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1st & 10 | The Blue Bombers Pending Free Agent List

Ed Tait
@EdTaitWFC

There's a long offseason to-do list for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to attack — some of it already well underway — including solidifying Mike O'Shea's coaching staff and the scouting department alongside GM Kyle Walters, to planning for the here and now and life beyond the 2026 Canadian Football League season.

And while getting after all that there's also a long list of pending free agents — some 35 names in total — on which decisions will be made before the communication window opens on February 1st at 11 a.m. and runs to February 8th before the market opens on February 10th.

The Blue Bombers are at a crossroads organizationally, having cranked out nine consecutive double-digit win seasons but coming off a 10-8 season in which they finished fourth in the West Division and lost in the opening round of the Grey Cup playoffs after making five consecutive championship game appearances. It is a roster still greying around the edges but having already introduced some talented fresh faces into the lineup over the last two years.

The club's pending free agent list is a reflection of that as it features a collection of future hall of famers, solid starters, emerging talents and, yes, some question marks.

The CFL's entire list of pending free agents can be found here:

    Official 2026 Free Agent Tracker

And let's take a deeper dive into that list in this week's edition of 1st & 10...

STARTERS

Canadians

RB Brady Oliveira

This will likely be expensive for the Blue Bombers but is still an absolute must. He's a hometown hero, a former CFL Most Outstanding Player, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Canadian and a player who has rushed for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons. He also set a career high in receiving numbers in 2025 with 61 catches for 546 yards. Oh, at just age 28 he's already sixth in franchise history for career rushing yards.

SB Nic Demski

Posted his third straight 1K season, despite missing two games and while working in an offence that struggled to find consistency. He'll be 32 in December but playing the best ball of his career and it would be almost criminal to see another hometown guy in different colours.

Dime Redha Kramdi

Widely regarded as the QB on defence, Kramdi can play the difficult dime spot that requires pass coverage skills and the ability to step up and stuff the run and, also, the safety position. He's still just 28 and an integral part of the defence.

Right guard Pat Neufeld

Still steady at 36 and one of the important leaders in the locker room. The club did draft Ethan Vibert in 2025, and he could be Neufeld's heir apparent, but that would be categorized as 'still TBD.'

Centre Chris Kolankowski

A grinder in the middle of the O-line who is now 33 and has had Tui Eli breathing down his neck for a few seasons. The dilemma for management is balancing the desire for continuity up front vs. the need to continually draft, develop and play Canadians along the O-line.

Defensive tackle Jake Thomas

He's 34 now and coming off a season in which he had nine tackles and no sacks for the first time in his career since 2016. His value as a leader is unquestioned, but the club also has an emerging Canadian talent who needs more snaps behind him in Cam Lawson.

Americans

DB Evan Holm

Just completed the best season of his career, one in which he was named a CFL All-Star and the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Defensive Player

LT Stanley Bryant

The birth certificate doesn't lie: the big man turns 40 next May. There's also this: he was just named the team's top O-lineman for an eighth time and selected to the CFLPA All-Star team. The scouts keep bringing in import tackles to challenge him and be ready as his replacement and yet he still mans the left flank because he's still so freaking solid.

DB Deatrick Nichols

We've all come to appreciate how solid he is as a halfback over the last few years. What's underrated is how much of a leader he has become not only on the Blue Bombers defence, but for the entire squad.

DE Willie Jefferson

His sack totals have dipped over the last three years from 11 to six to three this past season. He's still a force in knocking down passes and those sack totals are down partly because of a defensive philosophy that often rushes just three and drops the rest into coverage. Jefferson is THE most vocal leader in the room and one of the team's most popular players – two parts of his resumé that do have value.

LB Kyrie Wilson

Quietly steady, Wilson played a full season for the first time since 2019. He did turn 33 this month and there options already on the roster to potentially replace him in Michael Ayers and Canadian Connor Shay but the coaching staff does love his skillset.

WR Jerreth Sterns

Posted the best numbers of his three-year career this season with 48 catches for 530 yards and four TDs in 14 games and, in the process, emerged as one of the most reliable targets in the offence. At just 26, his career arrow trajectory is trending upwards.

WR Keric Wheatfall

Took a step this year with a boost to his numbers to 42 catches for 655 yards and four TDs – although he had just seven receptions in his last six games. Has played in 23 games over two years and is at a critical juncture in his CFL career to either continue to blossom or plateau.

DE James Vaughters

He was exactly as advertised in his first year with the Blue Bombers – a steady, veteran presence who tied a career high with six sacks. That said, he is 32 now and the work of Kydran Jenkins and Matt Jaworski in the regular-season finale – just a one-game sample size – does give the club intriguing options to go younger and cheaper.

DT Jamal Woods

Injuries limited him to just four games this year and two sacks. Just 26, it will be interesting to see what kind of attention he might garner if he hits the CFL free agent market.

CB Demerio Houston

He helped stabilize the secondary when he arrived with 17 tackles and two knockdowns in just five games. Still, at 29 he's vulnerable to younger options but his experience could make him popular if he gets to market.

CB Jamal Parker, Jr.

Valuable because of his versatility, Parker, Jr. had 36 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries in 2025 in just 11 games.

CB Dexter Lawson

Dressed for 10 games, starting eight this season and his experience was noticeable. There will be no promises if he's re-signed and he'll have to fight for a gig all over again in training camp.

OTHER

Canadians

DT Cam Lawson

Mentioned above, Lawson was arguably the team's best defensive tackle this year even if his snap count might not have reflected that. At 27, he simply needs to play more, but will that be with the Blue Bombers.

OL Tui Eli

He's 29 and the club has been waiting for him to push for a starting gig on the OL. He could be the option at centre if Kolankowski hits the market.

