Blue Bombers re-sign star receiver Demski, veteran defensive back Nichols

By Canadian Press on December 18, 2025.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed two big parts of their team Thursday, signing Canadian receiver Nic Demski to a two-year deal and veteran American defensive back Deatrick Nichols to a one-year extension.

Both players were set to become free agents in February.

Demski, who turned 32 on Sunday, had 67 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns last season. It was his third straight campaign hitting the 1,000-yard mark.

The Winnipeg native was named to the West Division all-star team for a fifth straight year.

Demski has 42 receiving touchdowns and 494 receptions for 6,285 yards over 10 seasons with Saskatchewan and Winnipeg. He helped the Bombers win Grey Cup titles in 2019 and 2021.

Nichols had 37 defensive tackles and 13 pass knockdowns in 2025, his fifth year with the Bombers.

His pass knockdowns were second only to teammate Willie Jefferson’s league-leading 16.

Nichols, a two-time All-CFL selection, helped the Bombers win the Grey Cup as a rookie in 2021 and has missed just two games since joining the team.

The 31-year-old from Miami has 211 tackles and seven interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, in 82 CFL games.

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Lions add former Tampa Bay Buccaneer

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions have signed American running back Peyton Barber.

Barber appeared in 63 games with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016-19.

He rushed for 1,987 yards and 15 touchdowns on 551 carries and added 57 receptions for 349 yards and a pair of touchdowns over that span.

He also appeared with the Washington Commanders in 2020 and the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.

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REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed defensive back Jaxon Ford to a contract extension.

The 25-year-old Regina native was selected by the Roughriders in the second round, 11th overall, of the 2023 CFL draft.

Ford has appeared in 31 regular-season games as a Roughrider, making four starts at safety, and has registered 19 defensive tackles.

He has also produced 11 special teams tackles.

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Ticats sign Canadian receiver Fervius

HAMILTON — The Tiger-Cats have signed Canadian wide receiver Shedler Fervius.

The 26-year-old from Toronto appeared in 19 games with the Montreal Alouettes from 2023 to 2025, recording seven receptions for 87 yards.

He spent time on the Tiger-Cats’ practice roster during the 2025 season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press