Blue Bombers Forum

Quarterback
Chris Streveler (A)

Running Back
Brady Oliveira (N)

Receiver
Kody Case (A)
Nic Demski (N)
Dillon Mitchell (A)
Dalton Schoen (A)
Jerreth Sterns (A)
Keric Wheatfall (A)

Offensive Line
Stanley Bryant (A)
Tui Eli (N)
Chris Kolankowski (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)

Defensive Line
Willie Jefferson (A)
Cameron Lawson (N)
Tanner Schmekel (N)
Jake Thomas (N)
James Vaughters (A)
Jamal Woods (A)

Linebacker
Tanner Cadwallader (N)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Kyrie Wilson (A)

Defensive Back
Terrell Bonds (A)
Michael Griffin II (A)
Nick Hallett (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Demerio Houston (A)
Redha Kramdi (N)
Enock Makonzo (N)
Deatrick Nichols (A)
Jamal Parker (A)

Specialist
Sergio Castillo (A)
Jamieson Sheahan (G)

https://3downnation.com/2025/11/02/the-winnipeg-blue-bombers-potential-2026-free-agents-list/

Quarterback
Chris Streveler (A)-no

Running Back
Brady Oliveira (N)-yes

Receiver
Kody Case (A)-no
Nic Demski (N)-yes
Dillon Mitchell (A)-no
Dalton Schoen (A)-yes, but likely unable to go due to injury
Jerreth Sterns (A)-yes
Keric Wheatfall (A)-invite to TC, must get impact/playmaker WR on roster!!

Offensive Line
Stanley Bryant (A)-yes
Tui Eli (N)-yes
Chris Kolankowski (N)-no
Eric Lofton (A)-no
Patrick Neufeld (N)-yes, 6th man only

Defensive Line
Willie Jefferson (A)-no
Cameron Lawson (N)-yes
Tanner Schmekel (N)-yes
Jake Thomas (N)-absolutely no
James Vaughters (A)-no
Jamal Woods (A)-yes

Linebacker
Tanner Cadwallader (N)-yes
Shayne Gauthier (N)-yes
Kyrie Wilson (A)-invite to TC, get a better WILL

Defensive Back
Terrell Bonds (A)-yes
Michael Griffin II (A)-yes
Nick Hallett (N)-yes
Evan Holm (A)-absolutely yes
Demerio Houston (A)-yes
Redha Kramdi (N)-yes
Enock Makonzo (N)-yes
Deatrick Nichols (A)-TC invite
Jamal Parker (A)-TV invite, look to upgrade size of our DB's

Specialist
Sergio Castillo (A)-yes
Jamieson Sheahan (G)-yes

Quote from: dd on November 02, 2025, 08:33:38 PMQuarterback
Chris Streveler (A)-no

Running Back
Brady Oliveira (N)-yes

Receiver
Kody Case (A)-no
Nic Demski (N)-yes
Dillon Mitchell (A)-no
Dalton Schoen (A)-yes, but likely unable to go due to injury
Jerreth Sterns (A)-yes
Keric Wheatfall (A)-invite to TC, must get impact/playmaker WR on roster!!

Offensive Line
Stanley Bryant (A)-yes
Tui Eli (N)-yes
Chris Kolankowski (N)-no
Eric Lofton (A)-no
Patrick Neufeld (N)-yes, 6th man only

Defensive Line
Willie Jefferson (A)-no
Cameron Lawson (N)-yes
Tanner Schmekel (N)-yes
Jake Thomas (N)-absolutely no
James Vaughters (A)-no
Jamal Woods (A)-yes

Linebacker
Tanner Cadwallader (N)-yes
Shayne Gauthier (N)-yes
Kyrie Wilson (A)-invite to TC, get a better WILL

Defensive Back
Terrell Bonds (A)-yes
Michael Griffin II (A)-yes
Nick Hallett (N)-yes
Evan Holm (A)-absolutely yes
Demerio Houston (A)-yes
Redha Kramdi (N)-yes
Enock Makonzo (N)-yes
Deatrick Nichols (A)-TC invite
Jamal Parker (A)-TV invite, look to upgrade size of our DB's

Specialist
Sergio Castillo (A)-yes
Jamieson Sheahan (G)-yes

Why have you got Nichols and Parker as only a TC invite? I get the size issue but you can't re-sign these players without a signing bonus and certainty you can replace them.

OTOH, you want to bring Bonds back ( achilles probably ) and he's the same size.  He was burned more often than my morning toast.

I don't believe Schoen will return after 2 seasons of serious injury, high risk to re-injure and big SMS.

The potential free agent is shorter than the " unofficial free agent list ". Players like Chris-Ike, Peterson, T. Wilson, Clercius , Wallace, Leroux and Vanterpool are on that list. 

I don't know which list is completely accurate but the ones  I mentioned don't seem likely to have been given new deals yet. I'd include them as re-signing choices.

Regardless it's a big list. Will be interesting to see who gets signed with excess 2025 SMS before the end of December.

Players like Kolo  and K. Wilson is trickier. We don't have current replacements and there is no guarantee we find / replacements in free agency.  Unless we expect to move Woodey to WIL next year?

Earlier I mentioned that players like Vaval, Woodbey and Allen might take advantage of their NFL option.  Landing an NFL TC offer is not a sure thing but we can't rule it out. The lure is always on the table of big money.

Do not re-sign
Jake Thomas (N)
Chris Streveler (A)
Kody Case (A)
Dillon Mitchell (A)
Dalton Schoen (A)
Stanley Bryant (A)
Willie Jefferson (A)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Jamal Parker (A)
Kyrie Wilson (A)
Terrell Bonds (A)
Michael Griffin II (A)
James Vaughters (A)

For the right price
Brady Oliveira (N)
Keric Wheatfall (A)
Jerreth Sterns (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)
Chris Kolankowski (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Tui Eli (N)
Tanner Cadwallader (N)
Deatrick Nichols (A)
Nick Hallett (N)
Jamieson Sheahan (G)

Must extend
Nic Demski (N)
Cameron Lawson (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Tanner Schmekel (N)
Jamal Woods (A)
Demerio Houston (A)
Redha Kramdi (N)
Enock Makonzo (N)
Sergio Castillo (A)

The 2 biggest free agents are Walters and O'Shea. I can't see Miller not bringing them back unless they don't want to come back. IMO that's a problem. We need a rebuild and they are very conservative about making any changes. If they return next year, I see us taking another step back and missing the playoffs.  :(

Let go
Retain
Retain at any cost


Quarterback
Chris Streveler (A)

Running Back
Brady Oliveira (N)

Receiver
Kody Case (A)
Nic Demski (N)
Dillon Mitchell (A)
Dalton Schoen (A)
Jerreth Sterns (A)
Keric Wheatfall (A)

Offensive Line
Stanley Bryant (A)
Tui Eli (N)
Chris Kolankowski (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)

Defensive Line
Willie Jefferson (A)
Cameron Lawson (N)
Tanner Schmekel (N)
Jake Thomas (N)
James Vaughters (A)
Jamal Woods (A)

Linebacker
Tanner Cadwallader (N)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Kyrie Wilson (A)

Defensive Back
Terrell Bonds (A)
Michael Griffin II (A)
Nick Hallett (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Demerio Houston (A)
Redha Kramdi (N)
Enock Makonzo (N)
Deatrick Nichols (A)
Jamal Parker (A)

Specialist
Sergio Castillo (A)
Jamieson Sheahan (G)

Quote from: bunker on November 02, 2025, 11:10:10 PMThe 2 biggest free agents are Walters and O'Shea. I can't see Miller not bringing them back unless they don't want to come back. IMO that's a problem. We need a rebuild and they are very conservative about making any changes. If they return next year, I see us taking another step back and missing the playoffs.  :(

I dunno. I can't see them not offering both of them a contract, whether they stay or move on remains to be seen. Not sure we take a step backwards, though, get us a bonafide #1 WR like Hatcher, Lewis or Hardy (both of whom I am sure are tired of losing in Ottawa) etc, and that's a BIG impact we currently don't have. Get us a stud DE and DT, and dump the absolute dead weight we are currently carrying, and  our D changes overnight. We have decent LB's, could use an upgrade at DB, but we're really not that far off.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 02, 2025, 10:51:36 PMWhy have you got Nichols and Parker as only a TC invite? I get the size issue but you can't re-sign these players without a signing bonus and certainty you can replace them.

OTOH, you want to bring Bonds back ( achilles probably ) and he's the same size.  He was burned more often than my morning toast.

I don't believe Schoen will return after 2 seasons of serious injury, high risk to re-injure and big SMS.

The potential free agent is shorter than the " unofficial free agent list ". Players like Chris-Ike, Peterson, T. Wilson, Clercius , Wallace, Leroux and Vanterpool are on that list. 

I don't know which list is completely accurate but the ones  I mentioned don't seem likely to have been given new deals yet. I'd include them as re-signing choices.

Regardless it's a big list. Will be interesting to see who gets signed with excess 2025 SMS before the end of December.

Players like Kolo  and K. Wilson is trickier. We don't have current replacements and there is no guarantee we find / replacements in free agency.  Unless we expect to move Woodey to WIL next year?

Ayers, Woodbey or Shay could take over from Wilson at WIL if he didn't return.  Smith or Griffin could take over from Kramdi at SAM.  Noticed yesterday Cam Allen does not have a physical presence at Safety at all and he's the size of a standard DB, maybe he challenges at CB and Kramdi moves to Safety to maintain ratio and add more oomph.

Quote from: dd on November 02, 2025, 11:15:38 PMI dunno. I can't see them not offering both of them a contract, whether they stay or move on remains to be seen. Not sure we take a step backwards, though, get us a bonafide #1 WR like Hatcher, Lewis or Hardy (both of whom I am sure are tired of losing in Ottawa) etc, and that's a BIG impact we currently don't have. Get us a stud DE and DT, and dump the absolute dead weight we are currently carrying, and  our D changes overnight. We have decent LB's, could use an upgrade at DB, but we're really not that far off.

Bryant, Neufeld, Collaros and Jefferson will all be worse next year, they are aging out. Our centre is terrible and needs to be replaced.(and Eli is not the answer). Our tackle talent is at best average to below average after Bryant. We have no nat receiver talent after Demski, and he's getting older and tends to get injured as the season progresses. We have one impact import receiver, Wilson. On D, Jake should retire. Lawson is good, but no other D-line man is above average. LBs are average. I think Nichols has lost 1/2 a step, and our corners range from mediocre to bad. Holm is great, and Allen showed promise. Vaval is great. We have no back up QB. We have so many holes in our roster to call it swiss cheese is a compliment. The worst thing we can do is just run it back expecting different results, but if O'Shea and Walters are back, that is what we will do.

Quote from: bunker on November 02, 2025, 11:35:18 PMBryant, Neufeld, Collaros and Jefferson will all be worse next year, they are aging out. Our centre is terrible and needs to be replaced.(and Eli is not the answer). Our tackle talent is at best average to below average after Bryant. We have no nat receiver talent after Demski, and he's getting older and tends to get injured as the season progresses. We have one impact import receiver, Wilson. On D, Jake should retire. Lawson is good, but no other D-line man is above average. LBs are average. I think Nichols has lost 1/2 a step, and our corners range from mediocre to bad. Holm is great, and Allen showed promise. Vaval is great. We have no back up QB. We have so many holes in our roster to call it swiss cheese is a compliment. The worst thing we can do is just run it back expecting different results, but if O'Shea and Walters are back, that is what we will do.

Sorry, I missed the O line. You're right, new centre and left tackle, I'd put aging Bryant to right tackle, and get a new LG

Quote from: bunker on November 02, 2025, 11:35:18 PMBryant, Neufeld, Collaros and Jefferson will all be worse next year, they are aging out. Our centre is terrible and needs to be replaced.(and Eli is not the answer). Our tackle talent is at best average to below average after Bryant. We have no nat receiver talent after Demski, and he's getting older and tends to get injured as the season progresses. We have one impact import receiver, Wilson. On D, Jake should retire. Lawson is good, but no other D-line man is above average. LBs are average. I think Nichols has lost 1/2 a step, and our corners range from mediocre to bad. Holm is great, and Allen showed promise. Vaval is great. We have no back up QB. We have so many holes in our roster to call it swiss cheese is a compliment. The worst thing we can do is just run it back expecting different results, but if O'Shea and Walters are back, that is what we will do.

I hear you - I just have to believe that if O'Shea and Walters are back, which I do hope happens, we will finally see some significant turnover.

No one likes to lose, and after winning back-to-back GC's and being in three more - they have got to see that we are on the wrong trajectory. 

Seriously, these two (and Miller) know more about football than anyone here, and for sure me.  They were able to make it happen, I have faith they will see this off-season as a turning point, and not just needing a tweak to correct the direction we are headed.