LB Tanner Cadwallader

Consistent veteran presence on special teams who finished with 14 tackles on the kick cover units – third on the team to Michael Ayers (23) and Jaylen Smith (22). Five years with the club now and still only 28.

LB Shayne Gauthier

He's 33 now and still gets it done on special teams game in and game out. The challenge for the Blue Bombers is these roster spots are also critical for younger talent and draft picks.

DB Nick Hallett

So many similarities to Gauthier – he's trusted on special teams and can play safety in a pinch. Still, he's now 32 and teams are always eyeballing these spots in the CFL Draft.

SB Gavin Cobb

Dressed for only four games, starting a pair, but he does offer veteran experience both as a receiver and returner.

Americans

DB Michael Griffin II

Another defender valued for his versatility, Griffin II finished third on the Blue Bombers in total defensive plays, including 47 tackles and a sack. And at 27 he's one of the younger defensive backs with significant experience now.

QB Chris Streveler

Say what you will about how it looked this year, but the Blue Bombers were 4-1 in games he started this year. Immensely respected in the room, he is however at a bit of a career crossroads after suffering another knee injury in the regular-season finale.

OL Eric Lofton

Played in only one game all year after starting every game at right tackle in 2024. He's 32 and the club has settled on Kendall Randolph at the spot.

WR Dillon Mitchell

A frustrating and disappointing season for one of the team's high-profile free agent signings this year just got worse with his arrest this week for multiple offences after a high-speed chase in Arkansas.

Specialists

PK Sergio Castillo

He's been so reliable over the last few years and in 2025 he connected on 85.7 percent of his field goal tries, including a club record 63-yarder. His 6-of-11 mark from distance – 50-yards plus – makes him a long-range weapon. And if popularity counts for anything, he could run for presidente in the Blue Bombers locker room.

P Jamieson Sheahan

Doesn't get enough credit for his skill as a directional punter and his ability to pin offences rather than set them up following punt singles. That could make him potentially even more valuable with rule changes coming over the next two years.

Injured

*(Indicates Canadian)

WR Dalton Schoen

He was simply dominant in 2022-23 with 141 receptions for 2,663 yards and 26 TDs in 34 games. Since then? Injuries have limited him to just eight games over the next two years. If he's 100 percent healthy, this seems like a possible marriage again of risk vs. reward.

CB Terrell Bonds

Started the first eight games before a knee injury ended his season. He's 29 now and the team has a proven track record of finding defensive backs, so...

DT Tanner Schmekel

Was just starting to flash this past season when a knee injury cut his year short. Brings high energy and good teammate vibes but is at a position that also includes Thomas and Lawson as pending free agents.

WR Kody Case

Entered '25 as a versatile receiver/returner but an injury leaves his future with the team in question given the number of pass catchers already on the roster.

DB Enock Makonzo*

Looked to be a potentially valuable addition when he signed last year but was injured in camp. Has now gone two seasons without taking a snap.

Not much insight to gleam from that article other than Lofton and Bonds may not be invited back and a few Natl. ST vets might have reached their expiry date to make room for future draft picks.

For the last 6+ years it's all been about continuity because if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Now it is broke and we should embrace a little shakeup. Remaining optimistic that we just need a retool to get back to being competitive but things should look noticeably different in May.

Is Kolankowski really any good?

Does Ed reflect the thinking of the coaches?

I suspect he does, but don't know.

Some of this seems not great.

Quote from: markf on November 28, 2025, 11:10:27 PMIs Kolankowski really any good?

Does Ed reflect the thinking of the coaches?

I suspect he does, but don't know.

Some of this seems not great.

No he's not, I'd be looking to upgrade there for sure.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 28, 2025, 07:54:38 PMNot much insight to gleam from that article other than Lofton and Bonds may not be invited back

Too bad, as Bonds was just starting to get decent.  His progression was going quite well.  I guess he'll be 6GIR half the year recovering, though.  That said, Mafia will often not be quick to ditch a promising guy who got hurt for us on the job.  I think he'd be great depth once he's healed up, as the oldsters Parker & Houston always have a good chance of getting dinged up.

Bonds took a step back this year as teams picked on him
He was average at best and with Youngers defence ie a heavy focus on coverage vs pressure thats not good enough.
 Im hoping that we are able to improve on finding ways to create pressure thru upgrading dline and more creative use of linebackers, but we  still need an upgrade from Bonds/Lawson, and Parker can't stay healthy.
 We could really use a player there with some size and aggression as a whole our secondary is undersized esp with the size of quality receivers in the Cfl

Quote from: Pete on November 29, 2025, 02:45:05 PMBonds took a step back this year as teams picked on him
He was average at best and with Youngers defence ie a heavy focus on coverage vs pressure thats not good enough.
 Im hoping that we are able to improve on finding ways to create pressure thru upgrading dline and more creative use of linebackers, but we  still need an upgrade from Bonds/Lawson, and Parker can't stay healthy.
 We could really use a player there with some size and aggression as a whole our secondary is undersized esp with the size of quality receivers in the Cfl

Could be time to give Griffin a more prominent role instead of playing in rotation, also move Kramdi to Safety from SAM, he may be smart but he's not a great tackler, rarely uses his arms to wrap up.  Allen did ok at Safety but did not add much physical presence, I thought the secondary looked pretty soft late in the season and in the playoff game.

Quote from: Tecno on November 29, 2025, 06:49:27 AMToo bad, as Bonds was just starting to get decent.  His progression was going quite well.  I guess he'll be 6GIR half the year recovering, though.  That said, Mafia will often not be quick to ditch a promising guy who got hurt for us on the job.  I think he'd be great depth once he's healed up, as the oldsters Parker & Houston always have a good chance of getting dinged up.

