Yay! A KW presser. Always love these. We only get them 4-5 times a year.
It really wasn't a "about your contract extension", it was more a "state of the WFC" and general record/personnel questions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUzJhenPOE0
TL;DR
- no plan to renog Zach's big $$ ("we never been big on renegotiating")
- Zach needs better support (+1 for Tecno's OL upgrade theory!)
- will work on communicating better to players we're not re-signing
- Elgersma may come up, and may be good
- extra $400k cap: too much uncertainty to spend it; most teams used it for 1GIR
- 6GIR was same as avg of last 7 years
- Mitchell had trouble (I really think he's being let go)
- could have done better in FA25, especially REC
- Wallace stepped up
- sky's not falling, we're 10-8, we'll get back to winning
TLB said on the video thread:
QuoteI'm convinced nobody else sees these videos.
Well, 935 people have watched KW's as of right now. Sounds about right. Probably 1k more by this time tomorrow. Then it peters off. You have to be a pretty big uberfan to watch your GM talk shop.
I'll add that he didn't really say he'd work on communicating better with players, that was a throw away comment at the end of the discussion that mostly seemed like a joke. He basically said that out goings players who have complained simply have sour grapes. He flat out said Kenny was lying about how it went down.
In regards to Elgersma, I've seen people say he might take until half way through next season to come up. Walters gave the date of Feb. 1, when futures contracts begin to get offered. He seems to think that if Elgersma doesn't sign something at that point, he'll sign with us pretty quickly.
I don't recall him saying he could have done better in FA. He was asked what he could have done better in retrospect but refused to answer, saying we all need to do better.
Something that I heard both him and MOS say, we need to reset and get this going back in the right direction. They seem ready to make some changes. I think we all lament somewhat the early days when Walters was a big spender in FA and MOS coached with a more risky style. But they haven't had to perform that way in quite some time. Apparently, at a recent lunch together, they talked about how exited they were for this new challenge of rebuilding a successful team that has dipped.
Somewhat excitedly, Walters talked about the opportunity that 1-year contracts give to rebuild your team quickly, pointing to Calgary who totally remade their team last year and turned things around instantly. This all could mean some of the turnover people have been talking about.
Quote from: Tecno on November 20, 2025, 06:25:17 AM- no plan to renog Zach's big $$ ("we never been big on renegotiating")
- Zach needs better support (+1 for Tecno's OL upgrade theory!)
This would make more sense if he said Zach will take a pay cut to pay for the better support. Sure hope he has a plan to find an extra few 100,000 dollars somewhere else then. I think it will be more of the same. Lose some of our top guys and buy bargains in free agency.
Quote from: Waffler on November 20, 2025, 01:16:34 PMThis would make more sense if he said Zach will take a pay cut to pay for the better support. Sure hope he has a plan to find an extra few 100,000 dollars somewhere else then. I think it will be more of the same. Lose some of our top guys and buy bargains in free agency.
Well, first, the usable salary cap will be bigger. That 400k that Walters didn't spend last year, is now on the table. We're also probably getting another bump this year. So that will hopefully be done in a more timely manner than last year so GMs actually know what numbers they are working with and team owners can approve the spending. Could be 800k+ that is on the table for all teams. That kind of increase also reduces the cap% that Zach's contract represents.
Second, just imagine the contracts of Dillon Mitchell, Peyton Logan, Jonathon Jones, Dalton Schoen were actually usable players instead of being benched, cut, or injured. There's going to be plenty of room to make moves. Even Vaughters, who was a starter, could potentially be replaced by the pair of entry contract guys in Jenkins/Jaworski.
Not as fun, but if Brady takes a mega deal somewhere, his contract could be flipped into another position as well. Although, if we pay up to keep him, that again hampers our roster construction a bit.
The obvious question is if we're not asking money back from Zach how are we supposed to give him better tools at receiver and offensive line? Free Agency is not cheap by definition and rookie receivers and OL aren't usually good immediately.
Options include, what?