I will say that we need a new OC or a new playbook, a different defensive system where we stress rushing the QB and getting pressure. Sacks would be great however, pressure where the QB has to rush his throw is also effective. Bring a blitz more often than we do.

Now the following players need to be released or traded:

J. Thomas (may retire)
W. Jefferson (trade for a QB, try to get Fajardo or at least Ford from the Elk)
P. Nuefeld (to many whiffs on blocks)
S. Bryant (saw him handing out bus tickets to guys running by him to many times this year)
Vaugters (was only average)
Lawson Jr. (terrible in coverage, can't tackle)
Parker (see above)
D. Mitchell (did nothing)
Eccols (hoe hum)
Schoen (his knee is done)
Streverler (See above)
ZC (trade him for someone or cut him)
P. Logan (total bust)

That is a lot of turn over, but the re-build has to begin. Go hard in FA with the available money saved.

Why do some want to bring Makonzo back? Hurt all year and all of last year. 6 games since 2023.

Quote from: Big Daddy on November 03, 2025, 12:41:07 AMI hear you - I just have to believe that if O'Shea and Walters are back, which I do hope happens, we will finally see some significant turnover.

No one likes to lose, and after winning back-to-back GC's and being in three more - they have got to see that we are on the wrong trajectory. 

Seriously, these two (and Miller) know more about football than anyone here, and for sure me.  They were able to make it happen, I have faith they will see this off-season as a turning point, and not just needing a tweak to correct the direction we are headed.

I agree minor tweaking is not the answer this off season. It is obvious some major changes are required. Edmonton will be better next season and if bombers just do tweaking they are headed for 5th place in the west

I'd throw in releasing hogan as a non player move desperately needed. 

It's going to be a tougher off season with all the questions marks on the roster.  Some interesting views. In many cases what happens with one player is dependant on what happens elsewhere. What I mean for every dollar spent on one player there is one dollar less to spend on another or vice versa.

If for example we don't re-sign Jefferson, that's $200K we can use in free agency or to re-sign one of our own potential free agents.

Overall I expect we will shed some significant SMS on players we don't bring back. How and where we spend it is a TBD but I'd hope we are much more active in free agency than last year.

There are going to be some painful choices.

Walters and co. are going to have their work cut out this off-season. Could be the toughest of their tenure thus far, IMO.

Needless to say, it looks like it's time for a changing of the (old) guard.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 03, 2025, 01:29:14 PMWalters and co. are going to have their work cut out this off-season. Could be the toughest of their tenure thus far, IMO.

Needless to say, it looks like it's time for a changing of the (old) guard.

Hamilton went from last to 1st in 2025. Calgary went from last to 3rd and were in 2nd for a significant portion of the season.

The Bombers and Argos both tanked after finishing in the Grey Cup in 2024.

So a lot can change in one off season. Time to do that in Winnipeg.

What is the ceiling on BO20 and ND10?

BO20 - $200

ND10 - $175

I am also out on CS17.

BO20, Yes but at the right price.

ND10, Yes.
Wheatfall, Yes
Sterns, Yes.

OL needs a re-vamp.

Vaughter, Yes. 36 DTs, 6 sacks.
Lawson, Yes. 21 DTs, 1 sack.
Willie, Yes. 15 DTs, 3 sacks. At the right price.

Cad, Yes.
Wilson, Yes. 49 DTs, 2 STs, 3 QS.

DBs in Order.

Holm, Kramdi, Houston, Nichols, Bonds, Griffin, Parker, Hallett.

Both Castillo, and Sheahan. 

Quote from: Ridermania on November 03, 2025, 04:38:51 PMBO20 - $200

ND10 - $175

I don't think either is taking a roll back.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 03, 2025, 04:44:08 PMI am also out on CS17.

BO20, Yes but at the right price.

ND10, Yes.
Wheatfall, Yes
Sterns, Yes.

OL needs a re-vamp.

Vaughter, Yes. 36 DTs, 6 sacks.
Lawson, Yes. 21 DTs, 1 sack.
Willie, Yes. 15 DTs, 3 sacks. At the right price.

Cad, Yes.
Wilson, Yes. 49 DTs, 2 STs, 3 QS.

DBs in Order.

Holm, Kramdi, Houston, Nichols, Bonds, Griffin, Parker, Hallett.

Both Castillo, and Sheahan.

Didn't Bonds suffer an achilles? I don't expect him back and he wouldn't be ready for TC in any case.

It's surprising you have him ahead of Griffin but it was also strange that he didn't get back on the AR once he was healthy.

Is Streveler done? I can't help but wonder. For a guy who relies heavily on his legs, injuring the same knee barely a year later can't be good in that regard.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 03, 2025, 05:11:14 PMIs Streveler done? I can't help but wonder. For a guy who relies heavily on his legs, injuring the same knee barely a year later can't be good in that regard.

I would say yes. Quality of life comes into play. The man already walks with a limp.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 03, 2025, 05:20:42 PMI would say yes. Quality of life comes into play. The man already walks with a limp.

I didn't know that. He should definitely consider QOL and his life after football in that case.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 03, 2025, 05:06:20 PMDidn't Bonds suffer an achilles? I don't expect him back and he wouldn't be ready for TC in any case.

It's surprising you have him ahead of Griffin but it was also strange that he didn't get back on the AR once he was healthy.

Where does Griffin fit in?  I've never seen him play HB or CB, he's hanging around in limbo land with Ayers and Woodbey until they decide what to do with Kyrie, who probably had his best season every, just by remaining healthy.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 03, 2025, 05:06:20 PMDidn't Bonds suffer an achilles? I don't expect him back and he wouldn't be ready for TC in any case.

It's surprising you have him ahead of Griffin but it was also strange that he didn't get back on the AR once he was healthy.

If we are talking DBs, yes because Griffin is more of a LB. However he did have a very good season. 47 DTs, 8 STs, 1 QS.  Not bad for a guy that doesn't start.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 03, 2025, 04:32:38 PMWhat is the ceiling on Bo20 and ND10?

I think people need to wrap their heads around the fact that the salary cap is increasing too. High priced non-QBs are going to hit 300k soon.

Only 3 guys I'll keep from that list: Oliveira, Demski and Castillo.

Bryant, Neufeld, Thomas and Gauthier should all retire.
Move on from the rest of the people from that list.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 03, 2025, 01:29:14 PMWalters and co. are going to have their work cut out this off-season. Could be the toughest of their tenure thus far, IMO.

Needless to say, it looks like it's time for a changing of the (old) guard.

Who, specifically, are you referring to as the "old guard"?

Quote from: Pigskin on November 03, 2025, 06:51:25 PMIf we are talking DBs, yes because Griffin is more of a LB. However he did have a very good season. 47 DTs, 8 STs, 1 QS.  Not bad for a guy that doesn't start.

IIRC he did play some DHB in Calgary. He could be a choice as the back up at SAM if Woodbey starts at WIL.

Quote from: M.O.A.B. on November 04, 2025, 03:03:13 AMOnly 3 guys I'll keep from that list: Oliveira, Demski and Castillo.

Bryant, Neufeld, Thomas and Gauthier should all retire.
Move on from the rest of the people from that list.

That list includes most of the starters ( it included the OL although not listing them ). It did include the entire defence.

So. YIKES.

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 04, 2025, 05:55:02 AMWho, specifically, are you referring to as the "old guard"?

Aging veterans like Bryant, Collaros, Neufeld, Jefferson, etc; I wonder how much more they have left in the tank. Also, I'm curious if any of them would take a paycut to stick around while opening up some SMS space to add talent/increase depth.

Quote from: Jesse on November 03, 2025, 08:02:06 PMI think people need to wrap their heads around the fact that the salary cap is increasing too. High priced non-QBs are going to hit 300k soon.

Giving the same players more money doesn't mean it's wisely spent doing that.

I'll be shocked if anyone takes a paycut to stay around. I'm expecting the same old team next year with a few tweaks. 

Quote from: TBURGESS on November 04, 2025, 02:18:43 PMI'll be shocked if anyone takes a paycut to stay around. I'm expecting the same old team next year with a few tweaks.

MOS said pretty much this on the final coaches show.

Paycheck is not the most important factor in re-signing players.

Ability to contribute is #1.

Guys coming off injury, will they rehab to 100%?  If yes, re-sign.  If maybe, re-sign with incentives.  If unlikely, thank you for your service.

Young guys moving up, take care of them.

Veterans on their way down, please, no emeritus contracts.  Tough decisions, but they've done it before.  Jeffcoat, Harris, Wolitarski, Alexander... if we have a player that is ready to step up, we can make those hard decisions.

There should be a lot of movement in the coaching ranks, and maybe there are some players ready to move up.  I'd love to see Jake stay in Blue and Gold, on the field if he's still got it in him, or on the sidelines if its enough money to keep him in town.

Hogan has to go, not sure I want Jarious as OC though.  MOS will have had a year working with him, so he will be able to decide... not sure what the penalty for blowing the front office $SMS is, but we should do that and hire the best.  Is Lapo ready to return?

I wondered about Lapo returning to coaching but it may not pay enough to give up his TSN deal.

Vaughters and Jefferson earn about $360K combined. Two rookies on ELC's would save about $200K to be used elsewhere.

IDK if Jenkins and / or Jaworksi will replace either of those two players but that's an area to consider.

We wasted a lot of money on free agent signings that didn't pay off. Need to do better this year.

With such a large list of potential free agents, how many are going to want / get more and what does that cost us elsewhere?

Yes the SMS is going up but we can't stay status quo on the personnel overall.

Any vet who wants to return on a non guaranteed contract with no bonus, who wants to EARN his spot, I welcome with open arms.

Yes, we had some players look good in limited reps.  And some spent a lot of time on the PR.

I truly hope that we have a competitive camp this year, where rookies get a chance to unseat vets. 

And I hope we get some recruits that got stuck behind players on other teams, Tony Jones has been a great pick up.  More like him, please.

The reports coming out about the Hogan/Mitchell feud are disturbing.  The team has a "one win in a row" wipe the slate clean each week commitment, it needs a similar attitude to treating the players.  Every practice, every player gets a shot.

Maybe a drumline type "challenge" concept.  Give players the ability to challenge the man in front of them for the spot.  And you better be ready, both as the challenger and the challenged.   

We need honest competition in TC and better recruitment to have better choices. It seemed obvious that some players were handed their spot on the AR regardless of how things turned out in TC.

Anybody have an opinion of which free agent O linemen from the other teams that we can try to get?

Next college draft is there anyone we want?

Which position are we weakest at? All of them?

Can't replace them all, so who goes, who stays?

I dont want to watch another season of the quarterback getting beat up play after play.

I dont think the offensive system helped much. Maybe the theory being applied just didn't fit the capabilities of the players on the field very well. And I thought I saw Zach bail a few times before there was anyone near him. Jumpy due to past poundings.

Never just one thing is it?

Quote from: Waffler on November 04, 2025, 02:29:49 PMMOS said pretty much this on the final coaches show.

That would be less than optimal.

Quote from: markf on November 04, 2025, 04:36:14 PMAnybody have an opinion of which free agent O linemen from the other teams that we can try to get?

Next college draft is there anyone we want?

Which position are we weakest at? All of them?

Can't replace them all, so who goes, who stays?

I dont want to watch another season of the quarterback getting beat up play after play.

I dont think the offensive system helped much. Maybe the theory being applied just didn't fit the capabilities of the players on the field very well. And I thought I saw Zach bail a few times before there was anyone near him. Jumpy due to past poundings.

Never just one thing is it?

Zach Williams on the stamps was just named a western all star, and he's from Winnipeg, played for Bisons. Unfortunately, Calgary locked him up for next season. He's be a good replacement for Neufeld if we could pry him away in a year.

Quote from: markf on November 04, 2025, 04:36:14 PMAnybody have an opinion of which free agent O linemen from the other teams that we can try to get?

Next college draft is there anyone we want?

Which position are we weakest at? All of them?

Can't replace them all, so who goes, who stays?

I dont want to watch another season of the quarterback getting beat up play after play.

I dont think the offensive system helped much. Maybe the theory being applied just didn't fit the capabilities of the players on the field very well. And I thought I saw Zach bail a few times before there was anyone near him. Jumpy due to past poundings.

Never just one thing is it?

We need depth or new starters on the OL, DL and receiver. Currently we finished the season with 6 Canadians on the IR. We'll draft another 9 in the next draft.

It's normal to see 4 or 5 make the AR so we can expect to trim a few at the bottom of the depth chart before free agency and TC.

There is always a timing issue involved. Let's use any of our Canadian OL. Do we let them reach free agency in the hope of landing a younger, less expensive player with more upside?

I don't think that is a risk to take unless we decide to move forward / away from a given player.

Quote from: bunker on November 04, 2025, 04:44:56 PMZach Williams on the stamps was just named a western all star, and he's from Winnipeg, played for Bisons. Unfortunately, Calgary locked him up for next season. He's be a good replacement for Neufeld if we could pry him away in a year.

