The Miami Dolphins’ pass rush woes won’t be getting any reinforcements from up north — at least not any time soon. After weeks of speculation regarding Winnipeg pass rusher Willie Jefferson and the Dolphins on the heels of a workout, we finally have a resolution. Jefferson will be staying in Winnipeg for the time being.
That’s the latest according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji.
Being told that Willie Jefferson has agreed to terms with #Bombers. The final few NFL possibilities didn’t materialize. I’m being told he’s taking less to stay in Winnipeg. Big news for the defending #GreyCup champions! @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports @SportsCentre pic.twitter.com/hgxpL4WIGK
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 10, 2020
Jefferson, who said in the aftermath of his workout with the Dolphins that he was optimistic about signing with the Dolphins, was the Blue Bombers’ best defensive player last season and helped them to their first Grey Cup championship in nearly three decades. But the failure to connect with Miami isn’t necessarily an indictment of the Dolphins or Jefferson — it seems as though the connection simply wasn’t there.
“If the opportunity doesn’t arise in the NFL I have no problem coming back to the CFL. Most definitely I’d like to come back to Winnipeg,” said Jefferson via the Winnipeg Sun in early January.
“It’s a good fit for me, with the coaching staff and the guys that are gonna be there. If I do have a chance to get back to Winnipeg, I want to get back with those guys and try to do something special.”
No word on whether or not the Dolphins failed to offer, if Jefferson’s expected cost was too high or what else might have impacted the failure between the parties to connect. But for now, the Dolphins’ focus will shift to NFL free agents and the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, where the team can make some notable improvements to the outside pass rush all the same.
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