run.

[Blue In BC]

Two years. Even better news. He might have won an all star award if not for the injury.

[pjrocksmb]

He will retire a Bomber if I get my wish.  Top defender.  Hall needs him to make his schemes work.  Saving grace this year is that Gauthier and Briggs got lots reps and it will help.  Freaking love this ball club.

[Tiger]

I had the opportunity to talk to speed to Kyrie about 3 weeks ago at a social event.  He was very happy to be here, and liked the city and team.  He talked bout going to Cali to see family, friends and relx I. Santa Monica, then get back to Winnipeg and start getting ready for next year. Talked about finishing and wanting grey cup.  Nice guy also.  Glad to have him.

[Blue In BC]

He's had some bad luck with injuries the last two seasons. He's about due to see his luck change towards less time missed. All football players will have some injuries during their careers. In some cases a few have relatively good luck with little missed time while others don't.

Here's looking to a solid 2023 campaign with fewer hiccups. He's capable of being an all star when healthy.