I think they need to upgrade the Center before they discard Neufeld, Kolo caused a lot of problems in the middle of the line that had to be covered off by the 2 guards.  Neuf is the leader of that group, comes at a reasonable cost and likely has a few more good years in him once the O-line stabilizes.

Quote from: Ridermania on November 02, 2025, 07:59:03 PMQuarterback
Chris Streveler (A) NO

Running Back
Brady Oliveira (N) Yes

Receiver
Kody Case (A) NO
Nic Demski (N) Yes
Dillon Mitchell (A) NO
Dalton Schoen (A) NO
Jerreth Sterns (A) Maybe
Keric Wheatfall (A)Maybe

Offensive Line
Stanley Bryant (A) Maybe
Tui Eli (N) Maybe
Chris Kolankowski (N) Maybe
Eric Lofton (A) No
Patrick Neufeld (N) Maybe

Defensive Line
Willie Jefferson (A) NO
Cameron Lawson (N) Yes
Tanner Schmekel (N) Yes
Jake Thomas (N) No
James Vaughters (A) No
Jamal Woods (A) No

Linebacker
Tanner Cadwallader (N) Yes
Shayne Gauthier (N) NO
Kyrie Wilson (A) NO

Defensive Back
Terrell Bonds (A) NO
Michael Griffin II (A) Maybe
Nick Hallett (N) NO
Evan Holm (A) Yes
Demerio Houston (A) Yes
Redha Kramdi (N) Yes
Enock Makonzo (N) NO
Deatrick Nichols (A) Yes
Jamal Parker (A) YES

Specialist
Sergio Castillo (A) Yes
Jamieson Sheahan (G) Yes

https://3downnation.com/2025/11/02/the-winnipeg-blue-bombers-potential-2026-free-agents-list/

I listed many as maybe because it's a domino kind of issue. One from column A and one from column B choice wise. Those that were seriously injured in 2025 I listed as NO due to history and / or severity: Schoen, Makonzo, Streveler, Lofton and Bonds fall into that group.

A couple like Hallett and Gauthier still have mileage but draft choices have to replace someone.

Buckle up.  I'd say we are in for much of the same next year.

From yesterdays Mike Oshea interview...

"The sky isn't falling"
"Do I believe in wholesale change? Never."
"I'll never believe in wholesale change," said O'Shea."

On Jason Hogan... " "Yeah, he deserves the opportunity to have that conversation, for sure, and to come back."

Quote from: gordo on November 04, 2025, 05:51:25 PMBuckle up.  I'd say we are in for much of the same next year.

From yesterdays Mike Oshea interview...

"The sky isn't falling"
"Do I believe in wholesale change? Never."
"I'll never believe in wholesale change," said O'Shea."

On Jason Hogan... " "Yeah, he deserves the opportunity to have that conversation, for sure, and to come back."

Ya, I think its a given that Collaros and Hogan are back, but it was also mentioned that Zach has openly criticized the play calling and MOS said he should have given more support to the offense--read - listened to what Zach was saying!! I can honestly see Collaros playing next year and then retiring to become our QB coach or ***. OC, I also see us bringing in Arbuckle or Crum as his understudy with the hope of further developing them into our #1 in 2027

Quote from: dd on November 04, 2025, 05:57:33 PMYa, I think its a given that Collaros and Hogan are back, but it was also mentioned that Zach has openly criticized the play calling and MOS said he should have given more support to the offense--read - listened to what Zach was saying!! I can honestly see Collaros playing next year and then retiring to become our QB coach or ***. OC, I also see us bringing in Arbuckle or Crum as his understudy with the hope of further developing them into our #1 in 2027

Loyalty issues aside, I can't see any scenario where Hogan returns as OC.

If we can't lure Lapo out of the plush TV gig, maybe we pick up a guy like Condell.  Its tough to poach a guy under contract, no "Asst HC" spot available,  but we should let guys know we are looking by firing Hogan now, so that guys that might be interested don't re-sign immediately.

Can we bring in someone with experience, or can we take a chance on someone new, maybe someone out of the college ranks?

Quote from: dd on November 04, 2025, 05:57:33 PMI also see us bringing in Arbuckle or Crum as his understudy

I see Streveller rehabbing his knee instead.

I feel bad for the people thinking any kind of rebuild is coming, coaches or players. MOS is telling us the process can be improved.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 04, 2025, 01:08:56 PMGiving the same players more money doesn't mean it's wisely spent doing that.

I didn't say it was wise or dumb. Some people just have certain dollar amounts in their head as "too expensive" when it represents a smaller percentage of the cap than it used to.

A player may receive a raise but take up less of the cap. Or a player worth 200k 5 years ago now represents closer to 300k now. It just takes a shift in thinking.

My impression of Mike O'Shea over the years is that in public, from him everything is pretty good, and no major mistakes have been made.and he has become an accomplished media manager, who probably enjoys fencing with reporters.

Its annoying, but what's the benefit to the team of saying "yeah we stink, our O line is bad...etc"

why would he say "Hogan did a bad job.  NO way he's back as o.c. "  That would be pointless and rude. And these people are friends.

But After the season he just oversaw, it's hard to believe he thinks everything is  fine.

I hope.

Quote from: markf on November 04, 2025, 07:20:30 PMMy impression of Mike O'Shea over the years is that in public, from him everything is pretty good, and no major mistakes have been made.and he has become an accomplished media manager, who probably enjoys fencing with reporters.

Its annoying, but what's the benefit to the team of saying "yeah we stink, our O line is bad...etc"

why would he say "Hogan did a bad job.  NO way he's back as o.c. "  That would be pointless and rude. And these people are friends.

But After the season he just oversaw, it's hard to believe he thinks everything is  fine.

I hope.

I wish I could believe this, but having watched him in his tenure here, I think he genuinely believes that if they just work a little harder, and execute a little better, his guys know how to win and will right the ship. Its a bit delusional at this point. His loyalty to players and insistence on staying the course were his strongest qualities when we were winning, but I think will ultimately be his downfall. Hope I am wrong.

Quote from: Jesse on November 04, 2025, 06:16:10 PMI didn't say it was wise or dumb. Some people just have certain dollar amounts in their head as "too expensive" when it represents a smaller percentage of the cap than it used to.

A player may receive a raise but take up less of the cap. Or a player worth 200k 5 years ago now represents closer to 300k now. It just takes a shift in thinking.

I don't completely agree. Some players are over paid due to bidding wars and a given team needs to fill a certain need.

That doesn't mean a Canadian starter should get $300K ( as an example ) just because the SMS went up.

Let's use Collaros as the example. Does he deserve another $50K when he's on the downside of his career and is at the top or near top of the pay scale? There has to be a limit for the top players IMO. It's gone too far at the top and not far enough on the middle group.

Quote from: bunker on November 04, 2025, 09:01:30 PMI wish I could believe this, but having watched him in his tenure here, I think he genuinely believes that if they just work a little harder, and execute a little better, his guys know how to win and will right the ship. Its a bit delusional at this point. His loyalty to players and insistence on staying the course were his strongest qualities when we were winning, but I think will ultimately be his downfall. Hope I am wrong.

Seems counter-intuitive to a long coaching career, I would think remaining neutral and not getting attached to specific players would be a key, rely on the process not the individuals. If O'Shea had coached up through the college system he would have had the experience of cycling through new players every year with a constant turnover and might have learned to detach himself from the individual components in favour of building the machine.  That's how I remember Mike Riley the coach.

I think MOS demands his players come to camp in shape ready to compete for jobs. Not in shape/too slow, see ya later. He did that to Andrew Harris, arguably one of the more popular players ever here, did that to Bighill--replaced him with a younger, faster, cheaper version of the MLB he wanted to see on the field, and he sat Dillon Mitchell down long and hard this season. I don't think he'll hand onto guys who see thinks can't get the job done.

He was a smart football player and knows first hand what it takes to win. He sets the bar for expected behaviour  in the clubhouse and he gets maximum effort from his players. I expect him to review what didn't go well this year, and address it accordingly. I don't expect him to replace Collaros, in fact I'd bet anything he's back next season, and I don't think Hogan is going anywhere either.

Just listened to Brady's year end interview.  My take: 

70% chance he leaves, 30% chance he re-signs.  0% chance he re-signs if Hogan is back as OC.  Almost his entire interview was spoken in past tense, as if he was saying goodbye, but one line stood out:

"I play football to win championships."

With Hogan as OC, that's not gonna happen.

If he leaves, I bet he winds up in BC for the chance to work  under Buck (again) and with Rourke.

Quote from: VictorRomano on November 04, 2025, 10:57:42 PMIf he leaves, I bet he winds up in BC

Logical assumption. but can they afford him?

Quote from: dd on November 04, 2025, 10:41:57 PMI think MOS demands his players come to camp in shape ready to compete for jobs. Not in shape/too slow, see ya later. He did that to Andrew Harris, arguably one of the more popular players ever here, did that to Bighill--replaced him with a younger, faster, cheaper version of the MLB he wanted to see on the field, and he sat Dillon Mitchell down long and hard this season. I don't think he'll hand onto guys who see thinks can't get the job done.

He was a smart football player and knows first hand what it takes to win. He sets the bar for expected behaviour  in the clubhouse and he gets maximum effort from his players. I expect him to review what didn't go well this year, and address it accordingly. I don't expect him to replace Collaros, in fact I'd bet anything he's back next season, and I don't think Hogan is going anywhere either.

But the main things that did not go well this year were a poor performance by the OC, and Zach continuing to age out to the point where he's not only not elite anymore, but heading towards being a below average QB who cannot throw the deep ball and is a turnover machine in many games. How can he correct these if he hangs on to these two. Zach arguably could be better with a better O-line, but that's not necessarily easy to accomplish.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 04, 2025, 09:30:17 PMI don't completely agree. Some players are over paid due to bidding wars and a given team needs to fill a certain need.

That doesn't mean a Canadian starter should get $300K ( as an example ) just because the SMS went up.

Let's use Collaros as the example. Does he deserve another $50K when he's on the downside of his career and is at the top or near top of the pay scale? There has to be a limit for the top players IMO. It's gone too far at the top and not far enough on the middle group.

I more mean that an elite player may have earned 200k in 2019. Now an elite player may go for 275. It represents the same portion of the cap, so people should let sticker shock convince them a player is over paid.

I'm not suggesting that our players deserve raises just because the cap is going up. It was more of a general comment that salaries are increasing.

Quote from: VictorRomano on November 04, 2025, 10:57:42 PMJust listened to Brady's year end interview.  My take: 

70% chance he leaves, 30% chance he re-signs.  0% chance he re-signs if Hogan is back as OC.  Almost his entire interview was spoken in past tense, as if he was saying goodbye, but one line stood out:

"I play football to win championships."

With Hogan as OC, that's not gonna happen.

If he leaves, I bet he winds up in BC for the chance to work  under Buck (again) and with Rourke.

Ya, pretty much Brady and Collaros have openly criticized the OC, those are 2 pretty big pieces of our offensive puzzle. MOS better address this as if we lose Brady, our NAT talent takes a HUGE hit (after we lost Dobson and Ford last year), my gut tells me these 2 guys pull alot of weight and MOS will listen to them and make the changes to retain both of these guys and fix what needs to be fixed on the offensive side of the ball.

Quote from: VictorRomano on November 04, 2025, 10:57:42 PMJust listened to Brady's year end interview.  My take: 

70% chance he leaves, 30% chance he re-signs.  0% chance he re-signs if Hogan is back as OC.  Almost his entire interview was spoken in past tense, as if he was saying goodbye, but one line stood out:

"I play football to win championships."

With Hogan as OC, that's not gonna happen.

If he leaves, I bet he winds up in BC for the chance to work  under Buck (again) and with Rourke.

agree - likely all great points. 

Quote from: VictorRomano on November 04, 2025, 10:57:42 PMJust listened to Brady's year interview

If he leaves, I bet he winds up in BC for the chance to work  under Buck (again) and with Rourke.

Wasn't Brady pissed off last season after the Grey Cup when he didn't get a lot of carries? Wouldn't do a post game interview?

And B.C. already has a very good running back, Butler, who was not used much in the game last week, and, (tv impression) seemed a bit aggravated about it.

Quote from: markf on November 05, 2025, 01:04:58 AMWasn't Brady pissed off last season after the Grey Cup when he didn't get a lot of carries? Wouldn't do a post game interview?

And B.C. already has a very good running back, Butler, who was not used much in the game last week, and, (tv impression) seemed a bit aggravated about it.

is butler a FA ?

Butler is on a one year deal.

Oliveira sounds like he's leaving which will work out good for us. He's absolutely not worth it especially if we're going to dress nine Canadians in a playoff game. We don't need to pay his premium using a roster configuration like that.

Quote from: VictorRomano on November 04, 2025, 10:57:42 PMJust listened to Brady's year end interview.  My take: 

70% chance he leaves, 30% chance he re-signs.  0% chance he re-signs if Hogan is back as OC.  Almost his entire interview was spoken in past tense, as if he was saying goodbye, but one line stood out:

"I play football to win championships."

