Ott seems to be a seller now, is Toronto? If WPG, CGY and BC win 1 more game each, the crossover is guaranteed.
Is it worth keeping players on expiring contracts with that small a window of opportunity?
Is there anyone on OTT or TOR that is worthy of trading for?
Or is our roster set now that we thumped Hamilton?
I'm sure there are players worth acquiring on those teams whether or not their contracts are expiring. Trade capital is limited on the Bombers as well. Injuries and our list of potential free agents is also going to be large.
If a trade is made it will be for draft choices and / or neg list players.
Lawson had an A-1 game vs HAM. He's coming into his own, and if he keeps this up will no longer be a weak link.
So the question is: what do we need? Who is worth a big cost splash trade? DBs seem good (assuming no more injuries).
OL also had a superb game. So even though we'd like a league-best RT or LG, we can live without it... probably. Besides, Mafia would never do a trade like that.
REC should be stable, with depth, even without Shoen. You couldn't argue with a Gino trade, but do we really need it?
That leaves DL I guess. We all want more pressure. But even if we trade for a monster IMP DT, what does that buy us? I guess a monster NAT DT might help (are there any left?). Also don't see Mafia doing this.
So that means the trade deadline will come & go like always, with very little ruckus from Mafia. Maybe some depth guy or NAT STer or similar.
Now, watch what the other teams do! SSK & CGY will probably do something big. Maybe BC. MTL is mega strong, they don't need anything. HAM might.
Finding a player to trade for and that could be up and ready to fit in would be difficult in the short time left in the season. It's been discussed over the years that most positions require quite awhile to indoctrinate into a new organization.
Someone on the DL might be the easiest / quickest to fit in. All that assumes another team has such a player and we'd be willing to pay that price.
I think we're sticking with a status quo roster. We don't even seem to want to add players to our PR.
I propose we trade Jake Thomas ( throw in Ayers ) for Dru Brown, Adarius Pickett and the Redblacks 1st round draft pick in 2026. Pickett has 12 ST's this season.
Make it happen Kyle W. :)
Quote from: theaardvark on September 29, 2025, 08:02:49 PMOtt seems to be a seller now, is Toronto? If WPG, CGY and BC win 1 more game each, the crossover is guaranteed.
Is it worth keeping players on expiring contracts with that small a window of opportunity?
Is there anyone on OTT or TOR that is worthy of trading for?
Or is our roster set now that we thumped Hamilton?
I'd love Herslow. Dare to dream?
Toronto's actually pretty loaded at receiver.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 09:13:42 PMFinding a player to trade for and that could be up and ready to fit in would be difficult in the short time left in the season. It's been discussed over the years that most positions require quite awhile to indoctrinate into a new organization.
Someone on the DL might be the easiest / quickest to fit in. All that assumes another team has such a player and we'd be willing to pay that price.
I think we're sticking with a status quo roster. We don't even seem to want to add players to our PR.
I propose we trade Jake Thomas for Dru Brown, Adarius Pickett and the Redblacks 1st round draft pick in 2026.
Make it happen Kyle W. :)
Not giving up Jake for the playoff run. Don't even joke about it.
Can you trade Dru for Terry Wilson? Or Crum? Someone who MOS will put in instead of Streveler when needed?
Gino is an interesting possibility, but who comes off? Wilson Sterns Mitchell Demski Clercius is both talent and ratio balanced, with Wheatfall on the 1 game. As an injury insurance policy? He's better than Wheatfall, and arguably better than Sterns or Mitchell.
Would Toronto trade Arbuckle? If Kelly is ready to go... would having the best backup in the league give us a better chance of winning the cup?
Quote from: bomb squad on September 29, 2025, 09:32:56 PMI'd love Herslow. Dare to dream?
He's a good one and might get an NFL look with his option year contract. In any case he'd be a great addition but learning curve for a receiver with 3 games left? He's on a ELC so no motivation for Argos to move him.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 29, 2025, 09:35:37 PMNot giving up Jake for the playoff run. Don't even joke about it.
Can you trade Dru for Terry Wilson? Or Crum? Someone who MOS will put in instead of Streveler when needed?
Gino is an interesting possibility, but who comes off? Wilson Sterns Mitchell Demski Clercius is both talent and ratio balanced, with Wheatfall on the 1 game. As an injury insurance policy? He's better than Wheatfall, and arguably better than Sterns or Mitchell.
