WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed International defensive end Willie Jefferson to a one-year deal, the team announced Tuesday.

Jefferson joins the Bombers after spending the last three seasons in Saskatchewan, authoring all-star campaigns in both 2017 and 2018.

Jefferson signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders following a stint in the NFL. Jefferson was the Riders’ Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2018, starting every game and recording a career-high ten quarterback sacks along with two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns), two forced fumbles, 34 defensive tackles and six tackles for loss over the course of 18 games.

“Being able to add such a dynamic defensive player to what we already feel is a strong unit is certainly very exciting for us,” said Blue Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters. “Willie’s skill set and athleticism allow him to make plays that not many players can make. We’re thrilled to add him to our defensive line for 2019.”

Jefferson has played 76 career CFL games over parts of five seasons with Edmonton and Saskatchewan, recording 127 defensive tackles, 31 sacks, two interceptions, six forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. Jefferson won a Grey Cup in 2015 with the Edmonton Eskimos.

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