Dillon Mitchell wasn’t a Canadian Football League free agent for long, signing a new contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers three days following his release from the Edmonton Elks last week.
And it’s what unfolded in those 72 hours of being unattached that convinced him choosing to sign with the Blue Bombers was the right call.
“I heard from Darren Cameron (the Blue Bombers Senior Director of Public and Player Relations) first and then Zach Collaros, Willie Jefferson, Brady Oliveira — plus I also spoke to Tony Jones and (former Winnipeg quarterback) Dakota Prukop,” began Mitchell in a chat with bluebombers.com. “Think of that list. That’s a bunch of all-stars calling me and it definitely helped with my decision.
“When I get the best quarterback in the league, the best running back in the league and then a guy like Willie Jefferson calling… I was more than grateful. It’s been a hard time trying to get wins since I’ve been in the CFL and watching Winnipeg which I think is the highest-prestige team in the league… well, to be wanted by them made me feel good.”
Mitchell arrived in Winnipeg on Thursday before his media availability on Friday. FYI, he and Jefferson will be at The Bomber Store Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon before the pair head over to the Winnipeg Jets game.
The club announced his signing on Monday adding the veteran 27-year-old who set career highs last year with the Elks with 58 receptions for 727 yards and four touchdowns, while also returning some punts and kickoffs. The former Oregon star and Minnesota Vikings 2019 draft pick played in 45 games over three years in the Alberta capital.
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And while he was thankful for his days in Edmonton — that’s the organization that brought him to the CFL — he’s also energized by the fresh start he’ll get here in Winnipeg.
“This was about me buying in and coming into a great program,” Mitchell explained. That was something I wanted. I wanted to make sure they knew I want to win, and I want to be a part of something great. Hearing Willie, Brady, Zach and Tony talking about the team, that’s what I got from them; that when you come here you come to be a part of something greater.
“I know Edmonton is going to get things figured out. We had opportunities to win there, and it just didn’t happen maybe the way it should have. I wish the best for Edmonton but I’m completely good with where I’m going now.
“I feel like I’m heading to the best place I can be, the best place in the CFL. None of the coaches there in Edmonton hired me. I don’t find anything wrong with the situation there. I understand it’s a business and that aspect is something I’m surely learning since being in the CFL.”
Mitchell’s addition comes at an opportune time for the Blue Bombers after Ontaria ‘Pokey’ Wilson signed with the New York Jets and with Dalton Schoen, Kenny Lawler and Lucky Whitehead all inching toward CFL free agency, with the communication window which allows players and teams to begin conversations beginning on February 2nd and running through the 9th before the market opens at 11 a.m. on February 11th.
“A change for me is more than exciting,” said Mitchell. “When I was texting with Zach I had one question at the end: ‘What do you need out of me?’ He talked about me just buying in and us being able to grow our relationship in the team. I’m more than ready for that. I’m more than excited to get to a place where they are the 12-time Grey Cup champions and for the chance to meet Coach O’Shea.”
Mitchell said he’d be willing to step up and help in the return game if needed but is focussing first on settling into a role in the offence. And if he’s needed to be busy on special teams, too, then so be it.
Interestingly, Mitchell posted four 100-yard receiving games during his days with the Elks — two of them coming against the Blue Bombers. Asked what faithful from these parts should expect of him if they weren’t familiar with his game, he offered an answer that will endear himself to everyone in the football operations department through the locker room.
“Bomber fans should expect me not only right alongside making blocks for Brady Oliveira and catching balls from Zach Collaros, but I’m also an entertainer,” he said. “I’m a winner and I want to be a Blue Bomber through and through and do everything I can to help the team win.”
