Blue Bombers Forum

Looks like the Ti-Cats shook up their front office, Ed Hervey in as GM and Steinauer moved up to President of Football Operations.

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Tuesday, an updated football operations structure for the club that sees Orlondo Steinauer focus on the President of Football Operations role, while Ed Hervey has been named the team's General Manager. The club's next Head Coach will be announced later this week.

https://ticats.ca/article/tiger-cats-announce-new-football-operations-structure?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 

https://twitter.com/CFL_Headlines/status/1732097400821645459/photo/1

My guess is Head Coach will be either June Jones or Scott Milanovich.

June Jones? lol how old is that guy now?
Milanovich all the way hear.

Milanovich makes the most sense.

Uhhhh, that's why Milanovich didn't go after the Sask HC job, he's got this one in the bag. Makes total sense. Moving Steinhauer to Operations and Milanovich as HC makes total sense...not sure about Hervey as GM, didn't he royally screwup Edmonton and BC??

Quote from: dd on December 05, 2023, 10:47:33 PM
not sure about Hervey as GM, didn't he royally screwup Edmonton and BC??

Ya, Hervey?  Uh, if I'm a HAM fan I'm not too thrilled about that.

Who was the Prez who vacated to make space for Coach O: and does the club still have to pay him??

And we're positive Buck is tied up here, right??  Right??  No way Buck could be a surprise HC in HAM?  If Milanovitch, then all the moves last year make sense.  Then everyone can move on to the next riddle: To BLM or not to BLM, that is the question.  Looks like T.Harris is staying with SSK, so BLM really has nowhere else to go.

Ti-Cats name Milanovich head coach: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/06/ticats-name-scott-milanovich-head-coach/

Alouettes re-sign QB Fajardo through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/06/als-extend-qb-cody-fajardo-through-2025-season/

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 05, 2023, 09:32:06 PM
Milanovich makes the most sense.

Any insights into the winning lottery numbers?  ;)

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 06, 2023, 04:34:59 PM
Ti-Cats name Milanovich head coach: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/06/ticats-name-scott-milanovich-head-coach/

Alouettes re-sign QB Fajardo through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/06/als-extend-qb-cody-fajardo-through-2025-season/

I think Scott will be good for HAM, even if he kind of blew his last chance when he was in TOR.  CFL coaches never really die, they just get recycled.

MTL tying their ship to Cody is a bit of a surprise, as he'll have some of this guaranteed even if he stinks up the joint this season, right?  I guess good for Cody as he has some stability and a guaranteed starters-money job locked in.  If I'm Cody's agent I'm thinking I just pulled off a minor miracle and will be breaking out the very best champagne.  Michocha(sp?) has been pretty shrewd so far in his MTL stint... I'm not sure he made the right move this time.  I wonder if MTL will later feel about Cody what SSK did when they ran him out of town...

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 07, 2023, 02:38:26 AM
I think Scott will be good for HAM, even if he kind of blew his last chance when he was in TOR.  CFL coaches never really die, they just get recycled.

MTL tying their ship to Cody is a bit of a surprise, as he'll have some of this guaranteed even if he stinks up the joint this season, right?  I guess good for Cody as he has some stability and a guaranteed starters-money job locked in.  If I'm Cody's agent I'm thinking I just pulled off a minor miracle and will be breaking out the very best champagne.  Michocha(sp?) has been pretty shrewd so far in his MTL stint... I'm not sure he made the right move this time.  I wonder if MTL will later feel about Cody what SSK did when they ran him out of town...

Cody just won them a GC how on earth is this a miracle by his agent yo get him extended as an Al?  ::)

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 07, 2023, 02:38:26 AM
MTL tying their ship to Cody is a bit of a surprise...

Nah. It really isn't.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on December 07, 2023, 08:43:48 AM
Cody just won them a GC how on earth is this a miracle by his agent yo get him extended as an Al?  ::)

Agreed....Cody's career revitalized is a bit of a miracle similar to Zach being bounced (literally) around the CFL and then coming to us at the end of the 2019 season.   Who on this forum predicted he would then lead us to 4 Grey Cups?   Zach came to the right team and he's fit in perfectly and perhaps the same scenario develops for Cody in Montreal?   They have a dominant Defence and also have some good players on offence and Calvillo is a great OC.   Miracles do seem to happen in the CFL.

Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on December 07, 2023, 03:26:51 PM
Agreed....Cody's career revitalized is a bit of a miracle similar to Zach being bounced (literally) around the CFL and then coming to us at the end of the 2019 season.   Who on this forum predicted he would then lead us to 4 Grey Cups?   Zach came to the right team and he's fit in perfectly and perhaps the same scenario develops for Cody in Montreal?   They have a dominant Defence and also have some good players on offence and Calvillo is a great OC.   Miracles do seem to happen in the CFL.

He hasn't revitalized anything. He had one good game. He is what he is.

Quote from: Jesse on December 07, 2023, 03:48:32 PM
He hasn't revitalized anything. He had one good game. He is what he is.

He posted a 111.2 QBR on the Alouettes' championship run, which is miles ahead of the rest of his playoff career.

While I agree he hasn't revitalized anything, he contributed to the success of his team in all three post-season games more than he didn't.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 07, 2023, 04:59:11 PM
He posted a 111.2 QBR on the Alouettes' championship run, which is miles ahead of the rest of his playoff career.

While I agree he hasn't revitalized anything, he contributed to the success of his team in all three post-season games more than he didn't.

A very good team can win with a mediocre QB as long as they limit turnovers, it's been done a few times before, Marcus Crandell and Sean Salisbury come to mind.  Not saying Mtl. is a very good team yet, but this was the first year of a new regime, so they certainly could be.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 07, 2023, 05:33:27 PM
A very good team can win with a mediocre QB as long as they limit turnovers, it's been done a few times before, Marcus Crandell and Sean Salisbury come to mind.  Not saying Mtl. is a very good team yet, but this was the first year of a new regime, so they certainly could be.

We saw that in November 2019 with the Blue Bombers on their drought-vanquishing run.

Sounds like Dinwiddie is ready to flee the Argos on the next ring of his phone, not very encouraging when he says he's bored in his current situation.  Sounds like he hasn't embraced the CFL for all that it has given him and wallows in the dreams he has never fulfilled.

https://3downnation.com/2023/12/04/argos-ryan-dinwiddie-would-consider-any-nfl-opportunity-thats-the-right-fit/

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on December 07, 2023, 08:43:48 AM
Cody just won them a GC how on earth is this a miracle by his agent yo get him extended as an Al?  ::)

I'm not surprised he's extended... I'm surprised he's extended for 3 years probably with vet-guaranteed money in 2nd and 3rd year even if he turns back into "bad Cody".  They are betting a lot on him being able to at least keep up his current mediocrity.  Would you bet your team's 3 year future on that?

Quote from: Jesse on December 07, 2023, 03:48:32 PM
He hasn't revitalized anything. He had one good game. He is what he is.

Thank you!  I find it odd people don't recognize what Cody is: He's the same he's always been.  Did you see the GC?  Hitch screen.  Hitch screen.  Low-mid shot up the middle.  Wide out.  Hitch screen.  Hitch screen.  Turtle sack.  Did I say hitch screen?

I've been reading the greenie forum since 2019 when Cody was still their god and, trust me, those greenies got a great feel for what Cody could do and couldn't do.  And they analyzed it more than I ever will.  And they are right.  If you go there now you of course have to put aside the Cody-hate, but they still correctly identify the Cody issues.  He'll never have a deep ball and he does look like he's shot-putting it every time he tries.  And the deep placement is basically random.

But hey, kudos to Cody, what he did was enough to win the GC with the supporting cast the little bespectacled guy has assembled, including that ball-hawking D, and against a team that believed their own hype too much and played not to lose.  It's similar to what Matt Nichols could have done for us in the 2019 GC, had he not been Lemonated.  And I, as a WPG fan, would have loved Nichols for doing that.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 07, 2023, 10:49:38 PM
I'm not surprised he's extended... I'm surprised he's extended for 3 years probably with vet-guaranteed money in 2nd and 3rd year even if he turns back into "bad Cody".  They are betting a lot on him being able to at least keep up his current mediocrity.  Would you bet your team's 3 year future on that?

Thank you!  I find it odd people don't recognize what Cody is: He's the same he's always been.  Did you see the GC?  Hitch screen.  Hitch screen.  Low-mid shot up the middle.  Wide out.  Hitch screen.  Hitch screen.  Turtle sack.  Did I say hitch screen?

I've been reading the greenie forum since 2019 when Cody was still their god and, trust me, those greenies got a great feel for what Cody could do and couldn't do.  And they analyzed it more than I ever will.  And they are right.  If you go there now you of course have to put aside the Cody-hate, but they still correctly identify the Cody issues.  He'll never have a deep ball and he does look like he's shot-putting it every time he tries.  And the deep placement is basically random.

But hey, kudos to Cody, what he did was enough to win the GC with the supporting cast the little bespectacled guy has assembled, including that ball-hawking D, and against a team that believed their own hype too much and played not to lose.  It's similar to what Matt Nichols could have done for us in the 2019 GC, had he not been Lemonated.  And I, as a WPG fan, would have loved Nichols for doing that.

Ya, I did watch the Grey Cup...he was the one hoisting it at the end of the game while we were crying in our beer.

And who cares how many hitch screens he makes as long as he wins?? Maybe ZC should have thrown a hitch screen instead of the interception in the end zone.

And he didn't have just one good game. He went on a pretty decent winning streak to win the cup, wasn't it 8 games in a row without a loss?? The Als would be fools not to extend him, they don't have to worry about who's their Qb for the next 3 seasons. Do we know who our Qb will be in 3 years?? I don't want to even think about it...

Quote from: dd on December 07, 2023, 11:48:05 PM
Ya, I did watch the Grey Cup...he was the one hoisting it at the end of the game while we were crying in our beer.

Still only mid-shots, and only at the very end in 3-down territory in a do-or-die situation.  Other than that Calvillo kept him on a very short leash.  But hey, Buck kept Zach on a short leash too.

Quote from: dd on December 07, 2023, 11:48:05 PM
And who cares how many hitch screens he makes as long as he wins?? Maybe ZC should have thrown a hitch screen instead of the interception in the end zone.

Absolutely.  Or that 2nd & 10 sack to lose the game.  I blame a massive portion of the loss on Buck & MOS being too conservative once it was clear MTL wasn't going to roll over and die as expected.

Quote from: dd on December 07, 2023, 11:48:05 PM
And he didn't have just one good game. He went on a pretty decent winning streak to win the cup, wasn't it 8 games in a row without a loss??

Did you see the EDF?  Cody tried massively hard to lose that game, but the MTL D (and ST) kept bailing him out.  Cody could have thrown for negative yardage and they'd still win that game.  I'm pretty sure that game was the battle of the Who Wants To Be The Worst QB between him & Kelly.  I really didn't see anything special in that final MTL win streak against garbage opponents, and especially not by Cody himself.  As I said before, he's not even Matt Nichols.

Fajardo didn't just have one good game. Montreal won 7 straight at the end of the year culminating in a Grey Cup win. You don't do that with a terrible QB.

We lost fair and square. The two turnovers in scoring territory were excellent defensive plays more than Bomber mistakes. Montreal would have had an additional 7 points if they'd simply kicked a FG at the end of the half and if the refs hadn't called roughing the passer on Collaros when he clearly wasn't a passer and it clearly wasn't a head shot.

Als re-sign Sankey to a 2 year contract. Bombers weren't interested in him and he ends up with a Grey Cup win and new contract.

Go figure.

Interesting to note that Mtrl signed first the keys to success in grey cup..Fajardo and Sankey and Lemon, two of which Riders didn't resign and the third they could have signed. Yet ODay is still there

Quote from: Pete on December 08, 2023, 03:18:10 PM
Interesting to note that Mtrl signed first the keys to success in grey cup..Fajardo and Sankey and Lemon, two of which Riders didn't resign and the third they could have signed. Yet ODay is still there

Any report on what these players signed for?

Just read a report that Sankey's two year deal could be north of $340K.

Quote from: Pigskin on December 08, 2023, 06:24:55 PM
Just read a report that Sankey's two year deal could be north of $340K.

Yikes.

Thats 170 per year, not unreasonable

Quote from: Pete on December 08, 2023, 10:26:41 PM
Thats 170 per year, not unreasonable

I would have taken that deal in a heartbeat. We pay Bighill $165 and Sankey is the better MLB and on the upswing, Biggie is on the back 9 of his career

Quote from: dd on December 08, 2023, 11:33:33 PM
I would have taken that deal in a heartbeat. We pay Bighill $165 and Sankey is the better MLB and on the upswing, Biggie is on the back 9 of his career

Sankey is a one dimensional LBer and is definitely not on the upswing.

It's not an increadibly unreasonable deal, but it's exactly a steal for the team, either.

Sankey is 29, has at least 4-5 years left in his 6'2 250 lb tank. Bighill is 35, and at 5'10 230, doesn't bring the wood like he used to, Sankey will kill you

Quote from: Pete on December 08, 2023, 03:18:10 PM
Interesting to note that Mtrl signed first the keys to success in grey cup..Fajardo and Sankey and Lemon, two of which Riders didn't resign and the third they could have signed. Yet ODay is still there

So how did every GM in the league miss the boat on Lemon for 2/3rds of the 2023 season?  If he's the best thing since sliced bread instead of being a washed up couch-sitter, why did everyone take a pass?  Was he really holding out for too much $$?  How much did MTL pay him for that 1/3rd of a season?

Why did everyone think he was washed up and done and then he comes in and plays some of the best ball of his life?

I'm not sure I recall a scenario like this occurring to such an extent.  Usually it's just one GM like Buono screwing up (i.e. AH33), not the entire league's worth of GMs... including our own KW!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 09, 2023, 02:49:05 AM
So how did every GM in the league miss the boat on Lemon for 2/3rds of the 2023 season?  If he's the best thing since sliced bread instead of being a washed up couch-sitter, why did everyone take a pass?  Was he really holding out for too much $$?  How much did MTL pay him for that 1/3rd of a season?

Why did everyone think he was washed up and done and then he comes in and plays some of the best ball of his life?

I'm not sure I recall a scenario like this occurring to such an extent.  Usually it's just one GM like Buono screwing up (i.e. AH33), not the entire league's worth of GMs... including our own KW!

He's played for what 6 of the 9 teams, so 6 GM's know him or have dealt with him and my guess is they figured it wasn't worth the hassle. If he was a good team mate and team player, he would have stuck with one team longer than a season. He seemed to wear out his welcome quickly and often throughout his career.

Quote from: dd on December 09, 2023, 03:19:49 PM
He's played for what 6 of the 9 teams, so 6 GM's know him or have dealt with him and my guess is they figured it wasn't worth the hassle. If he was a good team mate and team player, he would have stuck with one team longer than a season. He seemed to wear out his welcome quickly and often throughout his career.

Weird, as he seems like a really nice, chill, smart guy in interviews.  So it'll be interesting to see how long Lemon lasts in MTL... maybe they are being too quick to sign the big GC stars for big $$... though one would have to think Maciocia would have this all down pat by now?  He's been doing this type of stuff for what, 40 years?

And maybe Lemon is just happy to get a final last shot and he'll make the most of it in Montreal. At 35, he's only got 1 maybe 2 seasons left in him, mind you , he played decent in the games I saw this year.

I don't think the Lemon situation had anything to do with GM's not wanting him as much as it was Lemon looking for the right fit.  I'm sure we offered him a competitive deal here, but he'd be behind the Jeffs.

MTL offered a chance to start and drive the D.  And it showed in his play.

Sure, he missed a lot of paychecks, but it paid off with a GC cheque and a new contract.

Quote from: dd on December 10, 2023, 01:51:45 AM
he played decent in the games I saw this year.

Hmm, maybe that's the dirty little secret... maybe his body isn't capable of doing a whole 18 game season @35...  Maybe he had to make sure he was only signed for a third of a season?  I wonder how he'll hold up when expected to play 18 in 2024...

