Winnipeg Blue Bombers release German DE Thiadric Hansen to pursue other opportunities

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released Global defensive end Thiadric Hansen from his contract Wednesday per the agreement between the CFL and the CFLPA.

Hansen was the crown jewel of the CFL 2.0 initiative. The 27-year old German was selected 2nd overall in the 2019 CFL European Draft out of the Potsdam Royals. He converted from linebacker to defensive end and grew into a key rotational piece on a crowded defensive line by the end of the season. Hansen suited up in every Bombers game and recorded five tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles in limited playtime. He is best remembered for a thunderous highlight reel hit on special teams in the 2019 Grey Cup which helped spark the Bombers to victory.

But he had plenty of other highlights from his first season in the CFL.

With Finland’s season almost over, Hansen could possibly sign with a team in Sweden or Denmark, both of which are underway, or Poland which kicks off September 5.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders recently released German receiver Max Zimmerman who signed with the Kuopio Steelers in the Finnish Maple League while the Toronto Argonauts allowed Kimi Linnainmaa to leave and play in his native Finland for the Helsinki Roosters.