Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign Appalachian State standout Michael Fletcher, one other

Photo: NY Jets. Photo edit: 3DownNation.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed American defensive lineman Michael Fletcher and American linebacker Aaron Smith.

Fletcher finished his collegiate career with two seasons at Appalachian State University where he made 40 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one pass knockdown, and one forced fumble.

The six-foot-six, 275-pound native of Flint, Mich. started his collegiate career at Michigan State University, making 31 total tackles and three sacks over 21 games.

The 24-year-old attended training camp with the New York Jets in 2025 and made two tackles, one pass knockdown, and one quarterback hit during the preseason, though he was released upon its conclusion.

Smith also attended training camp with the Jets in 2025, though he also didn’t make the final roster. He played three preseason games, recording four tackles, one pass knockdown, and one quarterback hit.

The six-foot-two, 230-pound native of Manning, S.C. played collegiately at South Carolina State University, where he made 241 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble.

The 23-year-old was named first-team All-Conference in 2024 and participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl earlier this year.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings in 2025 with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes. Zach Collaros threw for 3,048 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 13 regular-season games, going 6-7 as a starter.

The Blue Bombers ranked fifth in net offence, third in net defence, and eighth with a turnover differential of minus-eleven. The club’s leading rusher was Brady Oliveira with 1,163 yards, leading receiver was Nic Demski with 1,001 yards, and leading tackler was Tony Jones with 104 tackles. Winnipeg ranked first in attendance with average crowds of 32,343, which was a 3.7 percent increase from the previous year.