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 11, 2023, 01:23:55 AM
Hmm, maybe that's the dirty little secret... maybe his body isn't capable of doing a whole 18 game season @35...  Maybe he had to make sure he was only signed for a third of a season?  I wonder how he'll hold up when expected to play 18 in 2024...

I don't know if that's much of a secret.

In earlier years, he would lead the league in sacks and then completely fall off and not do anything in the second half.

Champions are the teams that get hot at that time of year.  Bombers are well constructed, but ancient .  I have doubts all are guys can win another Cup.  We could play well, and get there and win for sure.  However we need some fresh blood playmaker types.

The Grey Cup saw are previous stars wilt, and were not playmakers, I.e. big plays.  Don?t get me wrong, I wanted them to. But that is the world of sport.  I think our team of the last five years has been wonderful.

Plus we were hurt, and our two boys should not have even dressed.

But in reflecting, Zach had another awful game.  The coordinators sucked.  How could anyone lose to Fajardo and his five yard passes?  Zac?s numbers were based on a survival play after play. The offensive line does give him 1.5/seconds to throw, but that?s pretty tough.  He?s good, though. Hardwick was awful, but I have not liked him, as he usually gets beat on speed rushs.
Yet he was the Outstanding O linemen for the team.  So the players and coaches know more than I do.

The group was probably the best team in the league, but once again, lost the one that counted.  Mr. Walters, last year you brought back Castillo.  This year , the team needs ??.. make it happen.  Great season, though

Did anyone see the Dallas Cowboy kicker from last nights game against the Eagles, he hasn't missed in 30 kicks and last night kicked FG's from 60, 59 and 45 yards. He played in the USFL and never went to college, he was a soccer player before.

Quote from: DM83 on December 11, 2023, 09:34:30 PM
Champions are the teams that get hot at that time of year.  Bombers are well constructed, but ancient .  I have doubts all are guys can win another Cup.  We could play well, and get there and win for sure.  However we need some fresh blood playmaker types.

The Grey Cup saw are previous stars wilt, and were not playmakers, I.e. big plays.  Don?t get me wrong, I wanted them to. But that is the world of sport.  I think our team of the last five years has been wonderful.

Plus we were hurt, and our two boys should not have even dressed.

But in reflecting, Zach had another awful game.  The coordinators sucked.  How could anyone lose to Fajardo and his five yard passes?  Zac?s numbers were based on a survival play after play. The offensive line does give him 1.5/seconds to throw, but that?s pretty tough.  He?s good, though. Hardwick was awful, but I have not liked him, as he usually gets beat on speed rushs.
Yet he was the Outstanding O linemen for the team.  So the players and coaches know more than I do.

The group was probably the best team in the league, but once again, lost the one that counted.  Mr. Walters, last year you brought back Castillo.  This year , the team needs ??.. make it happen.  Great season, though

I agree with you on Hardrick, the guys out of shape and gets beat routinely by speed, it?s embarassing actually. I don?t know how he got the nomination over Stanley, as there no comparison who?s the better lineman. I?d consider upgrading our RT position?see if we can trade him now that his stock is high from this award.

Quote from: DM83 on December 11, 2023, 09:34:30 PM
The group was probably the best team in the league, but once again, lost the one that counted.  Mr. Walters, last year you brought back Castillo.  This year , the team needs ??.. make it happen.  Great season, though

All you said was true, except I'm not sold on Yoshi being a problem point.  He does get beat more than he used to, though.

You mention Castillo as the puzzle piece, and I think it paid off (no misses in GC), but let's not forget the other massive puzzle piece KW brought in in 2023: Kenny.  From memory Kenny got one nice zone-hole mid-long pass, his longest of the GC, but it was a catch any of our guys could have made.  I think he had 1 or 2 clutch 2nd down conversions, too?  But other than that (from my memory without a rewatch), he did nothing of note...

As someone mentioned on some thread: we brought him to push us over the edge (vs the '22 GC) on the 50/50 ball and the only 50/50 that went his way -- the shoulda-been-TD -- was an INT.  Argue about whose fault that was (Zach?) all we want, the fact remains that he was paid the 2nd most (WR) in the CFL to do one job -- get us that extra something in the GC -- and he failed.  Worse still: he wasn't able to stop the INT and allow us to at least get 3.  It's a great point (thanks whoever's name I forgot!), and even if it's 90% Zach's fault, Kenny failed in his "puzzle piece" role, and that failure was a big part of why we didn't win the GC.  Disappointing.  And that arguably makes the Kenny signing a bust in terms of the puzzle.

And this as a massive Kenny fan who thinks we should retain him!

Maybe everyone is right: D wins championships.  MTL sure focused all their resources (and late season moves) on their D, and really had only 1 player on O that scared anyone, and here they are 2023 GC Champs, while we suck GC wind with our probably-league-best WR corps with triple or more SMS tied up therein...

Quote from: dd on December 11, 2023, 11:28:29 PM
I agree with you on Hardrick, the guys out of shape and gets beat routinely by speed, it?s embarassing actually. I don?t know how he got the nomination over Stanley, as there no comparison who?s the better lineman. I?d consider upgrading our RT position?see if we can trade him now that his stock is high from this award.

Yoshi had busts at times, but I think overall he had an up year.  There may have been more to the MO-OL award though: the fire and leadership and heart and soul.  Did that come into play?  Yoshi is a captain taking coin tosses with Biggie, the life of the locker room, and the fiery-eyed morale-booster a team needs.  If MO-OL is more than just on-field between-whistle play, then maybe he deserved it?

And we could say maybe the WPG-media/staff were biased to picking such a heart & soul guy, but that doesn't explain how/why the league-wide voters picked him.  Surely in aggregate they must know something?

I'm happy he finally got recognition.  Everyone was getting bored with Big Stan winning it every single year anyhow, and Stan allowed quite a few blindsiders on Zach this year too... The honest answer is both our big, all-star tackles are in the twilight of their careers: but still better than most OTs in the league!!

Quote from: DM83 on December 11, 2023, 09:34:30 PM
So the players and coaches know more than I do.

Impressive self-awareness.

Quote from: dd on December 11, 2023, 11:28:29 PM
I agree with you on Hardrick, the guys out of shape and gets beat routinely by speed, it?s embarassing actually. I don?t know how he got the nomination over Stanley, as there no comparison who?s the better lineman. I?d consider upgrading our RT position?see if we can trade him now that his stock is high from this award.

What a classless comment.

Alouettes re-sign WR Philpot through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/13/als-extend-receiver-tyson-philpot-through-2025/

Ti-Cats re-sign OL Revenberg through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/13/ticats-extend-ol-brandon-revenberg-through-2025/

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 13, 2023, 08:37:08 PM
Alouettes re-sign WR Philpot through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/13/als-extend-receiver-tyson-philpot-through-2025/

Ti-Cats re-sign OL Revenberg through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2023/12/13/ticats-extend-ol-brandon-revenberg-through-2025/

Both smart re-signs.  Boy has MTL Philpot turned into a legit threat.  Great DP by them.  I wonder how much they had to pony up... is this his first FA contract?  It could be a further hint as to what Schoen will get, as Schoen should get $40-$50k more than Philpot, although Philpot does have the passport bonus going on.  I wonder what the "other" Philpot is doing; always hurt it seems.

Revenberg is also a good move.  Weird, he's younger than I thought.  6 seasons, all with HAM.  Solid NAT OL.

In review of the game, posters have not commented on the loss of Schoen. Affect on Montreal?s approach to defending us.  Without Schoen, the Bombers had nothing to challenge the Montreal defense.  I am guessing, Montreal focuses on Lawler, and played the other receivers straight up, as none could be considered game breakers.  Hence Lawler being shut down.

The coaches screwed up, in not changing the roster to add that other guy, who played earlier in the season.  (Sorry, I forgot his name). Defensively Montreal was not threatened by anyone.

On Zac?s pass to Lawler that was intercepted in the d zone, if you replay it we had a receiver wide open on a ten yard hook on the sideline.  It would have been a Fajardo special.  Zac  apparently didn?t see it and. Put it up  For Lawler. Zac had faith in his receiver to go get it.  Unfortunately Lawler, couldn?t get his balance on the poorly thrown pass and he couldn?t go get it. The result was an easy int by the DB.

I think that match up surprised the Bombers, and the lack of Schoen being 100% allowed Montreal to focus on Lawler.  Just my two cents.

Quote from: DM83 on December 25, 2023, 10:54:14 AM
On Zac?s pass to Lawler that was intercepted in the d zone, if you replay it we had a receiver wide open on a ten yard hook on the sideline.  It would have been a Fajardo special.  Zac  apparently didn?t see it and. Put it up  For Lawler. Zac had faith in his receiver to go get it.  Unfortunately Lawler, couldn?t get his balance on the poorly thrown pass and he couldn?t go get it. The result was an easy int by the DB.

I broke down that play on another thread somewhere.  The open guy was Demski.  A timing out at the sidelines would have almost certainly worked.  He was less open than he seems because MTL ran this crazy handoff D scheme.  It appeared to be man: 3 on 3.  But it was a weird zone look where as the R's progressed in their routes the D guys all swapped assignments.

Kenny had his guy plainly beat as the defender was stuck inside trailing by a mile.  That's why Zach threw it.  But as Kenny moved towards the corner, Ento dropped his guy as he was crossing into someone else's zone.  The routes were designed to confuse, but instead Thorpe caused the confusion by doing this weird change-up.  Like much that night from MTL, the design was high risk (Ento did just barely make that INT) and high reward.  It's to goad the QB into throwing into zone when he's sure it's man an he sees the open WR.

From Buck's standpoint the play was a failure, I think, because Demski and Kenny were too close together: the key aspect that allowed Ento to change assignments.  Demski ended up basically at the GL, and Kenny maybe 15Y in the EZ.  That's not enough separation on a 30-40Y (plus 5-10 for the outside angle) pass.  It was a bad play design against a team that likes the high stakes INT.  If Demski had curled back at the rail instead of fading to the GL then Ento has to stay with him and be too far to adjust when the ball is released, or leave Demski wide open for either big yardage or at least close to 1st down.  Zach could have waited until he saw which way Ento was going.

Even worse was Kenny was waiting for the ball and likely is the only guy who can get it if Zach throws farther back to the corner.  Kenny is circus gumby who can make the wicked catch, so why are we throwing him wait-for-it helmet-height balls?  Throw it over Ento and Kenny climbs the ladder.  Zach's overthinking it and trying too hard to feather it in as a perfect, easy to catch ball.  That's not what is required at that moment with that receiver.  Yes, Zach thought Kenny was wide open with no coverage, but the entire O should have planned around the freaky Thorpe scheme and their penchant for takeaways.  There should never be the words "he's wide open" going through Zach's head.  It should be "how can someone else get there?".

That last thing is that we ran a similar play earlier, at a similar point on the field, with the Woli TD attempt where it was just batted away (Ento??).  It didn't work then, why did we think it'd work in the 4th?  It was the same mid-EZ underthrown nonsense.  Even worse, around that play they show our O on the sidelines and Zach has his live mic on and they are directly discussing this play and how they are going to do it again.  And that's heard by everyone including the MTL D who I'm sure had one guy tasked with watching the broadcast.

We didn't need to go for Kenny TD shot at that moment, and I'm not really sure why we did.  The dink & dunk was still working ok.  You're in FG range so you need to keep dinking or you need to put a ladder ball up in the back corner for Kenny where it absolutely cannot be INT'd.

Legendary CFL pass rusher Charleston Hughes officially announces retirement from pro football

The 40-year-old made the announcement via a statement to his Twitter account on Friday, tagging all three of his former CFL clubs. He last saw action with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2022 but did not sign with a team last season after becoming a free agent in February 2023.


https://3downnation.com/2023/12/29/legendary-cfl-pass-rusher-charleston-hughes-officially-announces-retirement-from-pro-football/

3DN reporting the Stamps aren?t allowing Kilam to get interviewed for Mace?s staff. Really plays into their ?steadfast succession planning? to deny an assistant an opportunity for a promotion. Hope they?ve been telling Kilam great things to keep him happy in Calgary?

Quote from: blue_or_die on December 31, 2023, 02:51:28 PM
3DN reporting the Stamps aren?t allowing Kilam to get interviewed for Mace?s staff. Really plays into their ?steadfast succession planning? to deny an assistant an opportunity for a promotion. Hope they?ve been telling Kilam great things to keep him happy in Calgary?

For Killam, promotion would be HC, not staff...

Quote from: theaardvark on January 01, 2024, 01:26:04 AM
For Killam, promotion would be HC, not staff...

Yeah, I guess they would want him for STC and Assistant HC, which he already is in Calgary, right?

No real reason to leave.

Veteran QB Dane Evans retires from CFL.

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/01/veteran-qb-dane-evans-retires-from-cfl/


Thought he would eventually finding a starting job if he was patient enough, guess not.  Kinda leaves BC in the difficult position of finding or developing a competent backup, I don't think they have any viable candidates stashed in their sock drawer.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 01, 2024, 01:26:04 AM
For Killam, promotion would be HC, not staff...

Not sure what the Riders would be offering.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 02, 2024, 05:47:06 PM
Veteran QB Dane Evans retires from CFL.

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/01/veteran-qb-dane-evans-retires-from-cfl/


Thought he would eventually finding a starting job if he was patient enough, guess not.  Kinda leaves BC in the difficult position of finding or developing a competent backup, I don't think they have any viable candidates stashed in their sock drawer.

Wow, I didn't see that coming. Evans is better than anything they have in Ottawa and Hamilton, and if Harris is delayed coming back, Saskatchewan. Heck if we lose Brown to FA, he would be pretty good as our backup!!

Lions re-sign WR/returner Terry Williams through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/03/lions-extend-terry-williams-through-2025/

EDMONTON ? The Edmonton Elks announced on Wednesday that they have released American wide receiver Steven Dunbar Jr.

Hmmm. I wonder what his options are and potential SMS hit. If we don't think we're going to be able to re-sign Schoen, Woli and / or Bailey, he might be an option depending on SMS hit.

That said, it's a timing issue. We might sign our guys later and Dunbar could sign somewhere in the next week??

As usual during the off season we have many players potentially going to free agency. We'd probably like them all back but who can we afford. I have little doubt they all will want to return but SMS will be the criteria.

Lions re-sign DL Sione Teuhema through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/03/lions-ink-dl-sione-teuhema-to-two-year-extension/

Roughriders re-sign WR/returner Mario Alford to one-year deal: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/04/run-it-back-alford-riders-agree-to-one-year-extension/

Dave Naylor confirmed that Bo Levi Mitchell has restructured his contract for 2024 and will remain in Hamilton. Farhan Lalji followed up with details:
$225k hard money including $50k signing bonus
$72k playtime bonus available
$15k incentive bonus
Announcement tomorrow.

Kudos to TSN for credting another Twitter account as their source. Meanwhile, 3Down is late to the part (as usual) yet getting credit from others for breaking the news. I was surprised 3Down credited Jeff Hamilton for breaking the Paul Boudreau story.


Farhan also reporting that Taylor Cornelius will be released tomorrow. Dave Campbell says Edmonton is close to signing MBT.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 05, 2024, 05:05:50 AM
Dave Naylor confirmed that Bo Levi Mitchell has restructured his contract for 2024 and will remain in Hamilton. Farhan Lalji followed up with details:
$225k hard money including $50k signing bonus
$72k playtime bonus available
$15k incentive bonus
Announcement tomorrow.

Kudos to TSN for credting another Twitter account as their source. Meanwhile, 3Down is late to the part (as usual) yet getting credit from others for breaking the news. I was surprised 3Down credited Jeff Hamilton for breaking the Paul Boudreau story.


Farhan also reporting that Taylor Cornelius will be released tomorrow. Dave Campbell says Edmonton is close to signing MBT.

Wow, BLM took quite the cut to stay in Hamilton, that's aprox. half what he signed for last season, his original deal was 3 years for $1.62 million.

