The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have extended the contract of non-import kicker Justin Palardy and re-signed import defensive back Johnny Sears, who was slated to become a free agent February 15. As per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. Palardy (6-0, 201, Saint Mary's, DOB: May 24, 1988 in Truro, Nova Scotia) had his best season in 2012 since joining the club in August of 2010. He connected on 39 of 45 field goal attempts, for an 86.7% average which tied the Club's single season field goal percentage that he set in his rookie season. In a July game against the Argonauts, he went 5-for-5, hitting his longest in that game from 45 yards out. "Winnipeg has been great to me since I arrived and I'm excited to get this extension completed. It isn't often a player gets an opportunity to be a part of the opening a new stadium and I'm really excited for 2013 and beyond with the Bombers," said Palardy. Sears (6-1, 192, Eastern Michigan, DOB: March 16, 1987, Fresno, California) started 14 of his 15 games dressed in 2012 at various positions in the defensive backfield, finishing the season with 50 tackles, six special teams tackles and three interceptions. Sears originally joined the Blue Bombers in October of 2010.