And that's saying nothing about the defensive side of the ball where I'm quite convinced we don't have the right people along the line and I'm not sure if Deatrick is going continue to regress at half. If he takes another step back next year that will not be good and if we can't get a pass rush then he has to be stellar.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2025, 02:10:45 PMWell, first, the usable salary cap will be bigger. That 400k that Walters didn't spend last year, is now on the table.
This part is a wash because other teams get the same increase. We have to compete with them.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2025, 02:10:45 PMimagine the contracts of Dillon Mitchell, Peyton Logan, Jonathon Jones, Dalton Schoen were actually usable players instead of being benched, cut, or injured.
Agree that if we sign better, have better luck, in free agency it helps but not guaranteed. Schoen and Strev may very well be back, we don't know that. MOS loves both of these guys.
I think it's a fair statement that Collaros hasn't earned his salary the last two seasons. And while that doesn't fall entirely at his feet, opening up some SMS space to help bolster the offensive roster could help him in terms both of production and protection.
Maybe renegotiating his contract for 2026 is something this regime should consider if it wants to right the ship next season.
The trenches have to be prioritized this off-season.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 20, 2025, 02:22:38 PMI think it's a fair statement that Collaros hasn't earned his salary the last two seasons.
Agree but Walters says in his presser that Zach earned that contract. So it seems they will honor it.
Quote from: Waffler on November 20, 2025, 02:20:00 PMThis part is a wash because other teams get the same increase. We have to compete with them.
But it's about reallocating our funds. Teams always have the same amount of money.
Other teams are also about to have to "pay up" for their QBs. Harris, Adams JR, Fajardo, and Mitchell were all on deals this this season. I don't expect any of them to return for similar money, especially with new funds available.
Quote from: Waffler on November 20, 2025, 02:20:00 PMThis part is a wash because other teams get the same increase. We have to compete with them.
Agree that if we sign better, have better luck, in free agency it helps but not guaranteed. Schoen and Strev may very well be back, we don't know that. MOS loves both of these guys.
I have no problem signing either Schoen or Strev to a short term (2 year), low guaranteed minimum, with substantial bonuses for games played + performance recognition. Bring 'em to camp cheap and let 'em compete; if someone else beats them out, well that's the reality of pro sports. If they play well, everyone wins. If they play poorly or get hurt, it doesn't cost the Bombers (as) much.
That said, if I'm Walters, I'm going hard after the best OL available in FA, and I'm making a run at Tyson Philpot(WR, MTL) to improve our Canadian WR depth (and backup KR/PR). Kid is 26, a National, and has a big future in front of him. He had almost 850 yards this year, has improved every year, and I could see him learning a lot from guys like Demski.
Oh, and I'm spending big on an experienced OC. Best available coach that fits the Mafia vision, no matter the cost.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2025, 11:52:23 AMI'll add that he didn't really say he'd work on communicating better with players, that was a throw away comment at the end of the discussion that mostly seemed like a joke. He basically said that out goings players who have complained simply have sour grapes. He flat out said Kenny was lying about how it went down.
In regards to Elgersma, I've seen people say he might take until half way through next season to come up. Walters gave the date of Feb. 1, when futures contracts begin to get offered. He seems to think that if Elgersma doesn't sign something at that point, he'll sign with us pretty quickly.
I don't recall him saying he could have done better in FA. He was asked what he could have done better in retrospect but refused to answer, saying we all need to do better.
Something that I heard both him and MOS say, we need to reset and get this going back in the right direction. They seem ready to make some changes. I think we all lament somewhat the early days when Walters was a big spender in FA and MOS coached with a more risky style. But they haven't had to perform that way in quite some time. Apparently, at a recent lunch together, they talked about how exited they were for this new challenge of rebuilding a successful team that has dipped.
Somewhat excitedly, Walters talked about the opportunity that 1-year contracts give to rebuild your team quickly, pointing to Calgary who totally remade their team last year and turned things around instantly. This all could mean some of the turnover people have been talking about.
I hope he shows better judgement this off season as to who to sign. Last year was pretty lame.
