Winnipeg Blue Bombers Sign CFL Leading Rusher Brady Oliveira
The news that all Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans were hoping to hear has finally become a reality. Running back Brady Oliveira is back with the team on a two-year contract, avoiding free agency.
Sources tell 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk the contract is worth more than $200,000 per year, which would make him the highest-paid running back in the league.
Oliveira had a career year in 2023, leading the CFL in rushing yards with 1,534 while adding nine rushing touchdowns in 18 games. He also caught 38 passes for 482 yards and four touchdowns. His strong season earned him CFL All-Star honors as well as winning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian award.
He was also able to produce a big season in 2022, rushing for 1,001 yards and four touchdowns. His first season in 2021 included 429 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Oliveira has played with Winnipeg throughout his five-year career after being selected in the second round of the 2019 CFL Draft.
HE'S NOT 🤬 LEAVING! @bradyoliveira has agreed to a two-year deal.
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) February 6, 2024
📝 » https://t.co/2MJ73NlfxK#ForTheW pic.twitter.com/IapkTJ7Blp
Going into the offseason, Oliveira was ranked as the top free agent in the CFL according to CFL.ca. Oliveira was focused on this offseason trying to land on an NFL team, but he remained a top target for most CFL teams.
This was a move that was much needed as Winnipeg keeps one of its most important offensive players on the team. The Bombers already lost out on bringing back offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick, who is going to sign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Now the team shifts their focus to wide receiver Dalton Schoen, who is set to become a free agent on Feb. 13.
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Anthony Miller has been covering professional spring football since 2019 including XFL, USFL, and CFL. He was a local news reporter in Texas before transitioning to sports. Other sites he writes for includes College Football Network and NTZ Network.