The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed centre Chris Kolankowski to a two-year contract deal that will keep him with the organization through 2025. He was set to become a free agent next month.
According to sources, Kolankowski will earn approximately $140,000 in 2024 and $150,000 in 2025 as part of his new contract. This represents a huge increase over his earnings in 2023, which were just shy of $90,000.
The six-foot-one, 309-pound blocker started all 18 Blue Bombers games at center in 2023, including the West Final and Grey Cup. He helped the team finish first in offensive points, second in yards per play, second in average gain per rush, and second in total sacks allowed.
The Etobicoke, Ontario native was originally taken in the sixth round of the 2016 CFL Draft out of York University. He played 22 games for the team before signing with Winnipeg as a free agent in 2020.
The Blue Bombers now have three members of their starting offensive line from 2023 under contract for next season: Kolankowski, left tackle Stanley Bryant, and right guard Patrick Neufeld. Geoff Gray (left guard) and Jermarcus Hardrick (right tackle) are still pending free agents.
CFL free agency begins on Tuesday, February 13 at 12:00 EST.
