Trevor Hagan/CFL.ca
TORONTO — When we think of difference-makers in the Canadian Football League, stars like Brandon Banks, Mike Reilly and William Powell quickly come to mind.
Meanwhile, the big men, the offensive linemen, go under the radar, working behind the scenes to make everything possible.
There are several starting and proven offensive linemen pending free agency on Feb. 12, but perhaps none more intriguing than Winnipeg Blue Bombers centre Matthias Goossen.
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Just 26 years old, Goossen is the eighth-ranked player and top-ranked offensive lineman on CFL.ca’s top 30 free agent list for 2019.
“Goossen is an integral part of the Bombers’ motor, their offensive line,” said CFL.ca’s Marshall Ferguson. “Winnipeg has benefited from uncommon consistency on the offensive line from tackle to tackle, with Goossen one of the most impressive members of that group.”
A second overall pick in 2014, Goossen played a major role in helping the Bombers turn around their offensive line. The Bombers’ front five has gone from arguably the worst in the CFL to quite possibly the best over the last half decade, after allowing a franchise-worst 71 sacks in 2014.
Last season the Bombers allowed just 36 sacks, ranked first in the CFL in rushing yards (134.9 per game) and boasted the league’s leading rusher in Andrew Harris.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2015, Goossen hasn’t missed a game, while the Bombers’ O-line has evolved into one of the most dominant in the CFL.
| YEAR | SACKS ALLOWED | RANK |
| 2018 | 36 | T-3 |
| 2017 | 38 | T-4 |
| 2016 | 35 | T-3 |
| 2015 | 59 | 8 |
| 2014 | 71 | 9 |
There’s plenty of competition among offensive linemen slated to hit free agency. Jovan Olafioye, SirVincent Rogers, Colin Kelly, Ucambre Williams, Randy Richards and Travis Bond lead an impressive group of Americans, while Justin Sorensen, Tyler Holmdes, Mike Filer, Shane Bergman and Sukh Chungh are just some of the top Canadians on the free agent list.
But with plenty of mileage left as a CFL offensive lineman, and national status, Goossen will be considered among the top free agents should he remain without a contract at noon ET on Feb. 12.