I don't know that is true for Bonds regarding him going onto 6 game IR. He's a potential free agent and they would have to re-sign him before adding him onto IR.

His medical issues would continue to have coverage. Whether they choose to re-sign him and " pay " him while on IR is an entirely different question. I wouldn't expect that to happen.

It's possible that once he's medically cleared, he could be re-signed during the season. The impression was that he had a serious knee injury and would be not ready for football for nearly 12 months?

His last game was August 9, so it could be well into the season before he'd even have a chance to be ready? Even once healed it would take more time to become game ready if TC is missed etc etc. The starters could already be defined.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 29, 2025, 04:20:44 PMCould be time to give Griffin a more prominent role instead of playing in rotation, also move Kramdi to Safety from SAM, he may be smart but he's not a great tackler, rarely uses his arms to wrap up.  Allen did ok at Safety but did not add much physical presence, I thought the secondary looked pretty soft late in the season and in the playoff game.

Lots of if's in these suggestions. I think we can and will sign Kramdi. I liked Allen and think he progressed during his time starting.

Griffin was a good player but I'm not sure what the plan for him. Woodbey has a chance to take a role away from someone.

All of this depends on who they want to re-sign and who they can re-sign in free agency. Players may choose to move elsewhere for a number of reasons including SMS offers.

If Bonds won't be good to go for TC, I can't see anyone else signing him without a workout, or at least a clean bill of health.  He's well worth signing, even if it means starting on the 6 game.  Like Parker this year, you can never have enough quality DB's, one's going to go down with injury for sure.

I love Kramdi at Dime, if he moves to FS to call the D better, I'm OK with that too, Griffin/Allen can Dime, or HB.  We have a lot of depth and versatility, and do seem to find new ones every year.  I like what both Griffin and Allen have shown on D and ST.

Eli at C is a logical progression, if we have a 6th Oline.  Will he hate losing his TE snaps and his receptions?  Maybe...  lol.  If someone courts Kman, I'mnot worried about replacing him.

Neufeld/Thomas.  Glue guys, still able to produce adequately and affordably, with the right passport.  No issue retaining them is they can still bring it.  No issue if they decide to retire either, we have contingencies, either for this year, or next.

Brady/Nic - must be signed.  Zero debate on them.

 

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 29, 2025, 04:39:12 PMLots of if's in these suggestions. I think we can and will sign Kramdi. I liked Allen and think he progressed during his time starting.

Griffin was a good player but I'm not sure what the plan for him. Woodbey has a chance to take a role away from someone.

All of this depends on who they want to re-sign and who they can re-sign in free agency. Players may choose to move elsewhere for a number of reasons including SMS offers.

One certainty, the bombers unlikely to pursue a DB or LB in FA, they prefer to recruit them or pick them out of the discard bin.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 29, 2025, 04:59:50 PMOne certainty, the bombers unlikely to pursue a DB or LB in FA, they prefer to recruit them or pick them out of the discard bin.

Maybe. Holm, Nichols, Houston, Parker, Kramdi, Lawson and Bonds are all potential free agents. I expect they can re-sign nearly everybody. So re-signing Bonds coming off an injury and probably beat out at CB means less desire to re-sign him.

I'm not expecting the Bombers to bring him back regardless of injury issue. OTOH, I can't guarantee we get back all or any of the others even though I expect we will. More likely we just bring back Lawson who would be ready for TC and not coming off an injury.

6 game IR doesn't count against the SMS but I'm not sure it makes sense either. Makonzo as the example in 2025. I'm not sure he gets re-signed either but potentially he has talent. He could be the next SAM if we loose Kramdi and want to maintain a Canadian starter.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 29, 2025, 04:39:12 PMLots of if's in these suggestions. I think we can and will sign Kramdi. I liked Allen and think he progressed during his time starting.

Griffin was a good player but I'm not sure what the plan for him. Woodbey has a chance to take a role away from someone.

All of this depends on who they want to re-sign and who they can re-sign in free agency. Players may choose to move elsewhere for a number of reasons including SMS offers.

Size matters, a few of these guys are too big to play DB but sure would be nice to get them on the field together. I figure they will retain 3 lose 1, Griffin and Kramdi are both FA's.

Griffin 6'-0" 220 lbs.
Woodbey 6'-1" 234 lbs.
Ayers 6'-2" 227 lbs.
Kramdi 5'10 189 lbs.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 29, 2025, 05:23:24 PMMaybe. Holm, Nichols, Houston, Parker, Kramdi, Lawson and Bonds are all potential free agents.

Boy, I could have sworn Holm/Nichols were locked up thru '26 -- on a 2 year.  Or maybe that was already from FA24 and the 2 years is up?

Everyone who's not a "superstar" should be locked onto a 2 year.  It makes no sense to piddle with these 1 years for middling players (no, I'm not saying Holm/Nichols are "middling"!).

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 29, 2025, 04:59:50 PMOne certainty, the bombers unlikely to pursue a DB or LB in FA, they prefer to recruit them or pick them out of the discard bin.

Darn right.  And we also almost always find a very good (starting caliber within 2 seasons) DB via USA scouting.  That's at least one part of our scouting game that is working really well.

LBs seem easy to draft and to steal from other teams.  They seem plentiful -- except maybe top MLBs.

Quote from: Blue In BC on November 29, 2025, 04:34:58 PMI don't know that is true for Bonds regarding him going onto 6 game IR. He's a potential free agent and they would have to re-sign him before adding him onto IR.

All true, but like you said, off-SMS so really the $$ doesn't matter at all.  He was probably close to ELC anyhow, and no one will steal him in his current state.  There's precedent for re-signing a guy like this.

