Blue Bombers Forum

Quote from: dd on November 19, 2024, 05:52:53 PMAgree with most of your selections...I wouldn't be in a hurry to bring any D lineman back until we sign a big name DT and DE. And I'd bring back Alexander for depth/injuries to our starting DB's but a lower $$. Also, Gauthier has been good on ST and is a decent role player on our D.

Key acquisitions needed in 2025- capable #2 Qb, capable #2 reciever, killer DE to compliment Willie, solid DT that commands double teaming vs the space fillers we have now. We get ZERO pressure from our inside D line.

Quote from: tlf on November 19, 2024, 08:17:01 PMI agree with most of those.   Our backup QBs need refreshing.  Tre Ford to take over the following year anyone?

I fear S. Bryant may retire.

My priorities would be Jefferson, Thomas, Holm, Jones, Ford *if no NFL gig*, Benson, Castillo, and I'd like Hallett back.  Schoen..I'd love him to stay healthy a full season. So good when healthy.

 

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 19, 2024, 08:52:08 PMBryant has already said that he wants to come back next season.

Quote from: tlf on November 19, 2024, 08:17:01 PMI agree with most of those.  Our backup QBs need refreshing.  Tre Ford to take over the following year anyone?

I fear S. Bryant may retire.

My priorities would be Jefferson, Thomas, Holm, Jones, Ford *if no NFL gig*, Benson, Castillo, and I'd like Hallett back.  Schoen..I'd love him to stay healthy a full season. So good when healthy.

 

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 19, 2024, 09:11:18 PMBenson can still play but we have Leroux returning to TC in 2025. He is probably the succession plan. I don't know what Benson earns but he turns 38 by TC. He might also consider retiring. While I don't think he earns a lot, there might still be a $20K savings on SMS.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 19, 2024, 09:11:18 PMI don't think Ford has interest or gets another NFL opportunity. The problem is that he will get other offers in free agency in the CFL. It's possible another team offers him more than we can or should. There has to be a limit.

Re-signing Holm and Ford might cost us another $100K each coming off an ELC?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 19, 2024, 09:52:40 PMMaybe $100k more together, but not individually, top payment for DB's has to be around $140k, any more and you let them walk and make do with a cheap replacement, dime a dozen etc. Potentially Ford could set a new benchmark for DB's salaries because he's a VG Natl. CB, but $150k should be top offer if he'll sign a 3 year contract.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 19, 2024, 10:46:41 PMHouston got $200K from the Stamps IIRC. We're paying Kramdi $140K if that figure is correct and a CB might hold more value than a SAM. A Canadian CB is more rare IMO.

I'd be happy if we can keep both / either at near $150K. The issue is that some teams try to " buy " a starter in free agency. Desjarlais got something like $230K in Ottawa. OL are valuable but they set the bar higher as a result.

I think Holm has more value than Houston and he'll get offers.

Obviously I'd like both back but if other teams offer more than $150K we may need to pass. My comment was that we could see either at $170K which is a $100K bump each.

You're suggestion for only another $100K in total would take them to about $124K from their ELC of $74K. Almost nobody besides QB's sign 3 year deals anymore. Draft choices but not on 2nd deals.

I'd be thrilled if that happens. We'll see.

Quote from: Pete on November 19, 2024, 10:54:19 PMQuarterback

Jake Dolegala (A)          replace (Tre Ford)
Chris Streveler (A)        replace ( Wilson)

Running back

Johnny Augustine (N)        replace (Chris Ike)

Fullback

Bailey Feltmate (N)        replace (thru Draft)


Receiver

Kenny Lawler (A)          re-sign but no higher than 220k
Dalton Schoen (A)          re-sign at right price 180K?
Lucky Whitehead (A)        scout for a new returner

Offensive linemen       

Stanley Bryant (A)        re-sign
Liam Dobson (N)            re-sign
Eric Lofton (A)            re-sign
Patrick Neufeld (N)        re-sign reduced role..look at signing younger guard

Defensive linemen
Miles Fox (A)              replace need an upgrade           
TyJuan Garbutt (A)        re-sign
Celestin Haba (A)          replace need an upgrade  ie carrter/Mauldin from ottawa, Uguak mtrl
Willie Jefferson (A)      re-sign
Jake Thomas (N)            replace with lawton


Linebacker

Adam Bighill (A)          ok with re-signing at lower cap hit
Brian Cole (A)            resign
Shayne Gauthier (N)      replace thru draft
Tony Jones (A)            resign
Kyrie Wilson (A)          replace (he's 32 with injury history )

Defensive back

Brandon Alexander (A)    upgrade -esp if we cant resign ford. (BA would be excellent coach) 
Tyrell Ford (N)          re-sign
Nick Hallett (N)          re-sign
Noah Hallett (N)          time to retire, his body cant take much more
Evan Holm (A)            re-sign
Jamal Parker (A)          re-sign and will have to win a spot in training camp

Specialists

LS Mike Benson (N)        replace
K Sergio Castillo (A)    open up competition with CDn or Global, that extra di is valuable

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 19, 2024, 10:46:41 PMHouston got $200K from the Stamps IIRC. We're paying Kramdi $140K if that figure is correct and a CB might hold more value than a SAM. A Canadian CB is more rare IMO.

I'd be happy if we can keep both / either at near $150K. The issue is that some teams try to " buy " a starter in free agency. Desjarlais got something like $230K in Ottawa. OL are valuable but they set the bar higher as a result.

I think Holm has more value than Houston and he'll get offers.

Obviously I'd like both back but if other teams offer more than $150K we may need to pass. My comment was that we could see either at $170K which is a $100K bump each.

You're suggestion for only another $100K in total would take them to about $124K from their ELC of $74K. Almost nobody besides QB's sign 3 year deals anymore. Draft choices but not on 2nd deals.

I'd be thrilled if that happens. We'll see.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 19, 2024, 11:01:36 PMThere are players signing multi years deals other then QBs. Austin Mack just signed a 4 year deal. Demski will be on his last year of a 3 year deal.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 19, 2024, 11:28:27 PM4) Deatrick Nichols, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $140,000
Maximum value: $154,000

10) Demerio Houston, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $128,800
Maximum value: $136,800

I don't think either Ford or Holm signed for ELC min. especially Ford., I'd expect they made aprox. $85-$90k this season maybe even more. It's good policy to reward players that put in great performances with a few extra payments however they can, instead of twisting nickels and holding them ransom for the first few years on their ELC contracts. Note that Holm just finished his 3rd season with the team, which I've never heard an explanation why the extra year.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 19, 2024, 11:09:26 PMI am not sure Chris-Ike is ready to replace JA27 yet. Chris-Ike had problems staying healthy, and has to prove he can run the ball at this level.

Feltmate is good on teams and blocks well. He is a MOS/Miller type of players.

Quote from: Ridermania on November 20, 2024, 01:31:36 PMWith hosting the Grey Cup, Bombers will go way over the salary cap for one last hurrah.

Then lots of retirements/releases and start fresh with younger players.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 01:47:12 PMI think we'll see a bigger changing of the guard with younger players start this year. Going way over the cap is not the way of the Bombers. Noting that they didn't do that in previous seasons. I don't think they did this season but we may be over by similar amounts to last year.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 03:52:06 PMThis is not a normal year.  It is GC at home year.  It is "end of an era" year for many players. 

This is NOT the time to let $SMS b a deciding factor in a key player's retention.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 03:52:06 PMThis is not a normal year.  It is GC at home year.  It is "end of an era" year for many players. 

This is NOT the time to let $SMS b a deciding factor in a key player's retention.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 04:25:41 PMBC threw the $SMS out the window with the Rourke mis-step.  For a GC appearance at home.  The precedent has been set, and the league is not yet in chaos.

Question:

We now know about the soft "appearance money" that can be used in the player cap, does the same go for the front office cap?

Can Lapo be given a staff position with verifiable duties in the media side of things?  Writing content for the web page and doing podcasts and such?  Outside the normal front office $SMS?

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 03:52:06 PMThis is not a normal year.  It is GC at home year.  It is "end of an era" year for many players. 

This is NOT the time to let $SMS b a deciding factor in a key player's retention.

Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2024, 05:09:40 PMRemembering that salary cap is calculated after the season is over and GMs have no way of predicting how the season will go in regards to injuries or players becoming available later in the season.

No one goes over the salary cap before the season starts. We may plan for a smaller reserve than normal (which we already did this year), or we may add in a late player if someone comes up.

Are we going to offer every single one of our FA's the highest offer? No. Are we going to add multiple top FAs? also no.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 20, 2024, 04:33:18 PMYou still have to build your roster within the parameters of the SMS.

The last thing Walters should do is take the Taman Approach to win it all at home.

And if players want to remain part of this organization to try for a sixth straight Grey Cup berth to win it all at home, they should probably put self-interest aside and be willing to consider taking a haircut in order to try and get there.

FIFO.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 20, 2024, 05:43:19 PMAgree, Walters stays the course and remains fiscally responsible so he can also field a competitive team in 2026, 2027, 2028.  You don't blow your wad for the GC and start over again from scratch, there is no guarantee they win and spoiled Bomber fans would show zero tolerance for a complete rebuild afterward. Remember the follies of Taman!

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 06:16:29 PMThis team is in rebuild in 2026.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 20, 2024, 06:28:24 PMNah.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 06:16:29 PMThis team is in rebuild in 2026.  There is no doubt a large part of the team is gone after 2025.  A LARGE part.  Especially if we win the GC at home.

Bryant, Neufeld, Thomas, Jefferson, Collaros, Bighill... I don't think any will play in 2026 if we win the cup, or even if we do not.

So, blowing the $SMS to keep the core guys we will build 2026 and beyond with becomes very important.  Ford, Holm, Haba, Jones, Cole, Dobson, Lofton, Lawler, Schoen... these are key guys after 2025.  Signing them for 2025 has double meaning.  Both for 2025 cup at home, and beyond.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 06:30:48 PMYou don't think losing your QB, your best DL, HOF LT and other key parts is "rebuild" territory?

OK...

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 20, 2024, 05:43:19 PMAgree, Walters stays the course and remains fiscally responsible so he can also field a competitive team in 2026, 2027, 2028.  You don't blow your wad for the GC and start over again from scratch, there is no guarantee they win and spoiled Bomber fans would show zero tolerance for a complete rebuild afterward. Remember the follies of Taman!

Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2024, 08:48:53 PMCFL isn't like other league's in that sense though. I can't think of much you could do in 2025 that would after 2026 negatively.

If you go over the cap, you pay the fine and move on.

Quote from: dd on November 20, 2024, 11:33:49 PMI think the strong teams - Toronto, Montreal and Winnipeg, focus on retaining as many of their impact FA's as they can vs go the FA route, vs the weaker teams, who need to 'poach' an impact player from one of the stronger rosters in an attempt to make their rosters stronger.

I don't see Winnipeg, Toronto or Montreal losing many of the quality FA's, as they are solid franchises with good clubhouses,  hence they won't suffer a huge talent lose and will remain at the top of the league. The weaker teams, will pay the big ticket for 1 or 2 FA, yet still don't have the roster depth to move up to a top seed position. Hamilton and Ottawa have been weak for a few years now and I don't see that changing. Same for Calgary and Edmonton, they're such a mess god himself couldn't turn their teams around.

Quote from: Pete on November 21, 2024, 02:16:09 PMI think we go into next season with the lineup that gives us the best shot at winning the cup. Going for younger developing talent will wait.
For example at safety why not look at Purifoy who can backup Kramdl as well
At backup qb maybe Mair becomes affordable.(Given they will not move Collaros)
Do we look at Santo Knox?

Quote from: LXTSN on November 21, 2024, 03:17:53 PMDo we think we can get Schoen and Lawler both back for another season?
I just have a hard time seeing them make that decision with how that handcuffed our roster options this last season. It's a lot of money to spend on a single position group.
Of those two receivers would you rather retain Lawler or Schoen?
Did we have enough firepower in our receiving core with out both of them?
Sask seems to develop or find WR options better than anyone these days! Meyers, Ajou, Bane, Emilus, Johnson, Picton and Sterns.

Quote from: LXTSN on November 21, 2024, 03:17:53 PMDo we think we can get Schoen and Lawler both back for another season?
I just have a hard time seeing them make that decision with how that handcuffed our roster options this last season. It's a lot of money to spend on a single position group.
Of those two receivers would you rather retain Lawler or Schoen?
Did we have enough firepower in our receiving core with out both of them?
Sask seems to develop or find WR options better than anyone these days! Meyers, Ajou, Bane, Emilus, Johnson, Picton and Sterns.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 21, 2024, 02:36:59 PMHere's who I wouldn't bring back:

Chris Streveler (next year barring a big surprise might be): Collaros, Wilson, Dolegala/Grainer)
Johnny Augustine
Dalton Schoen
Lucky Whitehead
Patrick Neufeld (somewhat on the fence, not sure what we'll get in another year).
Celestin Haba (a very disappointing year 2, outplayed by Garbutt)
Jake Thomas
Adam Bighill

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 21, 2024, 02:36:59 PMHere's who I wouldn't bring back:

Chris Streveler (next year barring a big surprise might be): Collaros, Wilson, Dolegala/Grainer)
Johnny Augustine
Dalton Schoen
Lucky Whitehead
Patrick Neufeld (somewhat on the fence, not sure what we'll get in another year).
Celestin Haba (a very disappointing year 2, outplayed by Garbutt)
Jake Thomas
Adam Bighill

Quote from: Jesse on November 21, 2024, 05:26:13 PMI think it's safe to say that almost all of those players will be back.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 21, 2024, 05:27:09 PMYou're probably correct.

Quote from: TBURGESS on November 19, 2024, 05:40:30 PMQuarterback

Jake Dolegala (A)
Chris Streveler (A)

Running back

Johnny Augustine (N)

Fullback

Bailey Feltmate (N)

Receiver

Kenny Lawler (A)
Dalton Schoen (A)
Lucky Whitehead (A)

Offensive linemen

Stanley Bryant (A)
Liam Dobson (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)

Defensive linemen

Miles Fox (A)
TyJuan Garbutt (A)
Celestin Haba (A)
Willie Jefferson (A)
Jake Thomas (N)

Linebacker

Adam Bighill (A)
Brian Cole (A)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Tony Jones (A)
Kyrie Wilson (A)

Defensive back

Brandon Alexander (A)
Tyrell Ford (N)
Nick Hallett (N) signed for 2 years - Jan 31 2024
Noah Hallett (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Jamal Parker (A)

Specialists

LS Mike Benson (N)
K Sergio Castillo (A)

I underlined the guys I don't care if we bring back.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 21, 2024, 08:11:40 PMWould Kongbo be worth a look? He didn't play this past season but I think he still has plenty left in the tank.

Quote from: Jesse on November 21, 2024, 05:26:13 PMI think it's safe to say that almost all of those players will be back.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 09:08:41 PMIt's a balancing act of retaining experience but also bringing alone the younger less expensive players and fitting it all into the SMS.

I'd target about 6 new starters in a new season as the max I'd like to imagine. We exceeded that in 2024 and hence the slow start.

