Tyrone Williams, Gavin Walls Sign with Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Defense Bolstered

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers continued their offseason makeover Wednesday when it was announced that the club had signed former B.C. Lions defensive tackle Tyrone Williams.

After several front office moves since the clubs disappointing '08 campaign, player moves have begun with last week's acquisition of quarterback Stefan Lefors and the re-signing of linebacker Barrin Simpson. 

In addition to signing Williams, it was also announced that Winnipeg had re-signed defensive lineman Gavin Walls who was due to become a free agent in February.

Blue Bombers head coach Mike Kelly has not hesitated to make changes, since he took over the team in late November. Wednesday, he weighed in on the transactions that the team has made thus far.

''I'd rather play with Gavin Walls than against him,'' Kelly said. "I'm very impressed with his skill set and energy. He plays the way a Bomber is supposed to play.'' 

Kelly is equally as thrilled to have Williams on board for next season.

"Tyrone's body doesn't have the wear and tear you might expect from a veteran of his stature,'' Kelly said. ''He brings a level of maturity and professionalism to the clubhouse that I admire, and he is a warrior in the trenches." 

Williams is a former two-time CFL All-Star, receiving the accolade in 2006 and 2007.

Last season, Williams, the 36-year-old native of Philadelphia, Penn., recorded 49 tackles and one sack. 

Walls took home the CFL Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 and led the Bombers in sacks last season with 10.

Walls is ranked third in the Bombers' franchise history with 40 sacks in only four seasons.

Who knows what move the Blue Bombers will make next?

However, one message that has been blatantly clear since Kelly took over is that no one on this team is safe.