Quote from: Pete on November 29, 2025, 02:45:05 PMBonds took a step back this year as teams picked on him
He was average at best and with Youngers defence ie a heavy focus on coverage vs pressure thats not good enough.

I don't know.  I stand by my assessment that he was improving at a good pace, week to week and YoY.  Bridges & Lawrence were weaker, and Bridges was axed and Lawrence was off the AR by year end.  Bridges was the one they really picked on.

The did test Bonds a fair bit too but I think he started to dissuade them from thinking that's he was a freebie.

Bonds knows the system well, been here 2 whole seasons, started a ton of games, and at 29 should have some tread left.  If we scout a new D.Alford then ya, Bonds is likely the guy on the bubble, but if we don't, we need the starter-capable guys -- even if they are going to sit on 6GIR a while.

Also depends on whether Lawrence is back.

Quote from: Tecno on November 30, 2025, 08:19:48 AMAll true, but like you said, off-SMS so really the $$ doesn't matter at all.  He was probably close to ELC anyhow, and no one will steal him in his current state.  There's precedent for re-signing a guy like this.

Yes they have done that in the past. It's a question of math per se. If all the others return then they already potentially have an extra DB for the 1 game IR or PR. They'll want to have an import or 2 DB on the PR, so that works against him.

If he's actually going to be ready for TC then he'd be in competition against Lawson ( as an example ) or any injury in TC. That raises his value.

As I suggested, I'm not expecting him back but things could change if we lose one of our starters.

We have 5 DB's that were added from either the PR late in the season or post season. Many will be looked at during tryout camps etc. By the time TC comes around we usually have about 8 rookies trying to find a spot on one of the rosters.

Even if we retain most of our starters, we need to get younger, faster and cheaper as part of a succession plan.  That means new depth on the PR for the most part.

Quote from: Tecno on November 30, 2025, 08:25:06 AMI don't know.  I stand by my assessment that he was improving at a good pace, week to week and YoY.  Bridges & Lawrence were weaker, and Bridges was axed and Lawrence was off the AR by year end.  Bridges was the one they really picked on.

The did test Bonds a fair bit too but I think he started to dissuade them from thinking that's he was a freebie.

Bonds knows the system well, been here 2 whole seasons, started a ton of games, and at 29 should have some tread left.  If we scout a new D.Alford then ya, Bonds is likely the guy on the bubble, but if we don't, we need the starter-capable guys -- even if they are going to sit on 6GIR a while.

Also depends on whether Lawrence is back.

You mean Dexter Lawson?  They moved on from Desmond Lawrence a few years ago.

Quote from: Tecno on November 30, 2025, 08:17:12 AMBoy, I could have sworn Holm/Nichols were locked up thru '26 -- on a 2 year.  Or maybe that was already from FA24 and the 2 years is up?

Everyone who's not a "superstar" should be locked onto a 2 year.  It makes no sense to piddle with these 1 years for middling players (no, I'm not saying Holm/Nichols are "middling"!).

I think Walters has to set the DB ceiling at $150k, if any other team wants to offer Kramdi, Holm or Nichols more than that he should let them walk if they desire to do so.  He has to keep a fresh rotation in the secondary going to keep down salaries, a DB that establishes himself in the same position for 2 full seasons is going to ask for a substantial bump in salary above his ELC.  Parker has been injury prone and Houston just returned so they won't qualify and I don't think anyone else is close to establishing themselves as fixtures in the secondary.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 30, 2025, 06:42:26 PMI think Walters has to set the DB ceiling at $150k, if any other team wants to offer Kramdi, Holm or Nichols more than that he should let them walk if they desire to do so.  He has to keep a fresh rotation in the secondary going to keep down salaries, a DB that establishes himself in the same position for 2 full seasons is going to ask for a substantial bump in salary above his ELC.  Parker has been injury prone and Houston just returned so they won't qualify and I don't think anyone else is close to establishing themselves as fixtures in the secondary.

$150k is a lot for a DB, granted.  But for top players at any position, you may need to pay more.  And for fan favourites, there's marketting money.

Plus, Kramdi gets the passport bump too.

I'm not saying any deserve the $230k contract Ford got in Edm, but I have no issue with exceeding $150k if the market so demands.  Plus, we usually have a rookie DB in the mix, so there's that cost savings.

Quote from: theaardvark on November 30, 2025, 09:06:13 PM$150k is a lot for a DB, granted.  But for top players at any position, you may need to pay more.  And for fan favourites, there's marketting money.

Plus, Kramdi gets the passport bump too.

I'm not saying any deserve the $230k contract Ford got in Edm, but I have no issue with exceeding $150k if the market so demands.  Plus, we usually have a rookie DB in the mix, so there's that cost savings.

Ford will not set the salary standard for DB's, sooner or later that $230k contract is going to make him expendable and it could happen within a few months. I think it somewhat depends on what Hervey does with his brother, but to tie up more than $500k in the 2 of them makes little sense.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 30, 2025, 06:28:23 PMYou mean Dexter Lawson?  They moved on from Desmond Lawrence a few years ago.

Ya, Lawson, thx

Holm is the only keeper. All others are replaceable. Most have potential to qualify as potential red blacks.nit sure if the collection would actually make another CFL. The special teams guys would make most other teams rosters, as good players but questionable as starters. 

Most Teams have foot soldiers like this group.  We need some guys who can start and make plays /excell.


The entire O line remains a liability
We need to pay the O linemen
We need better DBs.. other than those two groups we should. Do Ok.

Quote from: DM83 on December 01, 2025, 05:00:04 AMHolm is the only keeper. All others are replaceable. Most have potential to qualify as potential red blacks.nit sure if the collection would actually make another CFL. The special teams guys would make most other teams rosters, as good players but questionable as starters. 

