The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released defensive linemen Michael Fletcher and Arnold Young on Tuesday, according to the CFL Transactions page.
Michael Fletcher is six foot six and weighs 275 pounds. The 25-year-old from Flint, Michigan, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 6, 2026.
The New York Jets signed Fletcher as an undrafted free agent on May 16, 2025. In 2025, he made two tackles (2 solos) and one pass breakup in three preseason games.
Collegiately, Fletcher spent four seasons at Michigan State (2019-22) with 31 tackles (12 solos, 19 assists), four tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups, and one blocked kick in 22 games for the Spartans. He was named a three-time Academic All-Big Ten.
Then, he transferred to Appalachian State (2023-24) with 40 tackles (18 solos, 22 assists), nine tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 23 games for the Mountaineers.
In 2023, he had a career-high 21 tackles (9 solos, 12 assists), 4.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble in 13 games. In 2024, he made 19 tackles (9 solos, 10 assists), 4.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 10 games.
Arnold Young is six foot four and weighs 285 pounds. The 23-year-old from Mount Holly, New Jersey, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on December 3, 2025.
Collegiately, Young spent two seasons at Sussex County Community College (2021-22) as an offensive lineman in 2021, and switched to defensive lineman in 2022 with eight tackles (4 solos, 4 assists), 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick in seven games for the Skylanders.
Then, he transferred to Montclair State University (2023-24) with 61 tackles (30 solos, 31 assists), 23.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 19 games for the Red Hawks. In 2024, he had a career-high 44 tackles (24 solos, 20 assists), 18.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and one fumble recovery in 10 games.
He was named First Team All-Region by D3Football.com, First Team All-NJAC, Fourth Team All-American by D3Football.com, Second Team All-American by the Associated Press, and was named the NJAC Defensive Player of the Year. In addition, he was also named NJAC Honorable Mention in 2023. After his collegiate career ended, Young was a defensive lineman assistant coach at Montclair State University.
