Blue Bombers re-sign Nichols to 3-year deal

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have rewarded quarterback Matt Nichols for a strong campaign.

Winnipeg re-signed Nichols to a three-year deal Wednesday that will run through the 2019 season, the team announced.

"We made it very clear heading into the offseason that getting Matt signed was a top priority for us," general manager Kyle Walters said. "Obviously it was going to take some time on both sides, but we’re ecstatic as an organization to get this finalized today and continue building for 2017 and beyond."

Nichols took over the starting job midway through last year, and preceded to guide the Bombers to seven straight wins. He finished 2016 with more than 4,100 yards passing and 21 touchdowns.

"I’m grateful for the opportunity Kyle Walters and coach O’Shea gave me when they acquired me in 2015," Nichols said. "That was the beginning of a fresh start for me, and I was able to get a full opportunity last season. I truly feel we are on the precipice of great things with this organization from top to bottom, and I’m appreciative that they feel I am the quarterback to lead them there."

Nichols was at his best when the games mattered most, throwing for a season-high 390 yards and two touchdowns in the West semifinal.