Would Toronto trade Arbuckle? If Kelly is ready to go... would having the best backup in the league give us a better chance of winning the cup?
I'd trade Thomas for a kicking tee. No joke.
I don't think the Argos play Kelly this season, especially if they finish out of the playoffs. That could be as early as their next game. To be honest I'm not sure if he returns to the Argos in 2026 and may be on the last year of his contract. Baggage.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 09:39:05 PMI'd trade Thomas for a kicking tee. No joke.
I don't think the Argos play Kelly this season, especially if they finish out of the playoffs. That could be as early as their next game. To be honest I'm not sure if he returns to the Argos in 2026 and may be on the last year of his contract. Baggage.
He's signed through at least 2026, 3 year extension in Aug 2023. Whether there is any guarantee money, that's another story. And if Pinball is happy with missing the playoffs with Arbuckle, I guess there's that too. If Streveler is 3-1, then Arbuckle is 5-10...
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 09:39:05 PMI'd trade Thomas for a kicking tee. No joke.
I don't think the Argos play Kelly this season, especially if they finish out of the playoffs. That could be as early as their next game. To be honest I'm not sure if he returns to the Argos in 2026 and may be on the last year of his contract. Baggage.
There is no reason to take a disrespectful shot like that at Thomas who remains a consistent, reliable, always healthy decent rotational Canadian. It's easy to post an opinion about a player or trade idea while being respectful.
Trading Thomas is a bad idea imo and won't happen.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 09:13:42 PMFinding a player to trade for and that could be up and ready to fit in would be difficult in the short time left in the season. It's been discussed over the years that most positions require quite awhile to indoctrinate into a new organization.
Someone on the DL might be the easiest / quickest to fit in. All that assumes another team has such a player and we'd be willing to pay that price.
I think we're sticking with a status quo roster. We don't even seem to want to add players to our PR.
I propose we trade Jake Thomas ( throw in Ayers ) for Dru Brown, Adarius Pickett and the Redblacks 1st round draft pick in 2026. Pickett has 12 ST's this season.
Make it happen Kyle W. :)
What are you smoking buddy??
Quote from: Blueforlife on September 29, 2025, 10:07:42 PMThere is no reason to take a disrespectful shot like that at Thomas who remains a consistent, reliable, always healthy decent rotational Canadian. It's easy to post an opinion about a player or trade idea while being respectful.
Blah, blah and blah. You need a new hobby. First of all the trade suggestion was said in jest since it's never going to happen. OTOH, yes I'd trade him for a kicking tee.
Regardless you need to quit defending Rudy.
Rudy definition: Blue collar player, loved by his team mates and some fans for his endurance. Works hard and gives 100%. Not qualified to start any longer or even be involved in heavy rotation but ratio, roster size and limitations allow that to happen.
Quote from: Ridermania on September 29, 2025, 10:09:51 PMWhat are you smoking buddy??
Of course that has zero chance of happening. It's just a couple of top Redblacks any team would love to have.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 10:15:26 PMBlah, blah and blah. You need a new hobby. First of all the trade suggestion was said in jest since it's never going to happen.
Regardless you need to quit defending Rudy.
Rudy definition: Blue collar player, loved by his team mates and some fans for his endurance. Works hard and gives 100%. Not qualified to start any longer or even be involved in heavy rotation but ratio, roster size and limitations allow that to happen.
No reason to continually call players Rudy. There are easy ways to debate and discuss players while being respectful. Calling Thomas and Ayers Rudy isn't fair or accurate imo. Thomas is at the end of a long career with us, no need to kick him at the end of his rope. He has earned his dues and deserves to be treated with decency.
I'll defend who I like, whenever I like.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 29, 2025, 09:35:37 PMNot giving up Jake for the playoff run. Don't even joke about it.
Can you trade Dru for Terry Wilson? Or Crum? Someone who MOS will put in instead of Streveler when needed?
Gino is an interesting possibility, but who comes off? Wilson Sterns Mitchell Demski Clercius is both talent and ratio balanced, with Wheatfall on the 1 game. As an injury insurance policy? He's better than Wheatfall, and arguably better than Sterns or Mitchell.
Would Toronto trade Arbuckle? If Kelly is ready to go... would having the best backup in the league give us a better chance of winning the cup?
Insurance policy? He'd be the best import receiver on the team. I'd love to pry Lewis or Hardy out of Ottawa, either would significantly upgrade our receiving core. I'd easily give up a third round pick, maybe even a second. This years cup is here, we can worry about the draft after the season. But it will never happen.