Quote from: Pete on November 22, 2024, 03:57:54 PMSix new starters
Guard (free agent signing)
Wide receiver (rookie)
Dt or de (free agent)
Safety (rookie)
Returner (rookie)
Both the guard and dline would require big investments.
I am not including positions as mlb where jones already became starter

Quote from: Pigskin on November 22, 2024, 04:58:11 PMI will say that the Bombers will try and sign Lofton at a reasonable price. If not they have Randolph or Vanterpool. Bryant and Neufled will be back for there final year. Dobson may go out and shop himself around as he was an all-star. Is Wallace ready to take the next step? Then there is Vlahogiannis who went back to school and had a pretty good year. We will draft an OL but I don't think at #7.

There are lots of DBs and DLs in the top 20 prospects. DB/WR Jackson Findlay. 6'3" 203lbs. 4.59/40, would be a nice pickup at #7. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2024, 05:12:19 PMI'd like to see them move on from Dobson, his mobility as a run blocker was a huge downgrade from what Geoff Gray brought. Don't know how well Wallace would do as a replacement, haven't seen him pass block enough to know yet but he's great moving the pile. 

Quote from: Pigskin on November 22, 2024, 04:58:11 PMI will say that the Bombers will try and sign Lofton at a reasonable price. If not they have Randolph or Vanterpool. Bryant and Neufled will be back for there final year. Dobson may go out and shop himself around as he was an all-star. Is Wallace ready to take the next step? Then there is Vlahogiannis who went back to school and had a pretty good year. We will draft an OL but I don't think at #7.

There are lots of DBs and DLs in the top 20 prospects. DB/WR Jackson Findlay. 6'3" 203lbs. 4.59/40, would be a nice pickup at #7. 

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 22, 2024, 06:36:51 PMIt's all guess work with potential free agents. Without knowing who explores free agency or at what cost, doesn't help.

That will go into the draft decision since that is post the free agency rush. We may retain or acquire players at any number of positions. The 2023 draft choice will be back to compete etc.

Also mentioned is that our ratio allows us to move towards 3 import OL. I'm not suggesting that be we held onto the 2 extra import OL to end the season.

That may be curtains for Lofton or at least lower his ask.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2024, 07:05:57 PMRandolph proved himself in game so they'll likely keep him, don't think they need another import OL unless they're willing to sit on the PR waiting for their turn.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 22, 2024, 07:29:55 PMRandolph and Vanterpool are both bigger and younger than Lofton. Both are on ELC's while Lofton was above ELC and may be looking for more money. How big a financial swing and talent swing the team will need to decide.

I don't know how the team graded each of those players. The rookies may not be prepared to spend next season mostly on the PR.

Of the 3 import OL, we may only keep 2 and which starts is a TBD by the team I guess.  There are always a bunch of rookie OL in TC to spread the TC workload and see what upgrades might be available.  An interesting TC battle for sure.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2024, 07:05:57 PMRandolph proved himself in game so they'll likely keep him, don't think they need another import OL unless they're willing to sit on the PR waiting for their turn.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2024, 07:40:39 PMSorry I was referring to the inside 3 positions, I don't think they'll make any changes on the outside 2 as long as Bryant is coming back.  Lofton did alright, maybe not an all-star but adequate, and at journeyman wages that's par for the course.

Quote from: Jesse on November 22, 2024, 08:24:03 PMI'd like to see Wallace and Randolph in for Dobson and Lofton respectively.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 22, 2024, 09:23:03 PMThe main issue with Imp Oline is a yard off the ball.  How quick they adapt (if they do at all) to changing the whole way they are wired to react to a snap makes a huge difference between them and a Nat Olineman.  Even with playing with one yard advantage all their lives, Nat Oline still can take years to become CFL starters.

Having a guy like hut HUT Wylie moulding them into shape makes a big difference.  Figuring out who is going to learn the nuances of CFL blocking is a scouting key.  And a coaching necessity. 

Olinemen being bigger or younger isn't always a bonus.  It true that you can't coach size, but it takes more than size to be a good olineman, you need quick feet and hands, and great technique. 

The big difference between Imp and Nat Oline is quantity.  There are a lot more to choose from in the Imp ranks, for sure.  So, while we hold onto NAT Olinemen we draft while they develop, its a lot easier to cycle through Imp Oline on the PR.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 23, 2024, 02:51:44 PMA short list of players that might be SMS issues.

1. Ford. I have heard he has some new NFL tryouts. So that might be beyond our control.
2. Holm. He might be the next Houston where other teams offer more that we can compete with realistically.
3. Dobson. Re-signing good Canadians early in their careers is not always easy.
4. Lawler. Can we fit him into the SMS? Does he want more than in 2024?
5. Schoen. Same question as Lawler except he won't looking for a raise.

I think the rest of the potential free agents that we want to retain will be back. The question is how does the re-negotiating go for those in the list. In theory we were close to SMS cap, so there is not a lot of room to spend cumulatively more without something giving.

That's where the need to part ways with some older more expensive vets comes into play.

Quote from: Pete on November 23, 2024, 03:48:15 PMDon't think Lawler will ask for or deserves a raise, yes he had a good wf but 662 yds this year, 902 the year before despite being by far the primary target for Collaros doesn't warrant the salary hes making  (285k). He does make some great catches but the ability to stay healthy is a factor as well. Note his catch to target ration is also very low but that's a lot on Zac for forcing throws to him even when the completion probability is low and when Zac should be looking elsewhere.
If he wants more than 230k I'd let him walk and look elsewhere for 1 or even two free agents. (Schoen if he's healthy but that may be a big risk unless we have him on an incentive laden contract)

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 23, 2024, 02:51:44 PMA short list of players that might be SMS issues.

1. Ford. I have heard he has some new NFL tryouts. So that might be beyond our control.
2. Holm. He might be the next Houston where other teams offer more that we can compete with realistically.
3. Dobson. Re-signing good Canadians early in their careers is not always easy.
4. Lawler. Can we fit him into the SMS? Does he want more than in 2024?
5. Schoen. Same question as Lawler except he won't looking for a raise.

I think the rest of the potential free agents that we want to retain will be back. The question is how does the re-negotiating go for those in the list. In theory we were close to SMS cap, so there is not a lot of room to spend cumulatively more without something giving.

That's where the need to part ways with some older more expensive vets comes into play.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2024, 05:02:17 PMThe Bombers do have some expiring vets but they're not all making excess money, Kyrie, Jake Thomas, BA, Neufeld and the rest of the O-line are all making fair journeyman wages but nothing excessive that needs trimming. The exception maybe Stanley, who is probably still making in the neighbourhood of $200k.

The good news is few existing players will be looking for raises after this season, other than those coming off ELC's who will receive modest bumps + Ford and Holm who may be the biggest challenge.  Lawler, Schoen and Demski will either stand pat or take cuts, Willie can't ask for more, Kramdi and Nichols are set and the LB crew is all new so no new expenses there.  All in all, I'd say they're in a better financial state than they were going into this season.

Quote from: Pete on November 23, 2024, 04:40:20 PMunfortunately begelton isnt a free agent https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/11/20/cfl-free-agency-2025-potential-list/
interesting free agents include; eugene Lewis, Coxiee. Tevon Jones, Hardy (who is exactly the type o reciever i think we could use,) Julian-Grant,Kiondre Smith, Mayala,Mcinnis

Quote from: dd on November 23, 2024, 05:30:45 PMDang. He would have been  a good one to pick up

Lewis is over paid and over rated. Coxie's a beast but doubt he leaves the big smoke. Hardy would be a nice pickup and he's got to want to get out of Ottawa.

 Not sure what type of $$ McInnis would want but he'd be awesome as well. If we're talking Schoen dollars, I m sure we could make it work, and the guy is always on the field vs in the hot tub.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 23, 2024, 05:25:43 PMPoint and example about LB's. Jones and Cole are potential free agents. They might be looking at jumps from ELC to $100K. K. Wilson is probably above that or at the very least at that level. Bighill is above $100K Even if those 2 accept $85K that's still more than ELC and roster size doesn't allow to keep everyone on the AR.  It's SMS, ratio and roster.

So are you willing to release Wilson and / or Bighill in order to retain Jones and / or Cole?

As I've pointed out, even small increases for a bunch of those that are option year players ( 2 contract players ) means something has to be trimmed.

It doesn't really matter if some of those you mentioned are earning " fair " journeyman wages. The SMS is the SMS and for every $1 extra we have to find $1 less somewhere.

Someone suggested we might be able to re-sign Holm and Ford for $100K more in total. I'd don't agree it will be that little but lets say that evaluation is correct.

Where does the money for those 2 alone come from?

Quote from: dd on November 23, 2024, 05:30:45 PMDang. He would have been  a good one to pick up

Lewis is over paid and over rated. Coxie's a beast but doubt he leaves the big smoke. Hardy would be a nice pickup and he's got to want to get out of Ottawa.

 Not sure what type of $$ McInnis would want but he'd be awesome as well. If we're talking Schoen dollars, I m sure we could make it work, and the guy is always on the field vs in the hot tub.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2024, 05:38:36 PMI'm not worried about a few shekels here and there as I think they'll go over the SMS in the year of their GC, not excessively enough to lose a draft pick, but I see no problem exceeding the budget.

As for cuts to afford Ford and Holm, I think there's a good chance Ford goes elsewhere so they may only have to deal with Holm who I think will be appeased by $130-140k. 

Biggie and Bryant are making excess above journeyman wages, those are the two I would probably move on from based on the principle of age alone.  They'll be gone soon enough, why wait for the inevitable to happen when you can act on it?

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 23, 2024, 06:17:22 PMWell I for one have no willingness to just go over the cap because it's a Grey Cup year. I also don't think it's part of what Miller / Walters will consider doing.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2024, 06:26:13 PMYou're on one side of the spectrum on exceeding SMS spending, Aards and Techno are on the other side, I'm firmly in the middle. ;D

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 23, 2024, 07:47:01 PMStart a poll and see where other posters are? Like I said though, it's not the way of the organization.

Quote from: Jesse on November 23, 2024, 09:47:14 PMDisagree. They'll absolutely push the chips in when needed.

I think some people misinterpret what "going over the cap" means. You're not spending it all before the season starts and then every injury pushes you further and further over. But teams in certain circumstances will allow less room than normal (like we did when we signed Brady and Schoen) or go over to get an available player back (Like BC did with Rourke and Betts).

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 24, 2024, 01:15:24 PMNo, there were suggestions were about intentionally going over the SMS by $100K+. IIRC someone mentioned by as much as just under $300K  The rest all falls into contingency planning that every team does. Going all in throwing caution to the wind in a Grey Cup year at home.

It's not often a player that wants $750K per season is returning mid season.  When have we seen a Bomber returning from the NFL. Ford returned but he was still under contract and it for at TC not during the season.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 28, 2024, 05:18:49 PMOk, lets get on with getting some ink to paper on a few of our players.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 28, 2024, 05:36:16 PMAs Walters indicated not much likely to happen until they have their coaching staff finalized.

Quote from: Jesse on November 29, 2024, 07:18:39 PMApparently Tyrell Ford made a comment to Jeff Hamilton saying he wanted to be paid more than his brother.

I'm expecting his agent to try and reset the market the way Kenny did for receivers when he signed with Edmonton. He's going to be one of those guys that's almost impossible to sign and has people asking if it's worth it even if we do.

Quote from: markf on November 29, 2024, 07:56:40 PMWho , when, was the last big name player from another team signed?

free agent or trade.

Collaros?

Don't seem to operate that way lately.

Quote from: dd on November 29, 2024, 11:27:19 PMWe got the core of our talent pool from other teams either by trade or FA signing-Collaros, bighill, Jefferson, Demski and Lawler. Some are nearing the end of 5eir careers ie bighill and Collaros, and when they do retire, we ll be dipping back into the FA pool again, maybe not for bighill but definitely for a #1 Qb. I m hoping zach stays with us for another year or 2 at least.

Quote from: Pete on November 30, 2024, 04:06:00 PMLy top non qb salaries on bombers (excluding Brady)
Lawler 285
Schoen  225
Demski 225
Willie 200
Bryant 170
Neufeld 145 (guess)
Total 1,250,000

If you could redistribute salaries who would you go for?
My choices (max I'd pay)
LaWler  230 (if not then Schoen 200k)
Demski  190
Bryant  170
Willie   200
Ceresna  240
Williams 195 (replaces neufeld)

Total 1,225,000k

W

Quote from: DM83 on December 01, 2024, 09:42:40 PMKind of a bunch of sheep posting in the forum.
Mind you all reasonable prognostications.  Too many based on the past.
Some one come to your senses.

The d line and the d coordinator are not winners. That is it. A three man line, ***** coverage by DBs and no clue line backers coupled with deer in the headlites d coordinator.    Collaros has also sucked the last three grey cups. Plus zero back experience.  Does not look good for the future.

Schoen better be healed and come back in shape, not the extra 30 pounds he had after failing on the NFL. Collaros better get in shape. Can he even throw a corner pattern anymore?  Did we see any this past season?

Quote from: Blueforlife on December 02, 2024, 03:39:10 AMThe same person that claimed we should fire Hall, MOS and our management sucked pre mini dynasty.  Your take wasn't right pre dynasty and isn't now imo.  You are welcome to post as you please but there is nothing in your post that I agree with.

Our DC is good and will be great.  Your post about him is highly disrespectful and please consider taking that out.

Zach was up and down this year but over his time here; he has been brilliant.  Yes he can throw a corner route.

Schoen is great, yes needs to come back strong and healthy.

The dline was good this year with new faces stepping up and our vets played well.  We have had a top defense many years running.
Our linebackers were good.  Jones is a gamer and Kramdi continues to develop.  Our DBs were exceptional after a slow start.
3 man front is a trend across the league and worked well, we laid an egg at the GC all phases and coaching.

Not a lot of depth at QB this year but we had Brown previously who was developing well.  Hopefully we can do that again (tall order).


My take from earlier posts:

Jefferson worth every penny imo.  Dobson, a keeper.  I would throw a big offer at Ford.  He is a generational talent (aided by his passport).  Will cost too much.  Good ones always do.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 21, 2024, 04:24:38 PM
My notes on right
1. Augustine, I would keep him
2. Benson, no opinion
3. Bighill, too $
4. Feltmate, no opinion
5. Gauthier, likely time but good depth guy still and good on ST
6. Nick Hallett, no opinion
7. Noah Hallett, no opinion
8. Neufeld, keep
9. Streveler, pass
10. Thomas, reduced roll?
11. K. Wilson, pass but love him
12. Wolitarski, keep
13. Dolegala, no opinion
14. Whitehead, pass
15. Parker, keep if lose others

Quote from: theaardvark on December 02, 2024, 06:43:37 PMThe tampering period allows a player to get his best offer, and allow us to match.

If someone is going to "spend too much" on Ford, why not us?

Let him let other GM's set the price, and we can either matchg or come close enough...