With Hogan as OC, that's not gonna happen.

If he leaves, I bet he winds up in BC for the chance to work  under Buck (again) and with Rourke.

Brady said much the same last time he negotiated his contract and offended many Bomber fans, the longer he talks the more dumb things he usually says. Bombers are the only team structured to pay him $250k and most teams are doing pretty good with import RB's earning half as much, so not much incentive. The 3 Bombers that earn their premium based on their marketability, Demski, Brady and Willie, I think Wade will remind Walters of that during negotiations.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 05, 2025, 02:28:27 AMBrady said much the same last time he negotiated his contract and offended many Bomber fans, the longer he talks the more dumb things he usually says. Bombers are the only team structured to pay him $250k and most teams are doing pretty good with import RB's earning half as much, so not much incentive. The 3 Bombers that earn their premium based on their marketability, Demski, Brady and Willie, I think Wade will remind Walters of that during negotiations.

If Walters is offered a returning contract or even returns?

Quote from: TBURGESS on November 04, 2025, 02:18:43 PMI'll be shocked if anyone takes a paycut to stay around. I'm expecting the same old team next year with a few tweaks.

Hello 5th place in the west then! :( Tweaking a weak team is not the answer this off season.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 05, 2025, 02:27:57 AMOliveira sounds like he's leaving which will work out good for us. He's absolutely not worth it especially if we're going to dress nine Canadians in a playoff game. We don't need to pay his premium using a roster configuration like that.

He is still the best or second best player on the team. 

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 05, 2025, 02:27:57 AMOliveira sounds like he's leaving which will work out good for us. He's absolutely not worth it especially if we're going to dress nine Canadians in a playoff game. We don't need to pay his premium using a roster configuration like that.

We start 9 Canadians but we start a lot of Canadians who should not be starting.

As much as BO is a Winnipeger and is Canadian, I get the impression he is extorting the Bombers with that last interview.  I can be wrong but it sounded like he did us a favour by staying here this year and I understand he wants to win but not with the current OC Jason Hogan.

Aren't you getting paid to be in shape and be a good football player?  He sounds cocky to me on how great he is.  I wasn't surprised on what he said, its going to be the same old same old next year with O'Shea being loyal to his coaches.  And I am tired of hearing the same old cliche's with the coaches and players.  I have already committed and have my 4 season tickets renewed, might be my last after 48 years. 

PS
Anyone but the Riders for the Grey Cup...  hoping for the Ti-Cats to break the drought since 1999.

Quote from: Waffler on November 04, 2025, 11:01:44 PMLogical assumption. but can they afford him?

I think there is a good chance he leaves. He wants more money but I don't know how many teams are willing to pay that much at the RB position. I don't think BC can afford him and running is an after thought for them with Rourke as a QB.

Quote from: Jesse on November 04, 2025, 11:26:47 PMI more mean that an elite player may have earned 200k in 2019. Now an elite player may go for 275. It represents the same portion of the cap, so people should let sticker shock convince them a player is over paid.

I'm not suggesting that our players deserve raises just because the cap is going up. It was more of a general comment that salaries are increasing.

I wasn't speaking of our players in particular. Obviously if the SMS goes up then salaries go up. I just don't think it goes mostly to the top 1/3 of the roster automatically.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 01:13:29 PMObviously if the SMS goes up then salaries go up. I just don't think it goes mostly to the top 1/3 of the roster automatically.

History has shown it goes to the franchise QB either to get or retain. That is the one position you can't replace with cheaper and still be ok. Kelly, Rourke and Collaros all make  double or more than that of the highest paid non-QB.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 01:10:40 PMI think there is a good chance he leaves. He wants more money but I don't know how many teams are willing to pay that much at the RB position. I don't think BC can afford him and running is an after thought for them with Rourke as a QB.

How much glee would happen in Riderland if they signed him? Revenge for Demski,Jefferson in their minds.
Get a top rb and stick it to Wpg

If Hogan stays, I fully expect Oliveira to leave. Maybe others as well.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 01:13:29 PMI wasn't speaking of our players in particular. Obviously if the SMS goes up then salaries go up. I just don't think it goes mostly to the top 1/3 of the roster automatically.

It basically does. Only players with leverage are going to get some of it and the players with the most leverage are 1/3 of Americans and Canadians.

Quote from: RebusRankin on November 05, 2025, 12:24:01 PMWe start 9 Canadians but we start a lot of Canadians who should not be starting.

Agree totally. But since we did, it begs the question will we keep doing it? Because if so, there is even less reason to pay exorbitant amounts for a Canadian running back.

We need to put money back into both lines of scrimmage and then it will matter far less who the running back is. And since we've had slow plodding running backs for half a decade, it might be time to put some Americans with speed in there who make loading the box a bit more of a gamble if the back breaks though. Right now with Brady everyone does because he can't outrun anyone. That's a significant limiting factor and another knock against what he's worth. He can't really execute the outside zone or perimeter runs and he can't hurt defenses in the open field = stacked box all day.

Seems as good as gone to me. I'll leave it at that.

Free Press:
There's a lot of core pieces that have been here for the last number of years that I think still continue to this day to make an impact on game day," said Oliveira.

"So we don't know what it's going to look like moving forward. There's a lot of free agents, so I think as the months kind of unfold we'll see who's coming back, who's not going to be brought back, and I think that's big into the decision. Like I said, I need to know what's around me and we'll go from there."...

Many players spoke to reporters on Sunday while cleaning out their lockers. Oliveira, however, was nowhere to be found as he was in a meeting with first-year offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan that went longer than expected.

"I had a very good conversation with him. A very good conversation. Obviously, everyone knows my relationship with him. Good conversation, but also some tough conversations as well. But I'll leave it at that," said Oliveira.

Hogan was the team's running backs coach for three seasons prior to taking over Buck Pierce's headset. Oliveira has praised Hogan in recent years, giving him lots of credit for helping the tailback reach CFL stardom. As a playcaller, though, it was a different story. Back in September, Oliveira took a subtle jab by saying, "I think maybe us players could be put in some better situations to succeed as well so that it always doesn't fall on the player."

On Tuesday, Oliveira was asked if the team made a mistake by promoting Hogan to OC.

"I don't think it was a mistake. He deserved an opportunity to showcase his abilities. I mean, the guy works extremely hard. He showed that the last number of seasons," responded Oliveira.

"So I think that's why he was rewarded that opportunity to be an offensive co-ordinator. And I'll leave it at that."

Sounds like the takeaway, albeit from diplomatic public comments, is this: Hogan is a good coach and puts in the work, but that didn't quite translate well as he took on more significant responsibilities in his role as OC.

That happens often. Some coaches are just not cut out to be coordinators.

I've love to know what was discussed behind closed doors.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 05, 2025, 02:41:54 PMIt basically does. Only players with leverage are going to get some of it and the players with the most leverage are 1/3 of Americans and Canadians.

By that logic we should give Collaros another extension and another $100K.  At some point somebody has to draw a line in the sand.

Obviously the best players get more money but you have to spend wisely with those decisions. Earlier I gave the example of the Lions giving Reilly something like $700K and proceeded to tank their season a few seasons ago. Last year they did the same thing with Rourke and Betts going over the SMS by $300K.

Calgary is paying VAJ less than many top paid QB's. That allowed them to upgrade their DL as an example.

1/3 of a roster is important but it's only about 13 players of the total roster. If you don't have quality in the next 12 or so to make up the starting 24 then you get inferior results. Our DL, OL and receivers overall were inferior to teams with a more balanced use of their SMS. 

It's clear where the Bombers need to upgrade and that doesn't include giving some of the starters a significant portion of an SMS increase.

Some players have earned an increase but it's a small list and the increases should not break the bank. Brady is a perfect example. IMO he's overpaid and we shouldn't be giving him another $20K-$30K ( if that's what he wants ). 

Brady was @ $240K. Mills was @ $123K. There was nearly a $90K difference between Brady and the next top paid RB ( Ouellette ).

I get Brady is a Canadian and home town hero But he's not worth twice the amount of Mills as an example.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 03:27:48 PMBy that logic we should give Collaros another extension and another $100K.  At some point somebody has to draw a line in the sand.

Obviously the best players get more money but you have to spend wisely with those decisions. Earlier I gave the example of the Lions giving Reilly something like $700K and proceeded to tank their season a few seasons ago. Last year they did the same thing with Rourke and Betts going over the SMS by $300K.

Calgary is paying VAJ less than many top paid QB's. That allowed them to upgrade their DL as an example.

1/3 of a roster is important but it's only about 13 players of the total roster. If you don't have quality in the next 12 or so to make up the starting 24 then you get inferior results. Our DL, OL and receivers overall were inferior to teams with a more balanced use of their SMS. 

It's clear where the Bombers need to upgrade and that doesn't include giving some of the starters a significant portion of an SMS increase.

Some players have earned an increase but it's a small list and the increases should not break the bank. Brady is a perfect example. IMO he's overpaid and we shouldn't be giving him another $20K-$30K ( if that's what he wants ). 

Brady was @ $240K. Mills was @ $123K. There was nearly a $90K difference between Brady and the next top paid RB ( Ouellette ).

I get Brady is a Canadian and home town hero But he's not worth twice the amount of Mills as an example.

"We" shouldn't and don't have to do anything. The market will set the prices on its own. Agree on your comments on Brady's value.

Is Oliveira the highest paid RB in the league, and if so, by how much?

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 05, 2025, 04:12:51 PMIs Oliveira the highest paid RB in the league, and if so, by how much?

He's about $90K more than the next highest paid RB ( Ouellette ). I couldn't copy the link but just google 2025 cfl highest paid running backs

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 05, 2025, 04:08:50 PM"We" shouldn't and don't have to do anything. The market will set the prices on its own. Agree on your comments on Brady's value.

Ah but there is always the supply and demand in the equation. Does a team need a starting Canadian. Is someone like Mills a potential free agent at the time we will consider who we sign and for how much?

Just a guess but Mills is completing his 4th season in Calgary. He may be a potential free agent. Whether he chooses to leave Calgary and how much he's be looking for is a TBD. 

Since he was earning $123K would another team be willing to pay him $160K compared to paying Brady $250K?

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 04:25:30 PMHe's about $90K more than the next highest paid RB ( Ouellette ).

That's pretty absurd and seems like questionable roster management, IMO.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 05, 2025, 04:30:35 PMThat's pretty absurd and seems like questionable roster management, IMO.

Well that's the point to offset the argument to pay some players whatever they want theory. I figured out how to copy the link

https://3downnation.com/2025/04/17/the-cfls-12-highest-paid-running-backs-for-the-2025-season/

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 05, 2025, 02:45:49 PMAgree totally. But since we did, it begs the question will we keep doing it? Because if so, there is even less reason to pay exorbitant amounts for a Canadian running back.

We need to put money back into both lines of scrimmage and then it will matter far less who the running back is. And since we've had slow plodding running backs for half a decade, it might be time to put some Americans with speed in there who make loading the box a bit more of a gamble if the back breaks though. Right now with Brady everyone does because he can't outrun anyone. That's a significant limiting factor and another knock against what he's worth. He can't really execute the outside zone or perimeter runs and he can't hurt defenses in the open field = stacked box all day.

The focus during this off season clearly needs to be the Oline and the Dline. Protection and Pressure need to be upgraded if we expect to see any improvement in the performance of the team.  I would not want to see Brady in a different uniform but there is only so much money to go around.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 03:27:48 PMBy that logic we should give Collaros another extension and another $100K.  At some point somebody has to draw a line in the sand.

Obviously the best players get more money but you have to spend wisely with those decisions. Earlier I gave the example of the Lions giving Reilly something like $700K and proceeded to tank their season a few seasons ago. Last year they did the same thing with Rourke and Betts going over the SMS by $300K.

Calgary is paying VAJ less than many top paid QB's. That allowed them to upgrade their DL as an example.

1/3 of a roster is important but it's only about 13 players of the total roster. If you don't have quality in the next 12 or so to make up the starting 24 then you get inferior results. Our DL, OL and receivers overall were inferior to teams with a more balanced use of their SMS. 

It's clear where the Bombers need to upgrade and that doesn't include giving some of the starters a significant portion of an SMS increase.

Some players have earned an increase but it's a small list and the increases should not break the bank. Brady is a perfect example. IMO he's overpaid and we shouldn't be giving him another $20K-$30K ( if that's what he wants ). 

Brady was @ $240K. Mills was @ $123K. There was nearly a $90K difference between Brady and the next top paid RB ( Ouellette ).

I get Brady is a Canadian and home town hero But he's not worth twice the amount of Mills as an example.