Quote from: Blueforlife on September 29, 2025, 10:23:02 PMNo reason to continually call players Rudy. There are easy ways to debate and discuss players while being respectful. Calling Thomas and Ayers Rudy isn't fair or accurate imo. Thomas is at the end of a long career with us, no need to kick him at the end of his rope. He has earned his dues and deserves to be treated with decency.
I'll defend who I like, whenever I like. Let's agree to disagree and move on.
Thomas hasn't made a tackle in almost a month. A tackle. One. (1).
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on September 29, 2025, 10:56:03 PMThomas hasn't made a tackle in almost a month. A tackle. One. (1).
Yes, but he never gets hurt!! Guess you can see why.....
We aren't going to trade for anyone, but if we were, the obvious trade is for an impact interior D lineman
And Thomas will never be traded under MOS regime, ever.
Quote from: Blueforlife on September 29, 2025, 10:23:02 PMNo reason to continually call players Rudy. There are easy ways to debate and discuss players while being respectful. Calling Thomas and Ayers Rudy isn't fair or accurate imo. Thomas is at the end of a long career with us, no need to kick him at the end of his rope. He has earned his dues and deserves to be treated with decency.
I'll defend who I like, whenever I like.
I'm also allowed to have my opinion about the performance and value of each player.
I'm always interested in bringing in Import DE's, find an under used DE stuck behind a starter on another team and see if he can make an immediate impact, with the plan of extending him next season, like they did with Tony Jones.
Persons has been ok but hasn't made enough of an impact IMO, they need to find a beast who can cause headaches and havoc like Jeffcoat did. Giving up on him early ranks as one of Walters worst moves ever. Could do worse than bringing in AC Leonard, guy was a Jones built clone of Willie.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 29, 2025, 11:24:34 PMI'm always interested in bringing in Import DE's, find an under used DE stuck behind a starter on another team and see if he can make an immediate impact, with the plan of extending him next season, like they did with Tony Jones.
Persons has been ok but hasn't made enough of an impact IMO, they need to find a beast who can cause headaches and havoc like Jeffcoat did. Giving up on him early ranks as one of Walters worst moves ever. Could do worse than bringing in AC Leonard, guy was a Jones built clone of Willie.
Person has only played a few games so it's early but he has upside. Whether he makes the roster in 2026 depends on what we do in free agency.
Neither Vaughters or Jefferson are under contract next year so who knows how things will go.
Ignoring issues of talent and performance for now, his durability is actually incredible. By my count, since 2016, he has played in 144 consecutive regular season games, plus play off games on top of that. He's played in 201 of the last 204 regular season games. And he plays defense, some specials, and even short yardage. He should will his body to science to study what makes an iron man football player.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 11:28:25 PMPerson has only played a few games so it's early but he has upside. Whether he makes the roster in 2026 depends on what we do in free agency.
Neither Vaughters or Jefferson are under contract next year so who knows how things will go.
He's played 11 games this season with one sack, hard to say he's an improvement over Haba or Garbutt.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 29, 2025, 11:22:25 PMI'm also allowed to have my opinion about the performance and value of each player.
Never said you are not allowed to have an opinion. I never challenged you on that. You compared Thomas's value to a football tee and called him Rudy. It's not hard to post an opinion of a players performance and value while be respectful and not resorting to name calling. I welcome your opinion on here; I will always challenge those that fail to show respect for the players, coaches and management in this great league.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 29, 2025, 11:47:20 PMHe's played 11 games this season with one sack, hard to say he's an improvement over Haba or Garbutt.
Garbutt or Fox should have been kept. 50/50 call on Haba imo. Person will be invited back imo. Has upside, will be cheap.
Quote from: bunker on September 29, 2025, 11:28:53 PMIgnoring issues of talent and performance for now, his durability is actually incredible. By my count, since 2016, he has played in 144 consecutive regular season games, plus play off games on top of that. He's played in 201 of the last 204 regular season games. And he plays defense, some specials, and even short yardage. He should will his body to science to study what makes an iron man football player.
Well said, many forum members have been overly critical of him for years. All he does is be consistent. As a depth rotational Canadian who does a lot of jobs for this club, many have forgotten about how versitlite, consistent and healthy he has been for what a decade? The guy is at the end of a decent career and there is no need to kick him at the end like many have chosen to do. It's nice there is a group of us that appreciate what he has done for this ball club.
