Grey Cup champion DB Mercy Maston opts out of Bombers contract to pursue NFL opportunities

Defensive back Mercy Maston has opted out of his contract with the Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers to pursue NFL opportunities.

Maston inked a one-year contract extension with Winnipeg in December. He’ll be a CFL free agent in February 2021.

The 27-year-old Maston joined the Blue Bombers in August last year after a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played two seasons for the Edmonton Eskimos prior to his NFL opportunity, recording 57 tackles and two interceptions in 19 games.

The five-foot-11, 208-pound defender originally filled a depth role in the secondary before becoming a starter at strong-side linebacker in the playoffs for the Bombers, recording 13 tackles, one interception, and one sack in three post-season victories.

Maston played in 25 games at Boise State University making 71 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, 4.26 short shuttle, recording a 36.5-inch vertical and nine-foot, 10-inch broad jump at the Broncos pro day in 2016.

Maston wants to take another run at the NFL with the 2020 CFL season having been cancelled.