Blue Bombers re-sign veteran offensive lineman Pat Neufeld

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers re-sign veteran offensive lineman Pat Neufeld

WINNIPEG, MB., January 5, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year extension with veteran right guard Pat Neufeld. Neufeld was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Neufeld (6-6, 311, University of Saskatchewan; born: December 26, 1988, in Regina, Sask.) returns in 2025 for his 11th season with the Blue Bombers and 14th in the Canadian Football League, including his days with Saskatchewan (2011-13).

A three-time CFL All-Star (2021-23), Neufeld appeared in 14 games in 2024, all starts, and played a pivotal role in helping Brady Oliveira win his second-straight league rushing title while quarterback Zach Collaros established a career-high in passing yards.

Originally drafted by the Roughriders in 2010, Neufeld was acquired by Winnipeg in a trade in 2013 and has become a fixture at the right guard spot. He has played in 168 CFL games, including 131 with the Blue Bombers, and now calls Winnipeg home.

Neufeld has been active in the community, honoured as the 2023 recipient of the Ed Kotowich 'Good Guy Award' for 'excellent football ability, being a leader in the locker room and showing outstanding effort in the community' and in 2021, was the winner of the club's Cal Murphy 'Heart of a Legend Award' presented annually to the player who has shown 'outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the Canadian Football League and the community.'

[Blueforlife]

Keg cog on our line, some suggested we move on, I knew we would keep him

[Blue In BC]

At best, a very good and reliable RG. At worst he'd be a solid 6th OL if either Eli or Wallace move towards his eventual replacement during the course of 2025.

Good to have him back. Now we need to get Dobson back as well.

[kkc60]

All these losses and this is the first thing the Bombers announce? If this loses us Dobson, Walters will need to give his head a shake

[theaardvark]

Pat is a good guy on the team, a good player, versatile, can play OT in a pinch and a good mentor. 

I don't think this was a case of overpaying to retain a vet, but the first piece of getting everyone back.

[Blue In BC]

All these losses and this is the first thing the Bombers announce? If this loses us Dobson, Walters will need to give his head a shake

There is no reason to think this was an either or situation. Both were starters in 2024. Neufeld is on the downside of his playing days but still a valuable player. It's probable his contract is very team friendly.

However, Dobson is from Ottawa and that is a factor at times. We don't know whether he's had an offer put forward yet or whether it's close to his ask.

It's reasonable to think the Bombers are working towards retaining him.

[Blueforlife]

All these losses and this is the first thing the Bombers announce? If this loses us Dobson, Walters will need to give his head a shake

Patience grasshopper

[TecnoGenius]

I guess this answers the question of whether Neufeld was the main problem when the OL was struggling... surely MOS/KW would have let him walk if that was true.

He's often described as the voice/leader of the OL, and has copious intangibles off-field.  His loss would hit us like AH or Yoshi.

By the GC he was playing superb ball and certainly, like most of the "originals", deserves a shot to win the cup at home.

Hopefully we got a $ friendly "win that cup at home with the strongest team we can field" contract.

[TBURGESS]

Neufeld was one of the old guys I hoped they'd move on from. 

[theaardvark]

Neufeld was one of the old guys I hoped they'd move on from.

I can't see there being a lot of guaranteed money in the deal, so the "move on from" is still possible, IF he doesn't come to camp in top shape and producing well. 

Not sure what his off season gig is, but it seems like he's made Winnipeg his home, which could be why he's re-signed.

[Pigskin]

I can't see there being a lot of guaranteed money in the deal, so the "move on from" is still possible, IF he doesn't come to camp in top shape and producing well. 

Not sure what his off season gig is, but it seems like he's made Winnipeg his home, which could be why he's re-signed.

It has been reported that he is a youth councilor in Sask. in the off season. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It has been reported that he is a youth councilor in Sask. in the off season. 

Really?  I thought he lived in Wpg. year round, which makes the most sense if his wife has any kind of career.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I can't see there being a lot of guaranteed money in the deal, so the "move on from" is still possible, IF he doesn't come to camp in top shape and producing well. 

Not sure what his off season gig is, but it seems like he's made Winnipeg his home, which could be why he's re-signed.

I think only a few top level QB's + Taylor Cornelius have received "guaranteed money", which is not the same as a "signing bonus", which if cut, player does not receive.

[TBURGESS]

I think only a few top level QB's + Taylor Cornelius have received "guaranteed money", which is not the same as a "signing bonus", which if cut, player does not receive.

Players get signing bonuses when they sign regardless of being cut. 

[theaardvark]

I think only a few top level QB's + Taylor Cornelius have received "guaranteed money", which is not the same as a "signing bonus", which if cut, player does not receive.

"Guaranteed money" and "signing bonus" are both paid to a player even if cut.

"Roster bonus" has a date associated with it, and if the player is cut prior to that date, he does not receive that money.

Current CBA allows for guaranteed money for subsequent years of multi year deals for players re-signing with thier teams, giving teams an advantage in retaining players they think are going to be viable throguh their entire contracts.

In discussing Neufeld, who signed a one year extension, "guaranteed money" should have been called "signing bonus", my bad.