Is Ford worth 230k (90k more than holm) , or Robbie smith the highest paid dlineman. or even with Demski at 225k isn't brady more important, younger and more involved in the offense.
Skilled ratio breaking Canadians are always overpaid compared to nonimports.
Just look at Ryan hunter at 275k is he 100k better than Bryant?
If I'm a western division opponent and offer Brady 275k, not only do I get a ratio breaking top rb but i get to weaken the Bombers. If the Bombers match then it weakens their ability to improve under the salary cap (partially because of the Collaros overpay) either way it hurts the bombers either way

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 05, 2025, 02:22:20 PMbb

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 05, 2025, 02:22:20 PMIf Hogan stays, I fully expect Oliveira to leave. Maybe others as well.

I am afraid you are correct and what worries me more is that Osh is stubborn enough to keep Hogan at the expense of losing Oliveira. And probably will lose lots more folks if Hogan stays around.

Quote from: Waffler on November 05, 2025, 03:03:28 PMSeems as good as gone to me. I'll leave it at that.

Free Press:
There's a lot of core pieces that have been here for the last number of years that I think still continue to this day to make an impact on game day," said Oliveira.

"So we don't know what it's going to look like moving forward. There's a lot of free agents, so I think as the months kind of unfold we'll see who's coming back, who's not going to be brought back, and I think that's big into the decision. Like I said, I need to know what's around me and we'll go from there."...

Many players spoke to reporters on Sunday while cleaning out their lockers. Oliveira, however, was nowhere to be found as he was in a meeting with first-year offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan that went longer than expected.

"I had a very good conversation with him. A very good conversation. Obviously, everyone knows my relationship with him. Good conversation, but also some tough conversations as well. But I'll leave it at that," said Oliveira.

Hogan was the team's running backs coach for three seasons prior to taking over Buck Pierce's headset. Oliveira has praised Hogan in recent years, giving him lots of credit for helping the tailback reach CFL stardom. As a playcaller, though, it was a different story. Back in September, Oliveira took a subtle jab by saying, "I think maybe us players could be put in some better situations to succeed as well so that it always doesn't fall on the player."

On Tuesday, Oliveira was asked if the team made a mistake by promoting Hogan to OC.

"I don't think it was a mistake. He deserved an opportunity to showcase his abilities. I mean, the guy works extremely hard. He showed that the last number of seasons," responded Oliveira.

"So I think that's why he was rewarded that opportunity to be an offensive co-ordinator. And I'll leave it at that."

Sounds like Hogan got "Peter Principled"...

Like so many coaches, Lapo and Dyce as HC, they wsere great at OC and STC, but HC was not in their wheelhouse.

Hogan was given the opportunity due to hard work, but has shown that his hard work does not translate into success. 

He needs to go.

Quote from: Pete on November 05, 2025, 05:10:16 PMIs Ford worth 230k (90k more than holm) , or Robbie smith the highest paid dlineman. or even with Demski at 225k isn't brady more important, younger and more involved in the offense.
Skilled ratio breaking Canadians are always overpaid compared to nonimports.
Just look at Ryan hunter at 275k is he 100k better than Bryant?
If I'm a western division opponent and offer Brady 275k, not only do I get a ratio breaking top rb but i get to weaken the Bombers. If the Bombers match then it weakens their ability to improve under the salary cap (partially because of the Collaros overpay) either way it hurts the bombers either way

No Ford is not worth $90K more than Holm. OTOH, the Elks needed to upgrade their Canadian roster and he was a large part of that. That's the slippery slope of supply and demand where the " need " exceeds logic at times due to ratio aspects.  There was a certain amount of PR involved in uniting the Ford brothers.

You're also assuming there are other teams either needing or willing to pay $275K to get BO. Each team has their specific needs from both a position, SMS and ratio.

If Mills is not a free agent, then you could eliminate the Stamps from the bidding war. Can't really tell what happens in free agency as we see something like 100 players change teams.

At the moment I don't see any other team needing or willing to spend that amount for a RB in free agency. BO only signed a 1 year deal this season. Did he get higher offers elsewhere?

Many teams like Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton are in rebuilding modes going into 2026. You can only compete for free agents once those that become free agents are avialable.

I think Brady decides on a change of  scenery.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on November 05, 2025, 05:32:09 PMI think Brady decides on a change of  scenery.

It wouldn't surprise me but he may just be playing hardball. I don't think that is wise in a 9 team CFL. Not every team will be interested from a financial point of view.

It's normal for potential free agents to minimize their criticism of other players/coaches on their team and maximize their own perceived contributions to their team. It's negotiation time.

It's just business and he has earned his right to shop his services across the league.

Has to take care of his family, as CFL careers can be very short.

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 05, 2025, 04:48:21 PMThe focus during this off season clearly needs to be the Oline and the Dline. Protection and Pressure need to be upgraded if we expect to see any improvement in the performance of the team.  I would not want to see Brady in a different uniform but there is only so much money to go around.

Good replacement for Brady is already on the team. Thanks to another good move by Walters.

Mathew Peterson. 5 ft 9 , 209 lbs

24 years old

2025
WPG   15   66   329   1   5.0   38 (rushing)

15   10   51   50   0   5.1   13   ( Receiving.)


Please Upgrade the O line D line .... But Maybe they think those were fine this season. Who knows.

As someone said, earlier,  that would be delusional.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 05, 2025, 05:19:48 PMSounds like Hogan got "Peter Principled"...

Like so many coaches, Lapo and Dyce as HC, they wsere great at OC and STC, but HC was not in their wheelhouse.

Hogan was given the opportunity due to hard work, but has shown that his hard work does not translate into success. 

He needs to go.

Totally. Was Hogan every a great coach? Literally no one I've ever heard was talking the guy up before he was promoted.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 05, 2025, 07:49:31 PMTotally. Was Hogan every a great coach? Literally no one I've ever heard was talking the guy up before he was promoted.

Didn't even know he was on the team...remember how long it took to hire him?  Was he option "C"?

Agree that the Bombers need to retool and restructure. My own 2 cents (which admittedly isn't worth very much):

- Do not resign Dalton Schoen and save the $200k+. I don't think he will be able to rehab the re-injured knee and come back at the same level. While it's possible, the odds are ever not in the Bombers favor.
- Try to figure out a way to restructure Collaros' contract. He's been a great player for Winnipeg, but at $600k/season, he's throwing far too many interceptions and incomplete passes. Perhaps the poor O-line and/or sub-par receivers are driving this, but... his stats the past two seasons haven't justified the spend relative to other QB's.
- Re-signing Brady seems like a good idea, IMO he's the best RB in the league. But if he walks, I'd pursue a few other options out there if they are available. I'm not convinced letting him go is the best option; last year, many on this discussion board were quite happy to see Kenny Lawler leave, and that turned out to be a poor decision in hindsight.
- Take all those savings and upgrade the O-line and D-line.

I guess these are pretty obvious moves, but it begs the question why moves like this were not made during last year's offseason.

Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on November 05, 2025, 05:32:09 PMI think Brady decides on a change of  scenery.

Sounds like it from way he was talking, but it could also be a bargaining ploy as well to get more money from the Bombers.

Quote from: markf on November 05, 2025, 07:26:58 PMGood replacement for Brady is already on the team. Thanks to another good move by Walters.

Mathew Peterson. 5 ft 9 , 209 lbs

24 years old

2025
WPG    15    66    329    1    5.0    38 (rushing)

15    10    51    50    0    5.1    13  ( Receiving.)


Please Upgrade the O line D line .... But Maybe they think those were fine this season. Who knows.

As someone said, earlier,  that would be delusional.

\only benefit Petersen would have is other teams wouldn't have to game plan for him. He's a great backup but personally dont see him as a replacement. Just sign Brady.

Quote from: Cool Spot on November 05, 2025, 08:27:54 PMAgree that the Bombers need to retool and restructure. My own 2 cents (which admittedly isn't worth very much):

- Do not resign Dalton Schoen and save the $200k+. I don't think he will be able to rehab the re-injured knee and come back at the same level. While it's possible, the odds are ever not in the Bombers favor.
- Try to figure out a way to restructure Collaros' contract. He's been a great player for Winnipeg, but at $600k/season, he's throwing far too many interceptions and incomplete passes. Perhaps the poor O-line and/or sub-par receivers are driving this, but... his stats the past two seasons haven't justified the spend relative to other QB's.
- Re-signing Brady seems like a good idea, IMO he's the best RB in the league. But if he walks, I'd pursue a few other options out there if they are available. I'm not convinced letting him go is the best option; last year, many on this discussion board were quite happy to see Kenny Lawler leave, and that turned out to be a poor decision in hindsight.
- Take all those savings and upgrade the O-line and D-line.

I guess these are pretty obvious moves, but it begs the question why moves like this were not made during last year's offseason.

the renegotiating of Zac right now is a no go. We foolishly gave up the chance when we extended his contract and now we have very little leverage especially if Fajardo were to reup  in Edm.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 05, 2025, 05:34:56 PMIt wouldn't surprise me but he may just be playing hardball.

I don't think so. He took a pretty good hometown discount on his last contract.

Offers.
BC: 256k
Hamilton: 275k
WPG: 235k

He makes it clear he wants to win and is not confident of that here.

Quote from: Waffler on November 05, 2025, 09:43:35 PMI don't think so. He took a pretty good hometown discount on his last contract.

Offers.
BC: 256k
Hamilton: 275k
WPG: 235k

He makes it clear he wants to win and is not confident of that here.

He probably owns a home in Winnipeg. How much would it cost him to rent a home in Vancouver for 5 months and be away from his friends and family? I didn't see those offers but I'll take your word on that.

I get the wanting to win a championship but there are no guarantees. Bombers and Argos both were in the Grey Cup last year. This year, neither came close.

Also the Bomber offence has been geared to his talent. The Lions are not a run first or a lot. They are a passing team which is obvious from their QB and receiver group.

In the WSF Butler had 7 carries. O'Rourke had 6 and more yardage. It was an off day for their passing attack

Quote from: The Zipp on November 05, 2025, 08:00:44 PMDidn't even know he was on the team...remember how long it took to hire him?  Was he option "C"?

Check out 2:50, you're unlikely to find higher praise for a coach.


Check out 1:50, he repeats the message.

This is the list of players that are signed for next year. On a positive note there aren't a lot of guys that I think need to be cut:

Zach Collaros -8    QB  A
Terry Wilson -3   QB  A 
Chase Artopoeus -12  QB  A
                   
Michael Chris-Ike -25  RB  N
Matthew Peterson -22 RB  N

Kevens Clercius -86  WR  N
Gavin Cobb -82  WR  N
Joey Corcoran -81  WR  N
Cam Echols -15  WR  A
Ontaria Wilson -80  WR  A

Gabe Wallace -61  OL  N
Kendall Randolph -69  OL  A
Micah Vanterpool -68  OL  A
Ethan Vibert -62  OL  N
   
Ian Leroux -42  LS  N 
Peyton Logan -4  KR/RB  A
Trey Vaval -23  KR/DB  A
                                     
K Munier-Bailey -45  DE  G
Matt Jaworski -56  DL  A
Kydran Jenkins -54  DL  A

Michael Ayers -49  LB  A 
Tony Jones -33  LB  A 
Lane Novak -48  LB  N 
Ethan Ball -29  LB/DB  N
Jaylen Smith -39  LB  N 
Connor Shay -34  LB  N
             
Jake Kelly -16  DB  N
Cam Allen -0  DB  A
Dexter Lawson, Jr. -27  DB  A
Jaiden Woodbey -26  DB/LB  A
Ridge Texada -37  DB  A 
Major Williams -41  DB  A

Quote from: gobombersgo on November 06, 2025, 11:41:20 AMThis is the list of players that are signed for next year. On a positive note there aren't a lot of guys that I think need to be cut:

Zach Collaros -8    QB  A
Terry Wilson -3   QB  A 
Chase Artopoeus -12  QB  A
                   
Michael Chris-Ike -25  RB  N
Matthew Peterson -22 RB  N

Kevens Clercius -86  WR  N
Gavin Cobb -82  WR  N
Joey Corcoran -81  WR  N
Cam Echols -15  WR  A
Ontaria Wilson -80  WR  A

Gabe Wallace -61  OL  N
Kendall Randolph -69  OL  A
Micah Vanterpool -68  OL  A
Ethan Vibert -62  OL  N
   
Ian Leroux -42  LS  N
Peyton Logan -4  KR/RB  A
Trey Vaval -23  KR/DB  A
                                     
K Munier-Bailey -45  DE  G
Matt Jaworski -56  DL  A
Kydran Jenkins -54  DL  A

Michael Ayers -49  LB  A
Tony Jones -33  LB  A
Lane Novak -48  LB  N
Ethan Ball -29  LB/DB  N
Jaylen Smith -39  LB  N
Connor Shay -34  LB  N
             
Jake Kelly -16  DB  N
Cam Allen -0  DB  A
Dexter Lawson, Jr. -27  DB  A
Jaiden Woodbey -26  DB/LB  A
Ridge Texada -37  DB  A
Major Williams -41  DB  A

A decent list of talent not heading to free agency. 4 import rookies, 2 that haven''t played yet, 2 that played in the last game. They will most likely get a chance in TC.