Most Teams have foot soldiers like this group.  We need some guys who can start and make plays /excell.


The entire O line remains a liability
We need to pay the O linemen
We need better DBs.. other than those two groups we should. Do Ok.

Our problem on defence is the DL. Our DB's might be over paid but they are the least of our problems.

The interior of the D-line needs more beef; it's been too small recently. If the Bombers could find another Nevis and/or Richardson type, that would improve things, IMO.

Another problem with our D line could be our stubborn D coach thinking 3 man rush works, giving the QB all day to find his receivers. Good receivers will get open even with an extra D in the back field

Quote from: Blue72 on December 01, 2025, 09:55:14 PMAnother problem with our D line could be our stubborn D coach thinking 3 man rush works, giving the QB all day to find his receivers. Good receivers will get open even with an extra D in the back field

The point of our defensive strategy for the last several seasons is to rush only 3 guys, and have 9 guys covering 5 recievers and an RB.  We're not trying to get a massive number of sacks and pressures buy throwing 5/6/7 rushers.....instead, we sit back and make plays on the pass, with a few LB's hanging around the box to stop the short pass/scrambling QB, and blanket coverage on everyone deep.

The issue, I would argue, isn't the players, nor the coaching - it's the defensive scheme as a whole, from the top down.  Osh and Jordan need to answer for that.  We've just been able to be pretty good at that a few years ago when we had a lot of dominant players on D.  Now that we're about even with other teams in terms of skill, that scheme doesn't seem to be working as well.

Quote from: Blue72 on December 01, 2025, 09:55:14 PMAnother problem with our D line could be our stubborn D coach thinking 3 man rush works, giving the QB all day to find his receivers. Good receivers will get open even with an extra D in the back field

is it stubbornness? or playing the hand that's dealt him. I don't think we had 4 good enough dlinemen to generate a rush. If they can't do that then it's advantageous to go to the extra linebacker/db
If we upgrade the dline then hopefully it gives Younger more options to change up the schemes

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 01, 2025, 05:54:39 PMThe interior of the D-line needs more beef; it's been too small recently. If the Bombers could find another Nevis and/or Richardson type, that would improve things, IMO.

We had Fox on our PR for 2 years. Goes to Hamilton and records 26 DTs. I think Woods might be a keeper. 4 games 10 DTs. But, we might actually have to give him a bump in salary. 

Quote from: Pigskin on December 01, 2025, 11:00:45 PMWe had Fox on our PR for 2 years. Goes to Hamilton and records 26 DTs. I think Woods might be a keeper. 4 games 10 DTs. But, we might actually have to give him a bump in salary. 

Is 26 tackles (with no sacks/FF or any other stats) on the league's worst rushing defence good?

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 01, 2025, 10:04:09 PMThe point of our defensive strategy for the last several seasons is to rush only 3 guys, and have 9 guys covering 5 recievers and an RB.  We're not trying to get a massive number of sacks and pressures buy throwing 5/6/7 rushers.....instead, we sit back and make plays on the pass, with a few LB's hanging around the box to stop the short pass/scrambling QB, and blanket coverage on everyone deep.

The issue, I would argue, isn't the players, nor the coaching - it's the defensive scheme as a whole, from the top down.  Osh and Jordan need to answer for that.  We've just been able to be pretty good at that a few years ago when we had a lot of dominant players on D.  Now that we're about even with other teams in terms of skill, that scheme doesn't seem to be working as well.

The defensive scheme is on Jordan Younger, Osh admitted he did not pay enough attention to what his coords were doing this season and plans to rectify that.  3 man fronts work against mediocre QB' but not effectively against the best, Younger needs to stop trying to be clever in those situations and use what actually works. Wouldn't be so sad if Younger moved on and Richie Hall climbed back into the saddle again, the old man may not be flashy but he's rockin' 4 GC rings.

Quote from: Jesse on December 01, 2025, 11:35:59 PMIs 26 tackles (with no sacks/FF or any other stats) on the league's worst rushing defence good?

I am not sure Hamilton had the worst run D. I was pretty sure BC was the worst at 139 per game. Could be wrong. But, the point was Fox had 26 DTs. Woods, Adams, JT, 28 DTs, 2 QS. Fox might have been a better choice then Woods, or Adams last season. It probably came down to a few dollars. The Bombers might want to try and keep Woods instead of the revolving door at DT. We develop these player and then just let them go. 

Quote from: DM83 on December 01, 2025, 05:00:04 AMHolm is the only keeper. All others are replaceable. Most have potential to qualify as potential red blacks.

Ouch... that's low!

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 01, 2025, 10:04:09 PMThe issue, I would argue, isn't the players, nor the coaching - it's the defensive scheme as a whole, from the top down.

Ya, except our D was top 1 or top 3 in many D categories, even in a year when our O was never on the field and our D stats should have been crap.

As such I think we'll stick with the max-coverage scheme and try to just tweak it a bit to solve the problems when facing a QB like Alexander who can dime RECs 80Y down the field, and when facing an all-short/run-muchly SSK O.

I think a single Stove-level DT FA pickup might solve the former.  The latter will be a harder nut to crack -- though Hall solved it in '21-'23.

They'll probably ride this scheme until (if!) it completely implodes.  Let's hope Younger is a bigger genius than the league OCs are.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 02, 2025, 12:15:53 AMThe defensive scheme is on Jordan Younger, Osh admitted he did not pay enough attention to what his coords were doing this season and plans to rectify that.

I'd bet $1M he was 99% referring to Hogan.  It was always mentioned around critical questions about the O, never the D.  The weak O was the elephant in the room in '25.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 02, 2025, 12:15:53 AMWouldn't be so sad if Younger moved on and Richie Hall climbed back into the saddle again, the old man may not be flashy but he's rockin' 4 GC rings.