I like the way Walters comes across as a person, and I think he's generally a straight shooter. I enjoyed the insight that he and O'Shea used to get into pretty heated arguments early in their partnership but have found a way to work more smoothly together. It was clear they were not always on the same page, at least early in their tenure.
But it terms of performance as a GM, I think Walters has been pretty bad the last few years, and especially the last year. He earned another chance due to his record of past success, but the scouting of Americans, the drafting and especially the free agency signings have all been pretty bad for the last 2 years. And the extension of Zach very early with no cut in salary was a head scratcher. Maybe he and O'Shea need to go back to screaming at each other.
Quote from: VictorRomano on November 20, 2025, 02:35:57 PMI have no problem signing either Schoen or Strev to a short term (2 year), low guaranteed minimum, with substantial bonuses for games played + performance recognition. Bring 'em to camp cheap and let 'em compete; if someone else beats them out, well that's the reality of pro sports. If they play well, everyone wins. If they play poorly or get hurt, it doesn't cost the Bombers (as) much.
That said, if I'm Walters, I'm going hard after the best OL available in FA, and I'm making a run at Tyson Philpot(WR, MTL) to improve our Canadian WR depth (and backup KR/PR). Kid is 26, a National, and has a big future in front of him. He had almost 850 yards this year, has improved every year, and I could see him learning a lot from guys like Demski.
Oh, and I'm spending big on an experienced OC. Best available coach that fits the Mafia vision, no matter the cost.
I think it would absolutely be a mistake to bring Strev back (unless you want to give him a coaching spot).
And I think Philpot never makes it to FA. Their GM has already commented that he'll be back.
Agree, Philpot will be stay in Montreal.
Quote from: Ridermania on November 20, 2025, 03:49:34 PMAgree, Philpot will be stay in Montreal.
Will he? If some team desperate to improve Canadian depth at WR throws around some big numbers at him, why would he not take advantage of that? We all saw (in the case of Kenny) that money talks and ******** walks, same with Couture. Same with Dobson. Same with Hardrick.....If Montreal re-signs him early, there's nothing we can do, but I can't believe Philpot's agent, after the season Philpot had (and last year, too), would tell his client *not* to test the market and see what he's worth....I feel like he's proven himself enough to be worthy of numbers in the lower Demski range as a Nat....
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2025, 03:08:36 PMI think it would absolutely be a mistake to bring Strev back (unless you want to give him a coaching spot).
And I think Philpot never makes it to FA. Their GM has already commented that he'll be back.
Agree. Montreal realizes full well what they have there in Philipot and aren't going to let him slip away. Premium NAT reciever, who I'd take over Kenny Lawler any day.
The CFL west now, is much tougher than it was during the Bombers five trips to the Grey Cup.
Sask,B.C. coaching,was probably not great, Elks were in Turmoil, Calgary had questionable quarterbacking till this season, and their defence is much improved. Sask, looks formidable. B.C. just needs to fix their D. Elks were improving, and lost some close games. Young head coach, should learn from it.
All of these teams are better now than they were. We are worse.
I'd say the Bombers need to do more than some tweaking, to keep up.
On a positive note, not many Bomber free agents will be due large salary increases.
On the flip side, teams like the Riders and Als will be hard pressed to keep all their free agents.
Walters just needs better luck during free agency this year compared to last year.
He needs to target legitimate starters and not guys that have potential or just fill out a roster.
Quote from: VictorRomano on November 20, 2025, 02:35:57 PMI have no problem signing either Schoen or Strev to a short term (2 year), low guaranteed minimum, with substantial bonuses for games played + performance recognition.
Disagree.
Both players have hurt the same knee two years in a row, and this year those injuries were both non-contact - meaning that there's something biomechanical going on in the way they move. There's growing evidence that rehabilitation from a ligament injury is probably closer to 2 years than 1 year, and it's unlikely that players return to the same level of performance that they had prior to the injury.
It's true both players will work hard to return, but Mother Nature and Father Time both team up to come for us all, and some of us sooner than later.
I think the Bombers need to acknowledge that reality in the near term and look elsewhere to rebuild.
