The Winnipeg Blue Bombers welcomed back wide receiver Kenny Lawler on Tuesday. The Blue Bombers and Lawler agreed to a two-year contract through the 2024 season. In addition, the Blue Bombers re-signed linebacker Jesse Briggs.
Kenny Lawler, a 28-year-old from Pomona, California, caught 58 passes for 894 yards, and five touchdowns in 12 games for the Edmonton Elks in 2022. Before Edmonton, Lawler played two seasons in Winnipeg, catching 107 passes for 1,651 yards, ten touchdowns, and one carry for eight yards in 29 games. Lawler helped the Blue Bombers win two Grey Cup titles in 2019 and 2021. He is a two-time CFL West All-Star (2021-22) and a CFL All-Star (2021).
Before the CFL, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Lawler in the seventh round (243rd pick) in the 2016 NFL Draft. He spent time on the Seahawks practice squad. After being released by the Seahawks. Lawler made his way to the CFL by signing with the B.C. Lions.
Collegiately, Lawler played three seasons at California (2013-15) with 143 catches for 1,706 yards, 27 touchdowns, and one carry for five yards in 36 games for the Bears.
Jesse Briggs, a 32-year-old from Kelowna, British Columbia, made seven tackles for the Blue Bombers in 2022.
The Blue Bombers drafted Briggs in the second round (17th pick) in the 2014 CFL Draft out of McGill. In 116 career games, Briggs has 113 tackles, one touchdown, and one forced fumble. This will be his ninth season in Winnipeg. Briggs is a two-time Grey Cup champion.
Collegiately, Briggs played four seasons at McGill (2010-13) with 118 tackles, six sacks, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 35 games for the Redmen. He won the Friends of McGill Football Trophy as the team’s most outstanding defensive player during the 2013 season.