I love Hall.  But he's too old and frail and has trouble just walking around the field fast.  They need Younger because he's... younger.  Hall can still be the mastermind behind the curtain (and I believe he still is to a large degree).

And it just dawned on me that Younger may now be the one being groomed to be the next HC (now that Buck left).  MOS won't do it forever -- he's getting old and may want to retire: whether after this 3, or 6.  We all know WFC likes the "in house promotion" paradigm.  For one thing it allows them to underpay the "first time <whatever>" guys for a few seasons.

Quote from: Pigskin on December 02, 2025, 04:44:10 AMI am not sure Hamilton had the worst run D. I was pretty sure BC was the worst at 139 per game. Could be wrong. But, the point was Fox had 26 DTs. Woods, Adams, JT, 28 DTs, 2 QS. Fox might have been a better choice then Woods, or Adams last season. It probably came down to a few dollars. The Bombers might want to try and keep Woods instead of the revolving door at DT. We develop these player and then just let them go. 

And if Woods player every game and we play with a 4 DL set most of the time, he'd have more tackles too. He wouldn't necessarily have played better...just more.

Tackles are a poor indicator of success is what I'm saying.

Quote from: Jesse on December 02, 2025, 11:01:00 AMAnd if Woods player every game and we play with a 4 DL set most of the time, he'd have more tackles too. He wouldn't necessarily have played better...just more.

Tackles are a poor indicator of success is what I'm saying.

One difference is 3 years ago they were dressing 8 O-linemen and having success like many other teams, the last 2 seasons they're trying to do it with 6, which equates to less reps. for multiple players.

People complaining Fox was allowed to leave but the issue goes deeper, with Habba, Garbutt and now Devin Adams deemed disposable.  They all seemed fairly qualified to do the job but are falling short in a key category that hasn't been identified, could it be poor attitude or work ethic?  I imagine Younger is the person making these critical decisions, not MOS.

CFL award-winner Trey Vaval to work out for New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns: sources

I think there's a good chance they lose Vaval for a couple of years, of all the positions the returner has the cleanest shot of convincing NFL management he's worth a contract with his individual performance on the field alone, a good return average cuts through all the politics and favouritism that dogs every other position.

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/cfl-award-winner-trey-vaval-to-work-out-for-new-orleans-saints-cleveland-browns-sources/ (https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/cfl-award-winner-trey-vaval-to-work-out-for-new-orleans-saints-cleveland-browns-sources/)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 02, 2025, 06:56:22 PMCFL award-winner Trey Vaval to work out for New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns: sources

I think there's a good chance they lose Vaval for a couple of years, of all the positions the returner has the cleanest shot of convincing NFL management he's worth a contract with his individual performance on the field alone, a good return average cuts through all the politics and favouritism that dogs every other position.

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/cfl-award-winner-trey-vaval-to-work-out-for-new-orleans-saints-cleveland-browns-sources/ (https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/cfl-award-winner-trey-vaval-to-work-out-for-new-orleans-saints-cleveland-browns-sources/)

Unfortunate for the Bombers but I hope he succeeds in his NFL dream. We can't blame him for that hope. Big payday and playing in his home country.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 02, 2025, 08:18:30 PMUnfortunate for the Bombers but I hope he succeeds in his NFL dream. We can't blame him for that hope. Big payday and playing in his home country.

I can see him realistically making it, he's a very good return guy no doubt about it.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 02, 2025, 06:38:52 PMOne difference is 3 years ago they were dressing 8 O-linemen and having success like many other teams, the last 2 seasons they're trying to do it with 6, which equates to less reps. for multiple players.

People complaining Fox was allowed to leave but the issue goes deeper, with Habba, Garbutt and now Devin Adams deemed disposable.  They all seemed fairly qualified to do the job but are falling short in a key category that hasn't been identified, could it be poor attitude or work ethic?  I imagine Younger is the person making these critical decisions, not MOS.

None of the players who have left have found any success anywhere else, so I guess we could could discuss scouting as a major problem.

So I wouldn't call letting any of them go a critical decision, but Younger doesn't have any roster control and no single person is making these discussions. Coaches will talk about needs and Walters tries to make the pieces fit together financially.

Quote from: Jesse on December 03, 2025, 12:10:46 AMNone of the players who have left have found any success anywhere else, so I guess we could could discuss scouting as a major problem.

So I wouldn't call letting any of them go a critical decision, but Younger doesn't have any roster control and no single person is making these discussions. Coaches will talk about needs and Walters tries to make the pieces fit together financially.

true enough, since when we had Jefferson and Sayles we've not been able to replace impact players and our dline has gotten progressively worse and one of the main reasons that sask has supplanted us in the west. They added Carney, Rose, and Ray thru free agency and have one of the best dlines in the league now.
  Walters mentioned that in a league with mostly one year contracts it's easier to retool, but unless you actually sign a quality player it doesn't matter. At some point we have to realize that even if it's an overpay to make a difference you have to go after some of the big fish

Quote from: Pete on December 03, 2025, 01:45:51 AMtrue enough, since when we had Jefferson and Sayles we've not been able to replace impact players and our dline has gotten progressively worse and one of the main reasons that sask has supplanted us in the west. They added Carney, Rose, and Ray thru free agency and have one of the best dlines in the league now.
  Walters mentioned that in a league with mostly one year contracts it's easier to retool, but unless you actually sign a quality player it doesn't matter. At some point we have to realize that even if it's an overpay to make a difference you have to go after some of the big fish

I agree with this. Walters has tended to adopt a "moneyball" approach of letting the big contract players leave, while he tries to find hidden value in the mid-value and bargain basement bin. It has not worked out lately, and the pendulum has swung too far in that direction. I'm not sure he would have even signed Brady last off season if Wade Miller had not stepped in to make it happen. He's hampered in what he can do SMS wise by a QB who's now very overpaid, but that's his doing as well.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 02, 2025, 06:56:22 PMCFL award-winner Trey Vaval to work out for New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns: sources

If J.Grant couldn't make it, then certainly Vaval won't.  First year Grant > first year Vaval.  NFL gets maybe 1-3 returns a game per team?  It's not worth it.