Quote from: Tecno on November 20, 2025, 06:25:17 AM- sky's not falling, we're 10-8, we'll get back to winning
I think this is an optimistic, and therefore unrealistic, take by Kyle Walters.
The last two games of the seasons were throwaway games by the opposition; Sask would very likely have beaten Wpg in that second-to-last game of the year if both teams took the game seriously, and let's discount the MTL one since it didn't matter to the Alouettes. The Bombers started 3-0 (finishing 10-8), but after that 3-0 start, and after removing the discounted wins at the end, and including the playoff loss, they were 5-9. That is, they trended pretty steadily downwards.
The sky is not falling, but it's clearly not rising, either.
Quote from: Cool Spot on November 20, 2025, 09:23:30 PMI think this is an optimistic, and therefore unrealistic, take by Kyle Walters.
The last two games of the seasons were throwaway games by the opposition; Sask would very likely have beaten Wpg in that second-to-last game of the year if both teams took the game seriously, and let's discount the MTL one since it didn't matter to the Alouettes. The Bombers started 3-0 (finishing 10-8), but after that 3-0 start, and after removing the discounted wins at the end, and including the playoff loss, they were 5-9. That is, they trended pretty steadily downwards.
The sky is not falling, but it's clearly not rising, either.
He also open his press conference by saying that we lacked quality wins. He admitted that even though 10-8 sound ok, we only had 2 good wins the whole season against good competition.
That last line was a through away comment when reporters asked why fans should be optimistic for next year. He had spent the whole time talking about how change was needed and everyone had to do better.
Quote from: markf on November 20, 2025, 06:49:31 PMThe CFL west now, is much tougher than it was during the Bombers five trips to the Grey Cup.
Sask,B.C. coaching,was probably not great, Elks were in Turmoil, Calgary had questionable quarterbacking till this season, and their defence is much improved. Sask, looks formidable. B.C. just needs to fix their D. Elks were improving, and lost some close games. Young head coach, should learn from it.
All of these teams are better now than they were. We are worse.
I'd say the Bombers need to do more than some tweaking, to keep up.
I agree. With Buck in BC, and Rourke at QB, you know their offense is going to put up points, thing is their defense has got to step up and they didn't. Sask offense and BC offense are pretty even with great Qb, decent run game and super recieving corps. BC has better kicker but their defense has got to take the next step before they break through. And Sask needs to replace Lauther, he's been too inconsistent, and that could bite them if BC closes the game and it comes down to field goals
Quote from: Waffler on November 20, 2025, 02:25:21 PMAgree but Walters says in his presser that Zach earned that contract. So it seems they will honor it.
He even mentioned Zach showed sparks in 2 games! I observed not enough sparks in the other 17!
Quote from: bunker on November 20, 2025, 02:36:33 PMI hope he shows better judgement this off season as to who to sign. Last year was pretty lame.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but who was complaining when they signed Vaughters, Mitchell, Logan and Jon Jones in the off-season? All were considered quality players with good pedigrees, spending more money guarantees nothing, FA remains a crap shoot. Hervey spent a fortune on the Elks D-line, they underperformed and missed the playoffs.
Quote from: dd on November 20, 2025, 05:42:30 PMAgree. Montreal realizes full well what they have there in Philipot and aren't going to let him slip away. Premium NAT reciever, who I'd take over Kenny Lawler any day.
Not suggesting the the Als will let Philpott slide away but they might have difficulty paying him, Austin Mack and Snead elite receiver wages over $200k, with Rambo and Spieker also expecting raises. The last 2 names are the mediocre performers I hope the Bombers avoid signing, BC, Calgary and Sask. have better #4 and 5 receivers to pick from.
Quote from: Waffler on November 20, 2025, 02:25:21 PMAgree but Walters says in his presser that Zach earned that contract. So it seems they will honor it.
Ya, when both sides of the negotiating table say "Zach gets his max" then 100% for sure nothing is going to happen.
Like NIMBY: NIMPC = Not In My Pay Check
"Reduce salaries so we can hire better FAs to help us win" sounds great, as long as it's the next guy's salary!
