Winnipeg Blue Bomber acquire defensive back Chris Randle from Calgary

WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have acquired import defensive back Chris Randle and the 26th pick in this year’s draft from the Calgary Stampeders.

Calgary receives Winnipeg’s 24th overall selection in the 2014 CFL draft in exchange.

The Blue Bombers also signed Randle to an extension, though details of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are really excited to add Chris to our roster,” Winnipeg general manager Kyle Walters said in a release. “This is a player who is very versatile, has been very impressive in his first two seasons in our league, and someone we had pegged extremely high on our free agent list.”

Randle spent the past two seasons with the Stampeders, starting 16 games in 2013 and registering 34 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, four interceptions — tied for team lead — one sack and one forced fumble.

He was Calgary’s nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award in 2012 after finishing with 35 tackles, eight special teams tackles, two knockdowns and one interception in only 12 starts.

“This is a great day for me as an athlete,” said Randle. “To be going to a team that really wants me, and to an organization with great fans, a new stadium, and desire to win, I really couldn’t be more excited.”