Just because you are not a stud or star, doesn't mean you don't deserve respect.
This is the CFL and guys like Thomas are the glue guys in the room and what helps makes this league great. We give Canadians an opportunity to play ball, even if they are not "ballers". All clubs have players like this and it's awesome. If you don't like it the No Fun League is waiting for you.
Well I would have traded for Mauldin for a 4th round pick. He'll help Calgary.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 29, 2025, 11:47:20 PMHe's played 11 games this season with one sack, hard to say he's an improvement over Haba or Garbutt.
Sure but he was just used in a rotational capacity. He's young and doesn't have an injury history. I don't know whether he'll be with the team next year, but I'd like to at least give him a chance in TC.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 30, 2025, 02:20:05 AMSure but he was just used in a rotational capacity. He's young and doesn't have an injury history. I don't know whether he'll be with the team next year, but I'd like to at least give him a chance in TC.
Good point about rotating
Quote from: TrueBlue4 on September 30, 2025, 01:02:18 AMWell I would have traded for Mauldin for a 4th round pick. He'll help Calgary.
Calgary stole Mauldin from Ottawa...a 4th round pick for him?!?!? Great deal and ya, he will help them immensely on their D line. Calgary just got better instantly, wish we would have done that deal!!
Quote from: bunker on September 29, 2025, 10:32:56 PMInsurance policy? He'd be the best import receiver on the team. I'd love to pry Lewis or Hardy out of Ottawa, either would significantly upgrade our receiving core. I'd easily give up a third round pick, maybe even a second. This years cup is here, we can worry about the draft after the season. But it will never happen.
Gino is a top-3 REC, but Hardy definitely fits what we need right now. We have no middle grunt guy. Hardy would be perfect. Gino would just add to our already-stacked home-run lanky types. Nice to have, but doesn't solve any of the puzzle.
Oh ya, and Hardy would be like 1/2 the cost of Gino, right?
I don't think OTT will ever give up Hardy. He's a lifer.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 29, 2025, 11:24:34 PMI'm always interested in bringing in Import DE's, find an under used DE stuck behind a starter on another team and see if he can make an immediate impact, with the plan of extending him next season, like they did with Tony Jones.
Persons has been ok but hasn't made enough of an impact IMO, they need to find a beast who can cause headaches and havoc like Jeffcoat did. Giving up on him early ranks as one of Walters worst moves ever. Could do worse than bringing in AC Leonard, guy was a Jones built clone of Willie.
Yes I agree, 11 games and only 4 DTs.
We played well against Hamilton. We could use a difference maker, but who couldn't?
I was thinking a real QB. Earlier. However, money on Arbuckle or the Calgary backup,
Bombers need a lot of help. But then again coaches got the most out of the guys. Football is a great game. Emotion plays a role. Go blue
Quote from: theaardvark on September 29, 2025, 09:35:37 PMNot giving up Jake for the playoff run. Don't even joke about it.
Can you trade Dru for Terry Wilson? Or Crum? Someone who MOS will put in instead of Streveler when needed?
Gino is an interesting possibility, but who comes off? Wilson Sterns Mitchell Demski Clercius is both talent and ratio balanced, with Wheatfall on the 1 game. As an injury insurance policy? He's better than Wheatfall, and arguably better than Sterns or Mitchell.
Would Toronto trade Arbuckle? If Kelly is ready to go... would having the best backup in the league give us a better chance of winning the cup?
If you can get Geno, you take off Mitchell. Easy call.
I would like to see us pick up a little depth at DT, and OL. Vet. Canadian in both positions would be nice. Jakes having a terrible season, 9 DTs in 15 games.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 01, 2025, 04:16:30 PMI would like to see us pick up a little depth at DT, and OL. Vet. Canadian in both positions would be nice. Jakes having a terrible season, 9 DTs in 15 games.
Jake may be having a bad stats season, but I think he's doing his job fine. I see him in the O backfield often, disrupting things.
And he plays teams... always love his hustle. Can't believe the big guy gets down field so well.
Quote from: theaardvark on October 01, 2025, 04:41:52 PMJake may be having a bad stats season, but I think he's doing his job fine. I see him in the O backfield often, disrupting things.
And he plays teams... always love his hustle. Can't believe the big guy gets down field so well.
He has 4 ST's in 220 games. Not exactly something to hang his hat on.
