Reigning CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player Willie Jefferson is staying in Winnipeg.
According to TSN’s Farhan Lalji, Jefferson took less money to re-sign with the Blue Bombers instead of Toronto’s offer of reportedly over $280,000 per season. TSN’s Dave Naylor added that Jefferson’s deal is for two years.
Jefferson made 24 tackles and a career-high 12 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2019, capping off his season with his second Grey Cup win.
The 6’7 defensive end visited with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats over the CFL’s new negotiating window last week.
The Argos provided Jefferson the MLSE experience that’s worked on past targets of the Argos, taking his family out to a Toronto Raptors game Saturday.
On Sunday the Tiger-Cats rolled out a trio of Jefferson black and gold jerseys while showing the family around their facility.
Jefferson hinted he’d made his decision on Sunday night.
If I can get to 7k followers I’ll tell you guys where I’m goin and a lot of other guys!!!
— Willie H. Jefferson III (@Stmn_Willie_Bmn) February 10, 2020
Many believed Jefferson was headed to the NFL in 2020. He worked out with Miami Dolphins, but the 29-year-old’s age may have factored into not signing south of the border.
When he’s on his game, few players are as dominant as Jefferson. Last season he recorded four multi-sack games. He also set a CFL defensive lineman record with 16 pass knockdowns.
And according to Willie Jefferson, he just wanted to stay out west.
They always said the East is sweet…
But the West is Best!!! #CmonDownToWinnipeg??— Willie H. Jefferson III (@Stmn_Willie_Bmn) February 10, 2020
Main image credit:Embed from Getty Images