Derek Taylor
@DTonOB
3h
The first dead money in this new CBA, I believe.

Wonder where Cornelius will end up in a depth role? Winnipeg, perhaps?
Quote
Farhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN
3h
Hearing the #Elks are releasing QB Taylor Cornelius. He will be owed 100k guaranteed for the coming season. @SportsCentre

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 05, 2024, 05:31:29 AM
Wow, BLM took quite the cut to stay in Hamilton, that's aprox. half what he signed for last season, his original deal was 3 years for $1.62 million.

I don't think he's better than Taylor Powell.

He's hardly better than a vet presence on the bench these days. I guess we'll see what TC brings in the hammer.

Aaron Grymes released by the Elks:

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/04/edmonton-elks-release-veteran-db-aaron-grymes/

There is quite a bit of teams re-thinking their QB situations. Evans retiring, Cornelius being released, BLM re-negotiating to stay in Hamilton. I think Arbuckle, Davis and Harris might yet see the shoe drop soon especially if they have off season bonus's due soon.

It's musical chair time.

Quote from: ModAdmin on January 05, 2024, 06:07:15 AM
Derek Taylor
@DTonOB
3h
The first dead money in this new CBA, I believe.

Wonder where Cornelius will end up in a depth role? Winnipeg, perhaps?
Quote
Farhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN
3h
Hearing the #Elks are releasing QB Taylor Cornelius. He will be owed 100k guaranteed for the coming season. @SportsCentre

I could see Cornelius signed as a back up in a few places especially if he can handle 3rd down situations, Lions, Stamps, maybe even Wpg. depending on what happens with Brown.  He has a lot of athletic talent for a bigger guy.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 05, 2024, 03:38:56 PM
I could see Cornelius signed as a back up in a few places especially if he can handle 3rd down situations, Lions, Stamps, maybe even Wpg. depending on what happens with Brown.  He has a lot of athletic talent for a bigger guy.

Corneleus has all the tools but no toolbox!

Quote from: bwiser on January 05, 2024, 05:32:23 PM
Corneleus has all the tools but no toolbox!

More a case that he hasn't figured out how to use his tools the proper way....and from what I see it's moreso due to where he has been playing, and the lack of solid coaching around him....I can see the same with Ford there....in the proper environment, and with the right coaching he could actually develop into something well above average

Quote from: booch on January 05, 2024, 05:46:17 PM
More a case that he hasn't figured out how to use his tools the proper way....and from what I see it's moreso due to where he has been playing, and the lack of solid coaching around him....I can see the same with Ford there....in the proper environment, and with the right coaching he could actually develop into something well above average

Agree both still have some time to shine and have shown flashes

Quote from: booch on January 05, 2024, 05:46:17 PM
More a case that he hasn't figured out how to use his tools the proper way....and from what I see it's moreso due to where he has been playing, and the lack of solid coaching around him....I can see the same with Ford there....in the proper environment, and with the right coaching he could actually develop into something well above average

For most of last season the Elks employed Jarious Jackson as OC and QB coach after demoting Stephen McADoo early on, I believe Jackson has the reputation of being a half decent coach.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2024, 12:28:08 AM
For most of last season the Elks employed Jarious Jackson as OC and QB coach after demoting Stephen McADoo early on, I believe Jackson has the reputation of being a half decent coach.

yup....and for a stretch there after the switch...under Jarious Ford was putting up some good performances and actually saw growth....with a complete roster around him would have seen more too

Quote from: booch on January 06, 2024, 12:39:17 AM
yup....and for a stretch there after the switch...under Jarious Ford was putting up some good performances and actually saw growth....with a complete roster around him would have seen more too

Agree Ford looks good, fun to watch

Wrong Ford can?t read defenses. Worse than Fajardo. Fords a one trick pony. He?ll be switched to receiver eventually.
Cornelius if he got a coach, might be decent, cheap,,and Ottawa and Sask need a starter.

BLM is done. Shoulder has no strength.

Quote from: DM83 on January 08, 2024, 02:03:51 AM
Wrong Ford can?t read defenses. Worse than Fajardo. Fords a one trick pony. He?ll be switched to receiver eventually.
Cornelius if he got a coach, might be decent, cheap,,and Ottawa and Sask need a starter.

BLM is done. Shoulder has no strength.

Wrong! Ford uses his legs to extend plays and can throw. He had a 102 QB rating and threw for 2000+ yards in 10 games on a crappy team. I'd take him over Dru Brown any day. Cornelius threw for 1300+ yards in 9 games on the same team.

I agree that BLM is done.

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 08, 2024, 03:05:27 PM
Wrong! Ford uses his legs to extend plays and can throw. He had a 102 QB rating and threw for 2000+ yards in 10 games on a crappy team. I'd take him over Dru Brown any day. Cornelius threw for 1300+ yards in 9 games on the same team.

I agree that BLM is done.

Ford seemed to get better as the year went on but I wouldn't put reading defenses anywhere near the top of his resume, yet. If he could, they wouldn't have signed Bethal-Thompson. Ford was such a good athlete that it didn't really matter a lot of the time. He struggled when teams could keep him in the pocket but teams couldn't keep him in the pocket very much and eventually everything breaks down and it's sandlot football because he buys himself so much time. That's probably not a winning formula for very long, but it will be effective in the short term when he can still out-athlete everyone.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 08, 2024, 03:10:12 PM
Ford seemed to get better as the year went on but I wouldn't put reading defenses anywhere near the top of his resume, yet. If he could, they wouldn't have signed Bethal-Thompson. Ford was such a good athlete that it didn't really matter a lot of the time. He struggled when teams could keep him in the pocket but teams couldn't keep him in the pocket very much and eventually everything breaks down and it's sandlot football because he buys himself so much time. That's probably not a winning formula for very long, but it will be effective in the short term when he can still out-athlete everyone.

Reading defenses isn't high on any young QB's list (OK Rourke, but that's the only one I can think of). Being able to extend the play long enough to find an open receiver is huge for young QB's until the game slows down for them.

3rd down reports that Austin Mack has been signed by the Falcons??

I thought it was still too early to actually sign CFL players. Unless of course the Als released him in order for that to happen immediately.

Big loss for the Als but congrats to Mack. He was a very exciting player to watch.

Stampeders, WR Begelton reportedly agree to contract extension through 2025: https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/source-begelton-stampeders-agree-to-extend-deal-by-a-year-1.2060623

The folks in Edmonton should release Jones, so he can get his old job back as being Trumps double, and then hire someone with a smaller head., or I guess that would be three people.  Poor Edmonton. Talk about misplacement of funds. Yikes.

There is a transaction on CFL.CA showing Maier deleted and then added to the roster. I wonder if that was some sort of salary re-negotiation?

Ed Hervey announces Dookie Williams and Chris Edwards are done in The Hammer.

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/09/gm-ed-hervey-duke-williams-chris-edwards-wont-be-back-with-hamilton-tiger-cats/

"Dookie Williams" :D :D

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2024, 01:06:19 PM
There is a transaction on CFL.CA showing Maier deleted and then added to the roster. I wonder if that was some sort of salary re-negotiation?

Probably a very good indicator.

According to 3DN Maier made.

Hard money: $405,000
Maximum value: $447,000

No reason he shouldn't take a big haircut as he didn't play up to his salary expectations.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 11, 2024, 03:59:14 PM
Probably a very good indicator.

According to 3DN Maier made.

Hard money: $405,000
Maximum value: $447,000

No reason he shouldn't take a big haircut as he didn't play up to his salary expectations.

Any starting QB should earn $400k in this league.  Whether he earned that depends largely on whether you think his numbers reflect his personal performance, or the performance of the team around him.  Oline to OC, WR's and RB's... CGY didn't have a juggernaut around him. 

That said, sure.  If a team can get a player to take a haircut so they can put better parts around him so that he can perform better and earn better, that's the job of a GM. 

It could also have been a roster bonus situation, where they moved it from a roster bonus into game salary so that they didn't have to decide on cutting him now.  He may still be making his $405, but in salary not salary+bonus.  And he needs to earn it, and the team can cut him and save $SMS during the season, whereas any roster bonus is spent money.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2024, 01:06:19 PM
There is a transaction on CFL.CA showing Maier deleted and then added to the roster. I wonder if that was some sort of salary re-negotiation?

There is no one on the CFL transaction page more than you  :D

Quote from: theaardvark on January 11, 2024, 06:31:32 PM
Any starting QB should earn $400k in this league.  Whether he earned that depends largely on whether you think his numbers reflect his personal performance, or the performance of the team around him.  Oline to OC, WR's and RB's... CGY didn't have a juggernaut around him. 

That said, sure.  If a team can get a player to take a haircut so they can put better parts around him so that he can perform better and earn better, that's the job of a GM. 

It could also have been a roster bonus situation, where they moved it from a roster bonus into game salary so that they didn't have to decide on cutting him now.  He may still be making his $405, but in salary not salary+bonus.  And he needs to earn it, and the team can cut him and save $SMS during the season, whereas any roster bonus is spent money.

The Stamps are not going to cut Maier, but reducing his salary could allow them to make Brown an offer around $250k which might be enough to convince him to move to Calgary instead of Ottawa.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 11, 2024, 07:20:44 PM
The Stamps are not going to cut Maier, but reducing his salary could allow them to make Brown an offer around $250k which might be enough to convince him to move to Calgary instead of Ottawa.

How far do you have to cut Maier to make $250k available to Dru, especially after you just signed Stevens?  And is $250 enough to sign him, even with playing time bonuses? Ottawa has Crum under an ELC deal, and only signs Dru if they cut Masoli.  So, in no world is CGY even a consideration for Dru, unless they completely cut Maier.  Which, admittedly, if they removed a roster bonus and added incentives for play, becomes more likely.

Dru isn't making $250K this year. He's going to be making Davis/Evans money. $100K + playing time bonuses. Maxing out at $150-175K.

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 11, 2024, 08:01:28 PM
Dru isn't making $250K this year. He's going to be making Davis/Evans money. $100K + playing time bonuses. Maxing out at $150-175K.

So there's the rub, how much can he get.  If, as Buck mentions, he deserves starters pay, then if OTT axes Masoli, he will get $300k + incentives, or if CGY has Maier on a short leash or Mitchell in HAM, can Dru get a deal that guarantees $150k plus play time bonuses of $12k - 15K per game which could max him out in the $400k range?   Is the second of those scenarios in the realm for WFC to match?  And would he be that much more likely to get playing time behind Mitchell/Maier than Collaros?

I know, waiting for Zach to retire is not an optimum earning opportunity for Dru,  I just wish it could be...

Quote from: theaardvark on January 11, 2024, 08:59:20 PM
So there's the rub, how much can he get.  If, as Buck mentions, he deserves starters pay, then if OTT axes Masoli, he will get $300k + incentives, or if CGY has Maier on a short leash or Mitchell in HAM, can Dru get a deal that guarantees $150k plus play time bonuses of $12k - 15K per game which could max him out in the $400k range?   Is the second of those scenarios in the realm for WFC to match?  And would he be that much more likely to get playing time behind Mitchell/Maier than Collaros?

I know, waiting for Zach to retire is not an optimum earning opportunity for Dru,  I just wish it could be...

If Ottawa axes Masoli, they will reduce their salary by 300K+, that doesn't mean they will give it to Brown. They'll hedge their bets by having a couple of QB's competing for the #1 spot and use the extra money to improve their team in other positions.

Will Streveler be our back up next year ?

Quote from: Bomber Diehard on January 11, 2024, 10:51:31 PM
Will Streveler be our back up next year ?

Seems possible!

Quote from: Bomber Diehard on January 11, 2024, 10:51:31 PM
Will Streveler be our back up next year ?

I heard another NFL team was interested in him?    I think his CFL ship has sailed I'm afraid.    Having him as a back up to Zach would be awesome though....albeit his ability to completely take over as our starting QB in the event Zach goes down isn't in the same realm as Dru Brown.   

Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on January 12, 2024, 02:06:26 AM
I heard another NFL team was interested in him?    I think his CFL ship has sailed I'm afraid.    Having him as a back up to Zach would be awesome though....albeit his ability to completely take over as our starting QB in the event Zach goes down isn't in the same realm as Dru Brown.   

Jeff Hamilton tweeted that he?s contemplating a return to the CFL and, while a few teams are in contact, we appear to be the leading candidates.

Quote from: Jesse on December 07, 2023, 03:48:32 PM
He hasn't revitalized anything. He had one good game. He is what he is.

I tend to disagree with those who wrote Fjardo off......he did revitalize his career with Montreal by taking the team from third place to the Grey Cup.    He was recently signed for another 2 years so, in the CFL that's revitalized especially under the circumstances he left the Riders who had a really crappy team in front of him.   Will he ever duplicate his performance in this years Cup?   Not likely, however he could very well find a niche in Montreal especially with AC as his OC and QB coach.

Quote from: Bomber Diehard on January 11, 2024, 10:51:31 PM
Will Streveler be our back up next year ?

It would make the most sense if he's setting his sights on a return to the CFL.

And it would be awesome to see.

Quote from: Jesse on January 12, 2024, 03:18:51 AM
Jeff Hamilton tweeted that he?s contemplating a return to the CFL and, while a few teams are in contact, we appear to be the leading candidates.

No surprise. He knows what he's getting with this organization.

I really hope he and the team agree to a contract.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 12, 2024, 01:21:09 PM
It would make the most sense if he's setting his sights on a return to the CFL.

And it would be awesome to see.

No surprise. He knows what he's getting with this organization.

I really hope he and the team agree to a contract.

How could we afford him but not Brown? I realize Brown is interested in starting which might be more of a reason for leaving but isn't that true of Streveler as well?

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2024, 01:46:32 PM
How could we afford him but not Brown? I realize Brown is interested in starting which might be more of a reason for leaving but isn't that true of Streveler as well?

Brown's got a higher ceiling, IMO. I'd imagine potential suitors are banking on him becoming a starter.

Streveler is a known commodity.

The nice part about getting Streveler instead of Brown would be that it would make Prukop expendable. We could bring some new faces to the QB room that might impress.
Fact is that right now, unless Colaros gets hurt, I don't think Brown will get his chance to shine.
I hope that Brown finds a starting spot for a team and does very well for them.

I think Strev would be smart to come to wpg, he's comfortable here, knows Buck will fit him into the office. and be given a chance to show his skills, that he has what it takes to become an elite starter in the cfl. Much as how Brown has done, but with more of a foundation.
It likely won't be  a question of money more of being able to reacclimatize to our game.

Whether he is able to do this is up to him.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 12, 2024, 02:06:46 PM
Brown's got a higher ceiling, IMO. I'd imagine potential suitors are banking on him becoming a starter.

Streveler is a known commodity.

That may be true or not. Teams thought many younger QB's were the future and they flamed out quickly. I like Brown but is he really ready to be a full time starter and on a bad team like Ottawa?

CFL money for Streveler is essentially pocket change. I don't think he's going to accept $150k for example. We know what he brings but can he be a good # 2 if Collaros gets injured?

Interesting questions but we'll see how this works out for him and for Brown.

Everybody is jumping on the Brown bandwagon and they may be right but we've seen this story before.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2024, 03:18:57 PM
I like Brown but is he really ready to be a full time starter and on a bad team like Ottawa?

That's the big question. He had the same team and coaches here to practice with for a number of years which I think explains his higher than expected completion percentage. Still, he is a smart and precise thrower so maybe he could adjust fairly quickly. If he plays within himself he's going to win a lot of games. The other thing we haven't seen is durability, not that he doesn't have it but we don't know because he hasn't played long enough to see.

If Brown is not affordable, Streve is even less so.  Brown is a potential starter wit a long career ahead.  Streve is a gadget guy, a great #2 who can finish games, and potentially start if necessary, but not a guy who is going to be a starter in the league without an extremely tailored offence, which may or may not be susceptible to game planning.

