WINNIPEG - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have re-signed national defensive back Matt Bucknor.

The Hamilton native was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Bucknor started all 18 games for the Bombers last season, finishing with 62 tackles and one special teams tackle.

He had five or more tackles in six games last season.

He played his first two seasons in Hamilton before coming to Winnipeg in a trade in January.

He started for the Tiger-Cats in their 2013 Grey Cup loss to Saskatchewan.

"We say this a lot, but a solid Canadian starter, whether it's on offence or defence, are key parts of your team" Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said in a statement. "Matt came into training camp in 2014 and quickly established himself as player we can count on in the secondary. This was a priority for us in terms of our free agents, and we are pleased as an organization to get this deal consummated."