Lions released C. Haba. IDK, maybe it's worth while to add him to our PR in case we have injuries. At least he'll know our systems and most of the roster.
Not getting re-signed in Winnipeg, cut by the Argos and then the Lions may be the end of his CFL career.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 01, 2025, 05:18:57 PMHe has 4 ST's in 220 games. Not exactly something to hang his hat on.
That is a jaw dropping stat isn't it!! Not a real big fan of his, but really, his role is to provide blocking on the front line and then stay in his lane in the middle of the field, the gunners get all the stats on special teams.
Quote from: dd on October 01, 2025, 05:54:10 PMThat is a jaw dropping stat isn't it!! Not a real big fan of his, but really, his role is to provide blocking on the front line and then stay in his lane in the middle of the field, the gunners get all the stats on special teams.
For that on coverage teams you want an athletic player this is mobile, fast with quick feet. On return teams that might be less of a factor because those are happening at point of attack and not 45 yards or more downfield.
I mentioned in another string that on Vaval's opening K/O return that Woods made a block. How significant that was is not entirely clear. However it's interesting that I've never " noticed " Thomas do that getting highlighted in the replay.
It's so unclear that I'm not sure he is on any return teams. Invisible is not a good thing.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 01, 2025, 05:18:57 PMHe has 4 ST's in 220 games. Not exactly something to hang his hat on.
I think that's pretty special, actually. I am surprised he has any, because that's not his job on teams. But, I guess when a returner gets turned back into the middle, he makes the play.
Quote from: theaardvark on October 01, 2025, 07:28:19 PMI think that's pretty special, actually. I am surprised he has any, because that's not his job on teams. But, I guess when a returner gets turned back into the middle, he makes the play.
In 220 games a returner has never gone to the middle of the field? Are you watching the same games I am? lol
Your definition of " special " is clearly different than mine. So not making sacks, TFL or ST tackles is part of his " special " results. Ok then. good to know.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 01, 2025, 06:17:05 PMFor that on coverage teams you want an athletic player this is mobile, fast with quick feet. On return teams that might be less of a factor because those are happening at point of attack and not 45 yards or more downfield.
I mentioned in another string that on Vaval's opening K/O return that Woods made a block. How significant that was is not entirely clear. However it's interesting that I've never " noticed " Thomas do that getting highlighted in the replay.
It's so unclear that I'm not sure he is on any return teams. Invisible is not a good thing.
Can't find the highlight but Jake came very close to recovering a fumbled punt return near the goal-line within the last few games. I was surprised to see him so far down field but also that he was on the punt team at all, as he plays so many snaps on D. No doubt the coaches love his hustle and willingness to do whatever needs to be done, he defines blue-collar leadership.
Wasn't the trade deadline today at 12:00 PM? Nothing happened which is fairly normal.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 01, 2025, 05:20:59 PMLions released C. Haba. IDK, maybe it's worth while to add him to our PR in case we have injuries. At least he'll know our systems and most of the roster.
Not getting re-signed in Winnipeg, cut by the Argos and then the Lions may be the end of his CFL career.
Pass, not an improvement over what we have imo. If we had a couple injuries yes.
The continued hate on Thomas by some is getting nauseating and props to those that provide a more balanced view
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 01, 2025, 07:57:27 PMCan't find the highlight but Jake came very close to recovering a fumbled punt return near the goal-line within the last few games. I was surprised to see him so far down field but also that he was on the punt team at all, as he plays so many snaps on D. No doubt the coaches love his hustle and willingness to do whatever needs to be done, he defines blue-collar leadership.
Facts are presented above agree all
Quote from: theaardvark on October 01, 2025, 04:41:52 PMJake may be having a bad stats season, but I think he's doing his job fine. I see him in the O backfield often, disrupting things.
And he plays teams... always love his hustle. Can't believe the big guy gets down field so well.
Yup, make some great points
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 01, 2025, 06:17:05 PMFor that on coverage teams you want an athletic player this is mobile, fast with quick feet. On return teams that might be less of a factor because those are happening at point of attack and not 45 yards or more downfield.
I mentioned in another string that on Vaval's opening K/O return that Woods made a block. How significant that was is not entirely clear. However it's interesting that I've never " noticed " Thomas do that getting highlighted in the replay.
It's so unclear that I'm not sure he is on any return teams. Invisible is not a good thing.
He blocked the punter in vavols last punt return TD. I was in disbelief and almost fell over but yes JT did indeed make a block on the return!!