Could Ott roll the dyce on him?  Maybe, he'd put fannies in the seats, for sure.  Ham?  They'd love his style of play.  I'd place both those teams ahead of us.  Had Jones not signed MBT, he'd have chased Streve, for sure.  And turned him into a DE.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2024, 01:46:32 PM
How could we afford him but not Brown? I realize Brown is interested in starting which might be more of a reason for leaving but isn't that true of Streveler as well?

Agree, Brown was paid less than $100k, they won't be able to offer Strev. much more with all of the other players Walters is trying to bring back.  Logically, I can't see much reason Strev. should choose to come back to Wpg., no money and no quick route to a starting job within his timeframe.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2024, 03:18:57 PM
That may be true or not. Teams thought many younger QB's were the future and they flamed out quickly. I like Brown but is he really ready to be a full time starter and on a bad team like Ottawa?

CFL money for Streveler is essentially pocket change. I don't think he's going to accept $150k for example. We know what he brings but can he be a good # 2 if Collaros gets injured?

Interesting questions but we'll see how this works out for him and for Brown.

Everybody is jumping on the Brown bandwagon and they may be right but we've seen this story before.

It's purely speculation on my part. I'm interested to see how it all plays out for him and Brown as it will seemingly affect the Bombers' QB situation.

Streveler is a solid QB2 (and jumbo/gadget pivot), so I can't see any team breaking the bank for him. He also gets a ton of familiarity should be come back here.

Walters has told us that even if we could afford Brown, he's likely signing elsewhere. It's all about being in a place where he has a better chance of starting games. Whether or not he's the day 1 starter.

If Streveler is talking to us, he's obviously willing to step into a back-up role. He knows he's obviously going to play in each game with us. We have a pre-made package ready for him to dust off.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 12, 2024, 03:59:11 PM
Agree, Brown was paid less than $100k, they won't be able to offer Strev. much more with all of the other players Walters is trying to bring back.  Logically, I can't see much reason Strev. should choose to come back to Wpg., no money and no quick route to a starting job within his timeframe.

Do we know what we were paying Prukop? If it was 100+ we can give him part of that money and settle on a fresh QB as our third.

Quote from: LXTSN on January 12, 2024, 07:03:29 PM
Do we know what we were paying Prukop? If it was 100+ we can give him part of that money and settle on a fresh QB as our third.

Orrrrrrr.... would Collaros consider taking a paycut? Strev would make a big enough difference to a roster and locker room like ours to consider it.

Brown is good behind a Wpg Oline, and all star receivers,and in Bucks system.
If he?s that good, shouldn?t the Bomber unload Zac.

Zac hasn?t been hurt significantly, in his four years here.  Odds are??
Again if Brown is good as only the coaches could know, would he be worth keeping over an aging Zac.

That being said, Zac could play into his forties, as he still drops the ball into the open spaces, for the most part, can still escape pressure and create TDs..

Just speculating?I do not want to see him leave the Bombers.

Tim Baines @TimCBaines
Hearing the #Ottawa #Redblacks have reached what's believed to be a team-friendly contract agreement with QB Jeremiah Masoli, restructuring a deal that would have paid him a $100,000 bonus Monday. #CFL

Tim Baines @TimCBaines
The #Redblacks won't bring Jeremiah Masoli back with promises of the No. 1 QB job. It will be a competition. Expect them to get their guy through #CFL free agency.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 14, 2024, 06:11:49 PM
Tim Baines @TimCBaines
Hearing the #Ottawa #Redblacks have reached what's believed to be a team-friendly contract agreement with QB Jeremiah Masoli, restructuring a deal that would have paid him a $100,000 bonus Monday. #CFL

Tim Baines @TimCBaines
The #Redblacks won't bring Jeremiah Masoli back with promises of the No. 1 QB job. It will be a competition. Expect them to get their guy through #CFL free agency.

I really thought an outright release was more probable since his availability to return from injury is TBD. He'll start the season on 6 game IR quite possibly. However it's a low SMS hit and some of that will be protected on IR.

I don't think anybody expected him to be the # 1 QB even if he made the roster. So Brown could well get an offer to compete for #1 but is it a good fit.

I am wondering if teams across the league think he is ( Brown) ready? A lot of posts, are also somewhat hesitant to anoint him as the Guy!

If that?s the case just stay here, with a raise, maybe a better playing package, and gradually take over. Unless you are comfortable with Procop, or an unknown. Strev could play a role. I love everything about Strev, except his ability as a passer, which I would be nervous about..  that being said I would love to be a receiver on his watch?..but I could block, so maybe others wouldn?t like  being a blocker as much.

It's unfortunate for Brown that there are going to be few openings this year. If I was Ottawa I'd keep quiet for now too but offer him good money as soon as allowed to. I said good, not great, only because of the lack of competition to get him this year.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 14, 2024, 06:11:49 PM
Tim Baines @TimCBaines
Hearing the #Ottawa #Redblacks have reached what's believed to be a team-friendly contract agreement with QB Jeremiah Masoli, restructuring a deal that would have paid him a $100,000 bonus Monday. #CFL

Tim Baines @TimCBaines
The #Redblacks won't bring Jeremiah Masoli back with promises of the No. 1 QB job. It will be a competition. Expect them to get their guy through #CFL free agency.

Masoli went from this in 2023:

4) Jeremiah Masoli, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $425,000
Maximum value: $433,000

"The nine-year veteran signed an extension with Ottawa through 2024 and received a $175,000 signing bonus to do so. He will earn a $5,000 bonus if he is named the CFL?s Most Outstanding Player in 2023 along with a $10,000 travel bonus."

To this today:

"The 35-year-old receives a $45,000 signing bonus in his reworked agreement totalling $133,800 in hard money. He can earn up to $90,000 more in playtime incentives, broken down to $5,000 per game for playing 51 percent or more of the team?s offensive snaps. His maximum earning potential is $236,800."

I think the RB's are making room for Brown at $250k + playtime incentives, and they won't have to worry about paying Masoli his playtime incentives unless Brown is a bust.  Masoli could be good trade bait mid-season if he's healthy.

Argonauts re-sign all-stars OL Orimolade, WR Daniels: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/15/argos-extend-east-all-stars-orimolade-and-daniels/

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2024, 01:07:47 AM
Masoli went from this in 2023:

4) Jeremiah Masoli, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $425,000
Maximum value: $433,000

"The nine-year veteran signed an extension with Ottawa through 2024 and received a $175,000 signing bonus to do so. He will earn a $5,000 bonus if he is named the CFL?s Most Outstanding Player in 2023 along with a $10,000 travel bonus."

To this today:

"The 35-year-old receives a $45,000 signing bonus in his reworked agreement totalling $133,800 in hard money. He can earn up to $90,000 more in playtime incentives, broken down to $5,000 per game for playing 51 percent or more of the team?s offensive snaps. His maximum earning potential is $236,800."

I think the RB's are making room for Brown at $250k + playtime incentives, and they won't have to worry about paying Masoli his playtime incentives unless Brown is a bust.  Masoli could be good trade bait mid-season if he's healthy.

On that great of a team friendly deal, you would never trade Masoli if he gets healthy. 

Quote from: theaardvark on January 15, 2024, 05:54:44 PM
On that great of a team friendly deal, you would never trade Masoli if he gets healthy. 

If they decide to sign Brown and keep Masoli, Crum or Adams become available.  I'd grab either.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2024, 06:29:34 PM
If they decide to sign Brown and keep Masoli, Crum or Adams become available.  I'd grab either.

Crum is on ELC still, so he's going no where, especially on a  team where they started their 4th on the DC QB last year.  With Masoli off the AR for the first part of the season, no reason Crum and Adams aren't on the AR to start the season... unless they play themselves off or are injured, in which case, do you stlll want them?

Stampeders re-sign LB Judge through 2025: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/15/stamps-extend-lb-cameron-judge-through-2025/

Argonauts trade WR Gittens Jr. to the Elks for DL Ceresna: https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/source-elks-land-receiver-gittens-from-argonauts-for-defensive-lineman-ceresna-1.2062873

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2024, 07:53:37 PM
Argonauts trade WR Gittens Jr. to the Elks for DL Ceresna: https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/source-elks-land-receiver-gittens-from-argonauts-for-defensive-lineman-ceresna-1.2062873

Argo D-line just got scarier.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2024, 07:53:37 PM
Argonauts trade WR Gittens Jr. to the Elks for DL Ceresna: https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/source-elks-land-receiver-gittens-from-argonauts-for-defensive-lineman-ceresna-1.2062873

That is a truly odd trade... Ceresna must have done something to get in Jones bad books to be traded... and how does Pinball let a starting 1000 yd Nat WR go unless he knows he's got something better/cheaper coming in.   

...and trading a Nat WR for an American DL? 

Weird.

Another strange Jones move, it would seem that recievers are much easier to replace than a 295 athletic tackle of his ability.
the only benifet is it gives mbt a reciever he is familiar with

Quote from: Pete on January 15, 2024, 09:24:42 PM
Another strange Jones move, it would seem that recievers are much easier to replace than a 295 athletic tackle of his ability.
the only benifet is it gives mbt a reciever he is familiar with

Good point, did not occur to me.  MBT had a great year the year Gittens got 1000+ yards...  that makes sense.  I guess the fact he played 10 games last season brings his trade cost down, but Ceresna?  Surely Pinball could have gotten more... not even a draft pick tossed in?

Quote from: Pete on January 15, 2024, 09:24:42 PM
Another strange Jones move, it would seem that recievers are much easier to replace than a 295 athletic tackle of his ability.
the only benifet is it gives mbt a reciever he is familiar with

Player salaries are almost a trade off, so Jones didn't save anything by taking on Gittens and he dumped about the same amount cutting Dunbar.  The other possibly is ratio related, Jones might be trying to shift more starting Natls. to the O-side.

Honestly, I think this is a great trade. I can't figure out who "won".

Both teams filled different needs based on different circumstances. As a fan, I love seeing it. Big moves, GMs. Great to see.

Quote from: Jesse on January 16, 2024, 12:26:05 AM
Honestly, I think this is a great trade. I can't figure out who "won".

Both teams filled different needs based on different circumstances. As a fan, I love seeing it. Big moves, GMs. Great to see.

A great trade for both teams. I'd say they both won.

Elks re-sign DB Purifoy: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/15/elks-purifoy-agree-to-one-year-extension/

Lions re-sign WR Hatcher through 2026: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/15/three-for-four-lions-hatcher-agree-to-3-year-extension/

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 16, 2024, 03:48:22 PM
Elks re-sign DB Purifoy: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/15/elks-purifoy-agree-to-one-year-extension/

Lions re-sign WR Hatcher through 2026: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/15/three-for-four-lions-hatcher-agree-to-3-year-extension/

It would be interesting to know what Hatcher signed for. This contract should tell us what DS is worth.  I would also think Hatcher will probably miss most of the 2024 season.

Personally would say the Argos won the trade. Ceresna would have looked sensational in our Blue colors

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/16/longtime-cfl-coach-jeff-reinebold-accepts-position-at-university-of-hawaii-report/

B.C. Lions re-sign breakout star Alexander Hollins, Lions doing a great job of retaining their excellent receivers.  Lucky growing more nervous with every passing day.

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/17/b-c-lions-re-sign-breakout-star-alexander-hollins/

I would sure like to know the salary range they're signing these guys for, it would be a good measuring stick for Schoen.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 17, 2024, 06:20:39 PM
B.C. Lions re-sign breakout star Alexander Hollins, Lions doing a great job of retaining their excellent receivers.  Lucky growing more nervous with every passing day.

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/17/b-c-lions-re-sign-breakout-star-alexander-hollins/

I would sure like to know the salary range they're signing these guys for, it would be a good measuring stick for Schoen.

Ask and you shall receive (I don't think you can compare them to Scheon tho):

Farhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN
#BCLions asked Rhymes to restructure his deal, he declined, knowing there will be interest in #CFLFA
Hollins deal pays 220 & 230k.
Hatcher will make 220 & 230k in 25-26 (closer to minimum in ?24 due to inj).
Lucky likely headed to FA.
Cottoy a priority to get resigned.
@CFLonTSN

Quote from: Jesse on January 17, 2024, 07:08:08 PM
Ask and you shall receive (I don't think you can compare them to Scheon tho):

Farhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN
#BCLions asked Rhymes to restructure his deal, he declined, knowing there will be interest in #CFLFA
Hollins deal pays 220 & 230k.
Hatcher will make 220 & 230k in 25-26 (closer to minimum in ?24 due to inj).
Lucky likely headed to FA.
Cottoy a priority to get resigned.
@CFLonTSN

That's good, and should be the upper end for receivers, unfortunately there are 2 anomalies, soon maybe 3.  I wish Walters hadn't gone off the deep end re-signing Lawler, by doing so he sabotaged his own efforts to re-sign Schoen, and indirectly supported Jones ridiculous decision to pay top receivers in the range of $300k instead of $200k.

Lions release WR Rhymes: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/17/lions-release-veteran-receiver-dominique-rhymes/

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 17, 2024, 07:36:41 PM
Lions release WR Rhymes: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/17/lions-release-veteran-receiver-dominique-rhymes/

Interesting.

seems to be a lot of movement with receivers, Dunbar being released now Rhymes, Gittens traded, feels like more teams are finding that you can't afford more than 2 recievers at 200k plus.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 17, 2024, 07:36:41 PM
Lions release WR Rhymes: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/17/lions-release-veteran-receiver-dominique-rhymes/

Wow, not sure they let the right guy walk. Rhymes is very impressive from what I recall. I would have kept him and let lucky walk but whatever. If we lose schoen, I?d be checking out rhymes for sure.

Jeff Hamilton's CFL rundown recap:

A.J. Ouellette is asking 160k in TO. Oliveira wants 250k. Neither wants to budge.
Likely Dru Brown to Ottawa leaving Streveler to accept #2 pay, which would be here right?
Schoen also going to Ottawa with Brown.
Travis Fulgham, receiver, signed by BC is someone to keep an eye on. Possibly made Rhymes expendable?

Quote from: Waffler on January 18, 2024, 02:15:34 AM
Jeff Hamilton's CFL rundown recap:

A.J. Ouellette is asking 160k in TO. Oliveira wants 250k. Neither wants to budge.
Likely Dru Brown to Ottawa leaving Streveler to accept #2 pay, which would be here right?
Schoen also going to Ottawa with Brown.
Travis Fulgham, receiver, signed by BC is someone to keep an eye on. Possibly made Rhymes expendable?

I can't see the Bombers giving BO20 $250K. BO20 and Brown to Ottawa, and AJ and DS83 in Winnipeg.

Quote from: Waffler on January 18, 2024, 02:15:34 AM
Jeff Hamilton's CFL rundown recap:

A.J. Ouellette is asking 160k in TO. Oliveira wants 250k. Neither wants to budge.
Likely Dru Brown to Ottawa leaving Streveler to accept #2 pay, which would be here right?
Schoen also going to Ottawa with Brown.
Travis Fulgham, receiver, signed by BC is someone to keep an eye on. Possibly made Rhymes expendable?

Jeff said it was a gut feeling that Ottawa would go after Schoen. I personally think Montreal will be big players too.

My friends and I have been wondering about BC. Shedding Rhymes and Lucky's salaries gives them room to make a play on Brady.

Streveler's best bet is to sign a one-year deal with us and then try to catch on as a starter somewhere next year, but it would be really nice to sign him for two years, that might be the hold up.

Oliveira wanting $250K is absurd.

Quote from: dd on January 17, 2024, 11:18:40 PM
Wow, not sure they let the right guy walk. Rhymes is very impressive from what I recall. I would have kept him and let lucky walk but whatever. If we lose schoen, I?d be checking out rhymes for sure.

He reportedly didn't want to renegotiate his contract, so the two parties agreed to part ways: https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/source-veteran-receiver-rhymes-b-c-lions-mutually-agree-to-part-ways-1.2063881

If Schoen goes elsewhere, I'd definitely take Rhymes as his replacement.