Hey, at least Zach is probably only the 3rd highest paid QB now. And probably 4th/5th if Trevor/BLM get a pay raise.
Quote from: Waffler on November 20, 2025, 01:16:34 PMI think it will be more of the same. Lose some of our top guys and buy bargains in free agency.
In '19-'21 we did a superb job of picking up unrecognized gems that turned into solid guys who helped us win cups. Especially ex-EDMs. Lately our hidden gem picks haven't panned out as well -- maybe 1 a year is worth keeping. The 2 from the last 2 years are T.Jones and Vaughters.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2025, 11:52:23 AMI don't recall him saying he could have done better in FA. He was asked what he could have done better in retrospect but refused to answer, saying we all need to do better.
I wrote the list at the exact moment I heard it, and I distinctly remember him ruing FA25 a bit and specifically mentioning the REC position.
He said Bombers dont like to renegotiate contracts. And Zach is getting paid based on what he did in the past. Not what he can do now. At least that's what I understood.
Is that a good approach?
Bo Levi took a cut, Fajardo must have. I don't know about Adams jr.
Also Willie took a pay cut at one point.
3 down
" The tabled deal would pay Jefferson in the range of $225,000 per year. He earned $205,000 last year after restructing a contract that was originally set to pay him $265,000."
So they may not be big on it, but they've done it.
Quote from: markf on November 21, 2025, 02:52:43 PMHe said Bombers dont like to renegotiate contracts. And Zach is getting paid based on what he did in the past. Not what he can do now. At least that's what I understood.
Is that a good approach?
Bo Levi took a cut, Fajardo must have. I don't know about Adams jr.
Also Willie took a pay cut at one point.
3 down
" The tabled deal would pay Jefferson in the range of $225,000 per year. He earned $205,000 last year after restructing a contract that was originally set to pay him $265,000."
So they may not be big on it, but they've done it.
I think that was when the cap number shrunk after covid. Willie's been pulling 200k flat for the last few years.
Quote from: Jesse on November 21, 2025, 06:15:31 PMI think that was when the cap number shrunk after covid. Willie's been pulling 200k flat for the last few years.
Willie still has league wide leverage so he will probably ask for the same amount, I'd hate to see him go elsewhere and thrive for the next 4-5 years. As is he's not being used in his best capacity, if given a green light to chase QB's like Betts getts, I think he would put up impressive numbers.
Retain Jefferson and Vaughters; beef up the interior of the D-line and they'll both be better for it.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 21, 2025, 07:04:41 PMRetain Jefferson and Vaughters; beef up the interior of the D-line and they'll both be better for it.
Please no.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 21, 2025, 07:04:41 PMRetain Jefferson and Vaughters; beef up the interior of the D-line and they'll both be better for it.
\Im looking foward to seeing what Jaworski and Jenkins can bring at de. Im not a fan of resigning either Jefferson or Vaughters unless its at a reduced price, but either way not both. Im much more interested in using those $'s for an interior lineman
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 21, 2025, 01:48:56 AMHindsight is a wonderful thing, but who was complaining when they signed Vaughters, Mitchell, Logan and Jon Jones in the off-season? All were considered quality players with good pedigrees, spending more money guarantees nothing, FA remains a crap shoot. Hervey spent a fortune on the Elks D-line, they underperformed and missed the playoffs.
I don't get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to make these decisions; Walters does. He's also got scouts, film etc... and should be able to make an educated guess, that's what he's paid for. Hervey knew enough not to bother resigning Mitchell. And Walters somehow didn't click in to the fact that Mitchell was only effective at one receiver position, where we already had Wheatfall pencilled in. Toronto knew enough to let J. Jones go. Maybe it would have looked better if Kyrie had gotten injured, but he didn't. Jones ended up like 5th on the depth chart for WIL/MLB, and was a total waste of money. Logan had a history of injuries, and we've never really have had an offence that could utilize another RB to provide value alongside Brady. I thought he did ok with Vaughters. One of four won't cut it. The odds in craps are actually significantly better. My sense is that Walters was going bargain hunting in the mid-priced section of the market because he did not want to overpay for players in demand. Fair enough. But he's got to do a better job of avoiding the lemons this offseason.
