He’s a proven tackle machine and a four-time CFL All-Star, but Adam Bighill’s most important contribution to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers may not be his physicality.

“He’ll help from a communication standpoint,” CFL.ca’s Davis Sanchez said of Bighill, a day after the Bombers snagged the linebacker out of free agency.

Sanchez suited up alongside Bighill on the BC Lions’ Grey Cup-winning squad in 2011.

“He’s not just a veteran. He’s a veteran that’s a great communicator. He’s always talking, which is great to have,” Sanchez said. “(Bombers head coach Mike) O’Shea also mentioned that communication was one of the things he wanted to improve on this year.”

On the field, Sanchez said that Bighill’s versatility will be both a tremendous fit and upgrade to the Bombers’ defence.

“One of the best things about Bighill is he’s very good in the pass game. He’s got great hips and instincts in pass coverage, which makes him really versatile for a defensive coordinator,” Sanchez said.

“He can do lots in a lot of different positions. In BC, Mark Washington would often rotate him in certain coverages into the free safety spot.”

For a Bombers defence that gave up a league-worst 65 big plays (gains of at least 20-yards) last season, that versatility and pass defence, where the Bombers allowed 42 30-plus-yard pass gains last season, could be a blessing.

“That would be a huge thing that he has that ability. Very few linebackers have that ability,” Sanchez said. “You can disguise coverages and do a lot of different things with him in there because of his ability to roll back into the secondary and be a capable guy back there.”

That was a big factor in Bighill winning the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2015. He’s also pulled in at least one interception over his last four seasons in the CFL and had four in 2012.

“The opportunity to add such a dynamic defensive player to our lineup was one that we simply could not pass up,” Bombers GM Kyle Walters said in the team’s announcement of the deal on Saturday.

“Not only is he one of the most dominant linebackers in the CFL, but by all accounts, his work ethic and leadership are two of his strongest attributes, making him a perfect fit for our locker room. We’re very excited to welcome Adam to the organization.”

The move is also an example of the circle of CFL life. A week ago, the sting of losing Darian Durant to his abruptly announced retirement was still fresh. The cap space opened up by that loss very well could have enabled the Bombers to make a significant signing on the other side of the ball.