Quote from: Waffler on January 18, 2024, 02:15:34 AM
Jeff Hamilton's CFL rundown recap:

A.J. Ouellette is asking 160k in TO. Oliveira wants 250k. Neither wants to budge.
Likely Dru Brown to Ottawa leaving Streveler to accept #2 pay, which would be here right?
Schoen also going to Ottawa with Brown.
Travis Fulgham, receiver, signed by BC is someone to keep an eye on. Possibly made Rhymes expendable?

A.J. Ouellette is a very good RB and IMO the $160K is a fair amount for his services. He'd look good in Winnipeg if we can't get Oliveria back. The clock is ticking for Oliveria so we can get on with other roster decisions.

$250k for BO20?  That is high, I don't think he will get that, unless someone really needs ratio help.  OUilette is a stronger back, and at $90k less... a deal.

Rhymes is looking for a $200k plus deal, I'd rather have Schoen if we're going $200k plus.

Brown vs. Streveler?  Either is going to cost a lot, we might not be able to afford either, and maybe the best QB corps $SMS money is Collaros, rookie, Prukop...

Word is Ottawa is going hard for Rhymes as well.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 18, 2024, 01:30:50 PM$250k for BO20?  That is high, I don't think he will get that, unless someone really needs ratio help.  OUilette is a stronger back, and at $90k less... a deal.

Rhymes is looking for a $200k plus deal, I'd rather have Schoen if we're going $200k plus.

Brown vs. Streveler?  Either is going to cost a lot, we might not be able to afford either, and maybe the best QB corps $SMS money is Collaros, rookie, Prukop...

Rhymes has signed for 210k with Ottawa, which likely takes them out of running for Schoen. ANd with trading Brown that's all but done with Ottawa as well.
As far as Olivera goes, he's totally out of the ball park. The only team i could see going as high as even 200k is Sask. I would hope wed be able to resign him at 180k other wise let him walk.
There's a reason the rb position has been devalued, both in cfl and nfl. Wpg has been one of the few teams that's committed to the run even when were behind.  A team like the riders with Harris at qb won't do that. But maybe he needs to find out for himself

Ottawa "winning" the off-season again. Will it translate into more wins on the field? Time will tell but history has not been kind to the Redblacks.

I would sign DS83 and worry about BO20 once he falls back to earth.

If those numbers are true, then BO is outta his mind. He is a very good back and possibly better than AJ and yes he is CDN....but he is NOT in any way shape or form $90,000 better than AJ

If we or anyone give him that much it would be insane

If this is true....Flip the 5th back East to T.O and trade it for AJ to show we appreciate him and gladly give him his $160 ask.

Save 90k loose something we didn't need in the extra 5th rounder and we wouldn't miss a beat with him pounding the rick, heck the way we use the run AJ might even be able to come close to matching Brady's numbers....do we have amateur wrestling here.....

Quote from: theaardvark on January 18, 2024, 01:30:50 PM$250k for BO20?  That is high, I don't think he will get that, unless someone really needs ratio help.  OUilette is a stronger back, and at $90k less... a deal.

Better yet, save even more by signing Dedrick Mills from Calgary.

Riders released WR Jake Weineke late yesterday.

Lions extend WR Cottoy through 2026: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/18/lions-extend-national-receiver-jevon-cottoy-through-2026/

No way the Lions are in on Schoen now, IMO.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 19, 2024, 01:52:41 PMLions extend WR Cottoy through 2026: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/18/lions-extend-national-receiver-jevon-cottoy-through-2026/

No way the Lions are in on Schoen now, IMO.

I don't think they ever were.

Montreal and Ottawa are our top competition, imo.

Sask might be looking to make a splash too, they released wenike and may make a play for him or Olivera

I wonder if Wienike goes back to Montreal? He'll land somewhere and end up taking a lower salary.

Looks like the Ti-Cats will probably release Kongbo before his bonus is due, over paid for his contribution won't make him the best fit in Wpg. right now.  He has yet to establish himself as a qualified starter.

"After he notched just 15 defensive tackles and three special teams tackles in his first season in Steeltown, the Ticats could be forced to pay the 27-year-old like one of the 10 best-compensated defensive ends in the league if they don't move on.

Scheduled to receive a $15,000 offseason bonus on February 1, the first component in a deal worth $163,800 in hard money next season. There is an additional $15,000 in playtime and incentive money available as well, putting the underwhelming National on par financially with what players like Winnipeg's Jackson Jeffcoat made last year."


https://3downnation.com/2024/01/22/offseason-bonus-marks-soaring-price-tag-for-ticats-canadian-de-jonathan-kongbo/

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 22, 2024, 04:58:58 PMLooks like the Ti-Cats will probably release Kongbo before his bonus is due, over paid for his contribution won't make him the best fit in Wpg. right now.  He has yet to establish himself as a qualified starter.

"After he notched just 15 defensive tackles and three special teams tackles in his first season in Steeltown, the Ticats could be forced to pay the 27-year-old like one of the 10 best-compensated defensive ends in the league if they don't move on.

Scheduled to receive a $15,000 offseason bonus on February 1, the first component in a deal worth $163,800 in hard money next season. There is an additional $15,000 in playtime and incentive money available as well, putting the underwhelming National on par financially with what players like Winnipeg's Jackson Jeffcoat made last year."


https://3downnation.com/2024/01/22/offseason-bonus-marks-soaring-price-tag-for-ticats-canadian-de-jonathan-kongbo/

He was never a full time starter and would definitely be over paid under the existing agreement. That said for the right price I wouldn't mind him back in Winnipeg.

Calgary Stampeders sign LB Adam Konar following release from Elks

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 22, 2024, 04:58:58 PM"After he notched just 15 defensive tackles and three special teams tackles in his first season in Steeltown, the Ticats could be forced to pay the 27-year-old like one of the 10 best-compensated defensive ends in the league if they don't move on.

I watched closely for Kongbo and he rarely saw the field.  They used him less than we did here.  They simply had too many good DL on the roster.  It never made sense for them to have so many, and it bought them nothing come post-season.

Kongbo would still be a good fit here, and a potential starter and ratio-buster should we lose or pass on Jeffcoat.  But not at $164.  Kongbo is $125, and that's being generous.  Maybe give him bonuses for sacks and knockdowns and tackles-for-losses.

Quote from: Ridermania on January 22, 2024, 05:31:36 PMCalgary Stampeders sign LB Adam Konar following release from Elks

CGY always makes the shrewd moves at the best prices.  When they snap up an experienced IMP, I tend to take notice.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 23, 2024, 03:58:39 AMI watched closely for Kongbo and he rarely saw the field.  They used him less than we did here.  They simply had too many good DL on the roster.  It never made sense for them to have so many, and it bought them nothing come post-season.

Kongbo would still be a good fit here, and a potential starter and ratio-buster should we lose or pass on Jeffcoat.  But not at $164.  Kongbo is $125, and that's being generous.  Maybe give him bonuses for sacks and knockdowns and tackles-for-losses.

CGY always makes the shrewd moves at the best prices.  When they snap up an experienced IMP, I tend to take notice.

I bet O'Shea would have been in on Konar in a heartbeat if they had any cash to spare. He'd be an excellent replacement for Briggs.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 23, 2024, 03:27:32 PMI bet O'Shea would have been in on Konar in a heartbeat if they had any cash to spare. He'd be an excellent replacement for Briggs.

Bombers have 25 potential free agents. So suggesting we don't have any SMS room is ridiculous at this point. If he wanted Konar he could have easily signed him. His salary would be similar to what Briggs might have if he's re-signed.

I believe it's a case of Adam wanted to stay in Alberta.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 23, 2024, 04:29:15 PMBombers have 25 potential free agents. So suggesting we don't have any SMS room is ridiculous at this point. If he wanted Konar he could have easily signed him. His salary would be similar to what Briggs might have if he's re-signed.

Don't agree, Konar is a step or three above Briggs and could fill in as a legitimate starter if needed, 73 DT as opposed to Briggs 4. I think he would cost in the range of $140k which is $30-$40k more than Briggs is probably making.

John Hufnagel steps away from president and into an advisory role.

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/23/jay-mcneil-named-calgary-stampeders-president-as-hufnagel-takes-advisory-role/

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 23, 2024, 05:21:10 PMDon't agree, Konar is a step or three above Briggs and could fill in as a legitimate starter if needed, 73 DT as opposed to Briggs 4. I think he would cost in the range of $140k which is $30-$40k more than Briggs is probably making.

Perhaps he might be more expensive but he was also released outright and free for the taking. Doesn't change the fact we could have signed him if we were interested. Both Gauthier and Briggs are potential free agents and as I said, we haven't spent the SMS yet.

Elks have released Ed Gainey.

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/01/23/elks-release-defensive-back-ed-gainey/

Quote from: Ridermania on January 23, 2024, 09:42:15 PMElks have released Ed Gainey.

Hard pass.  He probably isn't wanted anywhere in the prairies.  If he's been cut from the last-chance-saloon Elks, he may not find a home anywhere.  Who is desperate enough?  He could find an injury-replacement job as the only healthy couch guy mid-season, though.

Tim Baines @TimCBaines - 1h
Hearing QB Dru Brown is in #Ottawa. You'd have to think a deal with the #Redblacks is imminent.

Farhan Lalji @FarhanLaljiTSN - 25m
I'm told QB Dru Brown has agreed to a 2-year deal with #RedBlacks

A good day in Ottawa with the team also resigning DE's Mauldin & Carter.


Note: should be re-signing, not resigning

Riders take him back... I mean who do they have?  Nobody.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 23, 2024, 10:37:09 PMTim Baines @TimCBaines - 1h
Hearing QB Dru Brown is in #Ottawa. You'd have to think a deal with the #Redblacks is imminent.

Farhan Lalji @FarhanLaljiTSN - 25m
I'm told QB Dru Brown has agreed to a 2-year deal with #RedBlacks

A good day in Ottawa with the team also resigning DE's Mauldin & Carter.


Note: should be re-signing, not resigning

It'll be interesting to see the numbers on Dru's deal if they're released.

Farhan Lalji @FarhanLaljiTSN - 18m
Dru Brown's contract will pay him 290k in 2024 & 350k in 2025 in hard money, plus another 50k in playtime incentives each season, to get to 340k and 400k.
Reasonable numbers for both sides.
@CFLonTSN

at 290k this year plus bonuses, and 350 for 2025. He's done better than most of us thought.  Seems a bit high for relatively unproven  commodity.
  https://3downnation.com/2024/01/24/qb-dru-brown-signs-two-year-contract-with-ottawa-redblacks/
Ottawa's been busy with signing him , Rhymes and much of their dline.
Speaking of which I'm getting a little concerned about ours with Thomas, Jeffcoat and Walker all unsigned.

Quote from: Pete on January 24, 2024, 03:36:12 PMat 290k this year plus bonuses, and 350 for 2025. He's done better than most of us thought.  Seems a bit high for relatively unproven  commodity.
  https://3downnation.com/2024/01/24/qb-dru-brown-signs-two-year-contract-with-ottawa-redblacks/
Ottawa's been busy with signing him , Rhymes and much of their dline.
Speaking of which I'm getting a little concerned about ours with Thomas, Jeffcoat and Walker all unsigned.

Not a huge concern... lots of TC bodies coming in, and we usually have a lot of action the last week.  The new tampering window makes things a lot more interesting.  Players get a chance to see "what they're worth", and we get a chance to shop too, and know what its going to cost if we need to replace someone. 

There's no defending against teams coming hard after our FA's, but for every one they do, more opportunities open up.

Walters has always proven to be able to play this game with the best of them...

Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 24, 2024, 03:34:44 PMFarhan Lalji @FarhanLaljiTSN - 18m
Dru Brown's contract will pay him 290k in 2024 & 350k in 2025 in hard money, plus another 50k in playtime incentives each season, to get to 340k and 400k.
Reasonable numbers for both sides.
@CFLonTSN

Was hoping Brown would bargain hard for a 2 year contract with the potential of coming back to the Bombers in 2026.

Brown will make more than Adams.  ??? Ottawa is over paying IMO. 

A two year deal means he'll be a FA at the end of 2025...same time that Zach's newest (final?) contract expires......

I said before, he's going to get 2 years of seasoning in another system, and we'll pick him back up later if he turns out to be any good....

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 04:39:30 PMBrown will make more than Adams.  ??? Ottawa is over paying IMO.

He'll make about the same as Adams did last year and you're not going to sign a starting QB for less.

I'm sure Adams is going to get a significant bump his next contract anyway.

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 04:39:30 PMBrown will make more than Adams.  ??? Ottawa is over paying IMO.

They are getting him for better than market rate for a starter, if that is what he turns out to be.  And he got far more than we could afford to offer, plus the chance to start right out of camp. 

Jones paid more for Corny, with guaranteed money to boot.

I don't think anyone here questions Dru's potential to start, Ott gets a team friendly deal in year two if he makes it as a starter, but has the option to cut him at anytime if he flames out.  I don't see mention of any signing bonuses or roster bonuses, or guaranteed money...

I think it is a fair contract, and that his next one will be much larger.

Unless he's the next Drew Willy...

Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2024, 05:29:32 PMThey are getting him for better than market rate for a starter, if that is what he turns out to be.  And he got far more than we could afford to offer, plus the chance to start right out of camp. 

Jones paid more for Corny, with guaranteed money to boot.

I don't think anyone here questions Dru's potential to start, Ott gets a team friendly deal in year two if he makes it as a starter, but has the option to cut him at anytime if he flames out.  I don't see mention of any signing bonuses or roster bonuses, or guaranteed money...

I think it is a fair contract, and that his next one will be much larger.

Unless he's the next Drew Willy...

Signing bonus of $137,500

Masoli and Adams probably start the season on the 6 game IR. I'm guessing Arbuckle is not re-signed. However one of their other QB's might not survive the numbers game and might be some one we take a look at in TC if he gets cut.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2024, 05:29:32 PMThey are getting him for better than market rate for a starter, if that is what he turns out to be.  And he got far more than we could afford to offer, plus the chance to start right out of camp. 

Jones paid more for Corny, with guaranteed money to boot.

I don't think anyone here questions Dru's potential to start, Ott gets a team friendly deal in year two if he makes it as a starter, but has the option to cut him at anytime if he flames out.  I don't see mention of any signing bonuses or roster bonuses, or guaranteed money...

I think it is a fair contract, and that his next one will be much larger.

Unless he's the next Drew Willy...

They are paying him above market rate for a 'possible' starter. It's a Dru friendly, not a team friendly contract. 

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 06:28:48 PMThey are paying him above market rate for a 'possible' starter. It's a Dru friendly, not a team friendly contract.

So you're proposing both sides negotiate a contract as if the worst possible outcome is the likely result of their union, instead of the best? 

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 06:28:48 PMThey are paying him above market rate for a 'possible' starter. It's a Dru friendly, not a team friendly contract.

If he plays up to his potential and is a starter, its a team friendly contract. 

If he flames out and they cut him when Masoli gets healthy, he gets to keep his signing bonus (info not available at the time of my post), then that's a Dru friendly contract.

If he is a m'eh starter, and plays well enough for tehm to let him play, its still a team friendly contract, one of the cheapest starters deals in the league.

Its a good deal for both, really, and allows OTT to afford to pay extra for backups, which will not include Arbuckle.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 24, 2024, 06:44:37 PMSo you're proposing both sides negotiate a contract as if the worst possible outcome is the likely result of their union, instead of the best? 

Nope. I'm saying that paying a guy for something he's clearly never done, is a huge risk. Brown could Arbuckle. When was the last time that paying a young QB based on potential worked out?  My guess is Mike Reilly to the Esks back in 2013, before that ???

My guess on top QB contracts:

Collaros, Kelly, Harris, Fajardo, MBT, Maier, Brown. (One of these QB's is not like the others) Assuming that Harris and BLM still have their injury issues, that makes Brown the 5th highest paid starting QB in the league & he has almost no experience.