Plus, I think it's harder to get rostered when you're a returner who's "other job" is on D, rather than O.  Everyone dreams of their returner being the next Speedy B.  That doesn't happen on D.

Quote from: Tecno on December 03, 2025, 06:53:05 AMIf J.Grant couldn't make it, then certainly Vaval won't.  First year Grant > first year Vaval.  NFL gets maybe 1-3 returns a game per team?  It's not worth it.

Plus, I think it's harder to get rostered when you're a returner who's "other job" is on D, rather than O.  Everyone dreams of their returner being the next Speedy B.  That doesn't happen on D.

This is actually a good point. The NFL has nerfed the return game. I'm not sure Vaval gets a shot as solely a returner.

Quote from: Tecno on December 03, 2025, 06:53:05 AMIf J.Grant couldn't make it, then certainly Vaval won't.  First year Grant > first year Vaval.  NFL gets maybe 1-3 returns a game per team?  It's not worth it.

Plus, I think it's harder to get rostered when you're a returner who's "other job" is on D, rather than O.  Everyone dreams of their returner being the next Speedy B.  That doesn't happen on D.

That may be true but it doesn't mean he doesn't get an off for an NFL TC and is lost for half the season.

I don't understand how Vaval doesn't get killed returning kicks.

Also... "Vaval comes to Winnipeg after attending training camp with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024."

I hope he gets a job there, but I just can't see it.

NFL.... I Saw a kick returned for a t.d. This last weekend .

C'mon Bombers. Time to get a few players re-signed.

Quote from: markf on December 03, 2025, 03:30:50 PMNFL.... I Saw a kick returned for a t.d. This last weekend

That's because the cover team has no idea what to do when a player actually returns it!  They never get any practice, it's all fair catch and downing the ball.  ;D  ;D  ;D  They were like, hey what's going on here!   ;)  ;)  ;)  :D  :D

Just checked the salaries of RB's in 2025. Brady was about $80K more than the next highest paid RB. Food for thought when we consider what he should be offered in 2026. It will be interesting to see if he goes to free agency to see what the market value offers elsewhere.

Hopefully we resolve this before he reaches free agency. It's somewhat of a loyalty test versus who can pay me the most. I know he said he wants to play for a championship team, but can we really determine that before the seasons starts.

I think we'd all like to see him back in Winnipeg. He's an exceptional talent and fun to watch. Being a local Canadian just adds to fan appreciation. Working in the community on various things and his work with protecting dogs doesn't hurt.

Be a Bomber forever.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 03, 2025, 07:43:12 PMC'mon Bombers. Time to get a few players re-signed.

Agree. Sure, we don't know what's going on behind the scene. But optics doesn't look good as if Walters and co is not doing any thing or having hard time to re-sign our pending free-agents.

Quote from: M.O.A.B. on December 05, 2025, 04:49:45 PMAgree. Sure, we don't know what's going on behind the scene. But optics doesn't look good as if Walters and co is not doing any thing or having hard time to re-sign our pending free-agents.

Have to wonder if signing a new OC first is holding up signing players!

Quote from: BBRT on December 05, 2025, 05:02:24 PMHave to wonder if signing a new OC first is holding up signing players!

Virtually our entire defensive players are potential free agents.  Nothing stops re-signing some of them in the meantime.

That said, Bombers are 1 of 3 teams to not yet announce any re-signings.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 05, 2025, 02:19:49 PMJust checked the salaries of RB's in 2025. Brady was about $80K more than the next highest paid RB. Food for thought when we consider what he should be offered in 2026. It will be interesting to see if he goes to free agency to see what the market value offers elsewhere.

Hopefully we resolve this before he reaches free agency. It's somewhat of a loyalty test versus who can pay me the most. I know he said he wants to play for a championship team, but can we really determine that before the seasons starts.

I think we'd all like to see him back in Winnipeg. He's an exceptional talent and fun to watch. Being a local Canadian just adds to fan appreciation. Working in the community on various things and his work with protecting dogs doesn't hurt.

Be a Bomber forever.

We've been told he is going to Free Agency. He's going to hear all his options and play us against each other before making a decision.

That potential 300k could be part of the delay in other negotiations.

No names outside of Kramdi, Oliveira, Holm and Demski (maybe Nichols) are worth forking over serious $$ for. Willie J on whatever Vaughters got is fair at this point, serious $$ needs to go into Canadian OL. Outside of Randolph, all there is is maybe potential in Wallace and Vibert and a LOT of age everywhere else at a position where playing to 34-35 is an outlier and not an expectation.

Quote from: Jesse on December 05, 2025, 09:51:53 PMWe've been told he is going to Free Agency. He's going to hear all his options and play us against each other before making a decision.

That potential 300k could be part of the delay in other negotiations.

I hope Walters doesn't backup the re-signing process like he did the year they had to re-sign, Brady, Dalton and Lawler. That exercise made everyone antsy.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 06, 2025, 12:55:57 AMI hope Walters doesn't backup the re-signing process like he did the year they had to re-sign, Brady, Dalton and Lawler. That exercise made everyone antsy.

It's not an easy spot to be in. Do you just want to give up on Brady immediately? He wants and has the ability to see what's out there. We can and probably will re-sign him, but it means leaving space available to do so.