Quote from: bunker on November 21, 2025, 09:14:58 PMI don't get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to make these decisions; Walters does. He's also got scouts, film etc... and should be able to make an educated guess, that's what he's paid for. Hervey knew enough not to bother resigning Mitchell. And Walters somehow didn't click in to the fact that Mitchell was only effective at one receiver position, where we already had Wheatfall pencilled in. Toronto knew enough to let J. Jones go. Maybe it would have looked better if Kyrie had gotten injured, but he didn't. Jones ended up like 5th on the depth chart for WIL/MLB, and was a total waste of money. Logan had a history of injuries, and we've never really have had an offence that could utilize another RB to provide value alongside Brady. I thought he did ok with Vaughters. One of four won't cut it. The odds in craps are actually significantly better. My sense is that Walters was going bargain hunting in the mid-priced section of the market because he did not want to overpay for players in demand. Fair enough. But he's got to do a better job of avoiding the lemons this offseason.
Unfortunately being paid hundreds of thousands to do his job along with a room full of scouts doesn't provide Walters with hindsight.
Given a fair opportunity to participate I think Logan and Jones would have eventually fit in well as Vaughters did, unfortunately others ahead of them on the depth chart never stumbled enough to provide them a fair chance to catch on. Agree on Mitchell, should have run an IQ test before signing him to a contract, same for all players, dummies and bad actors don't help win games.
Quote from: Pete on November 21, 2025, 08:26:31 PM\Im looking foward to seeing what Jaworski and Jenkins can bring at de. Im not a fan of resigning either Jefferson or Vaughters unless its at a reduced price, but either way not both. Im much more interested in using those $'s for an interior lineman
I lean more to being in this camp. Jefferson at a reduced rate only. No to Vaughters. Jenkins and Jarwarski to give healthy long looks plus add add add!
Jefferson at a reduced rate but he's going to be 35 and he's declining.
Quote from: markf on November 21, 2025, 02:52:43 PMBo Levi took a cut, Fajardo must have. I don't know about Adams jr.
BLM's cut only occurred after several years of complete suckage -- like actively dragging down good CGY and HAM teams for a while.
Cody was the victim of losing "musical chairs" -- everyone had and was happy with their choice of starting QB. Cody will never be known as anything but a MBT/Arbuckle "very good backup" level QB. Even if he should be known as more in some people's eyes, it's not reality.
But a couple of injuries, or Dru Brown continuing to struggle, and Cody could find himself in the "franchise starter" seat again. Right now he's just the "least bad option" in EDM.
I believe VAJ signed for the same as in BA: $450-$500k. Next FA for VAJ he should be due a bump for his high-stats production.
My point is, Zach won't take a cut unless/until he sucks as bad as some of those other guys did. Making the ESF is not "sucks enough" yet. I don't think he'll ever suck worse, and if he does, that's when he retires. He's not going to take on a MBT/Masoli role.
After a difficult year, I hope everything is in the table to be discussed, but despite the lack of success, we have to acknowledge that the defence led the league in defensive points allowed. I know it didn't happen the way everyone liked, with lots of sacks and pressure, but it was effective.
I keep saying it, but it's the offensive side of the ball that needs to turn things around. It lost us our Grey Cups and couldn't stop turning the ball over the last two seasons. It also holds most of our most expensive contracts.
Quote from: Jesse on November 22, 2025, 01:56:17 AMAfter a difficult year, I hope everything is in the table to be discussed, but despite the lack of success, we have to acknowledge that the defence led the league in defensive points allowed. I know it didn't happen the way everyone liked, with lots of sacks and pressure, but it was effective.
Imagine if they can keep the D as-is, but find money for 2 top-10 DTs! All of a sudden every time we bring 4 (which is a lot more often than people think) we might get more disruption/sacks!
It's entirely doable. Would just need to find an extra $100-$150 a DT? Heck, what if we just got one... a league top-3 IMP DT to go beside Lawson?
