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Bombers land one of this year's most-coveted FAs, Canadian RB Andrew Harris

B.C Lions running back Andrew Harris reacts after a turnover against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during the second half of their CFL football game in Vancouver, British Columbia, October 10, 2015. REUTERS/Ben Nelms (REUTERS)

The news that free-agent Canadian running back Andrew Harris is heading back to his hometown of Winnipeg isn't all that surprising, as it had been rumoured for much of the offseason, but it's still incredibly significant. Harris was one of the top free agents out there and is one of the best running backs in the CFL regardless of nationality, finishing second in the league with 1,036 rushing yards last year. He's also very effective in the receiving game (2,639 career receiving yards, 484 in 2015). Bringing him in would be an upgrade for Winnipeg's ground game (which has been inconsistent to say the least over the past few years) before you consider his passport, but that passport is even more important, allowing the Bombers to alter their import ratio elsewhere.
Harris has had a terrific CFL career to date, joining B.C.'s practice squad in 2009 while still playing junior football and making the jump to the Lions the next year. He's put up some great seasons, particularly 2012's 1,112 rushing yards and 718 receiving yards, and he was the key part of the B.C. offence that was working last year (which is part of why his yards per carry average of 4.7 was below what we've often seen from him). He's one of only three Canadians to ever lead the league in yards from scrimmage, and has done so twice (in 2012 and 2015). Along with Jon Cornish, Harris was a crucial part of the CFL's Canadian running back resurgence, and with Cornish's retirement this offseason, Harris and Jerome Messam (who re-upped with Calgary Monday) will be the key figures carrying that torch forward. There's every reason to believe that Harris will be able to do so in Winnipeg.

If Harris can give the Bombers a more consistent ground game, that may be key to improving their offence. The passing game took some steps forward last year with Drew Willy (when healthy) and Matt Nichols, but the running game wasn't often much of a threat. Harris is a versatile back who's good at rushing, receiving and pass-blocking, and that should help the Winnipeg offence become more well-rounded and more productive. Harris is also only 28, so he should have plenty of good seasons left.

There's always a risk when signing a player to a big deal, and there's always a chance that Harris will get hurt or won't be able to replicate the level he played at with the Lions. If he does struggle, that could be problematic, as the Bombers undoubtedly had to make a big financial investment to bring him in. However, from this corner, signing him looks like a good gamble; Winnipeg's finally picked up a marquee Canadian, and one who's one of the best players at his position regardless of passport. We'll see if Harris' homecoming proves to be a happy one.