As to any concept of a DB making more than a QB, its not going to be that the DB gets QB money... if he does get a shot in the NFL, he will make more than Tre, but in the CFL, not likely...

Quote from: Pete on December 02, 2024, 08:39:22 PMThe other issue is the closer it gets to free agency the more you seem to play.
Mtrl is a good example of a team thats got ahead of it signing Beverette, most of their recievers and dline/ linebackers

Quote from: DM83 on December 01, 2024, 09:42:40 PMSchoen better be healed and come back in shape, not the extra 30 pounds he had after failing on the NFL. Collaros better get in shape. Can he even throw a corner pattern anymore?  Did we see any this past season?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2024, 05:38:36 PMI'm not worried about a few shekels here and there as I think they'll go over the SMS in the year of their GC, not excessively enough to lose a draft pick, but I see no problem exceeding the budget.

Quote from: Pete on November 23, 2024, 04:40:20 PMeugene Lewis, Coxiee. Tevon Jones, Hardy (who is exactly the type o reciever i think we could use,) Julian-Grant,Kiondre Smith, Mayala,Mcinnis

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2024, 07:05:57 PMRandolph proved himself in game so they'll likely keep him, don't think they need another import OL unless they're willing to sit on the PR waiting for their turn.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 03, 2024, 04:48:24 AMRandolph clearly is not ready for OT though.

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 03, 2024, 03:31:36 PMPretty sure Randolph slotted in as a guard 90% of the time he was on the game day roster. 

Week 1 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 2 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 3 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 4 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 5 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 6 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 7 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 8 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 9 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 10 - bye
Week 11 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 12 - Backup right guard behind Wallace
Week 13 - Starting left tackle
week 14 - Starting left tackle
Week 15 - bye
Week 16 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 17 - 1 game IR
wEEK 18 - 1 game IR
Week 19 - 1 game IR
Week 20 - bye
Week 21 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Western Final - Backup right guard to Neuf
Grey Cup - Backup right guard to Neuf

He was generally used as the 6th (or 7th) OL for Jumbo sets.  We also won both the games he started at LT (Banjo Bowl and Labor Day Classic) after Big Stan went down with the flu.

Quote from: Pete on November 30, 2024, 04:06:00 PMLy top non qb salaries on bombers (excluding Brady)
Lawler 285     
Schoen  225     
Demski 225   
Willie 200
Bryant 170
Neufeld 145 (guess)
Total 1,250,000

If you could redistribute salaries who would you go for?
My choices (max I'd pay)
LaWler  230 (if not then Schoen 200k)
Demski  190
Bryant  170
Willie   200
Ceresna  240
Williams 195 (replaces neufeld)

Total 1,225,000k

W

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 03, 2024, 04:10:14 PMDepth charts showing where the back up lines up doesn't mean too much. For a 1st year import it might be an easier initial transition. However their actual role while on the AR was on the outside of the OL as 6th man fronts. So playing the edge rather than the interior of the OL per se.

At the moment we expect both Randolph and Vanterpool back in TC. Normally we'll see quite a few import OL added to the TC roster with some only here briefly.

These two have the initial edge to survive TC and move back to the PR or AR if we have an early injury.

I think the expectation is that import OL are expected to see more long term duty as possible OT's. Canadian OL mostly end up in the interior.

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 03, 2024, 03:31:36 PMPretty sure Randolph slotted in as a guard 90% of the time he was on the game day roster. 

Week 1 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 2 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 3 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 4 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 5 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 6 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 7 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 8 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Practice Roster
Week 9 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Starting RG
Week 10 - bye
Week 11 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - Starting RG
Week 12 - Backup right guard behind Wallace - Starting RG - Moved to LT when Bryant went down
Week 13 - Starting left tackle
week 14 - Starting left tackle
Week 15 - bye
Week 16 - Backup right guard behind Neuf
Week 17 - 1 game IR - Practice Roster
wEEK 18 - 1 game IR - Practice Roster
Week 19 - 1 game IR - Practice Roster
Week 20 - bye
Week 21 - Backup right guard behind Neuf - 1-game IL
Western Final - Backup right guard behind Neuf - 1-game IL
Grey Cup - Backup right guard behind Neuf - 1-game IL

He was generally used as the 6th (or 7th) OL for Jumbo sets.  We also won both the games he started at LT (Banjo Bowl and Labor Day Classic) after Big Stan went down with the flu.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on December 03, 2024, 05:27:27 PMRandolph started 5 of the 6 games he dressed for - nearly 3 full games at LT.

Quote from: drahgon on December 04, 2024, 04:52:43 PMTony Jones back in blue and gold
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-lb-tony-jones-through-2026/ (https://3downnation.com/2024/12/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-lb-tony-jones-through-2026/)

Quote from: Stats Junkie on December 03, 2024, 05:27:27 PMRandolph started 5 of the 6 games he dressed for - nearly 3 full games at LT.

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 04, 2024, 09:02:14 PMWeird discrepancies.  I went back deep into the Bombers website and looked at every single game day roster as published by the BB media department for the 2024 season, which is where I pulled all this data from.  I will defer to your judgement, though, as I did not attend or have the opportunity to watch every game this season.

Quote from: drahgon on December 04, 2024, 04:52:43 PMTony Jones back in blue and gold
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-lb-tony-jones-through-2026/ (https://3downnation.com/2024/12/04/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-lb-tony-jones-through-2026/)

Does this mean the writing is on the wall for AB4?

Quote from: markf on December 06, 2024, 02:53:16 PMNot surprised by T Ford getting an NFL tryout.

I wont be surprised if he gets a job there.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 06, 2024, 03:19:11 PMdon't think the WFC needs to make any drastic choices to cover for his potential sticking in the NFL.  We always have "next man up" in the DB's, and have already signed a couple potential replacements.

If he sticks, we will be fine.  If he doesn't, we should have space to bring him back...

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2024, 03:26:42 PMWe've had success finding new DB's. Having SMS space and needing to compete with other CFL teams provides no certainty he'd be back.

Obviously we've speculated that he'll be looking for $150K-$200K ( too much IMO ) but that's a side question.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2024, 03:07:41 PMIMO it's still a long shot. The catch is that this time, if he returns he is no longer under contract with the Bombers. Potentially returning mid season makes fitting him into a CFL roster SMS will be more difficult. It's not impossible but not every team will be able to achieve that.

Ford will be turning 27 in March and is only 5'11". He's not exactly the kind of player the NFL likes at CB. IIRC wasn't he tried out more as an inside safety player in 2023?

Either way, there will be dozens of NFL draft choices which will have an edge.

From a Bomber perspective, he has longer to decide on any NFL opportunities since he becomes a complete free agent in February. In that sense, the Bombers may need to move on with other choices including CFL free agency etc etc.

I'd like him back and understand his NFL wish, but at some point we'll have a spot to fill in the secondary.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 06, 2024, 03:35:16 PMMiller will be waiving $SMS concerns this year, I have no doubt.

Making Ford the highest paid DB in the league is fine with me.

There will be space on the roster as anyone we bring in to fight for his spot can be PR'd.

Don't sign a high profile FA to fill his spot, is all I'm saying,  Make some ELC rooks fight for it, and if he comes back, his space (roster and cap) are there.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 06, 2024, 03:50:15 PMI would focus on re-signing Holm asap while Ford hems and haws on his direction as he's likely to string that decision out as long as possible like he's done before.  They lost Alford to the NFL in 2021 and didn't skip a beat.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2024, 04:34:10 PMYou keep spinning the idea that the Bombers will have no regard for the SMS. I disagree and think this is just another of your tin hat ideas. Class organizations don't do that.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 06, 2024, 06:02:32 PMWalters won't make a conscious attempt to change the $SMS protocol, but if it comes to a point where a player we need means spending more than budgeted, I bet Miller steps in and says "open the wallet".

Of course you cay you're not overspending, that just opes you up for being held up in contract talks. Overbidding won't be the rule, but matching sure will be on the table.  We're not letting a top player walk for $15k this year.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 06, 2024, 09:05:10 PMWhenever he becomes available, I am sure Miller will tell Walters to make it happen...

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2024, 04:39:49 PMIf he hasn't re-signed in Winnipeg by 1 week after free agency opens, I think we will have moved forward. If Ento reaches free agency and we haven't signed Ford, then we should see what his demand will be.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2024, 03:07:41 PMFrom a Bomber perspective, he has longer to decide on any NFL opportunities since he becomes a complete free agent in February. In that sense, the Bombers may need to move on with other choices including CFL free agency etc etc.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 07, 2024, 01:48:59 AMYa, WM has shown he will step in when warranted, and he may have different ideas from KW vis a vis the cap.  And they can jawbone about whatever they want, doesn't mean they won't do something else.

When the Lions $300k overage is revealed, people's mindset may change.  And if it's clear BC is overspending again in '25... all bets are off.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 07, 2024, 01:55:45 AMBC set the precedent... So let Ford go chase the NFL again, and when he comes back in week 9 let's make it work by paying him whatever we need to keep him on our team.

I'm assuming Ford has a bit of team loyalty and brotherhood and actually wants to be here.  If he really wants to be elsewhere, then let him walk.

Bonus is he'll only cost a half year of SMS.

Any guy we dress until then can just go back to the PR, unless we strike gold again.

Quote from: Ducky on December 07, 2024, 05:21:05 AMMy guess is he will join his brother in Edmonton (if and when he is released from the NFL).

Quote from: BlueFire on December 07, 2024, 11:33:06 AMI'd prefer his brother joins him here :)

Quote from: Jesse on December 07, 2024, 03:16:02 PMI don't think he's just going to blindly follow his brother.

BUT, if they're rolling with Tre Ford, they do have more dollars to spend than most teams paying 500+ for their QBs.

Quote from: Pete on December 07, 2024, 02:04:10 AMWhat people forget is that with bringing in Rourke that put them over the cap significantly, but it was a unique situation in that it meant giving up their first round pick but they knew that they could then turn around and trade Adams after the season and get back a first round pick or close.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on December 09, 2024, 06:42:27 AMWho here thinks BC would have done the exact same thing even without their "get a DP back free" card (VAJ)?

I do!  And in the end they didn't get their 1RDP back anyhow.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 10, 2024, 06:07:13 PMNatl. receiver Jeremy Murphy picked off the PR by the Ti-Cats, like BOLO never got much of a chance to play in his 3 years in Wpg.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 10, 2024, 06:07:13 PMNatl. receiver Jeremy Murphy picked off the PR by the Ti-Cats, like BOLO never got much of a chance to play in his 3 years in Wpg.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 13, 2024, 01:05:08 PMI'm surprised there has been less activity than I thought at this point. I was guessing we'd have some 2024 SMS left that we'd be using now. Obviously there is still time before the end of the month.

Note that my thought on SMS was that we had so few players spend time on 1 game IR to accumulate any overspend on that part of the budget. That was outside of what I'd think the normal budget would project.

We'll find out in the new year which teams did go over and how much.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 16, 2024, 05:06:36 PMO'Shea seems to be slow finding his next OC...

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 16, 2024, 05:06:36 PMO'Shea seems to be slow finding his next OC, if it was as easy as promoting somebody from inside I think it would be done by now.  He's getting older and may not be that active in upcoming coaching circles anymore and may have limited outside contacts he can call on.

I think it was only 2 years ago the Riders couldn't find anyone to take their OC job, everyone they approached quickly declined the job opportunity.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 17, 2024, 02:41:46 AMAyers along with 10 other CFL players getting tryouts with the Denver Broncos, some surprising names on that list.

The Denver Broncos hosted a CFL-packed workout on Saturday, bringing in receivers Ajou Ajou, Ayden Eberhardt, and Makai Polk, offensive lineman Logan Ferland, defensive linemen Brandon Barlow, Elliott Brown, and Jonah Tavai, and linebackers A.J. Allen, Michael Ayers, Isaac Darkangelo, and Davion Taylor.

https://3downnation.com/2024/12/16/denver-broncos-host-11-cfl-players-for-nfl-work-out/

Quote from: markf on December 18, 2024, 10:17:04 PMI have a theory that USFL and other lower league players have a better chance of signing with the NFL cause the coaches, and management, and players representatives have ties, and dealings, that do not exist between CFL staff and NFL

So.... "In just two seasons, the USFL has shown it can help players get to the NFL. The USFL has seen more than 320 players land workouts with NFL teams, with more than 100 NFL contracts signed."

Could be wrong though.

Quote from: dd on December 18, 2024, 10:40:55 PMMakes sense. I had no idea so many USFL tryouts result in contracts--1:3 ratio roughly. I thought the USFL would be a feeder league to the CFL not the NFL. Do you know if most of the USFL player contracts PR contracts or actual roster spots earned via these tryouts??

Quote from: markf on December 18, 2024, 11:42:08 PMNot sure, this is the article... https://www.foxsports.com/stories/usfl/14-usfl-players-end-up-on-nfl-active-rosters-practice-squads-or-injured-reserve

Not an answer to your question, but...... I do know that from that list, Brandon Aubrey...field goal  kicker,  is really good, starter for Dallas this season

Quote from: markf on December 16, 2024, 11:03:46 PMCone of silence over Blue Bombers office.

I don't care, that's the way they do things.

We have no idea who they are interviewing for O.C. Not a peep.

Quote from: markf on December 18, 2024, 10:17:04 PMI have a theory that USFL and other lower league players have a better chance of signing with the NFL cause the coaches, and management, and players representatives have ties, and dealings, that do not exist between CFL staff and NFL

So.... "In just two seasons, the USFL has shown it can help players get to the NFL. The USFL has seen more than 320 players land workouts with NFL teams, with more than 100 NFL contracts signed."

Could be wrong though.

Quote from: markf on December 18, 2024, 10:17:04 PMI have a theory that USFL and other lower league players have a better chance of signing with the NFL cause the coaches, and management, and players representatives have ties, and dealings, that do not exist between CFL staff and NFL

So.... "In just two seasons, the USFL has shown it can help players get to the NFL. The USFL has seen more than 320 players land workouts with NFL teams, with more than 100 NFL contracts signed."

Could be wrong though.

Quote from: Stats Junkie on December 20, 2024, 05:27:38 AMI believe that the nature of the spring leagues (UFL,USFL,XFL or whatever they are called now) allows for an easier transition to the NFL. Those leagues were designed as auditions for the NFL and come with the opportunity to transfer to the NFL (not CFL).

The spring leagues conclude prior to NFL training camp which allows those players to immediately compete for jobs for a full training camp - yes, NFL politics still gets in the way.

The CFL season overlaps with the NFL season for several months, especially if you include NFL training camps. Any player on a CFL roster at the end of the season can attend tryouts (with permission from his CFL team) but he cannot play in the NFL during the current season.

Many CFL players only get a 1 or 2 day tryout on the side and decisions have to made on that. When CFL players sign futures contracts with NFL teams, the players have to weigh the costs of missing half a season or more of CFL action if the NFL opportunity fails.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 20, 2024, 03:25:59 PMIf they sign a futures contract, they should get some guaranteed money in the deal, and that can be more than what they'd make in the time missed in the CFL.. makes the decision easier.  Its the TC invites that can be a debate over potential versus real CFL money...  but every football player will take the NFL dream over an ELC contract in the CFL, unless money is a very, very important factor in their lives at that moment.