Our QB situation may or may not change before TC. That's something to watch beyond free agency itself.

Surprised by some names on that list, is it in any way official or your best guess?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 06, 2025, 04:51:40 PMSurprised by some names on that list, is it in any way official or your best guess?

I compiled the list myself but it should be accurate.

A player is either signed for next year or is a pending free agent.

Only way the list is wrong is if Hodge's list of pending free agents is wrong.

I am hoping we can get Elgersma signed for TC next season. Would really like to see how this kid looks in a CFL TC.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 07, 2025, 03:55:39 PMI am hoping we can get Elgersma signed for TC next season. Would really like to see how this kid looks in a CFL TC.

me too but I think the siren song of the NFL may still be playing in his head...hard to resist that call of potential $$.  He didn't stick in GB but there will be new opportunities to entice him.

Quote from: The Zipp on November 07, 2025, 04:03:06 PMme too but I think the siren song of the NFL may still be playing in his head...hard to resist that call of potential $$.  He didn't stick in GB but there will be new opportunities to entice him.

Thought he might meet up with the team for the ESF in Montreal to chat, would have been nice to get an update on his intentions.

Quote from: The Zipp on November 07, 2025, 04:03:06 PMme too but I think the siren song of the NFL may still be playing in his head...hard to resist that call of potential $$.  He didn't stick in GB but there will be new opportunities to entice him.

If there aren't any opportunities right now, why would there be more opportunities?

Quote from: Jesse on November 07, 2025, 05:15:45 PMIf there aren't any opportunities right now, why would there be more opportunities?

There isn't, he only perceives there's opportunities. He didn't stick with GB, so why would he stick somewhere else?? I'd argue there's even less opportunity for him this time around vs last, as the next training camp will have a whole other lot of up and coming college Qb's, he's already been in that mix and didn't make it. If Nathan Rourke after a sensational rookie CFL season couldn't make it, some kid from some canadian 3 down college, who didn't win a national championship ain't gonna make it. But he's young, and he wants to exhaust all his NFL options, so so be it, he won't be available until mid season.

Quote from: Jesse on November 07, 2025, 05:15:45 PMIf there aren't any opportunities right now, why would there be more opportunities?

Coaching regime changes. Retirement, trade or release of some QB's and possible injuries that extend into 2026.  TC injuries as well.

NFL has large TC rosters so it's not unusual for some rookie QB's to get TC offers, especially those that were drafted in 2025. It's risky but high reward to survive even as a PR player.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 07, 2025, 05:47:21 PMCoaching regime changes. Retirement, trade or release of some QB's and possible injuries that extend into 2026.  TC injuries as well.

NFL has large TC rosters so it's not unusual for some rookie QB's to get TC offers, especially those that were drafted in 2025. It's risky but high reward to survive even as a PR player.

exactly all of those reasons - new season, new opportunities - opportunities can change week to week in season but off season is when many present themselves...chances are slim he sticks somewhere but the reward / payoff is huge.  a portion of NFL or even other sporting chances are right place at the right time and blind luck.

I think it would be a mistake for him to hang around down south for a second year. The odds of him getting on to a practice roster, never mind an active roster, are very small, and smaller next year due to a new group of drafted and undrafted NCAA QBs coming into the mix. He has a good window in Winnipeg right now since Zach is likely on his last year (or two?), and he could apprentice and then potentially compete for the number one job. There's actually no guarantee he even pans out as a starting QB in the CFL, but the odds are infinitely higher than him catching on in NFL. Its the difference between continuing to buy lottery tickets versus going out and actually working a real job.

Quote from: bunker on November 08, 2025, 01:12:00 PMI think it would be a mistake for him to hang around down south for a second year. The odds of him getting on to a practice roster, never mind an active roster, are very small, and smaller next year due to a new group of drafted and undrafted NCAA QBs coming into the mix. He has a good window in Winnipeg right now since Zach is likely on his last year (or two?), and he could apprentice and then potentially compete for the number one job. There's actually no guarantee he even pans out as a starting QB in the CFL, but the odds are infinitely higher than him catching on in NFL. Its the difference between continuing to buy lottery tickets versus going out and actually working a real job.

Two wasted years feels like a lot.

WOrst case he comes up mid-season next year, but it'd be nice to have him for TC.

I saw him in last years Vanier Cup, a game in which he played very average at best. I am thinking we're are getting our hopes up on someone who isn't even going to make it through training camp, if he even attends a training camp.

Quote from: dd on November 08, 2025, 03:34:21 PMI saw him in last years Vanier Cup, a game in which he played very average at best. I am thinking we're are getting our hopes up on someone who isn't even going to make it through training camp, if he even attends a training camp.

I looked for his highlights video on YouTube... there isn't much there

I hope we go after a couple of Hamilton free agents, (its only fair given the raid on bombers ly) specifically Edwards and Bridges who were both underutilized with Lawler in the line up.

Quote from: Pete on November 10, 2025, 12:42:14 AMI hope we go after a couple of Hamilton free agents, (its only fair given the raid on bombers ly) specifically Edwards and Bridges who were both underutilized with Lawler in the line up.

Bridges would be a solid pick-up.

Hard to talk about FAs until we get closer though. Obviously most players will be re-signed by their teams well in advance.

It looks like the PR list has "disappeared", anyone know who all got flushed out to sea?  Seems like they missed a good opportunity to rid themselves of Dillon Mitchell, why protect him?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 10, 2025, 05:17:08 PMIt looks like the PR list has "disappeared", anyone know who all got flushed out to sea?  Seems like they missed a good opportunity to rid themselves of Dillon Mitchell, why protect him?

Adams, Kornelson and Weitz all ended up on the PR list and are now free agents. I would have thought Mitchell, Logan and Echols would have been bumped to the PR and now been free agents. Not sure what the thinking was there.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 10, 2025, 06:04:10 PMAdams, Kornelson and Weitz all ended up on the PR list and are now free agents. I would have thought Mitchell, Logan and Echols would have been bumped to the PR and now been free agents. Not sure what the thinking was there.

Must have been more than 3 left on the PR?  I don't see Jay Persons on the roster or that American OG.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 10, 2025, 07:30:21 PMMust have been more than 3 left on the PR?  I don't see Jay Persons on the roster or that American OG.

Yes I forgot about Person. I was only intending to list those that were around back in 2023 but spent most of 2025 on the PR.  There were other rookies or recent additions during the expanded PR that were left.

I thought Person would be retained by way of adding him to the 1 game IR. Clearly they wanted to keep the 2 new rookies instead.

I mentioned earlier that it will be interesting to see who gets re-signed before the end of the year using whatever is left of the SMS or otherwise.

I wonder what D. Allen in BC will decide in his choice of team if he reaches free agency and what at what SMS? He's a TOP RT.

Quarterback
Chris Streveler (A) - Gotta be time to move on. For him and us.

Running Back
Brady Oliveira (N) - Tough one. Would obviously love Brady on the team but he'll be expensive.

Receiver
Kody Case (A) - I don't really care one way or the other. Replaceable depth.
Nic Demski (N) - 100% Nic will be back.
Dillon Mitchell (A) - I assume he'll be hitting FA.
Dalton Schoen (A) - What to do with Schoen? Do we sign him and let him try again?
Jerreth Sterns (A) - Very useful piece for Zach.
Keric Wheatfall (A) - I assume Keric will be back, but I hope he has more than what we've seen so far.

Offensive Line - Especially with news that MOS is back, I assume the OL crew will all return.
Stanley Bryant (A)
Tui Eli (N)
Chris Kolankowski (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)

Defensive Line Woods and Vaughters are my only questions. Do they come back or try to find new opportunities?
Willie Jefferson (A)
Cameron Lawson (N)
Tanner Schmekel (N)
Jake Thomas (N)
James Vaughters (A)
Jamal Woods (A)

Linebacker - All these guys likely return unless Gauthier retires (we should let him walk do to our rookie LBs we drafted this year)
Tanner Cadwallader (N)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Kyrie Wilson (A)

Defensive Back - Holm, Nichols, Kramdi are the locks to return. Gotta make decisions on the others, I guess.
Terrell Bonds (A)
Michael Griffin II (A)
Nick Hallett (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Demerio Houston (A)
Redha Kramdi (N)
Enock Makonzo (N)
Deatrick Nichols (A)
Jamal Parker (A)

Specialist - I assume our ST core stays intact.
Sergio Castillo (A)
Jamieson Sheahan (G)

Now OShea/Walters back there are some hard decisions They realize that last year was a step back and have to look hard at at least
Coaching
Keep ot replace ,Hogan/Jackson. My preference is lose both, along with Hall and hire Khari
Defense
Gautier - time to make way for the youth
Dt - we need an upgrade, to both JT and Woods,
De - am exited about new guys Jensen and Jaworski, may mean that either Vaughters or Jefferson are gone, we can use the sms on dt.
Lb - decision has to be made on Ayers, either hes good enough to replace Wilson or on pr,we shouldnt continue to use a di spot on a spec teams specialist.
Offence
The need for an upgrade at center is clear
Reciever, need to replace schoen and find a quality cdn. For some reason they've appear to have lost confidence in Clercius 

Quote from: Pete on November 15, 2025, 02:09:33 PMNow OShea/Walters back there are some hard decisions They realize that last year was a step back and have to look hard at at least
Coaching
Keep ot replace ,Hogan/Jackson. My preference is lose both, along with Hall and hire Khari
Defense
Gautier - time to make way for the youth
Dt - we need an upgrade, to both JT and Woods,
De - am exited about new guys Jensen and Jaworski, may mean that either Vaughters or Jefferson are gone, we can use the sms on dt.
Lb - decision has to be made on Ayers, either hes good enough to replace Wilson or on pr,we shouldnt continue to use a di spot on a spec teams specialist.
Offence
The need for an upgrade at center is clear
Reciever, need to replace schoen and find a quality cdn. For some reason they've appear to have lost confidence in Clercius 

Not sure you re accurate there, he made some very good plays last year.  I think he was nicked...  or got on Hogan's bad side.  He's still a top notch talent, and we should see him back next year, doing good things.

I have no real idea how much SMS is left from this season. We'll get a gist of that by the end of the year to see who we re-sign and how much SMS is being used early. It will also give us insight as to where we might be staying the same or moving on.

There are some obvious re-signings we're hoping for so early news on Demski, Kramdi and Oliveria would be nice Xmas presents.

The team in 2026 will be different than the last team. That's true for every team each year. A lot can be done in free agency if a team chooses.

I probably have a mental list of 12 or so players I don't think will return. Watching the list dwindle as free agency approaches we'll see how that goes.

Quote from: Pete on November 15, 2025, 02:09:33 PMNow OShea/Walters back there are some hard decisions They realize that last year was a step back and have to look hard at at least
Coaching
Keep ot replace ,Hogan/Jackson. My preference is lose both, along with Hall and hire Khari
Defense
Gautier - time to make way for the youth
Dt - we need an upgrade, to both JT and Woods,
De - am exited about new guys Jensen and Jaworski, may mean that either Vaughters or Jefferson are gone, we can use the sms on dt.
Lb - decision has to be made on Ayers, either hes good enough to replace Wilson or on pr,we shouldnt continue to use a di spot on a spec teams specialist.
Offence
The need for an upgrade at center is clear
Reciever, need to replace schoen and find a quality cdn. For some reason they've appear to have lost confidence in Clercius 

I agree with most of what you indicated. However I would probably only keep a few of our OL. Maybe keep Stanley Bryant and Wallace. The rest can go. As for the DL not sure if I would keep any of the starters including Jefferson. And the first move I would like is to replace both the OC and DC folks.

Quote from: BBRT on November 15, 2025, 04:27:07 PMI agree with most of what you indicated. However I would probably only keep a few of our OL. Maybe keep Stanley Bryant and Wallace. The rest can go. As for the DL not sure if I would keep any of the starters including Jefferson. And the first move I would like is to replace both the OC and DC folks.

Why you would be interested in replacing Younger befuddles me... Hogan, you are in the consensus, but Younger has been very good...

Quote from: BBRT on November 15, 2025, 04:27:07 PMI agree with most of what you indicated. However I would probably only keep a few of our OL. Maybe keep Stanley Bryant and Wallace. The rest can go. As for the DL not sure if I would keep any of the starters including Jefferson. And the first move I would like is to replace both the OC and DC folks.

Off season has a lot of which comes first chicken or egg. We may want to re-sign several players while they may choose to test free agency. They might still end up re-signing in Winnipeg but timing is an issue.

Lots of player movement in the early hours / days of free agency. Teams will wait on some but be forced to act on replacing some that choose to delay.