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 02:32:54 AMImagine if they can keep the D as-is, but find money for 2 top-10 DTs! All of a sudden every time we bring 4 (which is a lot more often than people think) we might get more disruption/sacks!
It's entirely doable. Would just need to find an extra $100-$150 a DT? Heck, what if we just got one... a league top-3 IMP DT to go beside Lawson?
If that means leaving the offence as is, I don't think it helps us though.
Quote from: Jesse on November 22, 2025, 02:44:14 AMIf that means leaving the offence as is, I don't think it helps us though.
No, this would be in addition to fixing the O. Yes, the O needs major work. Yes, the O was our main problem in '25. But the good thing there is there's already huge budget allocated for the O (compared to the D).
If you could get 1-2 monster DTs plus 2-3 new monster OL, and no other changes, I think we'd be back to GC form. Not saying that's all we should do, but those would make an instant impact.
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 01:53:37 AMBLM's cut only occurred after several years of complete suckage -- like actively dragging down good CGY and HAM teams for a while.
Cody was the victim of losing "musical chairs" -- everyone had and was happy with their choice of starting QB. Cody will never be known as anything but a MBT/Arbuckle "very good backup" level QB. Even if he should be known as more in some people's eyes, it's not reality.
But a couple of injuries, or Dru Brown continuing to struggle, and Cody could find himself in the "franchise starter" seat again. Right now he's just the "least bad option" in EDM.
I believe VAJ signed for the same as in BA: $450-$500k. Next FA for VAJ he should be due a bump for his high-stats production.
My point is, Zach won't take a cut unless/until he sucks as bad as some of those other guys did. Making the ESF is not "sucks enough" yet. I don't think he'll ever suck worse, and if he does, that's when he retires. He's not going to take on a MBT/Masoli role.
Zach is 16-14, 34 td passes, 31 ints the past two seasons. He has struggled as much as VAJ and BLM did. Right now, he's overpaid.
Quote from: RebusRankin on November 22, 2025, 02:40:13 PMZach is 16-14, 34 td passes, 31 ints the past two seasons. He has struggled as much as VAJ and BLM did. Right now, he's overpaid.
Definitely overpaid. But there's unfortunately not much we can do about it for next season especially when O'Shea cut all the young QBs in camp and kept Streveler and Wilson.
Whoever the heir apparent is, we haven't even fit him for a jerset yet. The smarter play would have been to have kept one around to develop last season which would have potentially given us a stronger hand now. But "they don't want to renegotiate with Collaros" is more, "we have no leverage to renegotiate with Collaros" if you ask me.
Cody will start again for Edmonton this upcoming year and they'll be better. He's not an elite #1 Qb, but he's a starter for sure.
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 03:34:08 AMNo, this would be in addition to fixing the O. Yes, the O needs major work. Yes, the O was our main problem in '25. But the good thing there is there's already huge budget allocated for the O (compared to the D).
If you could get 1-2 monster DTs plus 2-3 new monster OL, and no other changes, I think we'd be back to GC form. Not saying that's all we should do, but those would make an instant impact.
Who are these monster DTs??? In reality they don't exist, DT is fundamentally a grinder position, paying them $150k more per season isn't going to spur their performance, Same goes for the O-line, doesn't matter if they have one highly paid outstanding player as the O-line is only as good as it's weakest link.
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 01:53:37 AMCody was the victim of losing "musical chairs" -- everyone had and was happy with their choice of starting QB. Cody will never be known as anything but a MBT/Arbuckle "very good backup" level QB. Even if he should be known as more in some people's eyes, it's not reality.
Well, he did win a Grey Cup that one time.
So did Arbuckle.
Quote from: RebusRankin on November 22, 2025, 02:40:13 PMZach is 16-14, 34 td passes, 31 ints the past two seasons. He has struggled as much as VAJ and BLM did.
This at the same time as having the top defence.
But who knows what Zach could still do with an O line that could block. Probably would be good enough.
