Since concluding his career in garnet and grey following the 2016 season, receiver Mitchell Baines has had a busy path to a new contract for his second season in the Canadian Football League.
Over his five-year career with the Gee-Gees, Baines racked up 1,889 yards on 129 catches for 16 touchdowns. In his final season, he was the favourite target of quarterback Derek Wendel during an All-Canadian season for the pair. Baines finished first in the nation in receiving yards and catches.
Heading into the 2017 CFL season, Baines was a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders for training camp and the pre-season. Later in the year, he was picked up by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he appeared in three games and tallied 33 yards on four receptions.
Following his first season in the CFL, Baines joined Rugby Canada's sevens squad on a tour of South America in January. The Ottawa native quickly refocused on the gridiron, inking his new deal with Winnipeg.
The Blue Bombers announced that Baines' contract is for two years, and as a Canadian receiver in the league he can be a valuable asset in Winnipeg. Baines will be present with the Bombers at the beginning of CFL training camp, which opens at the end of May.