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 07:02:38 PMNope. I'm saying that paying a guy for something he's clearly never done, is a huge risk. Brown could Arbuckle. When was the last time that paying a young QB based on potential worked out?  My guess is Mike Reilly to the Esks back in 2013, before that ???

My guess on top QB contracts:

Collaros, Kelly, Harris, Fajardo, MBT, Maier, Brown. (One of these QB's is not like the others) Assuming that Harris and BLM still have their injury issues, that makes Brown the 5th highest paid starting QB in the league & he has almost no experience.

Tier 1 (600+): Collaros, Kelly
Tier 2 (500+): Harris
Tier 3 (400+): Meier, MBT, Fajardo
Tier 4 (300+): Adams, Brown

The only QB who MIGHT make less than Brown is whoever ends up starting for Hamilton. Because Bo restructured his contract, since last year he was in the 500+ category. And Adams' deal was negotiated prior to his breakout, so he might get a bump too.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 24, 2024, 06:11:42 PMSigning bonus of $137,500

Masoli and Adams probably start the season on the 6 game IR. I'm guessing Arbuckle is not re-signed. However one of their other QB's might not survive the numbers game and might be some one we take a look at in TC if he gets cut.

Doubt the RB's cut either before TC, more likely happens when Masoli returns in July or Aug.  Bombers will make their decision after TC and more than likely stick with it through the rest of the season, as long as things are going well.  Wouldn't surprise me if they stick with Prukop as #2 with a rookie behind him, if they can't sign Strev.

Randy Ambrosie off-season update.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L1xXmeXstA

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 24, 2024, 08:47:41 PMWouldn't surprise me if they stick with Prukop as #2 with a rookie behind him, if they can't sign Strev.

We would be in serious trouble with Prukop starting or playing as a #2 sometimes will. He would easily be the worst starter in the league, if it came to that. He has incredible arm strength but is just not accurate enough. Even Corny is better and I don't think much of him.

Quote from: Waffler on January 24, 2024, 11:01:40 PMWe would be in serious trouble with Prukop starting or playing as a #2 sometimes will. He would easily be the worst starter in the league, if it came to that. He has incredible arm strength but is just not accurate enough. Even Corny is better and I don't think much of him.

I don't think much of Corny either but at least Prukop can scramble and run and pose a running threat. Maier in Calgary isn't #1 material either. Prukop is on par with anything starting in Hamilton, it wouldn't be the end of the world, heck we lived through worse than him

Quote from: dd on January 25, 2024, 12:03:27 AMI don't think much of Corny either but at least Prukop can scramble and run and pose a running threat. Maier in Calgary isn't #1 material either. Prukop is on par with anything starting in Hamilton, it wouldn't be the end of the world, heck we lived through worse than him

Exactly, in 2021 Sean McGuire was the #2 backup.  Luckily Zach has never gone down for an extended period since he joined the team in late 2019.

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 07:02:38 PMNope. I'm saying that paying a guy for something he's clearly never done, is a huge risk. Brown could Arbuckle. When was the last time that paying a young QB based on potential worked out?

Kelly.  They paid him even more than Dru based on like 5 snaps in the GC.  The rest was a guess based on what they saw in practice.  He literally had less CFL games snaps than Dru.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 24, 2024, 03:34:44 PMFarhan Lalji @FarhanLaljiTSN - 18m
Dru Brown's contract will pay him 290k in 2024 & 350k in 2025 in hard money,

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 24, 2024, 04:39:30 PMBrown will make more than Adams.  ??? Ottawa is over paying IMO.

It's a fair price if you think you'll win the gamble he'll be a great #1.  The whole thing is just a big gamble because no one, not even Dru, knows if he'll be a good QB and help turn OTT around.  If Dru sucks then OTT massively overpaid for an unknown, and look dumb.  If Dru is the next Zach, then OTT has a top-3 QB for "cheap" for 2 years, and Dru loses out on $550k/year.

The difference between $290 and either $180 or $500 is the "discount" each side is taking to account for the huge gamble.

At the end of the day OTT's QB room might be quite good, and they'll almost certainly achieve it for less $$ than WFC's QB room... If either Dru or Masoli turns out awesome, then that will mean they "won" on the QB front.

Quote from: Waffler on January 24, 2024, 11:01:40 PMWe would be in serious trouble with Prukop starting or playing as a #2 sometimes will. He would easily be the worst starter in the league, if it came to that. He has incredible arm strength but is just not accurate enough. Even Corny is better and I don't think much of him.

I don't think anyone will be thinking Prukop will be starting or even coming in as a save if there's an injury.  Prukop will be down as SY guy only.

If we ELC a #3 then we need to get him up to speed so fast his head will spin.  He'll have to come in if Zach gets injured.  If Prukop comes in then it'll be hand-off, QB draw, hand-off, QB designed run, hand-off, incomplete/INT; and a long night.  We gave Prukop some starts or quarter-games in the past and he was really bad... not quite Brohm bad, but getting close.  Call it Marve bad.  In fact, Prukop's #1 abilities seem to have gotten worse over the years, as he used to be semi-capable.

And I'm not dissing Prukop: I really like him and want him as our SY guy if we don't get Strevie.  He knows his role and he's clearly motivated to be the best at it.  And it's a critical role, even if some don't notice it.

If Zach goes down we'll be on the horn pronto to couch-sitters and bench-warmers around the league, of which there should be a few this year because there doesn't seem to be enough roster spots nor SMS to go around to all the vet backups.  Or we'll dangle a bigger carrot in front of Strevie to come be #1 for a while (yes, he can do it, and he'll win us .500+ just like last time).

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 25, 2024, 01:30:28 AMKelly.  They paid him even more than Dru based on like 5 snaps in the GC.  The rest was a guess based on what they saw in practice.  He literally had less CFL games snaps than Dru.

It's a fair price if you think you'll win the gamble he'll be a great #1.  The whole thing is just a big gamble because no one, not even Dru, knows if he'll be a good QB and help turn OTT around.  If Dru sucks then OTT massively overpaid for an unknown, and look dumb.  If Dru is the next Zach, then OTT has a top-3 QB for "cheap" for 2 years, and Dru loses out on $550k/year.

I don't see how anyone could call it a massive overpay. He'll be the lowest paid starter in the league. Or, in the lowest tier, anyway. The only way you can pay someone less is if an injury occurs to your starter and you're starting a back-up or guy on their rookie deal.

BTW - Kelly was the lowest paid QB in the league last year (after his 5 snaps in the Grey Cup). An example of starting a QB on his rookie deal. He only was given his 600k salary after this past season.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 24, 2024, 04:56:21 PMA two year deal means he'll be a FA at the end of 2025...same time that Zach's newest (final?) contract expires......

I said before, he's going to get 2 years of seasoning in another system, and we'll pick him back up later if he turns out to be any good....

To anyone who thinks Dru Brown has thoughts of coming back...

I spoke with Brown shortly after the trade was made. We kept the chat mostly to his time in Winnipeg and his appreciation for the Bombers, especially the mentorship he received from QB Zach Collaros, as negotiations had yet to start with the Redblacks. Brown did say he welcomed the chance to settle down in Ottawa with his wife, Meghan, with the hopes of starting a family and planting some roots in the nation's capital.

- Jeff Hamilton in the Free Press

Kelly got his $600k/yr deal after 9 games, not a whole season.  They were 8-1, granted, but it was not a whole season before they extended him for 3 years at $600k+ per...

https://www.argonauts.ca/2023/08/31/argos-sign-chad-kelly-to-contract-extension/

Quote from: Waffler on January 25, 2024, 11:43:49 AMTo anyone who thinks Dru Brown has thoughts of coming back...

I spoke with Brown shortly after the trade was made. We kept the chat mostly to his time in Winnipeg and his appreciation for the Bombers, especially the mentorship he received from QB Zach Collaros, as negotiations had yet to start with the Redblacks. Brown did say he welcomed the chance to settle down in Ottawa with his wife, Meghan, with the hopes of starting a family and planting some roots in the nation's capital.

- Jeff Hamilton in the Free Press

Brown was in Wpg. 3 full years and this is the first time I've heard he has a wife.....maybe the first time a reporter interviewed him.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 25, 2024, 03:54:03 PMBrown was in Wpg. 3 full years and this is the first time I've heard he has a wife.....maybe the first time a reporter interviewed him.

Me too.  Thank you google...

https://www.theknot.com/us/meghan-haire-and-dru-brown-apr-2023

Awww, married his high school sweetheart...

I d take brown over Maier any day of the eeek and twice on game day!!

Quote from: Waffler on January 25, 2024, 11:43:49 AM Brown did say he welcomed the chance to settle down in Ottawa with his wife, Meghan, with the hopes of starting a family and planting some roots in the nation's capital.

Ya, that's what A.Bowman said too when he was in WPG for, what, 3 months before being cut (a couple of seasons ago)?

Football is a tough business.  Your best plans and real estate purchases don't always work out.  I hope it does for Dru!

Quote from: dd on January 26, 2024, 01:37:20 AMI d take brown over Maier any day of the eeek and twice on game day!!

Yup.  I'd gamble on Dru over a whole bunch of other CFL QBs, some of them starters.  But not over Zach!!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 26, 2024, 09:13:31 AMYup.  I'd gamble on Dru over a whole bunch of other CFL QBs, some of them starters.  But not over Zach!!

Agreed Zach is better today.  Our choice was to have Zach with a roster that is going to need retooling or sign Dru and be able to keep everyone else we don't want leaving. It's a 300k saving at QB which I would assume would have solved all our other money problems. Dru is a gamble in Ottawa but much less so here as we have seen what he can do in this system.

Also, we have the 2025 Grey Cup which we go all in to win. How are we going to look in 2 years? Time will tell but I assume the Bombers considered it. Zach will be 38 by that Grey Cup.

Anyway, it's done now. We just wait to see who and how many we lose and what we do to fill those holes. It can still work, we just have more questions than we are used to.

"Settle down in Ottawa"?  Has he seen the house prices there?  I hope she has a work visa and a high paying job...

Best advice... rent for a couple years, then sign a big deal back here and buy a house.

Average house price Ottawa - 623,900
Average house price Winnipeg - 332,100

Farhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN
Hearing the #Argos & all-star LB Wynton McManis have agreed to terms on a 1 year extension. Total compensation is worth just over 200k

Quote from: ModAdmin on January 26, 2024, 04:13:41 PMFarhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN
Hearing the #Argos & all-star LB Wynton McManis have agreed to terms on a 1 year extension. Total compensation is worth just over 200k

Another big ticket for Toronto, wonder if they will be able to sign Pickett. With Kelly at 650. Orimolade at 240  and Ceresna 205 thats a lot tied up.
I would imagine riders had their eye on Mcmanis may try to get Pickett and Oakman now. they still have Oulette to sign.
If we cant sign Schoen I'd also like us to look at Coxie at wr.

Quote from: Pete on January 26, 2024, 05:38:33 PMAnother big ticket for Toronto, wonder if they will be able to sign Pickett. With Kelly at 650. Orimolade at 240  and Ceresna 205 thats a lot tied up.
I would imagine riders had their eye on Mcmanis may try to get Pickett and Oakman now. they still have Oulette to sign.
If we cant sign Schoen I'd also like us to look at Coxie at wr.

Kelly re-negotiated his contract but I didn't see the details on how much impact it had on SMS.

https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/chicago-bears-to-hire-2007-cfl-most-outstanding-player-kerry-joseph-as-quarterbacks-coach-1.2068077

Quote from: Pete on January 26, 2024, 05:38:33 PMIf we cant sign Schoen I'd also like us to look at Coxie at wr.

Meh.  Coxie will probably cost med-hi SMS$$ too.  He's never excited me to any extent.  I thought similar-level Bane looked better.

Our FA WR pickupss haven't worked out well in many years.  They almost always spend a lot of time in the tub (Ellingson, Moore) or just suck (Bowman).  I'd rather spend the extra SMS on improving the D and going with a new scouting-find WR.  Isn't that how we ended up with Schoen & Bailey?  Sometimes they turn out to be Agudosi.  Sometimes Schoen.  McManus et al have to earn their supper too!!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 27, 2024, 01:33:54 AMMeh.  Coxie will probably cost med-hi SMS$$ too.  He's never excited me to any extent.  I thought similar-level Bane looked better.

Our FA WR pickupss haven't worked out well in many years.  They almost always spend a lot of time in the tub (Ellingson, Moore) or just suck (Bowman).  I'd rather spend the extra SMS on improving the D and going with a new scouting-find WR.  Isn't that how we ended up with Schoen & Bailey?  Sometimes they turn out to be Agudosi.  Sometimes Schoen.  McManus et al have to earn their supper too!!

most of the free agents wrs we've signed that haven't done well were on the downside of their careers. Id much rather spend the money on free agents that are still in the prime or just getting there Coxie has great size 6ft3 200 lbs and his average yds per game is not far off Schoen. Olinemen that are any good and not over 32 cost a fortune (Dejarlais 250k)

00

QBs in Canada need to be able to read defenses.
Secondly have a good enough arm to throw a wide side out,
Escape ability
Some swagger.

OK, what was this?

Toronto gets:  5th, 24th, 25th and a conditional 3rd and Neg rights to Deontay Burnett

Ham gets:  7th, 16th, 36th and a conditional 4th and the Playing right to Jordan Williams.

Dan Ralph
@danralphcp
Hearing Saskatchewan Roughriders have also signed DL Anthony Lanier to a one-year contract extension. Deal would make him one of CFL's top-paid defensive linemen.

Last year he was the highest paid defensive player in the CFL @ $250k. That's a lot  for an Import DE that only contributed 19 tackles and 5 sacks,

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2024, 10:57:20 PMDan Ralph
@danralphcp
Hearing Saskatchewan Roughriders have also signed DL Anthony Lanier to a one-year contract extension. Deal would make him one of CFL's top-paid defensive linemen.

Last year he was the highest paid defensive player in the CFL @ $250k. That's a lot   for an Import DE that only contributed 19 tackles and 5 sacks,

Is Jones still running the Riders?

I guess you have to overpay to get guys to wear those ugly uniforms... ;)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2024, 10:57:20 PMDan Ralph
@danralphcp
Hearing Saskatchewan Roughriders have also signed DL Anthony Lanier to a one-year contract extension. Deal would make him one of CFL's top-paid defensive linemen.

Last year he was the highest paid defensive player in the CFL @ $250k. That's a lot   for an Import DE that only contributed 19 tackles and 5 sacks,

And this is why JJ is going to look to see what's out there.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2024, 10:57:20 PMDan Ralph
@danralphcp
Hearing Saskatchewan Roughriders have also signed DL Anthony Lanier to a one-year contract extension. Deal would make him one of CFL's top-paid defensive linemen.

Last year he was the highest paid defensive player in the CFL @ $250k. That's a lot  for an Import DE that only contributed 19 tackles and 5 sacks,

But he's a fan favorite.  Even with the down 2023 season I think most fans just chalk that up to being played in the wrong spots / used incorrectly by Shivers/Craig.

They have so few shining lights in SSK, that when they find one they tend to cling and overpay.  However, wouldn't one think Lanier would have to accept less money this year than last?  Why pay him the top salary again?  Where else is he going to get anywhere near that $$?

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 30, 2024, 05:06:22 AMBut he's a fan favorite.  Even with the down 2023 season I think most fans just chalk that up to being played in the wrong spots / used incorrectly by Shivers/Craig.

They have so few shining lights in SSK, that when they find one they tend to cling and overpay.  However, wouldn't one think Lanier would have to accept less money this year than last?  Why pay him the top salary again?  Where else is he going to get anywhere near that $$?

Riderfans were convinced Jones was going to steal him.

Als cut Stanback, wonder if this opens the door for them to go after Brady?

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/30/end-of-an-era-montreal-alouettes-release-rb-william-stanback/

Oh dear!!!!

Justin Dunk
@JDunk12
Michael Ball being replaced as radio voice of Saskatchewan Roughriders

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/30/michael-ball-being-replaced-as-radio-voice-of-saskatchewan-roughriders/

Quote from: ModAdmin on January 30, 2024, 07:23:45 PMOh dear!!!!

