The B.C. Lions didn’t hesitate to extend a tempting offer to Canadian running back Brady Oliveira during the CFL’s negotiation period in February. Co-general managers Neil McEvoy and Rick Campbell, who also serves as the Lions’ head coach, proposed a lucrative financial package totaling $770,000 for the league’s reigning Most Outstanding Canadian.
McEvoy expressed their strategic approach, stating, “We believed there was potential for him to fit with us. At the very least, our offer helped to raise his market value. While initially expressing his desire to stay in Winnipeg, Brady engaged in discussions with us. Ultimately, our negotiations contributed to an increase in his value to his current team, which I’m not displeased about,” he said with a smile at the CFL Combine in Manitoba.
The Lions presented a three-year deal, with $250,800 offered in the first year, followed by $256,800 and $262,800 in the subsequent seasons. Despite Oliveira’s girlfriend having ties to the West Coast, the couple remained committed to Winnipeg, where Oliveira was born and raised.
After careful consideration, Oliveira decided to sign a contract with the Blue Bombers, securing $230,000 in the first year and $240,000 in the second year, including a $100,000 signing bonus. This contract binds Oliveira, a five-foot-ten, 222-pound player, to the blue and gold team until the 2025 season, coinciding with Winnipeg hosting the Grey Cup that year.
Campbell reflected on the situation, saying, “It’s common in the league to explore options and see how things unfold. Although I wished we could have acquired him, I’m pleased for the league when players choose to remain in their current market. Similarly, I hope our B.C. Lions players stay with us. It benefits everyone involved.”
Oliveira, who reached all the performance incentives in his previous contract, earned $120,000 last season. With impressive statistics, including 1,534 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, along with 38 receptions for 482 yards and four touchdowns, Oliveira received CFL all-star recognition. His goal is to demonstrate the value of elite running backs.
McEvoy acknowledged the challenges running backs face, stating, “Running backs like Brady play with tremendous effort, but unfortunately, injuries are common in their position. While we recognize their value, the reality is they often sustain injuries, necessitating the search for replacements.”
Oliveira’s consistent performance, with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, aims to prove his reliability. Notably, in the 2022 and 2023 West Final victories over B.C., he showcased his abilities, accumulating 239 rushing yards and one touchdown, along with six receptions for 52 yards.