With 1 year contracts every team has to make moment by moment decisions. Demski might re-sign before free agency. OTOH he may test free agency tampering period. I expect him back but as an example if he chooses to leave on day 1 of free agency, it changes who will then re-focus on acquiring.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 15, 2025, 02:36:23 PMNot sure you re accurate there, he made some very good plays last year.  I think he was nicked...  or got on Hogan's bad side.  He's still a top notch talent, and we should see him back next year, doing good things.

I believe both Clercius and MCI have one year left on their contracts, but neither have improved their contribution in their second year as would be expected. At this point they seem to be little more than place-holders, good enough until something better comes along. They remind me of Carl Volny, a super talented RB that played 4 years for the Bombers but rarely touched the ball....which maybe Peterson's fate as well.

We have 13 Canadians on our potential free agent list. 4 of those I don't expect back.  So who will be the 1st to re-sign and which are really most likely to test free agency?

At the end of the season teams have a good sense of what to expect and contract offers are ready for many.  There are some obvious favourites but there has been some discussion about our ability to change the ratio if necessary with lower SMS hits with an import. So pros and cons.

I think sorting out the Canadians on the OL is the 1st priority as far as who do we want and who don't we want. 

I won't be surprised if we see about 5 or 6 re-signings before the end of the year.  In theory I think we'll have some SMS left and will sign some players early.

Like to see us lock up Holm, Demski, and Lawson, early. BO20 could wait for FA. Very deep draft this year for OL and DL. 11 of the 20 top prospects at this point are either play OL or DL.. Also 2 Manitoba kids in the the top 20 and one is a OL. Vaccaro 6"3" 305.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 16, 2025, 06:32:38 PMLike to see us lock up Holm, Demski, and Lawson, early. BO20 could wait for FA. Very deep draft this year for OL and DL. 11 of the 20 top prospects at this point are either play OL or DL.. Also 2 Manitoba kids in the the top 20 and one is a OL. Vaccaro 6"3" 305.

Early lock ups should include Sergio Castillo.  Good kickers are hard to come by.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 16, 2025, 05:48:24 PMWe have 13 Canadians on our potential free agent list. 4 of those I don't expect back.  So who will be the 1st to re-sign and which are really most likely to test free agency?

At the end of the season teams have a good sense of what to expect and contract offers are ready for many.  There are some obvious favourites but there has been some discussion about our ability to change the ratio if necessary with lower SMS hits with an import. So pros and cons.

I think sorting out the Canadians on the OL is the 1st priority as far as who do we want and who don't we want. 

I won't be surprised if we see about 5 or 6 re-signings before the end of the year.  In theory I think we'll have some SMS left and will sign some players early.

The Bombers have a few Natl. players that negotiate their own contracts and are smart enough not to price themselves out of a job. Neuf being the leader on offence Jake on defence, they know once they're done with football a $100k+ salary is not that easy to come by. I expect that strategy has been passed on to a few players on the team as the majority of players probably do not own homes. 

Quote from: Pigskin on November 16, 2025, 06:32:38 PMLike to see us lock up Holm, Demski, and Lawson, early. BO20 could wait for FA. Very deep draft this year for OL and DL. 11 of the 20 top prospects at this point are either play OL or DL.. Also 2 Manitoba kids in the the top 20 and one is a OL. Vaccaro 6"3" 305.

Well yes but can we maximize left over SMS in this group or 2nd tier re-signings. The top players will probably see the larger early money in Feb 2026?

Re-signing early would be great but is that an SMS advantage? Possibly it could be but I think you can chip away at the next level with SMS from 2025.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 16, 2025, 08:48:08 PMWell yes but can we maximize left over SMS in this group or 2nd tier re-signings. The top players will probably see the larger early money in Feb 2026?

Re-signing early would be great but is that an SMS advantage? Possibly it could be but I think you can chip away at the next level with SMS from 2025.

Doesn't look like there was any SMS left over from this season as the only player they re-upped was Pokey, I don't know but I think they have till the end of the year to use it up.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 16, 2025, 08:54:35 PMDoesn't look like there was any SMS left over from this season as the only player they re-upped was Pokey, I don't know but I think they have till the end of the year to use it up.

its still too soon, most teams havent announced any signings, maybe after grey cup weekend?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 16, 2025, 08:54:35 PMDoesn't look like there was any SMS left over from this season as the only player they re-upped was Pokey, I don't know but I think they have till the end of the year to use it up.

We used more on hiding players on the 1 game IR but I think there will still be some left. Yes they have until the end of December to use any remaining SMS in the form of early money. Regardless of whether we think some players should or shouldn't get any large increase, that's different than early money.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 17, 2025, 01:57:27 AMWe used more on hiding players on the 1 game IR but I think there will still be some left. Yes they have until the end of December to use any remaining SMS in the form of early money. Regardless of whether we think some players should or shouldn't get any large increase, that's different than early money.

Not a whole lot of players deserving big raises after this season, most should keep keep their head's down and hope they're still on the team next season. No underpaid DB's really shone this year, Griffin, Schmekel and Cam Lawson may require bumps but nothing big.

Quote from: Pigskin on November 16, 2025, 06:32:38 PMLike to see us lock up Holm, Demski, and Lawson, early. BO20 could wait for FA. Very deep draft this year for OL and DL. 11 of the 20 top prospects at this point are either play OL or DL.. Also 2 Manitoba kids in the the top 20 and one is a OL. Vaccaro 6"3" 305.

Yep. And we're picking 4th in the draft for a change. Good year for it and so far we've got all our picks and possibly the playing-too-many-Canadian pick too.

The difference between Saskatchewan's O and D line and ours is night and day. Post game Harris said he could have played this game without shoulder pads—Zach gets **** near killed every game and sass 4 man front got pressure all night long on Alexander. We need to invest in the big boys on both sides of the line and gets some speed and power on our lines vs just slow bulky guys

The Riders have excellent lines just like we did in 19 and 21.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 17, 2025, 02:43:29 AMNot a whole lot of players deserving big raises after this season, most should keep keep their head's down and hope they're still on the team next season. No underpaid DB's really shone this year, Griffin, Schmekel and Cam Lawson may require bumps but nothing big.

That's true but many will want a piece of the higher SMS.

Replace neufeld, wallace and one of Thomas/Lawson. Canadian talent is our issue. We either have to sign some FAs or it's going to take years to build it back up.

Quote from: dd on November 17, 2025, 03:52:56 AMPost game Harris said he could have played this game without shoulder pads

True but their game plan was get the ball out quickly. So it was a bit of both OL and game planning. I wish we did the same thing. We have a QB of the same vintage as Harris, no reason to expect he can scramble anymore.

Id sign an import tackle, move randolph to guard ( as was the plan ly til we decided to use a spot for a return tackler specialist)
 Id like to replace Kolo but mot sure whose out there for centers)
Im hoping the new de's we signed make an impact.

Quote from: Pete on November 17, 2025, 02:38:07 PMId sign an import tackle, move randolph to guard ( as was the plan ly til we decided to use a spot for a return tackler specialist)
 Id like to replace Kolo but mot sure whose out there for centers)
Im hoping the new de's we signed make an impact.

We basically need to rebuild both lines.

On the defensive line: Only Lawson and Woods really should be here next year.

The offensive line is tricker. Ideally, Randolph and Wallace should be back with Neufeld moving to the 6th OL. That means three new starters there. 

BIG difference between both those teams and ours. We have NO pass rush especially with a weak 3 man front and our O line is surely bad compared to yesterday. Also when they tackled it was at the feet NOT shoulder bumps like our guys. The bombers have gotten soft and OLD in the last couple years.
Things we need are: o linemen, D linemen, better backup QB, receivers, better "coaching" both sides of the ball and getting younger. That is a lot but do we have the management to make those changes?

There is money for a better OC if we get rid of Hogan, Hall and Jackson. Maybe it is time for MOS to take more control over his team.

It is amazing how Sask changed by getting a better HC and not holding on to guys not producing. We seem to be going in the wrong direction.

Quote from: Pete on November 17, 2025, 02:38:07 PMId sign an import tackle, move randolph to guard ( as was the plan ly til we decided to use a spot for a return tackler specialist)
 Id like to replace Kolo but mot sure whose out there for centers)
Im hoping the new de's we signed make an impact.

Eli is a C.  He's been the next one for long enough, its time for him to take the spot.

Neuf, Eli and Wallace is a good middle to an oline... and we have enough beef coming to camp already we should be able to find a couple of OTs

Quote from: theaardvark on November 18, 2025, 03:19:33 AMEli is a C.  He's been the next one for long enough, its time for him to take the spot.

Never.  Eli can't even get to Ko-man levels.  He is low on the beef scale.  Eli is a great, very affordable NAT C backup though, and good at jumbo.  As such he is a keeper.

Brady almost spelled out that for him to re-sign he wants Stan/Neuf/Zach.  So the replacements will be at LG, C, RT -- if we go that route.  The "unloved" guys (that no one has said boo about) is Ko-man and Rand/Loft/whoever-is-at-RT -- those guys are on the bubble.

If we had a league top-3 C and a Yoshi level RT we may instantly be in the pound seats.

Quote from: dd on November 17, 2025, 03:52:56 AMThe difference between Saskatchewan's O and D line and ours is night and day. Post game Harris said he could have played this game without shoulder pads—Zach gets **** near killed every game

It's astounding, isn't it!

Trevor got touched just once the whole game: early on when he took a little too long to get the ball out, they smacked him a little bit after the dump pass.  The rest of the night no one got to touch Trevor.  Yes they were short-mostly, but they did do 1 deep shot and 3 mid shots -- so a DL did have time to get there 4 times (but didn't).

Zach gets creamed every other play most of the season (but not the ESF to their credit) and half the time doesn't even get the magic 2.7s.  90% of snaps should give Zach 2.7s, and failing at that is why we sucked so bad.

Quote from: Jesse on November 10, 2025, 12:20:54 PMBridges would be a solid pick-up.

But we don't need the fast WR type.  Pokey is that, Wheatie is that, Mitchell is that (though he's probably gone-zo), even Demski is that.  The big thing we lacked was the middle/crosser good-hands bruiser type.  Not sure who would best fit that role (and will be in FA), but that's what we need most.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 04, 2025, 03:56:56 PMThe reports coming out about the Hogan/Mitchell feud are disturbing.

I looked and looked but couldn't find this info... do you have links?  Or the TL;DR Aards version?

Quote from: theaardvark on November 04, 2025, 03:18:02 PMnot sure what the penalty for blowing the front office $SMS is, but we should do that and hire the best.  Is Lapo ready to return?

You have to give up your 2RDP in the Coaches Draft?  :D  :D

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 03, 2025, 02:00:30 PMHamilton went from last to 1st in 2025.

But it was fake 1st and everyone knew it.  No question MTL was going to cream them in the post-season -- they were only 2nd because Alexander was out a bunch of games.  Even TOR would have probably beaten them had Kelly been healthy in week 1.

Kenny had a miserable final-third of the season and got no home runs in the EDF.  DCs and DBs figured out how to neutralize him by mid-season.  Remember, he didn't do squat against us in our 2 games!

Yes, HAM improved a lot, but only from near-last to 3rd-ish.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 04, 2025, 09:30:17 PMThat doesn't mean a Canadian starter should get $300K ( as an example ) just because the SMS went up.

Yes, it kind of does, because the players haven't gotten much of a raise since pre-covid, and yet gov has inflated away our dollar by basically 33% since that time.  Now that there's finally some extra CFL money, most players that have any leverage should be demanding a 10, 20, 30% raise.  Even then they won't be keeping up with real inflation -- so they aren't really winning.  (It's the same reason Canada is seeing so many strikes across many sectors these last 2 years.)

Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 07:35:20 AMYes, it kind of does, because the players haven't gotten much of a raise since pre-covid, and yet gov has inflated away our dollar by basically 33% since that time.  Now that there's finally some extra CFL money, most players that have any leverage should be demanding a 10, 20, 30% raise.  Even then they won't be keeping up with real inflation -- so they aren't really winning.  (It's the same reason Canada is seeing so many strikes across many sectors these last 2 years.)

Nope. Don't agree.

I think that the pay for cdns is obviously not proportionate to talent
 Gms have to be more creative in how we utilize them. You cant just fill up your oline.
We have been pretty set over the last 5 years in utilizing 3 oline 2 receivers 1 dline and 1 sam with Olivera giving us a bit of flexibility. We may have to relook at this.
 Sask for example went to 3 and at time 4 noncdns oline and 4 cdn receivers

Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 07:25:38 AMBut we don't need the fast WR type.  Pokey is that, Wheatie is that, Mitchell is that (though he's probably gone-zo), even Demski is that.  The big thing we lacked was the middle/crosser good-hands bruiser type.  Not sure who would best fit that role (and will be in FA), but that's what we need most.

