Big deal for Blue Bombers as Bighill signs 3-year contract extension

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have locked up a key piece of their defence, inking linebacker Adam Bighill to a three-year contract extension.

The 30-year-old Bighill, who was named the CFL's most outstanding defensive player for 2018, was to become a free agent on Feb. 12.

"It was pretty well documented that going into this off-season, re-signing Adam was a very big priority for us," said Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters.

"We were able to get discussions going and once we did, things moved well and I think both sides are comfortable with the agreement and excited about the future. Adam is a heck of a football player, a great leader, and we're thrilled to keep him in Winnipeg."

In 2018, Bighill recorded 105 tackles while adding four sacks, four tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, two interceptions (one that was returned for a touchdown), and a league-leading four forced fumbles.

His 127 defensive plays were the third-most in the league last season.

The defensive juggernaut is described as a leader both on and off the football field, and Bighill says Winnipeg started to feel like home this season.

"[I] started getting involved in this community and [being] a part of Winnipeg. You know, we came out here last year, we didn't know what to expect and we absolutely loved it.

"My family loves it, I love the organization. We just love the way people treated you out here."

Bighill said he's found the organization to be very family-oriented — something he says isn't the case everywhere.

"Doing barbecues and get-togethers, hosting parties to watch the games and getting the kids together and creating that environment — I mean, I wouldn't say every team does that," he said.

"That's what kind of makes you feel like, OK, everyone really cares about family here."

Before joining Winnipeg in 2018, the native of Montesano, Wash., spent a year in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.

His professional football career started in 2011 with the CFL's B.C. Lions, where he also won the CFL award as the most outstanding defensive player in 2015.

Bighill is also a five-time CFL all-star and six-time Western Division all-star.

Over his six CFL seasons, he has recorded 614 defensive tackles, 37 sacks, 10 interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and 12 forced fumbles.