Justin Dunk
@JDunk12
Michael Ball being replaced as radio voice of Saskatchewan Roughriders

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/30/michael-ball-being-replaced-as-radio-voice-of-saskatchewan-roughriders/

What a surprise!  He's a wildly unpopular person even among Rider fans.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2024, 10:57:20 PMDan Ralph
@danralphcp
Hearing Saskatchewan Roughriders have also signed DL Anthony Lanier to a one-year contract extension. Deal would make him one of CFL's top-paid defensive linemen.

Last year he was the highest paid defensive player in the CFL @ $250k. That's a lot  for an Import DE that only contributed 19 tackles and 5 sacks,

Quote from: ModAdmin on January 30, 2024, 07:23:45 PMOh dear!!!!

Justin Dunk
@JDunk12
Michael Ball being replaced as radio voice of Saskatchewan Roughriders

https://3downnation.com/2024/01/30/michael-ball-being-replaced-as-radio-voice-of-saskatchewan-roughriders/

Lmao @ both

Good riddance to that unhinged goof.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2024, 07:25:53 PMWhat a surprise!  He's a wildly unpopular person even among Rider fans.

If you were even mildly critical of his opinions on Twitter, he would block you.  Apparently he could dish it out but couldn't take it.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2024, 05:45:52 PMAls cut Stanback, wonder if this opens the door for them to go after Brady?

A reverse Burn The Witches?  Not sure this is a smart move.  Stanback was instrumental in them getting that important GC TD on that freight-train run of his.  I had no idea he had that speed, as he's more of a bruiser back.  I do believe based on that run he's faster than Brady, who is a lot younger.  He had like 3-4 of our DBs/LBs chasing him and none could catch him in time.

More PTSD... argh!!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2024, 07:25:53 PMWhat a surprise!  He's a wildly unpopular person even among Rider fans.

I don't know.  He's kind of the guy they love to hate.  He always got (and kept) the fans talking.  I never listened to the in-game PBP, but I'd often listen to the immediate post-games and he seemed fine to me.  Kind of a blowhard, but he seemed to fit in just fine in SSK.

But it's a good move re: the timing: new HC, "fresh slate" feel, out with the old, in with the new.

It was kind of cool having a major CFL figure named "Ballsy" though.  :P

Redblacks release Ruby due to $20K bonus due tomorrow. Reports are that they have signed Bladek to replace him.

Not sure if they makes their OL better or worse or what it saves on SMS.

Ruby available creates a musical chairs situation for Gray and a few other OL possibly reaching free agency.

Riders sign Shawn Bane Jr. to a new two year contract!

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/01/riders-sign-shawn-bane-jr-to-two-year-extension/

(https://y.yarn.co/96c82b36-4a4b-4361-9c40-8c2e8a5151a1_text.gif)

Roughly 160 players on the potential free agent list left. About 105 have been re-signed or released.

Usually we see about 60 players change teams, retire or never play in the CFL again.

Ticats hire former Bombers special team coordinator Paul Boudreau, six others to 2024 coaching, including former Bomber D-line coach Glen Young.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/02/ticats-hire-former-bombers-special-team-coordinator-paul-boudreau-six-others-to-2024-coaching-staff/

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 02, 2024, 06:23:46 PMTicats hire former Bombers special team coordinator Paul Boudreau, six others to 2024 coaching, including former Bomber D-line coach Glen Young.

I'm happy for them, especially Young.  I think it's a good more for the Cats.  So Boo will probably be the new STC, but what position is Young taking?  DC??  No mention in the article so I'm guessing not DC?  Back to being a unit coach?

Ironic that Young left to be DC instead of staying here to be groomed, and now Younger steals the spot by being more patient ;D  ;D

Still waiting on us hiring a D coach named Youngest.

Boris Bede leaving the Argos.....where does he end up?

Maybe Winnipeg????

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/argos-kicker-boris-bede-bids-farewell-to-toronto-fans-on-social-media-1.2071517

I definitely wouldn't hate the leg strength on kick offs.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 31, 2024, 01:02:34 AMA reverse Burn The Witches?  Not sure this is a smart move.  Stanback was instrumental in them getting that important GC TD on that freight-train run of his.  I had no idea he had that speed, as he's more of a bruiser back.  I do believe based on that run he's faster than Brady, who is a lot younger.  He had like 3-4 of our DBs/LBs chasing him and none could catch him in time.

More PTSD... argh!!

Why is montreal dumping stanback? I don't get this move, he is still a force out there as seen in the grey cup. He doesn't make those key big runs they didn't win. Talk about a brutal business. I d take him in our lineup is BO signs elsewhere and he will light it up behind our O line and our offensive scheme

Quote from: dd on February 04, 2024, 04:30:15 PMWhy is montreal dumping stanback? I don't get this move, he is still a force out there as seen in the grey cup. He doesn't make those key big runs they didn't win. Talk about a brutal business. I d take him in our lineup is BO signs elsewhere and he will light it up behind our O line and our offensive scheme

Apparently he asked to be released. Probably $$$.

Stanback said he was willing to take a pay cut, but it became obvious that he wasn't really a part of their ongoing plans, so he asked for release. I think they felt that Antwi could provide them much the same, and they've also signed some rookie rbs along with Fletcher. Supposedly hamilton and Saskatchewan have reached out

Quote from: Jesse on February 04, 2024, 04:22:43 PMI definitely wouldn't hate the leg strength on kick offs.

I d take him in a heartbeat. Our kickoffs are dreadful

Quote from: Jesse on February 04, 2024, 04:22:43 PMI definitely wouldn't hate the leg strength on kick offs.

In the past he was a pretty inconsistent FG kicker, but it looks like he improved his accuracy to 94% last season. Even if he's classified as an Import, if Walters can cut two salaries to one, that wouldn't be the worst idea to save some cap. 

Interesting observation the longest FG made last season was 54 yds, teams are choosing to punt more often on the long-shots instead of risking the missed FG return.

John Hodge
@JohnDHodge
Ottawa Redblacks release Nate Behar despite partially guaranteed salary

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders have extended American defensive back Branden Dozier, the team announced on Sunday. The six-year veteran had been eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 13.

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/04/stamps-extend-veteran-db-branden-dozier/

Adarius Pickett to Ottawa.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/05/sources-cfl-all-star-adarius-pickett-agrees-to-terms-with-ottawa-redblacks/

Quote from: ModAdmin on February 05, 2024, 05:10:56 AMJohn Hodge
@JohnDHodge
Ottawa Redblacks release Nate Behar despite partially guaranteed salary

Great player, when he is on the field and not in the tub... Jones will sign him.

Bede wouldn't be the worst signing... interesting that Pinball signed Hajrullahu, guessing the Nat status was a concern...  all three jobs in one Nat is good roster management.  Wonder how competitive Walters was at landing him, if at all...

Ottawa REDBLACKS
@REDBLACKS
4h
Source: Us

We've re-signed 🇺🇸 WR Justin Hardy (@FreakMagic2) to a one-year deal‼️

Quote from: ModAdmin on February 05, 2024, 07:57:39 PMOttawa REDBLACKS
@REDBLACKS
4h
Source: Us

We've re-signed 🇺🇸 WR Justin Hardy (@FreakMagic2) to a one-year deal‼️

Good signing, his playing style is very similar to Bailey.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats re-sign Marc Liegghio.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/05/hamilton-tiger-cats-re-sign-marc-liegghio-kaare-vedvik/

Wow, surprised on the Behar release. I'd sign him and bring him here.

Riders sign LB Jameer Thurman.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/06/sources-saskatchewan-roughriders-agree-to-terms-with-american-lb-jameer-thurman/

it appears the Riders are fully invested in turning their team around back to back dismal seasons....they'll be in the playoffs is my prediction albeit that hinges on whether or not Harris can stay upright

Paying a premium for top talent at key positions can work. Not sure I'd give O'Day the benefit of the doubt based on his track record, though.

toronto so far is going to look like a shadow of their last years team;
so far Picket, Barlow, Peters, Oulette have signed elsewhere.

Quote from: Pete on February 06, 2024, 06:15:27 PMtoronto so far is going to look like a shadow of their last years team;
so far Picket, Barlow, Peters, Oulette have signed elsewhere.

Yes they're taking quite a beating with their roster so far. Part of that is due to how much they are paying Kelly and how that impacts their SMS spend across their roster.

I wonder if that's where Houston ends up?

RB Ouellette to the Riders: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/report-riders-to-sign-aj-ouellette/

DB Peters to the Ti-Cats: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/report-jamal-peters-to-sign-with-ticats/

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/06/sources-rb-william-stanback-signs-with-b-c-lions/
do you get the feeling that the other western teams are following the bomber blue print?

Quote from: Pete on February 06, 2024, 06:15:27 PMtoronto so far is going to look like a shadow of their last years team;
so far Picket, Barlow, Peters, Oulette have signed elsewhere.

Myself, I am going to enjoy Chad Kelly's humbling season.

K Bede to the Elks: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/elks-boris-bede-agree-to-two-year-deal/

RB and ST specialist Leake to the Elks: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/report-mostp-javon-leake-to-sign-with-elks/

OK, just what the heck is going on in Edm?  Where is Jones getting the money?  They only have 6 FA's unsigned. 

AC Leonard and the Manny show are the only noteables left. 

No news on Jeffcoat yet, wonder if he's getting any love elsewhere yet.  Would Leonard be able to fit into a Oshea team?

Hard pass on AC "Scared to Pee" Leonard.

DB Houston to the Stampeders: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/report-demerio-houston-headed-to-calgary/

This one stings.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 06, 2024, 07:45:35 PMDB Houston to the Stampeders: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/report-demerio-houston-headed-to-calgary/

This one stings.

Dunk just said on OB that losing Houston and Hardrick means we may have Schoen money.  I agree...move around a couple of pieces, and we may.  I have hope. He likes it here enough..little discount..and he stays. 

How many players recruited/developed by the Bombers end up with tweets stating that "contract worth XXX making him one of the highest paid XXXXX in the CFL"

I guess that makes recruiting a little easier... "Hey, come here and in 2 years, YOU can be a star"

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 06, 2024, 07:45:35 PMDB Houston to the Stampeders: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/06/report-demerio-houston-headed-to-calgary/

This one stings.

sucks because we only got one full year with him but if there's one position KW is good at unearthing talent, it's DB.

Quote from: tlf on February 06, 2024, 07:47:25 PMDunk just said on OB that losing Houston and Hardrick means we may have Schoen money.  I agree...move around a couple of pieces, and we may.  I have hope. He likes it here enough..little discount..and he stays. 

Schoen money is huge, we didn't save money on Houston, and any we saved on Hardrick we already spent on Brady...

Not sure where Dunk bought his calculator, we still have a lot of FA to sign, even with a few bigger ones off the board.

Quote from: theaardvark on February 06, 2024, 07:53:46 PMSchoen money is huge, we didn't save money on Houston, and any we saved on Hardrick we already spent on Brady...

Not sure where Dunk bought his calculator, we still have a lot of FA to sign, even with a few bigger ones off the board.

Well, that certainly didn't age well.  How the heck did Walters pull this one off?

Quote from: theaardvark on February 06, 2024, 08:00:37 PMWell, that certainly didn't age well.  How the heck did Walters pull this one off?

Schoen took a hell of deal to stay.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 06, 2024, 07:27:00 PMHard pass on AC "Scared to Pee" Leonard.

Don't like the guy, and would probably cost more than Jeffcoat, but he is the closest thing to a Willie clone in the CFL.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2024, 08:01:50 PMDon't like the guy, and would probably cost more than Jeffcoat, but he is the closest thing to a Willie clone in the CFL.

Meh. I'm okay with Haba or someone else on the other bookend should Jeffcoat sign elsewhere. Leonard doesn't seem like a fit in this organization, IMO.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 06, 2024, 08:08:13 PMMeh. I'm okay with Haba or someone else on the other bookend should Jeffcoat sign elsewhere. Leonard doesn't seem like a fit in this organization, IMO.

Same thing may have been said about Willie many years ago, it takes some time for the Rider stink to wear off.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 06, 2024, 08:08:13 PMMeh. I'm okay with Haba or someone else on the other bookend should Jeffcoat sign elsewhere. Leonard doesn't seem like a fit in this organization, IMO.

I am very okay going into this season with Haba and a few rookies (and maybe a cheap vet). All Haba did was make plays. Get an impactful DT and the DL is set.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2024, 08:16:15 PMSame thing may have been said about Willie many years ago, it takes some time for the Rider stink to wear off.

Jefferson is all of a year older than Leonard, so I'm not sure what you're trying to say.

To reiterate: hard pass on Leonard.

Was hoping we could keep Houston, but you can't keep everyone.

2 years/$275K nice deal for Houston.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 06, 2024, 09:11:15 PMWas hoping we could keep Houston, but you can't keep everyone.

2 years/$275K nice deal for Houston.

true but this scouting staff has proven they can find DB talent year in and year out. This will need to continue.

Quote from: tlf on February 06, 2024, 07:14:20 PMMyself, I am going to enjoy Chad Kelly's humbling season.

He'll just blame his teammates. Oh, I see what you did there. Very good.  ;)

Quote from: Pete on February 06, 2024, 07:13:39 PMhttps://3downnation.com/2024/02/06/sources-rb-william-stanback-signs-with-b-c-lions/
do you get the feeling that the other western teams are following the bomber blue print?

yep, every western team has improved their running game by adding a more physical running back.

Riders sign Cdn. LB Adam Auclair.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/sources-saskatchewan-roughriders-agree-to-terms-with-canadian-lb-adam-auclair/

Matthew Schiltz to the Stamps.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/sources-calgary-stampeders-agree-to-terms-with-qb-matthew-shiltz/

Stanback at $160 is a deal for the Lions, he would have done outstanding here

Quote from: dd on February 07, 2024, 06:42:43 PMStanback at $160 is a deal for the Lions, he would have done outstanding here

I would have been really disappointed to sign Stanback, certainly for that much.

Is BO20 worth $70k more than Stanback?

A resounding YES.

Interesting that not a single sask. player has been picked up in free agency as of yet.

DL Ricky Walker signs in Calgary.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/sources-calgary-stampeders-agree-to-terms-with-dl-ricky-walker/

Oh no, we lost Stove! ( Casey Sayles steps up )

Oh no, we lost Casey Sayles ( Ricky Walker steps up)

Oh no, we lost Ricky Walker... who is the next man up?

Currently on the roster, may be more coming to camp...

90    Fox, Miles            DT    A    6'1    297    27    Wake Forest
97    Kornelson, Collin    DT    N    6'3    240    23    Manitoba
99    Lawson, Cameron    DT    N    6'3    281    25    Queen's
96    Schmekel, Tanner    DT    N    6'1    291    24    Regina
95    Thomas, Jake            DT    N    6'2    274    33    Acadia
   Woods, Jamal            DT    A    6'2    290    24    Illinois

And we have this years Draft Picks as well... we could end up with a 2 Nat interior Dline... and start 98-9 Nats, have zero "fake nat" snaps again next year and get an extra draft pick again.

No one has come close to replacing Richardson at tackle, its been a steady decline since he left. I am hoping we break this trend

Quote from: dd on February 07, 2024, 11:11:16 PMNo one has come close to replacing Richardson at tackle, its been a steady decline since he left. I am hoping we break this trend

Problem is with the positional money going to the higher priced DE's they're always looking for DT's to play on ELC's.  Once Willie is gone maybe they'll be able to change tactics.

Quote from: theaardvark on February 07, 2024, 08:50:00 PMOh no, we lost Stove! ( Casey Sayles steps up )

Oh no, we lost Casey Sayles ( Ricky Walker steps up)

Oh no, we lost Ricky Walker... who is the next man up?

Currently on the roster, may be more coming to camp...