With the grey cup in Winnipeg this year our GM did very very little to improve this team to improve over last year. He did almost nothing in FA, most guys he signed and brought in were on the PR or IR. Come trade dead line again today "NOTHING".
We have a real good starter QB when healthy, our #2 can't even throw 100 yards in a full game and our #3 well nobody knows and probably will we will never see on the field.
We have an Oline that kills QBs, and a Dline that allows QBs all day to look around.
So Mr Walters have you given up on our team, or is this your final year of your contract and you are moving on.
Quote from: Blueforlife on October 01, 2025, 10:52:31 PMPass, not an improvement over what we have imo. If we had a couple injuries yes.
The continued hate on Thomas by some is getting nauseating and props to those that provide a more balanced view
Facts are presented above agree allYup, make some great points
All 4 of you should get together for a beer.
Quote from: dd on October 02, 2025, 01:26:23 AMHe blocked the punter in vavols last punt return TD. I was in disbelief and almost fell over but yes JT did indeed make a block on the return!!
I just re-watched the return about 10 times on the PVR. It's very difficult to identify numbers but maybe some one can show a slo mo slide capture of that block. Vaval went around the last man standing and that would normally be the punter?
Those at the stadium might provide better insight but I can't honestly say he was on the field?
On TV I can see: Hallett, Peterson, Ball, Chris-Ike, Cadwallader, Woods, Gauthier, Shay, Person and Vaval.
Quote from: Blue72 on October 02, 2025, 05:06:49 AMWith the grey cup in Winnipeg this year our GM did very very little to improve this team to improve over last year. He did almost nothing in FA, most guys he signed and brought in were on the PR or IR. Come trade dead line again today "NOTHING".
We have a real good starter QB when healthy, our #2 can't even throw 100 yards in a full game and our #3 well nobody knows and probably will we will never see on the field.
We have an Oline that kills QBs, and a Dline that allows QBs all day to look around.
So Mr Walters have you given up on our team, or is this your final year of your contract and you are moving on.
Short of magic, how do you propose Walters do things different?
We do not have the benefit of prescience, no one can tell how a player will perform in any year. Or which ones will get injured. Or which will overperform expectations.
You have to be hopeful that signed players perform at or above expectations, no one gets injured and you do find some gems in recruiting.
Our top tackler (2nd in the league) was "picked off the scrap heap" from Edmonton by Walters. Nice move?
FA signings from other teams this year:
Gowanlock
Makonzo
Patterson
Sterns
Peyton
Cobb
Haggerty
Vaughters
Larger group than normal, two big names (Sterns, Vaughters... both working out nice), the rest depth to come in and challenge for spots, some still hanging around but can't displace retained players or recruits.
Mitchell pre FA cut by Edm signed, working out now. Same with D. Lawson
Retained FA
Benson
Bryant
Gauthier
Holm
Jefferson
Jones, Tony
Lofton
Neufeld
Parker
Schoen
Streveler
Thomas
Wilson, K
We lost more FA's this year than normal, but the prices they got were not matchable in most cases. And most aren't earning their pay, if they are still on AR's. Mostly wise choices by Walters. Lawler possibly being the exception.
Draft picks:
Shay
Smith
(Elgersma)
Vibert
Corcoran
Novak
Ball
Laing
All but Elgersma (NFL) and Laing are on the roster, 6 of 8 picks on the roster is pretty good scouting.
New Recruits:
Vaval
Allen
Woodbey
Rest of roster are players we've drafted or recruited in the past and are developing or have become valued starters.
Not sure where Walters has "given up" on the team, looks like a lot of hard work there.
You can't have the best team in the league at every position every year. The important thing is to address shortcomings and give the coaches quality options to develop and integrate.
Walters seems to be doing a good job at that, and hanging a 40-3 loss on the Eastern Div favourites is a team rounding into shape at the right time. Even the favourite to win the GC right now... which I can't understand, but will take it.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/09/29/kpmg-playoff-probability-which-team-is-the-grey-cup-favourite/
Quote from: theaardvark on October 02, 2025, 03:59:31 PMShort of magic, how do you propose Walters do things different?
We do not have the benefit of prescience, no one can tell how a player will perform in any year. Or which ones will get injured. Or which will overperform expectations.
You have to be hopeful that signed players perform at or above expectations, no one gets injured and you do find some gems in recruiting.