Quote from: Pete on December 19, 2024, 10:30:37 PMi think its younger prospects that first turn to usfl etc. in order to get that nfl look. once they hit 26 or older then the cfl becomes a more viable option.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 20, 2024, 11:50:39 PMThe CFL signs future contracts as well. It just means they are being invited to TC with no guarantees.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 24, 2024, 01:08:38 PMNot free agents but Ford, Ayers and O. Wilson have all had tryouts with NFL teams recently. Those are not players we want to lose obviously.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 24, 2024, 04:49:37 PMFord is a FA, who did Wilson try out with?

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 24, 2024, 05:14:50 PMWilson and Ayers had a work out with Jets. Since the Jets are such a bad team, the odds of getting a TC offer increases IMO. If that happens, they may miss half the CFL season. Same for Ford but I think his odds are longer to not get an offer or stick since he had that look see in 2023. IMO he's not a NFL CB type and teams will draft younger players to put on their PR's.

I've never been in favour of the NFL option window or 1 year deals for vets. It's counter productive to building continuity. Every off season teams seem to have 25 - 30 potential free agents. Bombers had 28 IIRC then we also risk losing 2 rookies as well?

Quote from: theaardvark on December 24, 2024, 05:51:03 PMYou are correct, the window causes issues with players leaving.

BUT, without the window, those player may never come to the CFL.

The CFL's one year deals and NFL window make it MORE attractive to players that still have NFL dreams.  The get to come here, showcase thier talents, turn that into these tryouts, and potentially get the NFL deal they dream of. 

Sure, we lose the Alfords, or have the Rourke, Mack or Betts short term defections, but there is also the chance that none of them come here without those "outs" until they are convinced they have no NFL opportunities left. 

I think the one year deals and window are necessary evils and a great compromise for recruiting, and might actually help bring young talent here sooner, especially when players like Alford or Singleton end up sticking south of the border after CFL showcases.

I really hope our players return for TC, but I am excited for them to make their NFL dreams come true. It just means we need to recruit a little harder, but again, for a recruiter, a successful NFL stint for a player you recruited to the CFL is a GREAT sales tool for our league, and even bigger one for your team. 

Quote from: theaardvark on December 24, 2024, 08:49:53 PMMany players play one year then head south.  Some, it takes a couple years, then they get a look.  Regardless, having them for any period makes the league better, and any success they have in the NFL legitimizes the CFL as a place to build a brand.

Yes, it would be nice to tie up players longer term and not give the best of the best an option out.  But we've seen what happens when that comes into play.  Players demanding renegotiation after a great season has happened when not given an out to the NFL. 

The league has implemented policies to improve retention of players, both in the league and on a team.  Guaranteed money has never been available before for multi year deals, now its there and it is used.

I'd like to see retention of rights for players using NFL windows, making contracts that were in place enforceable upon return.  Or at least giving teams the right to match any CFL offer for a returning player.  Expecting a player coming off a few years in the NFL to come back and finish out his ELC is kind of pie in the sky, but giving a team the right to match is reasonable.  Like the FA tampering period.

The league has to operate in a market that includes the spring leagues and the NFL.  It will never be perfect, but it is getting better integrated every CBA...

Quote from: ModAdmin on December 27, 2024, 04:40:19 AM(https://scontent.fcxh2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/471414616_1313837013399890_7902010821188035102_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=aa7b47&_nc_ohc=uYpaBeYunFsQ7kNvgENYcqi&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh2-1.fna&_nc_gid=ALT5waYNU7PMw7omKpoKe58&oh=00_AYDyFZnM4RUMgl9xE-crReLNwKEe__O_A81z1WRwhpgZ7Q&oe=6773F9B5)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 27, 2024, 04:38:43 PMI don't know how NFL teams categorize players but I checked out the NY Jets website, no mention of Wilson or Ayers on their PR list or anywhere else.  I guess they have sub-PR lists they don't even bother to account for.

Quote from: ModAdmin on December 27, 2024, 06:39:03 AMI hear what you are saying, but over 1,000 yards in a CFL season is going to get you some attention.

Quote from: ModAdmin on December 27, 2024, 06:39:03 AMI hear what you are saying, but over 1,000 yards in a CFL season as a rookie is going to get you some attention.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 30, 2024, 01:32:54 PMFTFY

Wilson's earned a look, IMO.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 30, 2024, 01:49:18 PMWe'll wish him well but often the NFL just signs players for TCF. If he has a legit chance to make at least their PR then it's a fair decision. I'd hate to lose him but that's the nature of the business aspect.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 30, 2024, 03:49:36 PMYah, this past season we saw the pain of integrating rookie receivers into the starting lineup, it throttles the offence big time, one a year should be the goal, not 3 at once. Should be past the growing pains now but injuries are inevitable so I'd lean towards picking up unsigned vet. receivers off the scrap heap on a temp. basis in the future just to cover the gaps.  There's always a handful of them available ready to go and most will sign at a low pay rate just for the opportunity to get back on the field, which may have been the case with Lucky.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 30, 2024, 07:46:37 PMIf we think we''re going to lose him for at least half the season, it impacts the need to re-sign our other receivers.

I think we should be doing that regardless, but SMS may be an issue for all of them. Lawler, Schoen and Woli are not all certain to return.

The extent and availability to Schoen and Woli due to injuries may still be a moving target as well.

We may re-signed some players but haven't made announcements yet. And / or it was determined there was little 2024 SMS available to use before the end of the year.

All that said, I expected some SMS available so this is all a surprise so little has been announced. Not every player is going to get signing bonus money that is paid in 2024 so re-signings could have been made a month ago.

What's the hold up? Bombers always seem late to the party on all this stuff.

Quote from: Pete on January 03, 2025, 10:03:56 PMIn the past 3 weeks we've signed one import lb, and lost 2 coaches.
The silence continues

Quote from: Pete on January 03, 2025, 10:03:56 PMIn the past 3 weeks we've signed one import lb, and lost 2 coaches.
The silence continues

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 04, 2025, 12:19:31 AMA few things:

We've never had trouble retaining talent under Walters and O'Shea.

A bunch of contracts are probably signed for announcement in 2025 - not to mention we have signing bonus money again now.

It's not like there are thhhhatt many signings going on around the league in December. There never really is for a bunch of reasons (NFL workouts, sms, holidays, etc.).

Quote from: Pete on January 04, 2025, 01:37:01 AMsince dec 11 every other team has signed 5-9 free agents, we've signed one. I think we're the only team that hasn't finalized their main coaching staff.
Bonuses can be negotiated any time i.e. for feb 1 etc.
  (mtrl-9, toronto-7, hamilton-7, ottawa-5, bc-10, edm -7, calgary-9, sask=9, wpg-1)
Must be our gm is on holidays

Quote from: Pete on January 04, 2025, 01:37:01 AMsince dec 11 every other team has signed 5-9 free agents, we've signed one. I think we're the only team that hasn't finalized their main coaching staff.
Bonuses can be negotiated any time i.e. for feb 1 etc.
  (mtrl-9, toronto-7, hamilton-7, ottawa-5, bc-10, edm -7, calgary-9, sask=9, wpg-1)
Must be our gm is on holidays

Quote from: Jesse on January 04, 2025, 05:34:56 PMYou gotta sign the big names before you know how much room you to retain middle of the road guys.

I think we're waiting to see if Ford is getting an NFL deal or negotiating with him right now.

Quote from: Jesse on January 04, 2025, 05:34:56 PMYou gotta sign the big names before you know how much room you to retain middle of the road guys.

I think we're waiting to see if Ford is getting an NFL deal or negotiating with him right now.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 04, 2025, 05:47:43 PMThat's only partially true regarding Ford.

We have several big names to sign: Lawler, Schoen, Dobson, Neufeld and Holm are going to be high value decisions. Several could cost us more than Ford.  Others like : Lofton, Bighill, Alexander, Jefferson, Cole and Wilson may not be as expensive as the 1st group and it's unknown whether we plan to bring them back.

The last group of: Fox, Haba, Thomas, Garbutt and Streveler may not be returning although cost is not the primary issue.

As far as Ford, I've mentioned I don't expect him back whether he gets an NFL offer or not. He's not a long term Bomber ( committed ) and I think he goes where the money is and that could quite likely be in excess to what the Bombers are willing to pay.

This is not to say I would be unhappy to see him re-signed on Monday. Of all pour potential free agents, Ford and Holm are the players we stand the greatest chance of losing IMO.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 04, 2025, 06:00:23 PMI can't see any of the players you mention in the first group getting big raises other than Holm.  In fact, we might actually sign that group for a total outlay similar to 2024, with some reductions balancing Holm's increase. 

The second group, I can see testing the tampering market, but I can't see any getting substantially better offers, or being irreplaceable at their current outlay.

The last group will not be hard to re-sign if the team wants them, without risk, for TC.  Maybe having roster bonuses for making the team to start the season.

Not saying Walters has a walk in the park, but while we have a lot of FA's to sign, there are going to be a lot available, and our D coaches are going to be a selling point, hopefully our OC will be as well.

Quote from: Pete on January 04, 2025, 01:37:01 AMsince dec 11 every other team has signed 5-9 free agents, we've signed one. I think we're the only team that hasn't finalized their main coaching staff.
Bonuses can be negotiated any time i.e. for feb 1 etc.
  (mtrl-9, toronto-7, hamilton-7, ottawa-5, bc-10, edm -7, calgary-9, sask=9, wpg-1)
Must be our gm is on holidays

Quote from: Pete on January 04, 2025, 09:58:22 PMright now I'm not drinking the blue koolaid. (probably cause its boring right now with it being so quiet) As players approach free agency they in the past have seemed to get more expensive.  As for free agency recent history has shown that we are not a big player. I would like us to be more active strategically. I do feel that the grey cup results for the past 3 years have left players less enthusiastic about resigning.
I am also surprised we haven't got an offensive coordinator in place. Walters has said that its hard to make moves without your coach in place.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 04, 2025, 11:21:40 PMPicking the coaching staff is O'Shea's job, so hard to say what's going to come out of this, is he well connected at all? Walters job is figuring out how to pay them. 

Quote from: M.O.A.B. on January 05, 2025, 02:31:16 AMWalters and Co. getting late to the party (again).

Quote from: Jesse on January 05, 2025, 04:19:27 PMPatty signed today.

Calendar has turned over. People are back in the office. Contracts can get signed now.

Quote from: Jesse on January 05, 2025, 04:19:27 PMPatty signed today.

Calendar has turned over. People are back in the office. Contracts can get signed now.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 05, 2025, 05:56:09 PMWe'll see, but I suspect Walters has made a bundle of signings already and just wants to parcel the announcements out slowly one at a time to build up interest in the upcoming season.  He's probably figured out by now announcements made in mid-late Dec. just get lost in the year end holiday season and have less impact. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 05, 2025, 05:56:09 PMWe'll see, but I suspect Walters has made a bundle of signings already and just wants to parcel the announcements out slowly one at a time to build up interest in the upcoming season.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 06, 2025, 07:03:26 AMThat may work in theory from KW's end, but how do you keep the players from spilling the beans on Twatter in this day and age?  I'm not sold on this theory.

That said, I'm not worried at all.  KW has the richest bank account to work with (well, maybe shy of Doman's "cheating" ways) and we get good overall "marks" and are a good destination that is perennially GC-bound... I think we'll have no trouble stocking the player shelves.

Quote from: Jesse on January 06, 2025, 01:05:28 AMMakes zero difference.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2025, 04:39:50 PMMaybe, but the 3 people in charge have been in place for a decade now and tend to do things in a methodical way based on what worked best for them in the past, instead of haphazardly treating each new season as if it's a new experience. You have to give them full credit for the experience they've gained and the organization they've built which makes it difficult to suggest they follow no set game-plan.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2025, 04:39:50 PMMaybe, but the 3 people in charge have been in place for a decade now and tend to do things in a methodical way based on what's worked best for them in the past, instead of haphazardly treating each new season as if it's a new experience. You have to give them full credit for the experience they've gained and the organization they've built which makes it difficult to believe they're not following a well established game-plan.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 06, 2025, 03:47:18 PMMaybe an accidental hint "Hey, anyone got a line on a nice apartment in Winnipeg for the season?"

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 07, 2025, 03:12:05 AMThat's precisely what I'm talking about.  So many times over the years we get these not-so-coy bean-spillings.  Those are basically the same thing as KW doing a press release.

And yet we haven't heard a single peep...

Quote from: theaardvark on January 07, 2025, 03:49:19 AMMaybe the memo's have paid off, and players aren't dumb?

Quote from: theaardvark on January 07, 2025, 04:01:24 PMSo, until we get a new OC, I'm guessing Streveler's future here is in limbo.  If the new OC isn't going to create a package for him, not much sense in having $SMS and a roster spot used for a SY QB.

I really wonder if there is any way to get Lapo back.  No "soft money" in the front office $SMS as far as I know. 

I guess the biggest question in that is "Does MOS want Lapo back?"  Did they work well together, and does the chain of command work?

Quote from: Pigskin on January 07, 2025, 07:03:44 PMProbably no announcement on a new OC until MOS gets back from his road trip with the Maple Leaf's. 

Quote from: dd on January 07, 2025, 11:28:36 PMWhat road trip??

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 07, 2025, 05:59:41 PMI don't think a new OC is the determining factor for Streveler. IMO he won't be re-signed. He's not the future at # 2 and a rookie can be the short yardage QB.

Quote from: dd on January 07, 2025, 11:28:36 PMWhat road trip??

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 08, 2025, 07:04:49 AMPicture this: It's 2019.  Zach slices his thumb mid-4th Q in the GC.  Does MOS keep Zach in after the first post-slice INT?  Or does Strev take the field then (or even before)?

We all know the answer to that.

I think Strev comes back.  If anyone can get back in play shape, it's Strev.  I think we re-sign him.  I also think by week 6 he's the SY and the injury backup (again).

Hopefully the new OC knows how to use him.  Buck sure didn't.

The only fly in the ointment would be if for some reason WFC is high on Dolegala medium/long term.  If we liked him and Wilson, then we have a problem.  Not enough money for that much mid-level talent.

I think Dolegala got a 2 year signing, meaning we're stuck with him in '25 unless we find a way to shed the contract, or just tell him to pound sand(?).  Wilson could get the treatment we've given so many didn't-pan-out hopefuls.  Who knows.

Assuming Strev can be 90% by week 6, and we still have faith in Wilson to dev into a legit starter in 1-3 more years, I'm going Buck/Strev/Wilson.  It's probably also the cheapest option.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 08, 2025, 05:42:39 PMI agree, if healthy Strev. may have won that game with the help of Brady keeping the ball on the ground.  That said, he's only a short-term solution to the QB problem and offers no future upside beyond his role as a 3rd down gadget.