90    Fox, Miles            DT    A    6'1    297    27    Wake Forest
97    Kornelson, Collin    DT    N    6'3    240    23    Manitoba
99    Lawson, Cameron    DT    N    6'3    281    25    Queen's
96    Schmekel, Tanner    DT    N    6'1    291    24    Regina
95    Thomas, Jake            DT    N    6'2    274    33    Acadia
   Woods, Jamal            DT    A    6'2    290    24    Illinois

And we have this years Draft Picks as well... we could end up with a 2 Nat interior Dline... and start 98-9 Nats, have zero "fake nat" snaps again next year and get an extra draft pick again.

Schmekel's a hefty boy, but the fact they re-signed Jake earlier probably means they don't expect him to be a starter yet, he's got this TC to prove them wrong or it's back on the PR for another year.

Quote from: dd on February 07, 2024, 11:11:16 PMNo one has come close to replacing Richardson at tackle, its been a steady decline since he left. I am hoping we break this trend

Sayles and Walker are a bit smaller iirc, more pass rush guys than nose tackles/run defenders. I think we need to get back to the more stout guys inside

Quote from: Pete on February 07, 2024, 08:07:52 PMInteresting that not a single sask. player has been picked up in free agency as of yet.

Montreal signs Tevin Jones.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/sources-montreal-alouettes-agree-to-terms-with-receiver-tevin-jones/

Quote from: Ridermania on February 08, 2024, 03:37:25 PMMontreal signs Tevin Jones.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/sources-montreal-alouettes-agree-to-terms-with-receiver-tevin-jones/

B-grade receiver, seems like they don't want Jake Wieneke back even at a cheaper price.  Wonder if there's any chance Austin Mack returns mid-season.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 08, 2024, 03:47:29 PMB-grade receiver, seems like they don't want Jake Wieneke back even at a cheaper price.  Wonder if there's any chance Austin Mack returns mid-season.

IIRC, Mack got a good signing bonus so I wouldn't expect him to return to the CFL this year.

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 08, 2024, 05:40:35 PMIIRC, Mack got a good signing bonus so I wouldn't expect him to return to the CFL this year.

I've seen players with a lot larger signing bonuses not make it to camp...

Mack will earn a base salary of $915,000 and a signing bonus of $24,000, while carrying a cap hit of $927,000 and a dead cap value of $24,000.

Quote from: Ridermania on February 08, 2024, 03:37:25 PMMontreal signs Tevin Jones.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/07/sources-montreal-alouettes-agree-to-terms-with-receiver-tevin-jones/

Riders have picked up 6 players, probably due to how they\ve overpaid in the past for lesser talents. It does look like they will be more competitive this year (with Thurman, Carney, Hardrick, Oulette, Auclair and Cooper. )

Quote from: Pete on February 08, 2024, 06:04:59 PMRiders have picked up 6 players, probably due to how they\ve overpaid in the past for lesser talents. It does look like they will be more competitive this year (with Thurman, Carney, Hardrick, Oulette, Auclair and Cooper. )

Riders have picked up some nice pieces. Should be better this year.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 08, 2024, 06:26:51 PMRiders have picked up some nice pieces. Should be better this year.

(https://media.tenor.com/nzsm2sKwca0AAAAM/nah-nope.gif)

Quote from: Pigskin on February 08, 2024, 06:26:51 PMRiders have picked up some nice pieces. Should be better this year.

Mace is moving them in the right direction, won't be many easy spots on the bingo card this season for the Bombers and some real dogfights, predicting at least 6 losses.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 08, 2024, 06:26:51 PMRiders have picked up some nice pieces. Should be better this year.

That's a pretty low bar, but I agree.

Riders sign DE Malik Carney.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/08/sources-american-de-malik-carney-agrees-to-terms-with-saskatchewan-roughriders/

Montreal grant Almondo Sewell his release....on his way to the Peg???

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/08/montreal-alouettes-release-veteran-dt-almondo-sewell/

Quote from: Ridermania on February 08, 2024, 07:21:32 PMRiders sign DE Malik Carney.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/08/sources-american-de-malik-carney-agrees-to-terms-with-saskatchewan-roughriders/

Very good pickup. anyone hear the contract details.

Quote from: Ridermania on February 08, 2024, 07:22:34 PMMontreal grant Almondo Sewell his release....on his way to the Peg???

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/08/montreal-alouettes-release-veteran-dt-almondo-sewell/

Dude is already 37.  How much does he have left in the tank?  I'm not against this if he comes relatively cheap, but he'd only be with us 1 or 2 years at best, so I wouldn't want to blow up the cap to sign him.

Quote from: Ridermania on February 08, 2024, 07:22:34 PMMontreal grant Almondo Sewell his release....on his way to the Peg???

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/08/montreal-alouettes-release-veteran-dt-almondo-sewell/

He was set to make $145k.. so I expect he thinks he can make more if he asked for his release... unless they asked him to renegotiate and were going to cut him... asking for his release gives him a better sales pitch for a new deal...

I can't see us coming close to $145k for him... and I don't think he will come for under $120k which would be the far top end of what I would offer...

Ya, Montreal signed Wiggan, a younger NAT to play DT, that was the right move, wish we could have got him!! Sewell is old, not sure what he's got left, but I think Montreal just told us not much!!

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on February 06, 2024, 10:46:07 PMtrue but this scouting staff has proven they can find DB talent year in and year out. This will need to continue.

Our scouts need to up their game.  MTL out-scouted the entire league in 2022-2023.  We need some of the next Entos and Uguwaks (sp?) and Macks and Sneads and Dequois.  We've been finding maybe 1 superstar a season.  Need more future-superstar ELCs, and fast.

For instance, we could really use some scouting gems in DB (x2?), DT, (maybe) DE, (maybe) WR, (maybe) RT.  Come on McManus et al!!

Quote from: dd on February 07, 2024, 06:42:43 PMStanback at $160 is a deal for the Lions, he would have done outstanding here

Quote from: theaardvark on February 07, 2024, 07:23:43 PMIs BO20 worth $70k more than Stanback?
A resounding YES.

Boom, there's the answer as to what our other option was (re: Brady).  $70 more for Brady.  Doesn't sound like much, but that's the difference between losing or re-signing 2-3 guys like Jeffcoat, Walker, Houston.  Worth it??  Hmmm...  I guess we'll see, eh!!

Quote from: Jesse on February 07, 2024, 07:22:08 PMI would have been really disappointed to sign Stanback, certainly for that much.

It's a decent deal for a GC champ and guy who clearly still has mega speed and power.  I still think Stanback would have looked 3X better in our run-first system and with our OL.  Will BC use him, or will they still be run-last?

Quote from: theaardvark on February 07, 2024, 08:50:00 PMOh no, we lost Nevis! (Stove steps up )

Oh no, we lost Stove! ( Casey Sayles steps up )

Oh no, we lost Casey Sayles ( Ricky Walker steps up)

Oh no, we lost Ricky Walker... who is the next man up?

Quote from: dd on February 07, 2024, 11:11:16 PMNo one has come close to replacing Richardson at tackle, its been a steady decline since he left. I am hoping we break this trend

FIFY.  You forgot Sir Drake.  BUT... BUT... every single step down that ladder was a slight drop off.  Nevis was really the best.  Stove was slightly different, but overall slightly worse.  Sayles was a big drop off.  Walker even more.  However, all were serviceable, and pretty darn good for 2nd/3rd year dev guys.

BUT... AND... the next-man-up was always the apprentice.  Never a raw rookie fresh up from the states.  So that would mean Fox or bust, eh?  We haven't seen squat from him yet, so we're flying blind.

It would be nice if we could go back to Nevis/Stove levels one year soon...

On the bright side, there's the DT-leaving-WPG curse thing.  Nevis and Stove really never played after leaving... they got their big signing $$ and promptly got injured and then retired.  Sayles did ok but they never played him as much as we did here, since they had so many options.

Quote from: Ridermania on February 08, 2024, 07:22:34 PMMontreal grant Almondo Sewell his release....on his way to the Peg???

If cheap?  Sure, grab him.  Not hot for sacks anymore, but awesome at run-stop.  He'd be perfect for our woes.  He stays out of the tub, too.  If he sucks (due to age) or Fox is the next Nevis from week 1, then pull an A.Bowman and cut his butt by labor day.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on February 09, 2024, 05:01:59 AMFIFY.  You forgot Sir Drake.  BUT... BUT... every single step down that ladder was a slight drop off.  Nevis was really the best.  Stove was slightly different, but overall slightly worse.  Sayles was a big drop off.  Walker even more.  However, all were serviceable, and pretty darn good for 2nd/3rd year dev guys.

BUT... AND... the next-man-up was always the apprentice.  Never a raw rookie fresh up from the states.  So that would mean Fox or bust, eh?  We haven't seen squat from him yet, so we're flying blind.

It would be nice if we could go back to Nevis/Stove levels one year soon...

On the bright side, there's the DT-leaving-WPG curse thing.  Nevis and Stove really never played after leaving... they got their big signing $$ and promptly got injured and then retired.  Sayles did ok but they never played him as much as we did here, since they had so many options.

Sayles had an outstanding season in 2023 with 50 DTs and 7 sacks. That's 14 DTs more then 2022 with the Bombers.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on February 09, 2024, 05:01:59 AMFIFY.  You forgot Sir Drake.  BUT... BUT... every single step down that ladder was a slight drop off.  Nevis was really the best.  Stove was slightly different, but overall slightly worse.  Sayles was a big drop off.  Walker even more.  However, all were serviceable, and pretty darn good for 2nd/3rd year dev guys.

BUT... AND... the next-man-up was always the apprentice.  Never a raw rookie fresh up from the states.  So that would mean Fox or bust, eh?  We haven't seen squat from him yet, so we're flying blind.

It would be nice if we could go back to Nevis/Stove levels one year soon...

On the bright side, there's the DT-leaving-WPG curse thing.  Nevis and Stove really never played after leaving... they got their big signing $$ and promptly got injured and then retired.  Sayles did ok but they never played him as much as we did here, since they had so many options.

Stove un-retired and re-signed with the Lions about a month ago, we'll see if he lives up to his legendary status.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 09, 2024, 08:48:45 AMSayles had an outstanding season in 2023 with 50 DTs and 7 sacks. That's 14 DTs more then 2022 with the Bombers.

This. He was phenomenal last season, hence the all-star nod.

Micah Awe stays in Calgary.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/09/stay-awe-stampeders-re-sign-all-star-lb-micah-awe/

We are seeing more and more teams move on from aged players , Since Toronto signed Orimolade, they are signing free agents for bigger dollars based on future potential versus historical data.
Thus far we've seen players such as Stanback, Baron, Moncrief, Ruby, Sewell. Gainey, let go by their respective teams. It will be interesting to see what happens with Jeffcoat, Larry Dean, J'Gared Davis. Micah Johnson, among others

Jeffcoat has retired.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/09/veteran-winnipeg-blue-bombers-de-jackson-jeffcoat-retires-from-cfl/

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 09, 2024, 03:45:13 PMStove un-retired and re-signed with the Lions about a month ago, we'll see if he lives up to his legendary status.

2 whole seasons in the tub... Can you regain mojo after that long?  More importantly: can he stay out of the tub?

I'd love to see him do well, but clearly not when we're playing BC...

Quote from: Pigskin on February 09, 2024, 08:48:45 AMSayles had an outstanding season in 2023 with 50 DTs and 7 sacks. That's 14 DTs more then 2022 with the Bombers.

Ya, he's the only one so far not bitten by the ex-Bomber-DT tub-curse.  BUT... those stats need to account for the fact that '23 HAM's D was on the field probably 50% more than WPG's in '22.  HAM's O was baaaaaad in '23, and ToP was horrific.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on February 09, 2024, 10:10:02 PMYa, he's the only one so far not bitten by the ex-Bomber-DT tub-curse.  BUT... those stats need to account for the fact that '23 HAM's D was on the field probably 50% more than WPG's in '22.  HAM's O was baaaaaad in '23, and ToP was horrific.

I believe nose tackle Drake Nevis also washed out quickly after he left the Bombers (for Toronto if I recall correctly), not just Stove Richardson.

Casey Sayles signs new contract with the Cats. 

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/10/hamilton-tiger-cats-sign-cfl-all-star-dl-casey-sayles-to-contract-extension/

CS44 is the real deal.

Ottawa picks up Swaray.

Mason Bennett 6'4" 262, resigns with Hamilton for 2024.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 11, 2024, 07:51:34 PMMason Bennett 6'4" 262, resigns with Hamilton for 2024.

Kongbo still out there, right?

Chris Edwards - TiCats -retires.  I'll be nice and simply say Bye Bye!

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/12/controversial-defender-chris-edwards-retires-from-cfl/

Ti-Cats re-sign DL Sayles: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/12/ticats-extend-all-star-defensive-lineman-casey-sayles/

Argos re-sign OL Hunter: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/12/argos-extend-all-star-ol-ryan-hunter/

RedBlacks re-sign DB Hunter: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/12/money-hunt-ends-hunter-extends-with-redblacks/

Less than 24 hours to match / beat / better those FA deals out there.  And then its open season.

Micah Johnson stays with Riders.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/12/saskatchewan-roughriders-extend-six-time-all-star-dl-micah-johnson/

RedBlacks re-sign OL Ruby: https://www.cfl.ca/2024/02/12/redblacks-bring-back-national-ol-jacob-ruby/

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/12/2024-cfl-free-agency-tracker-every-move-around-the-league/

Quote from: Jesse on February 12, 2024, 02:04:20 PMKongbo still out there, right?

I had the same idea a few days ago that he would be a good pickup as he did well with the BLUE a few years ago. Based on the FA list I read at CFL website the other day though, Kongbo was not listed as a free agent. He was very good in 2019 & 2021. NFL dreams interrupted his time in the CFL a few times though. 

He was not used much by the Ti-Cats last season. They may still cut him.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on February 12, 2024, 11:54:23 PMI had the same idea a few days ago that he would be a good pickup as he did well with the BLUE a few years ago. Based on the FA list I read at CFL website the other day though, Kongbo was not listed as a free agent. He was very good in 2019 & 2021. NFL dreams interrupted his time in the CFL a few times though. 

He was not used much by the Ti-Cats last season. They may still cut him.

Kongbo is not listed on the cfl FA24 list.  However, he is listed as "released" in the 3down list, which jives with my memory of the situation.

I'm pretty sure he's out there if we want him.  Agent probably has way too big a $$ ask.

It's funny, but our problem in WFC seems to be that all the good fits and guys we talk about are NATs!  We don't need 10 starting NATs!!  Why are we having such trouble finding the cheap(er) Americans for these traditionall-American jobs?  By all appearances we'll be starting minimum 8 NATs, probably 9.  That's just crazy.  Scouts need to get going so we can get back to the normal (cheaper and usually better) 7 NATs + 1 FAKENAT.

Quote from: ichabod_crane on February 12, 2024, 11:54:23 PMI had the same idea a few days ago that he would be a good pickup as he did well with the BLUE a few years ago. Based on the FA list I read at CFL website the other day though, Kongbo was not listed as a free agent. He was very good in 2019 & 2021. NFL dreams interrupted his time in the CFL a few times though. 

He was not used much by the Ti-Cats last season. They may still cut him.

They cut him a while ago, iirc. He was due a roster bonus.

Quote from: Jesse on February 13, 2024, 02:11:59 AMThey cut him a while ago, iirc. He was due a roster bonus.

Kongbo seems to think he's a starter and wants starter money, setting himself as a difficult player to deal with.  Could even be Wpg. has no interest in bringing him back.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 13, 2024, 02:33:28 AMKongbo seems to think he's a starter and wants starter money, setting himself as a difficult player to deal with.  Could even be Wpg. has no interest in bringing him back.

I definitely think we have interest. But the money question is relevant. He's never been anything more than a rotational player (which is what we need him for) and will need to seriously adjust his expectations.

Or maybe someone will still take a chance on him...but I kinda doubt it...

Cdn. Micah Teitz signs in Calgary.

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/12/sources-canadian-lb-micah-teitz-signs-with-stampeders-following-release-from-riders/