Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have agreed to terms with American defensive lineman Jake Ceresna on a two-year contract, per sources. Barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to sign with the team.
According to sources, the deal is worth $235,000 in hard money in 2026 and $255,000 in hard money in 2027. He will receive a $120,000 signing bonus to execute the deal.
The 31-year-old made 16 defensive tackles, one sack, and one interception over 11 regular-season games in 2025 — the lowest production of his career. However, he suffered a bucket-handle meniscus tear in late June and attempted to play through the injury for two months before ultimately getting surgery. He is fully recovered and expected to be ready for training camp.
Ceresna played 17 regular-season games with the Toronto Argonauts in 2024 and tied for the league lead with eight sacks. He also made 29 tackles and one forced fumble, helping the team win the Grey Cup in Vancouver over Winnipeg.
The Cortland State product began his CFL career with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2017 before being traded to Edmonton. He spent parts of the next five seasons with the Green and Gold, interrupted only by a stint with the New York Giants in 2019.
In 102 career regular-season CFL games, Ceresna has racked up 201 defensive tackles, 46 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one interception. The six-foot-four, 295-pound pass rusher was named an All-CFL selection at defensive tackle in 2022 and 2024, but has frequently lined up at defensive end throughout his career.
Pending CFL free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the communication window, which closes on Sunday, February 8. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular franchise; however, the deals are not legally binding and can’t be made official until after free agency opens on Tuesday, February 10.
Ceresna was 3DownNation’s No. 6-ranked pending CFL free agent.
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.