Quote from: dd on January 09, 2025, 02:42:56 AMWell a healthy Strev would have pounded the crap out of the Argos defense, and kept control of the ball and the game, and in a close game, he would have faired very well. I wouldn't be opposed to having him on our roster, but lets try to develop Wilson while we're at it.

Quote from: Pete on January 09, 2025, 04:03:23 AMEven when Strev was healthy he didn't pound any team  ly , let alone the argos who arguably had the best dline ly. Strev wasn't the same runner as he was last time around

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 09, 2025, 03:05:39 PMEven so, he's still significantly better than Wilson. Would that have made enough of a difference in the GC, though? I doubt it.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 09, 2025, 03:05:39 PMEven so, he's still significantly better than Wilson. Would that have made enough of a difference in the GC, though? I doubt it.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 09, 2025, 05:21:41 PMBombers seem to be the least active in announcements!!!!  What the heck. Sure it's all good if we get it done but why are we hearing so little?

Quote from: Ridermania on January 09, 2025, 08:11:54 PMBombers Ontario Wilson signs with New York Jets.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/winnipeg-blue-bombers-rec-ontaria-wilson-signs-with-new-york-jets/

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 08:22:20 PMWaste of resources spent developing him so he could walk out the door a viable receiver, find a vet. with no NFL ambitions ready to go as his replacement. Darvin is available and will work for cheap!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 08:22:20 PMWaste of resources spent developing him so he could walk out the door a viable receiver, find a vet. with no NFL ambitions ready to go as his replacement. Darvin is available and will work for cheap!

Quote from: dd on January 09, 2025, 11:08:38 PMThe world is not ending, the guy got signed to a futures contract, he isn't even on the practice roster and I doubt he does. Good for him for taking his shot, but I doubt he sticks, so I don't think we really lost anything, and if we did, go find the next one, every year theres a couple of gems that surface in the CFL

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 11:47:40 PMYou forget how Zach struggles with rookie receivers that don't understand the game.  If they sign Lawler and Schoen they won't need a replacement, if they don't, Wheatfall and clercius will have to step up.

Quote from: dd on January 09, 2025, 11:08:38 PMThe world is not ending, the guy got signed to a futures contract, he isn't even on the practice roster and I doubt he does. Good for him for taking his shot, but I doubt he sticks, so I don't think we really lost anything, and if we did, go find the next one, every year theres a couple of gems that surface in the CFL

Quote from: theaardvark on January 09, 2025, 07:00:51 PMDon't know that Streveler is actually "significantly better" than Wilson...

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 08:22:20 PMWaste of resources spent developing him so he could walk out the door...

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 08:22:20 PMWaste of resources spent developing him so he could walk out the door a viable receiver, find a vet. with no NFL ambitions ready to go as his replacement. Darvin is available and will work for cheap!

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 10, 2025, 03:06:34 PMJ. Parker re-signed to a 1 year extension. I thought it was 50/50 whether he'd be back. If Ford was expected back, then we may have gone with a new rookie for depth on the PR. My view if that while we want Ford back, it's a long shot even if he doesn't get that NFL opportunity.

OTOH, I think we'll be able to re-sign Holm but Parker gives us some insurance. I don't think Parker will have an extreme contract cost and if he isn't starting at CB he can fit a role as a DI.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 10, 2025, 03:25:16 PMParker is good and would have been a reasonable cost, good signing, I knew he would be back.  Continuty pays off.  He needs to show us early he earned this though!

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 10, 2025, 03:35:27 PMTherein lies the rub with a guy like Tyrell Ford. He'd probably grade out a bit better than Parker at field corner but Parker is significantly cheaper and we've never had trouble replacing or finding guys who can play there (yes, I'm aware Parker mostly played boundary).

No saying that's what is happening but Tyrell plays at an elite level at a position which has no scarcity. Interesting dilemma. So much easier if he played half back.

Quote from: markf on January 10, 2025, 02:08:05 AMHe was able to tolerate some hard hits last season, but I wonder if  Wilson might be a bit too slight to succeed in the NFL.

The pounding is bad in the CFL, but worse in the NFL.

Good luck to him, I hope he makes it. Certainly is just as good or better, at catching the ball as a number of NFL guys I watched this season.  And had some nice runs after the catch.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 10, 2025, 01:23:56 PM(https://i.giphy.com/RBeddeaQ5Xo0E.webp)

Oh, c'mon now. Streveler is absolutely, unequivocally superior to Wilson.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 10, 2025, 06:15:14 PMWell, I am glad for your certainty.  I have not seen near enough of Wilson to assess his skillset. 

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on January 12, 2025, 03:37:21 PMNot having Willie or Trey ford done up yet is concerning.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2025, 04:14:10 PMWillie just was re-signed. Trey Ford is in Edmonton  ( lol ) but as a few of us have mentioned, we don't expect Tyrell Ford back.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 12, 2025, 05:05:05 PMEvan Holm next please. Then Lawler or Schoen. 

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2025, 04:14:10 PMWillie just was re-signed. Trey Ford is in Edmonton  ( lol ) but as a few of us have mentioned, we don't expect Tyrell Ford back.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 12, 2025, 07:10:30 PMI think it's actually Tre Ford.

Quote from: Jesse on January 12, 2025, 05:23:09 PMFarhan reporting 200k for Willie, which matches his salary from last year.

Quote from: bluengold204 on January 09, 2025, 07:48:08 PMI suspect we are no longer the place players want to sign anymore.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 04:06:45 PMLess than 40% chance Strev. saves the day I think.  Thing is, even if Strev. was healthy I doubt they would have taken Zach out

Quote from: Pete on January 09, 2025, 04:03:23 AMEven when Strev was healthy he didn't pound any team  ly , let alone the argos who arguably had the best dline ly.

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 13, 2025, 03:58:01 AMStrev didn't pound any team with Buck at the helm because we didn't need/want him to (thanks Buck).  But if he's thrown in the '24 GC, he'd have no other option than to smack some pads.

Keep in mind a team will often prep for a specific QB or QB style.  TOR was prepped to beat a pure pocket passer (Zach).  What would happen if suddenly faced with a pounder?  Think '19 WDF (maybe).

In fact, I wish we had had Wilson pound it a bit, mix things up.  Kind of like when Kelly came in for MBT in the '23 GC.  The worst thing you can do is have the backup unknown guy come in in an emergency and try to just pretend to be the other QB.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 13, 2025, 01:12:46 PMHindsight is always optimistic. We'll never know if Streveler would have changed the outcome. Regardless I don't think many see him as a good # 2 QB going into 2025.

OTOH, I don't think we're comfortable with Dolegala as the # 2 either. He's certainly not going to be short yardage QB.

So where does that leave us? Wilson may be a good QB in the future. Too early to tell. I think another year as # 3 would be useful but that takes us back to the question of who is # 2?

The only option that might be a decent add is MBT if he doesn't re-negotiate in Montreal and / or is affordable. Neither seems probable.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 13, 2025, 01:12:46 PMHindsight is always optimistic. We'll never know if Streveler would have changed the outcome. Regardless I don't think many see him as a good # 2 QB going into 2025.

OTOH, I don't think we're comfortable with Dolegala as the # 2 either. He's certainly not going to be short yardage QB.

So where does that leave us? Wilson may be a good QB in the future. Too early to tell. I think another year as # 3 would be useful but that takes us back to the question of who is # 2?

The only option that might be a decent add is MBT if he doesn't re-negotiate in Montreal and / or is affordable. Neither seems probable.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 13, 2025, 04:51:36 PMIf Strev can't go, or we can't get him signed to a cap-friendly deal, I'd be looking at Tommy Stevens from Calgary as a "short-yardage-but-can't-pass-and-we-won't-ask-him-to" short yardage QB option.  Dude is a load, and as big as some DL.  If he can't put his head down on 3rd and 1 and get a yard behind our OL, I don't think anyone can.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 13, 2025, 04:51:36 PMIf Strev can't go, or we can't get him signed to a cap-friendly deal, I'd be looking at Tommy Stevens from Calgary as a "short-yardage-but-can't-pass-and-we-won't-ask-him-to" short yardage QB option.  Dude is a load, and as big as some DL.  If he can't put his head down on 3rd and 1 and get a yard behind our OL, I don't think anyone can.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 13, 2025, 04:31:47 PM40% chance for Steveler, 5% chance for Wilson?  Really?  Without more game tape on Wilson, not sure how you pick that number out of the air.  And the fact that they kept him over other QB prospects says they don't agree with you.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 13, 2025, 04:31:47 PMWilson should have had 2 series minimum, and BO20 should have had 75% of the touches and if he didn't work, Dolegala.  Otherwise, why have backups?  Zach could not grip the ball, and had to wear a glove just to play.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 14, 2025, 02:17:20 PMK. Wilson can still be a productive player as the starter at WIL. All he has to do is stay healthy. The question will be whether he transitions during the course of the season to the rotation player as a DI.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 14, 2025, 02:49:43 PMPersonally, I'd be looking to move on from Wilson.  Guy is a decent talent, but he's always hurt.  He's only played 51 games over 7 seasons with the Bombers - that's 7.x games per year.  Can't make the club from the tub.  At 32 he's on the back end of his career now anyway, and we need guys we can count on to play 15+ games every year.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 14, 2025, 03:29:52 PMBet there is no upfront money or guaranteed money, so a look at TC, competition/guidance for players coming in with no cost?  No brainer. And if he is healthy, and can be the force we've seen at WIL, then its probably an amazing deal for us.

Gauthier is a ST demon, and will have a place here as long as he can motor downfield.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 14, 2025, 04:38:37 PMI was 50/50 on whether we'd re-sign Wilson. Like I said, he can play at a high level but he needs to stay healthy. The question was about our other LB's that are potential free agents: Bighill and Cole along with the issue of whether Ayers is back.

SMS, ratio and roster size all come into play. That said, Wilson could have a monster season.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 14, 2025, 05:08:19 PMAyers is under contract and there won't be too many teams pursuing a fringe player like Cole, so I expect them both back and playing bigger roles next season.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 14, 2025, 05:49:27 PMHas the NFL signing window closed?  IIRC it is the first week of Feb, before the tampering window.

Ayers has had look see's but no offers yet, right?  He is still on his ELC, so not a huge $SMS hit for what we're getting.

I think we will be fine on D, there's enough beef in the pipe to compete for Willie's bookend, and we might get competition for them falling to us through FA.  Would have been interesting to bring back a refocused Kongbo, but no doubt he got a good contract in CGY.

Cauz is suggesting the FA we should look at is Ceresna. Not sure he fits the personality profile as a Bomber, and has he been healthy?  Averaged 12 games a year in the first 4, but 18 and 17 the last 2, was that play, injury or other? He's going to be expensive as well...

Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on January 14, 2025, 06:18:26 PMStreveler is totally unncessary... he shouldn't have returned in the first place.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 14, 2025, 06:19:50 PMCouldn't disagree more.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 14, 2025, 06:26:00 PMWhy? Clearly he's never going to be a legit # 2.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 14, 2025, 05:19:48 PMThe issue with Ayers is whether he gets a future's deal in the NFL. The issue with Cole is the potential number of import LB's we might have and roster availability. Cole showed some promise but so did Ayers. Ayers is on and ELC and Cole won't be very expensive. It wouldn't be a bad thing to get both back and injuries happen in TC.

It's too early to tell what happens with Ayers, Cole or Bighill. Just guessing we lose Ford and it means we have room for 1 less import than in 2024. We had several imports that were not full time starters and were not DI's due to being able to start 8 or 9 Canadians.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 14, 2025, 06:32:05 PMWas he brought in to be QB2? I don't think so. He's a known commodity and contributed positively before he was injured by a serial scumbag. His being a fan favourite was merely a bonus.

I just do not agree with the assertion he was an unnecessary signing.

Quote from: Jesse on January 14, 2025, 07:22:13 PMI was very excited to see Strev come back last season, but he was either not used effectively or for some reason couldn't be as effective as his first go around with us.

It was a very disappointing showing.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 14, 2025, 06:32:05 PMWas he brought in to be QB2? I don't think so. He's a known commodity and contributed positively before he was injured by a serial scumbag. His being a fan favourite was merely a bonus.

I just do not agree with the assertion he was an unnecessary signing.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 14, 2025, 06:32:05 PMWas he brought in to be QB2? I don't think so. He's a known commodity and contributed positively before he was injured by a serial scumbag. His being a fan favourite was merely a bonus.

I just do not agree with the assertion he was an unnecessary signing.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 14, 2025, 07:20:38 PMAs far as I can figure they really only have 1 LB too many if all are healthy and that includes Bighill. Cole is a multi-position player who could play, WIL, SAM, DB or Safety but may not be consistent enough to start anywhere.  Depending what they decide to do with Biggie could determine somebody else's fate.

Quote from: markf on January 14, 2025, 03:22:14 PMOn short yardage...

Why don't they hand the ball to a running back?

Quote from: Pigskin on January 15, 2025, 03:01:14 PMHappy to  have Evan back, but it would have been nice if it was 2 or 3 years.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 04:39:16 PMWith the threat of Trump and our falling dollar, signing a multi-year deal right now might be a risky move.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2025, 04:44:01 PMYeah, I don't think either of those will affect anything. One-year deals have been the most common across the league for years now.

Contracts aren't guaranteed, anyway.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 05:54:37 PMWhat I meant is if the CDN. dollar slips to 50 cents in the next year as it might, Yanks are going to want an increase on their next contract to make up for the exchange. It could become a league wide issue as it would make it that much harder to attract new American players to the CFL.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 05:54:37 PMWhat I meant is if the CDN. dollar slips to 50 cents in the next year as it might, Yanks are going to want an increase on their next contract to make up for the exchange. It could become a league wide issue as it would make it that much harder to attract new American players to the CFL.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 15, 2025, 05:59:25 PMI understand the premise but the CFL would be in big trouble if the dollar drops that much. The league would have to adjust the CBA on the SMS level and ELC etc.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2025, 06:06:53 PMThe CFL would have much bigger challenges to deal with should the CAD drop that much*. Additionally, American players would have no real leverage in such a situation.

* I also don't see such a thing happening

Quote from: theaardvark on January 15, 2025, 06:21:42 PMSo, if the dollar strengthens, does that mean they can lower the $SMS?

I'm not sure that reducing the reliance on US trade will negatively affect our dollar.  We trade with the US out of convenience, at a discount.  If we got fair prices from the US, or chose other trading partners, I think the value of our goods, and with it our GDP will go up.

Trump doesn't realize how good he has it trading with us.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 15, 2025, 06:21:42 PMSo, if the dollar strengthens, does that mean they can lower the $SMS?

I'm not sure that reducing the reliance on US trade will negatively affect our dollar.  We trade with the US out of convenience, at a discount.  If we got fair prices from the US, or chose other trading partners, I think the value of our goods, and with it our GDP will go up.

Trump doesn't realize how good he has it trading with us.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 06:38:06 PMDisagree, on one year contracts Imports could decide to leave and not come back if the CFL did nothing, whether to play in another league or move on with their careers earning US dollars.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 05:55:58 PMKyle Walters interview, well worth reading the entire article.