Schaffer-Baker would be a great pickup, he has good size and runs those crossing routes and picks up YAC as well as anyone.  He doesn't seem like a great route runner but gets by more on athletic talent and refusal to go down as the Philpot boys do. Bonus being a Natl. gives them a legitimate #3 receiver to compliment Demski and improve on Clercius and Corcoran.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2025, 03:56:37 PMSchaffer-Baker would be a great pickup, he has good size and runs those crossing routes and picks up YAC as well as anyone.  He doesn't seem like a great route runner but gets by more on athletic talent and refusal to go down as the Philpot boys do.

But I don't think we need it to be a NAT, so why overpay for a top NAT?  Plus, KSB has been suspect since his return, and his hands haven't been looking great.  He didn't do squat in the GC and Trevor basically shunned him after he let them down.

Let others overpay for REC.  I want the cheaper hidden gems this year.  Unless we can get Herslow -- I'd pay top dollar for him on a 3-year contract!!

Quote from: Tecno on November 23, 2025, 03:32:05 AMBut I don't think we need it to be a NAT, so why overpay for a top NAT?  Plus, KSB has been suspect since his return, and his hands haven't been looking great.  He didn't do squat in the GC and Trevor basically shunned him after he let them down.

Let others overpay for REC.  I want the cheaper hidden gems this year.  Unless we can get Herslow -- I'd pay top dollar for him on a 3-year contract!!

He's a good talent but he's not yet a player to get top money. He's also an import.  Only 14 games in the CFL, 13 in 2025 and was 23 rd in total yardage.

Quote from: Tecno on November 23, 2025, 03:32:05 AMBut I don't think we need it to be a NAT, so why overpay for a top NAT?  Plus, KSB has been suspect since his return, and his hands haven't been looking great.  He didn't do squat in the GC and Trevor basically shunned him after he let them down.

Let others overpay for REC.  I want the cheaper hidden gems this year.  Unless we can get Herslow -- I'd pay top dollar for him on a 3-year contract!!

Herslow had one decent season, he spent most of 2023 on the Rider PR and most of 2024 on the Argo PR.  At best probably a #4th or #5 receiver and at 6'-0" 185 he doesn't add any size, muscle or ratio advantage. Plenty of great Natl. receivers in the league now with good size, with Demski's advancing age it wouldn't be a bad idea to think about his future replacement. 

Bottom line the receiving corps needs more definition, size matters as does brains, muscle and blocking ability, they can't fill the deck with medium sized receivers who do yoga but are allergic to the weight room.  I don't think Zach has the patience to endure the learning curve with another bunch of rookies, Walters needs to purchase some proven receiver talent.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2025, 05:51:24 PMHerslow had one decent season, he spent most of 2023 on the Rider PR and most of 2024 on the Argo PR.  At best probably a #4th or #5 receiver and at 6'-0" 185 he doesn't add any size, muscle or ratio advantage. Plenty of great Natl. receivers in the league now with good size, with Demski's advancing age it wouldn't be a bad idea to think about his future replacement. 

Bottom line the receiving corps needs more definition, size matters as does brains, muscle and blocking ability, they can't fill the deck with medium sized receivers who do yoga but are allergic to the weight room.  I don't think Zach has the patience to endure the learning curve with another bunch of rookies, Walters needs to purchase some proven receiver talent.

Agree, nothing special about Herslow, he's a dime a dozen type reciever, we need a game breaker, game changer, every team seems to find them, we're due to find ours..

Quote from: dd on November 23, 2025, 09:23:50 PMAgree, nothing special about Herslow, he's a dime a dozen type reciever, we need a game breaker, game changer, every team seems to find them, we're due to find ours..

Pokey is a game breaker, parlay him with a healthy Schoen and Demski and they would be a handful to cover.  Still think Wheatfall has the talent and work ethic to be a top end receiver as well but that heavily depends on a QB able to get him the ball in space. If Zach continues to under-throw open receivers next season the gig is up.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2025, 10:03:42 PMPokey is a game breaker, parlay him with a healthy Schoen and Demski and they would be a handful to cover.  Still think Wheatfall has the talent and work ethic to be a top end receiver as well but that heavily depends on a QB able to get him the ball in space. If Zach continues to under-throw open receivers next season the gig is up.

I can't see Shoen being here especially for the first half of the season, and if he is how effective will he be? I like Pokey, and Demski, even Sterns or Wheatfall should compete, what I would really like us to do is sign a quality Cdn receiver that can give us some options. A few names that are currently free agents - Gittens Jr, Brisset, Barnes, Schafer Baker, NIeld (note Sask has a bunch of other receivers not signed that will need a raise including Emilus, Johnson and Meyers)
Our cdn receiver depth was awful and one of these might even give us an opportunity to go with 3 cdn receivers allowing for an extra import on the oline.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 23, 2025, 10:03:42 PMPokey is a game breaker, parlay him with a healthy Schoen and Demski and they would be a handful to cover.  Still think Wheatfall has the talent and work ethic to be a top end receiver as well but that heavily depends on a QB able to get him the ball in space. If Zach continues to under-throw open receivers next season the gig is up.

We've watched Schoen and Demski and Pokey and Wheatfall for a could years now. It's been our least successful offence through this whole run.

Individually they all still have potential, but we haven't seen any of them prove it consistently yet.

Quote from: Pete on November 23, 2025, 10:34:02 PMI can't see Shoen being here especially for the first half of the season, and if he is how effective will he be? I like Pokey, and Demski, even Sterns or Wheatfall should compete, what I would really like us to do is sign a quality Cdn receiver that can give us some options. A few names that are currently free agents - Gittens Jr, Brisset, Barnes, Schafer Baker, NIeld (note Sask has a bunch of other receivers not signed that will need a raise including Emilus, Johnson and Meyers)
Our cdn receiver depth was awful and one of these might even give us an opportunity to go with 3 cdn receivers allowing for an extra import on the oline.

Agree i don't think Schoen will play next season, he may even retire, they need to come up with at least 2 solid contributors, one American one Canadian.  Sterns and Clercius are adequate but could be improved upon.

Quote from: Jesse on November 23, 2025, 10:46:23 PMWe've watched Schoen and Demski and Pokey and Wheatfall for a could years now. It's been our least successful offence through this whole run.

Individually they all still have potential, but we haven't seen any of them prove it consistently yet.

Demski has had 3 consecutive seasons - the last 3 - with over 1,000 years receiving. He doesn't need to prove himself.

 

Quote from: dd on November 23, 2025, 09:23:50 PMAgree, nothing special about Herslow, he's a dime a dozen type reciever, we need a game breaker, game changer, every team seems to find them, we're due to find ours..

Are we watching the same CFL games?  Herslow produced so much magic, great moves, great hurdles, slippery YAC -- all on a horrible team with no QB.

Herslow is the next big thing, like a young Ellingson.  No, it's Robustelli, Eberhardt, Berryhill, Meyers, etc that are the dime a dozen.  Out of all the rookie IMP RECs (and 2nd year breakout guys), Herslow is the only one that really stood out as having star potential.  IMHO

Nice lists. But most guys are nit adequate.

QBs - at best a hole and a prayer.
Running back- Brady and his OC buddy appear to think the grease is greener.
O line. - when a O Line is standing with their hands on their hips looking at the running back splayed out under a pile of defender, and they ain't down there with them , it's  get a ticket fat boy. We got nothing but pain, no yards and dead QBs.
D line. - get real jobs boys. Your day has come and gone.
Line backers? When you are under the pile seven yards down field, your day that is best before date, has come and gone..


It will be between us and Ottawa for worst team. Can you say John Schneider and Luther Selbo.( My first year attending)

Oh well we will have lots of homeless shelters, closed buildings, and zero downtown attractions to venture north of  the hockey arena.

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 23, 2025, 11:07:49 PMDemski has had 3 consecutive seasons - the last 3 - with over 1,000 years receiving. He doesn't need to prove himself.

Demski can't do it in his own and he hasn't really been available for any of our Grey Cups. And now he's getting older.

As a whole, our receiving group isn't cutting it.

Quote from: Jesse on November 24, 2025, 03:19:05 AMDemski can't do it in his own and he hasn't really been available for any of our Grey Cups. And now he's getting older.

As a whole, our receiving group isn't cutting it.

You said specifically Demski (along with others) had to prove himself. I maintain Demski has proved himself. He is a vital and solid contributor to the Bomber team.

Demski's had some very minor injury issues but has more than proven his value to this team. He's been an all-star for five straight seasons.

Demski is a stud and the least of my concerns on offense.

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 24, 2025, 04:45:44 AMYou said specifically Demski (along with others) had to prove himself. I maintain Demski has proved himself. He is a vital and solid contributor to the Bomber team.

You're absolutely right and I certainly don't want to bag on Demski. He's one of my favourite players and one of the only guys who showed up this year.

That said, he's been here and on the field for the last two seasons when our offence has floundered. So it's a question of what has Demski proved himself to be? Because when he is out go-to target, the offence does not seem to be successful. So it's one of the questions that need to be asked.

Can he be our #2? Do we need him as a #3? Is 1000 yards too much to ask of him AND be healthy for the post season?

Demski has proved himself. But that doesn't mean there aren't questions to ask as we enter the off-season. I don't feel like it's a slight to wonder what his most effective role in the offense can be.

Quote from: Jesse on November 24, 2025, 05:41:36 PMYou're absolutely right and I certainly don't want to bag on Demski. He's one of my favourite players and one of the only guys who showed up this year.

That said, he's been here and on the field for the last two seasons when our offence has floundered. So it's a question of what has Demski proved himself to be? Because when he is out go-to target, the offence does not seem to be successful. So it's one of the questions that need to be asked.

Can he be our #2? Do we need him as a #3? Is 1000 yards too much to ask of him AND be healthy for the post season?

Demski has proved himself. But that doesn't mean there aren't questions to ask as we enter the off-season. I don't feel like it's a slight to wonder what his most effective role in the offense can be.

I certainly don't want to be overbearing on this topic but Demski has steadily improved since coming over from the Riders.  I honestly don't know what more people could expect from him.  The "floundering" offence is not on him.  His production has been stellar.

Quote from: Jesse on November 24, 2025, 05:41:36 PMYou're absolutely right and I certainly don't want to bag on Demski. He's one of my favourite players and one of the only guys who showed up this year.

That said, he's been here and on the field for the last two seasons when our offence has floundered. So it's a question of what has Demski proved himself to be? Because when he is out go-to target, the offence does not seem to be successful. So it's one of the questions that need to be asked.

Can he be our #2? Do we need him as a #3? Is 1000 yards too much to ask of him AND be healthy for the post season?

Demski has proved himself. But that doesn't mean there aren't questions to ask as we enter the off-season. I don't feel like it's a slight to wonder what his most effective role in the offense can be.

He just has to be Nic Demski nothing more, it's up to the team to put the other players in place that compliment him and allow him to excel. He's a steady #3 receiver, he's more dangerous with 2 gifted receivers in the two top spots, they already have Pokey so they need one more.

These lists of players are about what? Import vs Non import?

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 24, 2025, 05:57:43 PMI certainly don't want to be overbearing on this topic but Demski has steadily improved since coming over from the Riders.  I honestly don't know what more people could expect from him.  The "floundering" offence is not on him.  His production has been stellar.

I'm asking what we need around him for the offense to be successful.

Quote from: Jesse on November 24, 2025, 08:17:39 PMI'm asking what we need around him for the offense to be successful.

we need another quality cdn receiver around so we don't have to put him right back out there when he or CLercius is hurt. Also a receiver such as Hamiltons Edwards would keep teams from keying in on Demski and Wilson. And the other piece is upgrades to oline to allow Zac time to throw to these guys

Quote from: Jesse on November 24, 2025, 08:17:39 PMI'm asking what we need around him for the offense to be successful.

I can think of a few things:
1. an improved O-line (pass protection needs to be considerably better)
2. an improved receiving corps (with at least one elite receiver; two would be better)
3. an upgrade at OC (Hogan hasn't earned a second look, IMO)

Quote from: Pete on November 24, 2025, 08:26:28 PMwe need another quality cdn receiver around so we don't have to put him right back out there when he or CLercius is hurt. Also a receiver such as Hamiltons Edwards would keep teams from keying in on Demski and Wilson. And the other piece is upgrades to oline to allow Zac time to throw to these guys

Who?

Schafer baker, Barnes, Gittens jr, Brisset for a few

Quote from: ModAdmin on November 24, 2025, 05:57:43 PMI certainly don't want to be overbearing on this topic but Demski has steadily improved since coming over from the Riders.  I honestly don't know what more people could expect from him.  The "floundering" offence is not on him.  His production has been stellar.

Ya, and Demski has really never missed wide swathes of games like most RECs go through a couple/few times in their long careers.  I can't recall Demski ever having a season-ender in the summer, for instance.  He's a bit like the Fatboi of RECs -- mostly always available.

Ya, he gets some nicks & dings, and yes he's usually playing only 60% come GC time, but at least he's there for most of it.

I think '25 is the first time he's been absent for the post-season.