Music: {allcanada} Hefney back in Winnipeg

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

{allcanada} Hefney back in Winnipeg

Jonathan Hefney, who was named the top rookie in the CFL's East Division last season, will be returning to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, sources tell Sportsnet.

The former CFL all-star defensive back, released by the Detroit Lions practice roster last week, is scheduled to report to Winnipeg on Tuesday afternoon.

But it is not with a new contract.

While Blue Bombers management is trying to lock him up long term, Hefney is giving himself flexibility by playing out his option for now. Should he not ink an extension with Winnipeg, Hefney could give the NFL another try, or explore CFL free agency with the hopes of a larger payday elsewhere.

Hefney signed with Detroit in January after a terrific debut in the CFL.

The 25-year-old had 66 tackles and four interceptions in his first season of playing pro football after bouncing between Tampa Bay and Philadelphia in 2008.

Following his release from the Lions on Sept. 23, the University of Tennessee product began talks with the Blue Bombers.

The pressure was on Winnipeg to bring in somebody for its depleted secondary after veteran cornerback LaVar Glover pulled his groin in Friday's loss to Monteal.