On Ford: "My understanding is they're going to explore all NFL opportunities right to the end. He's not even looking to talk CFL offers. I spoke to his agent, and they just want to focus on NFL opportunities right now. We wish him the best of luck. If he can get into an NFL camp that would be great for him. If he doesn't then he's clearly going to be a highly sought-after player."

And Dobson: "I've spoken to his agent, and they want to see the offensive line market for Canadians. It's pretty high for some of these guys and Liam was an all-star and did very well as a starter so his agent, rightfully so, is expecting a very big raise. He's part of that interesting puzzle on how to make it all work."

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/15/kyle-walters-not-ruling-out-winnipeg-blue-bombers-retaining-kenny-lawler-dalton-schoen/

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2025, 07:44:45 PMHow's that leverage? American players aren't coming to the CFL because they have options in the US.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2025, 07:44:45 PMHow's that leverage? American players aren't coming to the CFL because they have options in the US.

Quote from: dd on January 15, 2025, 10:07:31 PMNot sure we ll give Dobson big pay raise, he may have to go to Ottawa for that. We have Eli and Wallace waiting in the wings who can do just as good a job at a fraction of the cost. Yes, they are imports, but our ratio can be met in other ways.

Quote from: ModAdmin on January 15, 2025, 09:29:37 PMLet's make sure we leave politics out of the discussions.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 15, 2025, 10:13:57 PMHuh? Eli and Wallace are Canadians not imports. Or was that a typo / spellcheck saying they instead of there are imports.

In any case, I guess he wants to check his market value. There may even be a team that will overpay to land a starting OL. Bombers can't control that but that doesn't mean he leaves either.

It just means we won't know until to free tampering window dust settles.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 11:11:16 PMWe're discussing economics, not politics!

Quote from: drahgon on January 16, 2025, 02:34:12 PMJake is back
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-canadian-dl-jake-thomas/ (https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-canadian-dl-jake-thomas/)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 15, 2025, 06:48:49 PMIt's not so easy to find a replacement for your biggest customer. A 25% tariff will reduce trade dramatically, less demand for Canadian products, less profit and less investment in our economy, the negative effects on the GDP would be massive.

Quote from: drahgon on January 16, 2025, 02:34:12 PMJake is back
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-canadian-dl-jake-thomas/ (https://3downnation.com/2025/01/16/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-canadian-dl-jake-thomas/)

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 16, 2025, 03:19:09 PMWe're getting announcements on a daily basis now. I wasn't sure Thomas would be re-signed but if Lawson wins the starters role, then Thomas would be good depth. It's not likely he has an expensive contract and his experience is valuable.

I'm not a fan favourite, but I understand the decision.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 16, 2025, 03:13:30 PMLess AMERICAN demand for our products, but on a global stage, our products are well liked, and we can get MORE for them elsewhere, but we prefer the convenience of the US.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 16, 2025, 05:58:59 PMThere is one thing that the US gets from Canada as a sole-source supplier that few Americans and Canadians know about:  Tritium and related rare-earth minerals needed to produce night-vision scopes and goggles, as well as near-field infrared optics.  That includes the new cutting-edge Near-Field IR Augmented Reality goggles that the US has currently sent to Ukraine for battlefield evaluation.  These use IR and AI to remove cover and concealment on the battlefield.  Think Predator-vision for real, except it can see *through* bushes and buildings.

If Canada and the US get into a trade war and we cut that supply off, the lights go out on the battlefield for American soldiers, pilots, tankies and sailors.

I don't imagine the US is going to like that for long.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 20, 2025, 04:07:45 PMThat's one thing I wouldn't stop shipping to the US. It's a critical mineral in the war effort etc. Even stopping shipping oil and gas is problematic. I don't want a bunch of Americans freezing because we want to retaliate. I understand the idea, but I draw the line on that sort of idea.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2025, 04:23:32 PMSo, you want tariffs to hurt Canadian exports, but want to take the most effective deterrents off the table?

I think the reasonable compromise is to impose export tariffs on these goods.  $20/barrel on oil (we give them our oil at a discount right now, about $20/barrel lower than the world price), so that tariff would raise huge money for us, and level the pricing playing field to make Canadian oil same price as Venezuelan.

As to the rare earth minerals, again, export tariffs would be a deterrent that doesn't stop the flow.  Maybe a cap on exports as well, quotas. 

Any of our exports they want to threaten have markets outside the US.  We will sell them, regardless, its just the US is the most convenient right now.  We do need to upgrade our ports and transportation infrastructure to facilitate ocean exporting of a lot that we truck or rail to the states right now.  An upgrade at Churchill would be a huge boon to Canada's export capacity.  Either a pipeline or increased rail to there would get oil to export market, or even transport to eastern Canada.  And we need more refineries.  Makes no sense to ship crude to the US and buy back gas. 

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 20, 2025, 04:31:49 PMThat's not close to what I said. Tariffs are paid by the importer. If we're actually giving the US a discount, their tariff would move cost closer to par. Since they require our petroleum they will still import it. How would restricting export by Canada help us? It's one of the largest export products from Alberta in particular.

Trump is upset about the trade imbalance. Doesn't he understand the population of the  US is 10X of Canada? There will never be a balanced trade between our countries. Canada exports more raw materials and the US exports more finished goods.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on January 21, 2025, 12:23:01 AMSchoen signed?

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 21, 2025, 02:59:53 PMhttps://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/21/blue-bombers-transactiosn-january-21/

Sounds promising

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2025, 03:42:36 PMCould be a good addition to watch in TC. There are bound to be many new DB's that are always needed to compete. We only have Bridges left from 2024 that spent most of his time on the PR.

I'm not saying Bridges won't stick but we'll need some quality players to cover for injury and depth on the PR.

Every TC there are a dozen new receivers and DB's to be able run drills.

The comments about this player comparing him to Ayers and Cole skill sets is a good starting point. Now if I can just remember where I read that, I'd attach that analysis.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2025, 05:10:13 PMMichael Griffin also pushing for a spot, at 213 lbs. he has a lot more muscle than the average DB who are typically sub 200 lbs., suggesting he's better suited to SAM or playing inside DB. His play on ST and filling in raised some eyebrows last season, they'll want to find a place on the field for him.

Can't find Souleymane Karamoko on roster or FA list, don't know what status he has, but likely they've moved on.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2025, 05:10:13 PMMichael Griffin also pushing for a spot, at 213 lbs. he has a lot more muscle than the average DB who are typically sub 200 lbs., suggesting he's better suited to SAM or playing inside DB. His play on ST and filling in raised some eyebrows last season, they'll want to find a place on the field for him.

Can't find Souleymane Karamoko on roster or FA list, don't know what status he has, but likely they've moved on.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2025, 05:27:00 PMI consider Griffin as part of the AR and not likely going to lose his spot / role. He's sort of a hybrid DB / LB and was a very good ST player. He as on the AR for 15 games plus post season.

I agree he could be a guy that is moved to safety or in rotation over the course of the season. We'll see what happens with Alexander who is a potential free agent.

Karamoko was on the PR to end the season and as such is now a free agent.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 21, 2025, 05:59:56 PMGriffin is also very good on teams. Finished the year with 16 STs. 1 behind Ayers. I would like to see Cole back he's very quick and plays a physical game. 24 DTs last year for a backup is pretty decent.

Another player that needs more playing time is Devin Adams. He only played a limited amount of time and had a pretty good season 16 DTs, 1 ST, 4 Sacks. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2025, 05:42:40 PMNeither Griffin or Cole have a starting role or a fixed spot, could be they keep Griffin and let Cole walk which would be a pity as they're both great athletes that offer much versatility.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 21, 2025, 07:01:35 PMSome good discussion here.

Can anyone remind of what they liked in Bridges?

I would like to see Cole, Adams and Griffin continue their development and get more reps.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2025, 07:15:48 PMBridges made the AR for several games as our strongest / best DB we had on the PR when we needed a DI. Depth chart showed him mostly at DHB but he probably has some versatility. He didn't seem to be as involved on ST's as some others but that doesn't mean he wouldn't see more in 2025.

Like many rookies, making the AR might take an injury or standing out on ST's or in relief. Getting on the AR or reps when you do is not always possible due to ratio and roster size.

I expect to see Bridges kept around but that may still mean more time on the PR waiting his turn barring injury. The team didn't leave him on the PR to end the season which means they liked what they saw.

I like Cole but he's a pending free agent and he may choose another team that might give him a better chance to start etc.

At the moment, I think there is a good chance we re-sign him. If Ayers returns, spots on the AR are limited but his versatility can't be discounted.  Keeping in mind our depth at LB shuffled when Wilson was injured and somewhat before Griffin showed well.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 22, 2025, 04:37:31 PMFree agency is rapidly approaching. Only a few might test free agency. Others are just coming off of ELC's so what is the delay in re-signing Fox, Haba and Garbutt for example? Are one or more of that group not part of the plans in 2025?

I was expecting at least a couple more of our potential free agents to be re-signed this week. All I hear is crickets!!!

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 22, 2025, 04:51:57 PMWalters may be trying to hold the line on offering large salary bumps to some of these 3rd year players, pushing them to test FA to see if they can get offers more to their liking.  Bit of a risky strategy for Bombers as they could lose a few players they've invested a lot of time in to offers of marginal difference. When a player goes elsewhere a full explanation of their reasoning is never provided, they're just gone.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2025, 09:08:23 PMMOS seems like a guy who does not like to backtrack once he's given a player a commitment, he usually moves forward with Plan B. I think Pokey, Ayers and Ford have to be careful coming back from the NFL too late, O'Shea may give their jobs away to other players and they might have a hard time getting them back.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 23, 2025, 04:39:22 PMNot much happening in Bomber land lately. Need a signing. Lawler, Schoen, Dobson .....

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 23, 2025, 05:11:09 PMWhat was Schoen's injury and will he even be ready for TC? If that part of the holdup?  I see several teams have been locking up their top and expensive potential free agent receivers. Elks and Lions still haven't re-signed their receivers.

Free agency tampering might re-set perceived values for a bunch of these players. Downward IMO.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 23, 2025, 06:22:16 PMI am sure Buck would like either Schoen or Lawler.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 23, 2025, 06:22:16 PMI am sure Buck would like either Schoen or Lawler.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 23, 2025, 06:41:15 PMBut at what cost?

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 23, 2025, 07:21:50 PMLions have good receivers if they can re-sign them. I don't see them in the market of needing to look elsewhere to pay significant money to a receiver other then their own.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 23, 2025, 07:21:50 PMLions have good receivers if they can re-sign them. I don't see them in the market of needing to look elsewhere to pay significant money to a receiver other then their own.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 23, 2025, 08:55:51 PMOnly McInnis (their best WR) is a potential free agent, the rest are on the books, with roster bonuses coming.  When they get released, the market for Lawler and Schoen may wobble.  Might be in their best interest to get signed now..

BC has a lot of FA's, 8 DL's, they've extended 3...

McMaster    

BC LIONS
PLAYER    A/N/G    POS    COLLEGE    STATUS
ANTWI Jeshrun    N    RB    Calgary    
ARCHIBALD Joshua    N    DL    McGill    
BANKS Joshua    A    DL    Wake Forest    
CHERRY Nathan    N    DL    Saskatchewan    
CHUNGH Sukh    N    OL    Calgary    
COUTURE Michael    N    OL    Simon Fraser    
EDWARDS-COOPER Jalon    A    DB    Texas A&M Commerce    
EVANS Ciante    A    DB    Nebraska    
FLINTOFT Stefan    A    P    UCLA    
GREENE Adrian    N    DB    Saint Mary's    
KNEVEL David    N    OL    Nebraska    
LEE T.J.    A    DB    Eastern Washington    
MACKIE David    N    RB    Western University    
MCINNIS Justin    N    WR    Arkansas State    
MOORE Marcus    A    DL    Utah State    
PEIRSON Andrew    N    OL    Gannon    
PERKINS Kent    A    OL    Texas    
ROBERTSON Pete    A    DL    Texas Tech    
RUGAMBA Emmanuel    A    LB    Miami of Ohio    
SCHLEUGER Chris    A    OL    Alabama Birmingham    

Quote from: Pigskin on January 24, 2025, 04:32:26 AMHaba is going to test the waters in FA.  2024: 10 Games, 6 DTs, 1 Sack, 1 FF.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 24, 2025, 12:57:30 PMInteresting. I wasn't even sure he'd be re-signed or if he was, not a huge bump in SMS. It's so hard to evaluate our DL with all the injuries and rotation used on defence. He made some plays and has some upside. Is it enough to command interest elsewhere?

I guess we'll see.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 24, 2025, 04:10:05 PMHe had a headstart on Garbutt but by the end of the season fell behind his progression.  Wouldn't cry if neither of them won the job opposite Willy, they're  okay but not great.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 24, 2025, 04:32:11 PMI agree although their is possible upside for both. That said when Walter's mentioned he might be more active in free agency, the DL was where I thought that most probable.

If we're able to re-sign our offensive players, that's already a strong group. Our secondary and LB's are good which leaves DL as the target to improve.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 24, 2025, 05:02:35 PMI'd like to see them go after another rangy DE bookend like AC Leonard or Cedric Wilcots, who they traded to the Ti-Cats 2 seasons ago, and they cut last year.  I prefer DE's who use speed and moves over brute strength....a player just like Jackson Jeffcoat!

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 24, 2025, 04:32:11 PM...DL as the target to improve.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 24, 2025, 05:22:08 PMI don't think either of those 2 are being considered. Someone like them perhaps. We'll see which players reach free agency or tampering period to see if we draw some muutal interest.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2025, 11:48:39 PMAny DE's that are known to fans are going to be too expensive.  Talk all you like about which FA's out there are a good fit, its going to be tough to fit any in under the cap.

Quote from: Pete on January 24, 2025, 11:13:45 PMLanier or Albright would be good adds

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 25, 2025, 06:31:20 AMLucky if you can get a half season out of Lanier, Sask. made him the highest paid defensive player at one time paying him more than Willie Jefferson and every year he finds his way onto the 6 game so he can extend his career another season. He's one of the reasons Sask. had such a bad locker room culture, Lanier and Duke Williams are players of low character with zero integrity.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2025, 11:48:39 PMAny DE's that are known to fans are going to be too expensive.  Talk all you like about which FA's out there are a good fit, its going to be tough to fit any in under the cap.

Quote from: Pete on January 25, 2025, 05:42:21 PMwe haven't signed Haba or Garbutt and we've only signed one american other than Jefferson (brand Wright). So something has to happen.

Quote from: dd on January 25, 2025, 09:00:57 PMI m happy we haven't signed them....they aren't the answer for us. I' m thinking there must be something coming down the pipeline

Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2025, 11:48:39 PMAny DE's that are known to fans are going to be too expensive.  Talk all you like about which FA's out there are a good fit, its going to be tough to fit any in under the cap.

Quote from: Jesse on January 25, 2025, 01:52:51 AMNot more than we were paying Lawler and Schoen.

