Deatrick Nichols certainly understands there would be a way to over-complicate and stress about being a pending Canadian Football League free agent.

There’s a way to simplify things, too, and that’s a big reason why the veteran defensive back has scribbled his name onto a one-year contract extension with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this week rather than wait and test the CFL’s open talent market come February.

“This was a no brainer for me,” said Nichols in a chat with bluebombers.com from his offseason base in Orlando, FLA. “Winnipeg just checks all the boxes for me.

“It’s everything. The team. The coaches. The fans. The people in the organization… everything. I wake up every morning and go to work and don’t ever feel like I have to check in or I’m going to be around someone I don’t like. There’s none of that.

“Once you find a place where you’re wanted and loved, why would you leave? It’s like being in a relationship — if it’s going good, there’s no reason to leave.”

The Blue Bombers first signed Nichols in 2021 and he’s been a force since he first stepped on the field in Winnipeg. He was part of the 2021 Grey Cup squad — remember, it was his tipped pass in overtime that led to Kyrie Wilson’s championship-sealing interception — and has started every single game since his rookie CFL campaign, now 82 in total.

Still widely considered one of the best boundary-side halfbacks in the league, the 31-year-old and two-time CFL All-Star finished this past season with 37 defensive tackles and 13 pass knockdowns – second in the league to Willie Jefferson’s 16.

Over his time here is voice has become more and more respected, too, as a key leader not just on the defence but on the entire squad.

“That first year I hit the field, I hit the field running,” said Nichols. “I was just being me, too. They opened their arms to me, and I was just able to play ball, show my love of the game, try to help guys and lead by example.

“Of course, I was around great guys like Biggie (Adam Bighill), Willie (Jefferson), Jackson (Jeffcoat) and Brandon Alexander… there was a long list of vets and great guys around me. I saw great talent around me, and it made me want to be great also.”

The re-signing of Nichols is the latest in a series of important extensions for the Blue Bombers, including Redha Kramdi, Brady Oliveira, Cam Lawson, Pokey Wilson — along with GM Kyle Walters and head coach Mike O’Shea.

Nichols said those who signed before him did influence his decision to return, along with the comfortability he has with his surroundings. What he’s liked most, especially since the end of the season, is what he’s hearing from teammates, coaches and management about what is ahead.

The consensus? This team isn’t far off from being dominant again.

“Everybody has said the same thing and that’s the best part about our situation right now: everybody understands the situation and our weaknesses and strengths,” Nichols said. “And when everybody is on the same page then nothing else matters because everyone has the same goals, the same mindset. Everybody wakes up with the same intentions. When a unit or a group of guys have the same mindset, nothing is too difficult to handle.

“The problems come when a unit thinks there are 10 different problems. Then that becomes the problem because you can’t get to Step 1 to get everyone believing in the same thing. We’re already past that point and it’s easier to chase what’s in front of us because we all know what the goal is from Day 1.

“I’m excited about next year because it means I get to lace up,” he added. “That’s one of the good things about the offseason — you get the chance to let it marinate and analyze it. Then once the break is over and you’ve reset, you get that kick from playing the game again.”