WINNIPEG – The Blue Bombers have extended starting quarterback Drew Willy’s contract through 2017.
The club’s most outstanding player in 2014 was entering the final year of his contract heading into the 2015 season.
“I feel like we’re building something special,” said Willy. “What our organization was able to do in the free agency period and then down in Florida… to be able to compete.”
Willy started in 17 of 18 games in his first season with the club and general manager Kyle Walters said they were prepared to pay more heading into his second year.
“We were just able to put a little bit more money in Drew’s pocket now versus his old 2015 contract and then… the raise will kick in,” said Bombers general manager Kyle Walters.
Willy impressed many at the start of his first season with the Bombers until a shoulder injury affected him down the stretch. He went on to lead the team to a 7-11 record and was sacked a CFL-high 67 times.
Head coach Mike O’Shea is confident the extension is a step in the direction of becoming a stable franchise and said it’s Willy’s preparation that sets him apart.
“Through the season you recognize how tough he is and those leadership qualities are put fourth to his teammates,” said O’Shea. “To me it’s quite easy to see he’ll be successful.”
The quarterback was acquired in a trade with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in February 2014.
Willy finished third in the CFL with 3,769 passing yards and threw 14 touchdown passes in 2014-15. He was also named offensive player of the week twice.
The Bombers start training camp at the end of this month.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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