If it's where we want to allocate the cap, it's more than possible.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 26, 2025, 12:20:18 AMNow that we know the outcome of the Bighill situation, I think we should consider putting some money on the table for Jake Ceresna.  We need more QB pressures.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 26, 2025, 12:20:18 AMNow that we know the outcome of the Bighill situation, I think we should consider putting some money on the table for Jake Ceresna.  We need more QB pressures.

Quote from: DM83 on January 26, 2025, 12:46:32 AMGreat idea
We have to have a very good defense if we want to win the cup.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 26, 2025, 01:19:37 PMWe gave up the least amount of points again in 2024. Defence was very good but had some systemic problems on the DL.  The 3 man rush was partly an issue of injuries to several players throughout the season. No continuity.

I'm not sure what to think of Haba, Garbutt or Fox. They may be the future. Regardless we need to beef up at DT in particular.

None of those 3 have been re-signed. I don't know if that is a message to them or the team they want big raises?

All of that could change become clearer in a few days.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 26, 2025, 06:02:45 PMTo be honest none of them have shown enough to demand a significant raise.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 26, 2025, 06:02:45 PMTo be honest none of them have shown enough to demand a significant raise.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 26, 2025, 01:19:37 PMWe gave up the least amount of points again in 2024. Defence was very good but had some systemic problems on the DL.  The 3 man rush was partly an issue of injuries to several players throughout the season. No continuity.

I'm not sure what to think of Haba, Garbutt or Fox. They may be the future. Regardless we need to beef up at DT in particular.

None of those 3 have been re-signed. I don't know if that is a message to them or the team they want big raises?

All of that could change become clearer in a few days.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 26, 2025, 08:16:27 PMWe have Schmeckle, Thomas and Lawson under contract, all NAT's.  Fox is our only FA DT.  Haba and Garbutt are DE's.

We have Jefferson at DE signed.  So that's 4 DL under contract, 3 starters.

We need a DE or two, wither our own FA's or an available FA, as well as recruits being brought in.  We've had good luck in the past finding DT talent, and other teams have stolen them away.  I have no issues continuing that modus operandi.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 26, 2025, 12:20:18 AMNow that we know the outcome of the Bighill situation, I think we should consider putting some money on the table for Jake Ceresna.  We need more QB pressures.

Quote from: dd on January 26, 2025, 10:22:49 PMTotally agree. If we had a pass rush, we'd have been grey cup champs this year. Instead, our feeble 'contain' DL made a backup QB look like Tom Brady. We HAVE to upgrade our other DE position and those we had there need not apply, they've showed us their stuff and it was nothing.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 26, 2025, 12:38:17 AMPass too $ imo

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 26, 2025, 12:20:18 AMNow that we know the outcome of the Bighill situation, I think we should consider putting some money on the table for Jake Ceresna.  We need more QB pressures.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2025, 03:36:39 PMNot sure Ceresna is Bomber material.  Sure, he has the chops, but does he have an attitude that is accepted in the room?  Not sure why I think this, just the vibe I feel when discussing him.  I could be wrong, but he feels like a "Me first" player.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2025, 04:10:11 PMCome on Bombers, let's get some of our potential free agents signed to new deals. There must be at least 6 or 7 we plan to bring back??????????????

A week away from tampering period. OTOH, it's also a week away from Ayers not getting an NFL deal, so chances improving that he'll be back.

OC decision? I didn't buy we're waiting for an NFL coaching choice and waiting for his team to be eliminated. In any case, that's down to two teams.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 27, 2025, 04:08:39 PMI have no idea if what you're suggesting about Ceresna is true but I don't like the rational. The best coaches get buy in from players who are hard to coach. Part of the benefits of a good culture is that you should be able to absorb some of more difficult attributes and get buy in. A strong locker room should allow us more options not less. What is the point of paying the premium for veteran leadership if we don't use it?

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2025, 04:10:11 PMCome on Bombers, let's get some of our potential free agents signed to new deals. There must be at least 6 or 7 we plan to bring back??????????????

A week away from tampering period. OTOH, it's also a week away from Ayers not getting an NFL deal, so chances improving that he'll be back.

OC decision? I didn't buy we're waiting for an NFL coaching choice and waiting for his team to be eliminated. In any case, that's down to two teams.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2025, 04:34:42 PMIt doesn't take a lot to poison the room.  Again, MOS and Walters have done a great job in making a harmonious room, and to pay a premium for a player, he'd better fit perfectly.  Like Biggie did.  You don't want to pay extra AND have to make him fit / coach him up.

I think we will see a lot of players signed the day before the tampering window, and some during.  No reason not to try the waters, although I'm sure the deal to sign now drops $5-10k if they don't get offers during the tampering window.  A little incentive to sign now.  Or the deal stays the same $, but signing bonus/guaranteed money in year 2 goes away.  Those are incentives to sign now. 

Plus, if the window allows us to land a replacement for someone shopping around, they might find thier job filled already.

If the players do get offers, I'm sure Walters will listen to upping an offer, but I'm pretty sure they have a budget and a plan.  Now, should a big name, like Lawler, Schoen, Dobson tell Walters they are taking the ridiculous offer elsewhere, I'm not sure if they up offers to our FA's, or chase after others.

As to OC, how many OC jobs are left open in the CFL?  Are we competing with anyone to fill that spot?  So, we have all the leverage, all the choices. And while having the OC in place means one more person for input as to the roster, pretty sure Walters, the scouts and MOS have that handled.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2025, 03:36:39 PMNot sure Ceresna is Bomber material.  Sure, he has the chops, but does he have an attitude that is accepted in the room?  Not sure why I think this, just the vibe I feel when discussing him.  I could be wrong, but he feels like a "Me first" player.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 27, 2025, 05:05:11 PMDon't forget two of their scouts left for Hamilton and they have 3 newbies in the room working with them. 

Quote from: Jesse on January 27, 2025, 09:10:16 PMJesus H. ******, aards.

That is blowing a whole lot of smoke out of your butt with absolutely nothing to back it up.

Elite player at an area of weakness. If he's available, I hope and expect Walters to do everything he can to land Ceresna.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2025, 09:22:55 PMI was just stating my opinion.  Ceresna is an elite player, no doubt.  Made $212k in 2024, made 29 tackles and 8 sacks.  Took out Tyrie Adams with a low hit. 

What is his ask this year?  Thinking we can get a better deal elsewhere.

Quote from: Jesse on January 27, 2025, 11:07:02 AMHe'd be absolutely worth it at a spot of weakness for us.

Quote from: Horseman on January 27, 2025, 09:20:56 PMRose from Calgary was released, he would greatly improve our DT position.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 28, 2025, 04:37:14 AMI am not interested in spending that much cash on one player at this position.  That money would have a bigger impact elsewhere as we might develop or find a cheaper option.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2025, 09:47:13 PMHe was on a futures contract but Grainger decided to retire. I have no doubt we would be looking at other QB's in mini camps and on our neg lists. Essentially we're looking for one to have available on our PR or sitting near the phone after TC.

We haven't kept a # 4 on the PR for a few years but it's not a bad idea. I still have no idea where Wilson will end up after TC. Is he our # 2 and if so does that make Dolegala expendable since he's not the SY QB.

Quote from: Waffler on January 28, 2025, 03:19:12 PMThe free agent QB's are slim pickings at best. Arbuckle and a 37 year old Masoli leading the rankings.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/28/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-quarterbacks/

I feel like we need, and I mean NEED, a strong 2nd stringer. Not sure where that is coming from. Appears to be Zach or bust again.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 28, 2025, 03:41:56 PMWe have 4 organizations worth of prospect lists at QB.  Wilson has barely a year in the CFL, so we have no idea how well he will do.  Dolegala, well, we will see how he fares with the new OC in camp. 

Picking up another "known quantity" might happen if Dolegala flames out, but not until.

I expect that we will have a few more arms in camp, and you never know when you are going to strike gold.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 28, 2025, 04:04:30 PMYes, we're in a bit of a pickle. As fans we don't know what we have in Wilson. He could turn out to be a solid # 2 in his 2nd year. We will probably see at least another couple of QB's added for TC and will have looked at more during mini camps.

Wilson seems to have the raw talent but we haven't seen him play much. Most of us haven't seen how he looks in practice.

I've said it before, I'm not sure where Dolegala stands. He's not the future IMO and he's not the SY QB. At the moment, he is the QB with the most experience. Fingers are crossed that we find someone that is the future.

I'm not a fan of bringing in an older veteran QB that will cost us too much. OTOH, it depends on what management thinks of those we have as back ups.

Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2025, 04:14:09 PMUnfortunately, they can't bring neg list prospects with them.

Dolegala...think he might have flamed out a few years ago, tbh.

Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2025, 10:40:11 AMWell, I disagree.

We're spending more at other positions. We spent much more on two receivers in the same position group.

Their DL is the reason we've had so much trouble against Toronto the past few years. It's lost us two Grey Cups. We'd be fools to ignore that.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 28, 2025, 04:34:25 PMIt's Willie's house, I don't think you can bring in another DT or DE and pay them more than they pay Willie, without upsetting the apple cart.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 28, 2025, 04:34:25 PMIt's Willie's house, I don't think you can bring in another DT or DE and pay them more than they pay Willie, without upsetting the apple cart.

Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2025, 05:54:30 PMWell, I don't think Walters is going to have that in mind while negotiating contracts. I think and hope Willie is more mature than that.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 28, 2025, 08:29:48 PMNothing immature about it, Willie negotiated in good faith with Walters to stay in Wpg. without listening to other offers which probably could have paid him much more. He understands how the budget is structured in Wpg. to accommodate other positions and other stars.

He rightfully believes he's still the most impactful D-lineman in the league and Wpg's biggest booster.  Walters would not likely disagree with either of those points, his marketing image across the CFL is huge.

If Walters actions countered his words, and he paid someone like Lanier more money for less effort, I'd assume he'd lose a fair bit of trust in that locker room and at the bargaining table.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 28, 2025, 06:08:43 PMLove to sign players: Lawler, Schoen, Dobson, Ford.

Like to sign players at the right price. JA27, Cole, BA37, Feltmate, Lofton.

Can all be replaced players: Benson, Haba, Garbutt, Fox, Noah Hallett, Taylor, Whitehead

And then there's Strev17, just didn't see enough improvement. Injury. $$. 

Quote from: Jesse on January 28, 2025, 10:40:11 AMWell, I disagree.

We're spending more at other positions. We spent much more on two receivers in the same position group.

Their DL is the reason we've had so much trouble against Toronto the past few years. It's lost us two Grey Cups. We'd be fools to ignore that.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 28, 2025, 11:27:51 PMThe DL didn't lose us two cups.  Way overstated imo.  We need to improve on the DL with a stud and some depth but to claim what you are saying is way over the top imo.  Seen on other person say the same.  The game is won and lost based on how all three phases play and how we are coached.  Last year we laid an egg in all three phases imo.  Willie played a crazy good game last cup.

I believe based on our salary cap issues, the DL is one place to save not over spend.  Doesn't mean I'm right but it's what I would do.  Spend the $ elsewhere as we have a lot of players to sign that would have a huge impact if we could keep the band together.  I think we can sign some of our existing DL talent at a reasonable cost and they would be ok if we can find a couple new faces in camp.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 15, 2025, 10:13:57 PMIn any case, I guess he wants to check his market value. There may even be a team that will overpay to land a starting OL. Bombers can't control that but that doesn't mean he leaves either.

Quote from: Horseman on January 21, 2025, 01:49:08 AMAndrew Harris is the Riders (spit) running backs coach...traitor!

Quote from: TecnoGenius on January 29, 2025, 04:03:37 AMUgh.  That hurts.  Dude needs a good job, though, and that's a pretty good gig for him.

I may have to change my avatar until he moves on!  Can't be supporting green.

The greenie forums had/has a massive hate-on for AH33.  Like major massive.  The guy they hate more than anyone else ever.  Their heads must be exploding now!  Do they abandon their hate and make up excuses why he's a good guy now?  Or do they stick with the hate?  Time to visit the green forum!

Quote from: Waffler on January 28, 2025, 03:19:12 PMThe free agent QB's are slim pickings at best. Arbuckle and a 37 year old Masoli leading the rankings.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/28/2025-cfl-free-agent-rankings-quarterbacks/

I feel like we need, and I mean NEED, a strong 2nd stringer. Not sure where that is coming from. Appears to be Zach or bust again.

Quote from: dd on January 29, 2025, 05:47:52 PMWow, can you imagine being the Grey Cup MVP and then you're a Free Agent?? I wonder what his price tag will be?? He is a proven backup who can obviously step into the big game and win it. We'd be fools not to check into this.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 29, 2025, 06:30:06 PMBack to the topic. Sunday at noon the free agency tampering window will open for 7 days. With a ton of players out there I would think this will be a very busy time for Mr. Walters. I would like to see him land either Lawler or Schoen, and Dobson before that window opens. 

Quote from: theaardvark on January 29, 2025, 06:14:44 PMMVP because they won.  There were better players in the game.

Is he comfortable as a #2, or will he want a chance to start? 

Is he a starter (one game does not change a career).

Grey Cup 26/37  252yds 2TD, 2INT, 6.8yd average 36yd longest

Not an MVP game, by any means. 

No injury to Zach, or even if they'd made different personnel moves after the injury, and Willie is MVP. 

Arbuckle is serviceable.  But has proven inconsistent enough to not stick with a team as a starter.  5 team changes in 6 years does not scream starter.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2025, 07:39:41 PMDon't think anyone is offering or expecting Arbuckle to land a #1 job, including himself.  He looks to be a competent #2, capable of winning 50% of games coming off the bench. Maybe that's all the Bombers need this season behind Zach? The future lies with Wilson....or some other unknown.

I had no idea Arbuckle was considered a very smart QB until Dinwiddie spoke prior to the GC last year, his problem has always been trying to do too much with limited physical tools.  Enroll him in the LaPo school of ball control.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 28, 2025, 11:27:51 PMThe DL didn't lose us two cups.  Way overstated imo.  We need to improve on the DL with a stud and some depth but to claim what you are saying is way over the top imo.  Seen on other person say the same.  The game is won and lost based on how all three phases play and how we are coached.  Last year we laid an egg in all three phases imo.  Willie played a crazy good game last cup.

I believe based on our salary cap issues, the DL is one place to save not over spend.  Doesn't mean I'm right but it's what I would do.  Spend the $ elsewhere as we have a lot of players to sign that would have a huge impact if we could keep the band together.  I think we can sign some of our existing DL talent at a reasonable cost and they would be ok if we can find a couple new faces in camp.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 29, 2025, 06:30:06 PMBack to the topic. Sunday at noon the free agency tampering window will open for 7 days. With a ton of players out there I would think this will be a very busy time for Mr. Walters. I would like to see him land either Lawler or Schoen, and Dobson before that window opens. 

Quote from: theaardvark on January 29, 2025, 07:49:38 PMSo, if its a question of Streveler, Arbuckle or Dolegala as a backup for Zach, with Wilson in development, I guess Arbuckle wouldn't be a bad option, depending the price.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2025, 08:38:38 PMShiltz and Cameron Judge also available, so the Bombers have a multitude of options they could investigate.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 29, 2025, 08:41:48 PMJudge is a LB. Why did you list him in the convo about QB's.