I think that Walters as much as said... he took us to two Grey Cups. The team tolerates the decreased level of his play, because of that.
Not the Buono system, but it seems to be our system.
They have three years to find the next QB.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2025, 04:12:52 PMWho are these monster DTs??? In reality they don't exist, DT is fundamentally a grinder position, paying them $150k more per season isn't going to spur their performance, Same goes for the O-line, doesn't matter if they have one highly paid outstanding player as the O-line is only as good as it's weakest link.
right now dt free agents include..
Calgary - Hutchings
Edm - Ceresna
Sask = Rose
BC = Tavai
Of course who is actually available come free agency is unknown. The other issue is since we like to go with one cdn at one dt - if we re sign Lawson, you still need a decent cdn backup. Smeckle and Thomas are both borderline at best.
Unfortunately, it's not just one thing that needs fixing but the priorities have to be both the oline (1A) and Dline (1B)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 22, 2025, 04:12:52 PMWho are these monster DTs??? In reality they don't exist, DT is fundamentally a grinder position, paying them $150k more per season isn't going to spur their performance
There are lots of top-5 or top-10 DTs in the league that would make us better. Heck, we've had a lot of them here (though most have retired) like Sayles, Nevis, Stove. Sayles is still playing, and in hindsight maybe letting him walk was a mistake -- though one we'll keep repeating because we don't value IMP DTs once they are off ELC.
Pete lists some good ones. The ones in SSK are also quite good. And that DT that is really a hoggie in disguise (in CGY?) is good. The MTL guys are good, too.
Of course, to do anything of this, KW would have to make a mindset change. That might be asking too much, especially since we need OL more desperately than a DT.
Quote from: Cool Spot on November 22, 2025, 04:37:47 PMWell, he did win a Grey Cup that one time.
So did Arbuckle.
And yet there they are, still basically backups. EDM would demote Cody in a hot second if they weren't the ones with no chair when the music stopped. Funny, but Cody always seems to go to the team left holding the bag! He's the ultimate "well, there's no one else left to sign" guy.
Yes, for a "backup" level guy, Cody does seem to over-deliver. He has quite the strange career. A multi-WDF-playing guy who no one wanted, then a GC-winning guy who no one wanted. Always desired as a backup, only tentatively used as a starter. It must kill him that Rourke, Kelly, Alexander come on up and are instantly more desired than him after his 10+ years.
Quote from: Jesse on November 22, 2025, 01:56:17 AMAfter a difficult year, I hope everything is in the table to be discussed, but despite the lack of success, we have to acknowledge that the defence led the league in defensive points allowed. I know it didn't happen the way everyone liked, with lots of sacks and pressure, but it was effective.
I keep saying it, but it's the offensive side of the ball that needs to turn things around. It lost us our Grey Cups and couldn't stop turning the ball over the last two seasons. It also holds most of our most expensive contracts.
This is spot on, IMO. The defense needs upgrades to its interior line; that should be doable via free agency.
The offense is easily the team's weakest link at present and has been for at least two seasons now.
It's not really the interior of the defensive line that needs upgrading. It's the ends. It's the scheme.
Willie can't get to the QB anymore and he plays a position where that's ~65% of his job. Thomas needs to go but Woods and Lawson are already here and definitely good enough to play in the middle full time.
I'd take Vaughters back if we're going back to a more traditional 4-3 and we pair with with someone half decent on the other wise. If we don't, then he's not a good fit either.
I think you're wrong on Willie. He can still get to the QB. He's tasked with NOT. How often did we give Willie a legit, stout 4 man pass rush to work with, with no contain duty in '25? Ya, basically never.
All of these "running QBs" compound the situation. You can't just rush into Rourke, Alexander, VAJ -- they'll slip away. Trevor & BLM are sitting ducks, but their teams got them the best OLs, and so you still can't get to them.
I have no doubt that if Willie was on a "traditional D" scheme team that he'd be able to get to the QB. I would say maybe he's "wasted here", but we do gain from all of his batdowns and occasional FF. We'll just have to wait and see if our D will alter scheme or improve the DL this season.