Our top tackler (2nd in the league) was "picked off the scrap heap" from Edmonton by Walters. Nice move?
FA signings from other teams this year:
Gowanlock
Makonzo
Patterson
Sterns
Peyton
Cobb
Haggerty
Vaughters
Larger group than normal, two big names (Sterns, Vaughters... both working out nice), the rest depth to come in and challenge for spots, some still hanging around but can't displace retained players or recruits.
Mitchell pre FA cut by Edm signed, working out now. Same with D. Lawson
Retained FA
Benson
Bryant
Gauthier
Holm
Jefferson
Jones, Tony
Lofton
Neufeld
Parker
Schoen
Streveler
Thomas
Wilson, K
We lost more FA's this year than normal, but the prices they got were not matchable in most cases. And most aren't earning their pay, if they are still on AR's. Mostly wise choices by Walters. Lawler possibly being the exception.
Draft picks:
Shay
Smith
(Elgersma)
Vibert
Corcoran
Novak
Ball
Laing
All but Elgersma (NFL) and Laing are on the roster, 6 of 8 picks on the roster is pretty good scouting.
New Recruits:
Vaval
Allen
Woodbey
Rest of roster are players we've drafted or recruited in the past and are developing or have become valued starters.
Not sure where Walters has "given up" on the team, looks like a lot of hard work there.
You can't have the best team in the league at every position every year. The important thing is to address shortcomings and give the coaches quality options to develop and integrate.
Walters seems to be doing a good job at that, and hanging a 40-3 loss on the Eastern Div favourites is a team rounding into shape at the right time. Even the favourite to win the GC right now... which I can't understand, but will take it.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/09/29/kpmg-playoff-probability-which-team-is-the-grey-cup-favourite/
Patterson was not an FA signing we trade Samson for him. We also didn't sign our last draft pick Uwubanmwen.
Quote from: Pigskin on October 02, 2025, 04:29:08 PMPatterson was not an FA signing we trade Samson for him. We also didn't sign our last draft pick Uwubanmwen.
Patterson was a FA signing, Peterson came via trade.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/02/12/bombers-sign-quarterback-shea-patterson-to-one-year-deal/
Iwinosa Uwubanmwen is back at U of Alberta.
Quote from: theaardvark on October 02, 2025, 03:59:31 PMShort of magic, how do you propose Walters do things different?
We do not have the benefit of prescience, no one can tell how a player will perform in any year. Or which ones will get injured. Or which will overperform expectations.
You have to be hopeful that signed players perform at or above expectations, no one gets injured and you do find some gems in recruiting.
Our top tackler (2nd in the league) was "picked off the scrap heap" from Edmonton by Walters. Nice move?
FA signings from other teams this year:
Gowanlock
Makonzo
Patterson
Sterns
Peyton
Cobb
Haggerty
Vaughters
Larger group than normal, two big names (Sterns, Vaughters... both working out nice), the rest depth to come in and challenge for spots, some still hanging around but can't displace retained players or recruits.
Mitchell pre FA cut by Edm signed, working out now. Same with D. Lawson
Retained FA
Benson
Bryant
Gauthier
Holm
Jefferson
Jones, Tony
Lofton
Neufeld
Parker
Schoen
Streveler
Thomas
Wilson, K
We lost more FA's this year than normal, but the prices they got were not matchable in most cases. And most aren't earning their pay, if they are still on AR's. Mostly wise choices by Walters. Lawler possibly being the exception.
Draft picks:
Shay
Smith
(Elgersma)
Vibert
Corcoran
Novak
Ball
Laing
All but Elgersma (NFL) and Laing are on the roster, 6 of 8 picks on the roster is pretty good scouting.
New Recruits:
Vaval
Allen
Woodbey
Rest of roster are players we've drafted or recruited in the past and are developing or have become valued starters.
Not sure where Walters has "given up" on the team, looks like a lot of hard work there.
You can't have the best team in the league at every position every year. The important thing is to address shortcomings and give the coaches quality options to develop and integrate.
Walters seems to be doing a good job at that, and hanging a 40-3 loss on the Eastern Div favourites is a team rounding into shape at the right time. Even the favourite to win the GC right now... which I can't understand, but will take it.
https://www.cfl.ca/2025/09/29/kpmg-playoff-probability-which-team-is-the-grey-cup-favourite/
I am going to have to disagree with your view point based on the above. I am a strong believer in trend analysis in terms of determining what has happened in the past and then extrapolate that data in what may happen in the future (sorry it is what I did for a living before I finally retired). Based on Walters work in 2025 which IMHO was substandard I am not comfortable with thinking 2026 will look much different. Just too much talent escaped in 2025, regardless of reason and too little talent coming in to replace what has left.