Regardless, the ultimate question is about whether we're looking for a better # 2 or a SY QB. Obviously a " better " # 2 wouldn't hurt but how much more does it cost us and how much better is he that who we have?

Quote from: Pigskin on January 29, 2025, 08:54:42 PMI think he's talking about Cameron Dukes.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 29, 2025, 07:50:18 PMIt's probable that some of the potential free agents in Winnipeg are not in their plans.

So why didn't they release them earlier to allow those players longer to seek other opportunities? They did that with Bighill and Woli a little early but why not for some of the others?

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 29, 2025, 08:41:48 PMJudge is a LB. Why did you list him in the convo about QB's.

Regardless, the ultimate question is about whether we're looking for a better # 2 or a SY QB. Obviously a " better " # 2 wouldn't hurt but how much more does it cost us and how much better is he that who we have?

Quote from: theaardvark on January 29, 2025, 10:10:54 PMWilson is a development QB, but is he the #2 as well?  Or does he drop to #3 if we bring in a Dukes or Arbuckle?

I'd like to see us move away from SY QB, and see if Chris-Ike fits the job better, or even Clercius.  Then we can have 3 QB's on the roster ready to win a game.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 29, 2025, 10:07:22 PMGuessing that if a player asked, they'd probably say sure. 

But why telegraph to everyone what you are looking for, and giving those you don't release a bargaining chip knowing that the club Wants them back.  FA period comes soon enough.

And, there may be players you aren't interested in resigning today, at the current ask price, but might be after FA starts, and your other options you were looking at have signed elsewhere, and the asking price for your player has dropped.

There is no advantage to the team to release anyone early.  Woli had a roster bonus due, and Biggie, well, he is still on the roster until FA starts.  I'm sure they'd grant his release if he found a new contract somewhere, but officially, he's a Bomber for a couple weeks.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 29, 2025, 10:44:49 PMThey could even bring Prukop back for SY and go with the same setup they had with Dru Brown.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 29, 2025, 11:17:52 PMHard no. Dolegala has more upside than Prukop even if he's never going to be # 2. We also don't have Dru Brown on the roster.

Wilson looks like he can handle the SY but we don't know if he can quickly progress to # 2.  Ultimately the question at # 2 is the important one. 

Quote from: Jesse on January 29, 2025, 08:15:42 PM1. I didn't say that the DL was responsible for losing us the game. I said that the dominance of Toronto's DL is a major reason we've had so much trouble with them over the years.

2. Our salary cap management is changing. We've moved on from previous faces of our franchise. Our OL is a little less effective. Zach is a little less effective. We need to adapt in other areas. Toronto and Montreal have presented us with a blueprint to copy: invest in the DL.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2025, 01:27:54 AMYou misunderstood my post, Prukop would take over short yardage duties again, just as he did when Dru Brown was #2, this time Wilson would be #2, the real backup option. Prukop is cheap, efficient at what he does and knows his role, what more could you want from a SY QB?

Dolegala can't do SY and he isn't skilled enough to become the future replacement for Zach that fans will demand, so not sure why he's still here. I hope they send him down the highway at the very first opportunity on a high speed bus.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2025, 01:27:54 AMYou misunderstood my post, Prukop would take over short yardage duties again, just as he did when Dru Brown was #2, this time Wilson would be #2, the real backup option. Prukop is cheap, efficient at what he does and knows his role, what more could you want from a SY QB?

Dolegala can't do SY and he isn't skilled enough to become the future replacement for Zach that fans will demand, so not sure why he's still here. I hope they send him down the highway at the very first opportunity on a high speed bus.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 30, 2025, 03:44:03 PM14 days since we signed one of our pending FAs. 3 days left till the communication window opens. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2025, 05:15:10 PMIt seems they're taking a wait and see approach to a lot of their FA's which is a pretty passive approach, they're rolling the dice by setting them free and seeing if they come back home again. Could be the players initiative to test the market on mass?


ALEXANDER Brandon   A   DB   Central Florida   
AUGUSTINE Johnny   N   RB   Guelph   
BENSON Mike   N   LS   Acadia   
BIGHILL Adam   A   LB   Central Washington   
COLE II Brian   A   LB   Mississippi State   
DOBSON Liam   N   OL   Maine   
FELTMATE Bailey   N   LB   Acadia   
FORD Tyrell   N   DB   Waterloo   
FOX Miles   A   DL   Wake Forest   
GARBUTT TyJuan   A   DL   Virginia Tech   
HABA Celestin   A   DL   Texas A&M Commerce   
HALLETT Noah   N   DB   McMaster   
LAWLER Kenny   A   WR   California   
LOFTON Eric   A   OL   Temple   
SCHOEN Dalton   A   WR   Kansas State   
STREVELER Chris   A   QB   South Dakota   
TAYLOR Nicholas   A   DB   Florida International   
WHITEHEAD Lucky   A   WR   Florida Atlantic   

Quote from: Jesse on January 30, 2025, 06:23:02 PMIn terms of the big names, I think Dobson and Ford will price themselves out of our budget.

I still think we're trying to keep both Lawler and Schoen, but may have to pick one.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 30, 2025, 06:31:37 PMI agree, and not much in the draft this year as far as top rated OL. Erik Andersen 6'6" 307, looks like a guy that could be around at #7. But, we could have Vlahogiannis and Kalra coming back to there second TC.

Quote from: Jesse on January 30, 2025, 06:43:40 PMAnd I doubt a draft pick would slide right into the starting role anyway. We'd plug in Wallace or Randolph.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 30, 2025, 05:53:55 PMWell Bighill is gone. I don't see Benson, Whitehead, Taylor, back. Fox, Haba, and Garbutt can all be replaced. Noah Hallett injured far to much.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 30, 2025, 07:04:25 PMI am a fan of both of these guys.  Our offence really started to roll around week 6 or 7 last year when these guys made it onto the AR IIRC.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 30, 2025, 07:05:37 PMI'd be nervous if they had to replace all 3 of these guys from scratch, Bombers have not been great finding first year D-line players that can contribute in recent times.  Expecting them to lose 1 of the 3.

Quote from: markf on January 30, 2025, 06:49:33 PMLawler games played

23. 12
24. 10

Five seasons, 62 games.

I wonder about Dalton. He takes such a pounding. How many games will he be able to play?

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 30, 2025, 07:11:43 PMKeep in mind that 5 or 6 (I think) of the games Lawler missed at the beginning of 2023 were due to his suspension and work visa issues, and had nothing to do with injury.  He didn't even see the field until Game 7 vs Edmonton.

Quote from: Jesse on January 30, 2025, 07:22:27 PMThe point is that it's always something. Every year.

Quote from: VictorRomano on January 30, 2025, 07:11:43 PMKeep in mind that 5 or 6 (I think) of the games Lawler missed at the beginning of 2023 were due to his suspension and work visa issues, and had nothing to do with injury.  He didn't even see the field until Game 7 vs Edmonton.

Quote from: Jesse on January 30, 2025, 07:22:27 PMThe point is that it's always something. Every year.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 30, 2025, 09:55:36 PMWorth every penny, every year.

Quote from: Jesse on January 30, 2025, 10:53:37 PMI'm a huge Bomber fan and I love Kenny.

It's not possible to be give full value for your contract as the highest paid receiver in the league when you miss huge chunks of the season.

We would all love him to play 18 and be a league leading receiver. He has not done that yet.

Quote from: markf on January 31, 2025, 12:21:28 AMB.C. Released Alexander Hollins so maybe/probably one of our receivers goes with Buck/Rourke.

If you think Rourke will rebound, might be interesting.

Hope we do not end up with Hollins.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 31, 2025, 01:03:57 PMThe SMS reckoning has come for import receivers this off-season for sure. None of the free agents are going to be making what they did last year. The only question is how much it falls and who blinks first.

Quote from: markf on January 31, 2025, 12:21:28 AMB.C. Released Alexander Hollins so maybe/probably one of our receivers goes with Buck/Rourke.

If you think Rourke will rebound, might be interesting.

Hope we do not end up with Hollins.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 03:42:19 PMThe thing about Lawler missing games is that he gave us production when it counted, and didn't cost us $SMS when it didn't.  Yes, he has a high salary, but the actual $SMS we paid was much less.  You could almost sign him now for the same amount, and it would be paid for by the time he missed the last two seasons...

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 31, 2025, 03:47:08 PMHe absolutely cost us in the broader picture because who did we bring in when he got hurt? Keric Wheatfall? That's an opportunity cost which could (and you could argue, should) have been spent elsewhere. His injury was essentially priced into the cap and if you don't believe me the proof is that we spent right to it. He needs to play football games especially at that salary.  Big contracts in February is absolutely money we can't spend elsewhere during the season if he's hurt. At least it certainly doesn't maximize the impact of the dollars because there's no one significant left to sign.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 03:51:50 PM$SMS saved due to injury/suspension does factor in, in signing players for the next season.  Yes, it is budgeted for at signing, and yes, it does limit who you can sign, but its not like he spent any time on the 1 game costing $SMS for no return.  And the games he did play were important games.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 03:51:50 PM$SMS saved due to injury/suspension does factor in, in signing players for the next season.  Yes, it is budgeted for at signing, and yes, it does limit who you can sign, but its not like he spent any time on the 1 game costing $SMS for no return.  And the games he did play were important games.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 31, 2025, 04:08:45 PMDon't know what to make of this, you're the guy that uses the same rational to justify not re-signing Jeffcoat, who always came to play when the chips were down.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 04:21:43 PMThe games missed by Jeffcoat and Lawler were completely different.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 31, 2025, 04:27:54 PMHow so?

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 31, 2025, 05:31:02 PMIt isn't looking like we're going to re-sign any of our potential free agents until the tampering window opens.

For several players I can understand why this is happening. For others, less so. It's been an interesting pre free agency period where we've signed some good players released by other teams.

While we don't know if the team wanted some of our specific players back or whether they declined our offers to test free agency.

Perhaps some should take note that there is always a Plan B.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 05:49:45 PMI think the whiteboards at PAS have plans B through H on them

Landing a top FA Rec and DE before the tampering window is huge, we are having one of the best offseasons in the CFL this year.

We've moved on from Biggie and Woli, sure, but we haven't had to release/renegotiate top players the way some team have so far.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 31, 2025, 07:14:05 PMI suspect they intend to bring B.A. back, reasonable to conclude if they were not interested in doing so they would have extended him the courtesy of setting him free early like they did Bighill and Woli.  As an esteemed vet. leader this may be a way to bring him back in a secondary role, ie. not starting, more coaching.  At his age pretty certain no other team will be interested.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 31, 2025, 04:47:40 PMLawler missed games all had $SMS savings, and were more or less known and able to be planned for.

Jeffcoat's missed games, IIRC, were mostly 1 game, so cost us $SMS, and were game time decisions, hard to make adjustments for.

Quote from: J5V on February 01, 2025, 12:07:19 AMWhat really stings is the Argos signing Janarion Grant, again. I still struggle to think he isn't a Bomber.

Quote from: J5V on February 01, 2025, 12:28:18 AMWinnipeg isn't Toronto, never will be. That being said, seeing Grant go to and stay in Toronto puzzles me. Oh well, c'est la vie. What the Bombers have to attract players is their culture and that starts with Wade Miller, Kyle Walters, and Mike O'Shea. We might not have the most talented athlete at every position. What we always do seem to have is a very good team. I'm always going to prefer that over assembling the best group of free agents.

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 01, 2025, 02:24:42 PMThe rubber will be hitting the road tomorrow as potential free agents field offers from around the CFL.

Dobson, Schoen, Lawler and Ford are in that group. I'm not sure if any of the others will see activity. Maybe Haba, Fox or Garbutt but those are longer shots IMO.

Where does that leave the other 10 or so players? In particular will we see Alexander and Augustine returning? I expect 8 - 10 on the list as not returning to Winnipeg and possibly out of the CFL all together.

In any case we'll be deciding on some in the 1st group based on what happens in the tampering period. SMS decisions will come into play significantly on both sides.

Quote from: Jesse on February 01, 2025, 03:08:09 PMNot Schoen ;)

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 01, 2025, 03:46:24 PMThat's good news. It's possible that his deal was finalized awhile ago or just today. Not that it matters per se. I do wonder why players sign the day before the tampering period and choose to not explore other offers? There have already been some last minute deals around the league.

Either way I'm glad to get him back and take this to mean he's recovered from his 2024 injury.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 01, 2025, 04:05:43 PMCould be strategic, announce a big signing the day before FA opens to distract from not having any big signings during the first week. It's been years since the Bombers made a big splash early in FA, more prone to pick up bargains in week 2,3 and 4.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 01, 2025, 04:05:43 PMCould be strategic, announce a big signing the day before FA opens to distract from not having any big signings during the first week. It's been years since the Bombers made a big splash early in FA, more prone to pick up bargains in week 2,3 and 4.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 01, 2025, 05:11:39 PMDobson rated #3 in the top OL going to FA. He might expecting a big pay day.

Quote from: Pigskin on February 01, 2025, 05:11:39 PMDobson rated #3 in the top OL going to FA. He might expecting a big pay day.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 01, 2025, 07:21:23 PMLOL, I'd rate him #4 on the Bombers O-line!

Quote from: dd on February 01, 2025, 09:42:47 PMAgreed. Waaay over rated and if he wants big bucks, good luck with that one, but I expect us to move on

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 01, 2025, 10:06:08 PMAnd we're going to replace him with whom?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 01, 2025, 10:36:46 PMMaybe Randolph, maybe Eli, maybe that big fella...

Quote from: VictorRomano on February 02, 2025, 12:35:41 AMBy "big fella" I assume you mean Wallace?

Quote from: dd on February 01, 2025, 09:42:47 PMAgreed. Waaay over rated and if he wants big bucks, good luck with that one, but I expect us to move on

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 01, 2025, 10:06:08 PMAnd we're going to replace him with whom?

Quote from: dd on February 02, 2025, 03:18:18 AMWallace, he's a monster and waaay more mobile that Dobson

Quote from: Pigskin on February 02, 2025, 05:29:06 PMDo we want Lofton back?

Quote from: Pigskin on February 02, 2025, 05:29:06 PMDo we want Lofton back?

Quote from: theaardvark on February 02, 2025, 06:53:45 PMYes, we want Lofton back, he is serviceable.  You cannot have an all star at every position, unless 3/4's of them are new recruits on ELC's.  If he doesn't, we have Randolph, Vanterpool and about a thousand NCAA OT's that did not make the NFL, with three new sets of eyes having scouted them.

If Dobson gets a better offer, Randolph can step in if Wallace doesn't.

We are still decently deep at every Oline position, with players in the pipeline.  Eli is a great backup C and 6th man, Wallace and the other draft choices will fight to win spots. 

Oline is my least concern.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 02, 2025, 07:23:35 PMThe Elks have signed Tyrell Ford to a 2 year deal.