Overall I'm pleased with the transitions the Bombers made this season, they've implemented many new pieces that should pay off over the next 2-3 years as they replace older veterans.
New, improved or elevated to bigger roles,
O-line
Wallace, Vanterpool, Randolph
Secondary
Allen, Lawson, Vaval, Houston
Recievers and RB's
Wheatfall, Sterns, Peterson
Linebackers
Woodbey, Ayers, Griffin
D-Line
Vaughters, Person, Schmekel
Special Teams
Ball, Novak, Smith, Shay
Probably an average amount of turnover for a season, some accomplished through FA some through the draft.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 02, 2025, 05:58:16 PMOverall I'm pleased with the transitions the Bombers made this season, they've implemented many new pieces that should pay off over the next 2-3 years as they replace older veterans.
New, improved or elevated to bigger roles,
O-line
Wallace, Vanterpool, Randolph
Secondary
Allen, Lawson, Vaval, Houston
Recievers and RB's
Wheatfall, Sterns, Peterson
Linebackers
Woodbey, Ayers, Griffin
D-Line
Vaughters, Persons, Schmekel
Special Teams
Ball, Novak, Smith, Shay
Probably an average amount of turnover for a season, some accomplished through FA some through the draft.
It's a nice list but most of them are potential free agents. We've been good at retention but aside from the draft choices, only Vaval, Woodbey and Persons are under contract in 2026.
Turnover happens on every team, we've been spoiled in the past in retaining almost all our team year to year.
Yes, we leaked talent this year, but moreso bodies. Only a few of the losses have met with success, most would be considered overpays if they are still rostered.
The players we got out bid on, well, the $SMS exists for a reason, and that bites us in the butt sometimes.
Players Goveia brought with him were guys we basically had replacements for, they were more expensive spare parts, really.
Love Wolitarsky, but I like Clercius more, price and upside wise.
Dobson, Lawler, sure, love to still have them. But Wallace is going to be a gooder and Wilson might outshine Lawler sooner than later.
Ford, of course we'd have loved to keep him. But not as the highest paid DB in the league, especially with his performance so far this year. Dodged a bullet there.
Haba, Cole II, Fox, Garbutt, Augustine... all easily replaced.
So yeah, compared to 2024 where we lost only Hardrick and Houston of note, and 2023 where the only FAs we lost were Couture, Ellingson and Sayles, it feels like we lost a lot. But really, did we?
I think Walters is still doing a great job on managing the roster, we will have to see how well the scouts can fill the pipeline ongoing.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 02, 2025, 06:01:53 PMIt's a nice list but most of them are potential free agents. We've been good at retention but aside from the draft choices, only Vaval, Woodbey and Persons are under contract in 2026.
Don't see any of those players being in high demand across the league so shouldn't be hard to retain with a few appropriate bumps. Wallace may be the exception as he needs to be re-upped before FA in order to tie down the future of the O-line for multiple years. Walters can't let another Natl. O-lineman slip away for higher salary elsewhere, he must pay Wallace what the market dictates, the cupboard is almost bare.
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 02, 2025, 01:43:50 PMAll 4 of you should get together for a beer.
Love it, maybe we will next game, I only drink the non alcoholic stuff lol
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 02, 2025, 06:01:53 PMIt's a nice list but most of them are potential free agents. We've been good at retention but aside from the draft choices, only Vaval, Woodbey and Persons are under contract in 2026.
Sign em all, we did a good job this year in bringing in new talent. Maybe we're panicking when we had our slide but we are decent this year and setup for the next few.
Quote from: BBRT on October 02, 2025, 05:44:27 PMI am going to have to disagree with your view point based on the above. I am a strong believer in trend analysis in terms of determining what has happened in the past and then extrapolate that data in what may happen in the future (sorry it is what I did for a living before I finally retired). Based on Walters work in 2025 which IMHO was substandard I am not comfortable with thinking 2026 will look much different. Just too much talent escaped in 2025, regardless of reason and too little talent coming in to replace what has left.
Disagree with you, I'm with Ards, we did a decent job this year and didn't just think of one year, we are setup well for the future imo.