Quote from: Jesse on December 05, 2025, 09:51:53 PMWe've been told he is going to Free Agency. He's going to hear all his options and play us against each other before making a decision.

That potential 300k could be part of the delay in other negotiations.

Everybody will know during the allowed tampering period what his offers will be. If he doesn't get a big offer, does he risk needing to take a cut? It's a two way street or should be at the very least.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2025, 02:09:39 PMEverybody will know during the allowed tampering period what his offers will be. If he doesn't get a big offer, does he risk needing to take a cut? It's a two way street or should be at the very least.

It should be a two-way street. But I think it's incredibly unrealistic to think he won't get high offers.

Quote from: Jesse on December 06, 2025, 02:37:11 PMIt should be a two-way street. But I think it's incredibly unrealistic to think he won't get high offers.

We'll see. Not every team will be willing to spend $$$$$$ on a RB or will need help with their ratio. As I pointed out, several teams are pass oriented like the Lions, Als and Stamps. There are only 9 teams and not every team will have significant interest IMO. There are a lot of other talented potential free agents besides RB's to consider for each team both on their rosters and that might reach free agency.

I understand every player wanting to maximize their earnings. He's said he wants to play with a championship team. I understand that as well. Which concept rules in his mind, money or chance of " winning ".

Football is a business. I'm ok if he chooses to leave for more money. I'm not in favour of paying $300K for any player except a QB. I've pointed out that he was very well paid and that no other team came close to paying their RB better.

We'll see how things go in the tampering week but I'm not in favour of upping our offer to match elsewhere. Decide what our offer will be and if chooses to leave, so be it.

I'd go so far as suggesting our offer drops by $25K if he doesn't sign before tampering week. Yes it's a risk but it's a risk for both sides. Like I said, it's business and the team has to be ready to " attract " other choices in that week where tampering is allowed. Those offers are guaranteed so you snooze and you lose while waiting for commitments. Tampering offers are locked in and you need to know what SMS is available to make those offers.

Otherwise you're being held hostage in that sense. Players may turn down more or even accept less for a particular situation.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2025, 03:25:58 PMWe'll see. Not every team will be willing to spend $$$$$$ on a RB or will need help with their ratio. As I pointed out, several teams are pass oriented like the Lions, Als and Stamps. There are only 9 teams and not every team will have significant interest IMO. There are a lot of other talented potential free agents besides RB's to consider for each team both on their rosters and that might reach free agency.

I understand every player wanting to maximize their earnings. He's said he wants to play with a championship team. I understand that as well. Which concept rules in his mind, money or chance of " winning ".

Football is a business. I'm ok if he chooses to leave for more money. I'm not in favour of paying $300K for any player except a QB. I've pointed out that he was very well paid and that no other team came close to paying their RB better.

We'll see how things go in the tampering week but I'm not in favour of upping our offer to match elsewhere. Decide what our offer will be and if chooses to leave, so be it.

I'd go so far as suggesting our offer drops by $25K if he doesn't sign before tampering week. Yes it's a risk but it's a risk for both sides. Like I said, it's business and the team has to be ready to " attract " other choices in that week where tampering is allowed. Those offers are guaranteed so you snooze and you lose while waiting for commitments. Tampering offers are locked in and you need to know what SMS is available to make those offers.

Otherwise you're being held hostage in that sense. Players may turn down more or even accept less for a particular situation.

Jumping ship trying to land on a championship team is a huge gamble, chances are he chooses wrong and ends up on a team that misses the playoffs.  Realistically his best chance is with the club that took him to the GC 5 times.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 06, 2025, 03:35:58 PMJumping ship trying to land on a championship team is a huge gamble, chances are he chooses wrong and ends up on a team that misses the playoffs.  Realistically his best chance is with the club that took him to the GC 5 times.

Sure. I think if he leaves he leaves for money and I'm fine with that. Losing top players for money is the nature of sport. Teams always have to make tough decisions across the roster in SMS spending.

There may be some other top Canadian players available on OL or receiver for example. We may decide to make an offer in the tampering window. That's more difficult to do if you are " holding back " SMS for another player that may choose to leave.

It's not like any team can make 1 or 2 offers @ $275K-$300K while in limbo on their own free agents.  A team must essentially know what money is available to make bigger bids in that time frame.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2025, 03:52:14 PMSure. I think if he leaves he leaves for money and I'm fine with that. Losing top players for money is the nature of sport. Teams always have to make tough decisions across the roster in SMS spending.

There may be some other top Canadian players available on OL or receiver for example. We may decide to make an offer in the tampering window. That's more difficult to do if you are " holding back " SMS for another player that may choose to leave.

It's not like any team can make 1 or 2 offers @ $275K-$300K while in limbo on their own free agents.  A team must essentially know what money is available to make bigger bids in that time frame.

That is literally the definition of free agency. Teams competing for the top players available. All teams will make large offers on priority players while in limbo with their own free agents.

Yes it is risky. Kind of the name of the game.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2025, 03:52:14 PMSure. I think if he leaves he leaves for money and I'm fine with that. Losing top players for money is the nature of sport. Teams always have to make tough decisions across the roster in SMS spending.

There may be some other top Canadian players available on OL or receiver for example. We may decide to make an offer in the tampering window. That's more difficult to do if you are " holding back " SMS for another player that may choose to leave.

It's not like any team can make 1 or 2 offers @ $275K-$300K while in limbo on their own free agents.  A team must essentially know what money is available to make bigger bids in that time frame.

This off-season should be simpler than the past few, I think Brady is the only high ticket player they have to budget for, if Walters sets aside $300k he's in the ballpark and can get to work re-signing other contracts with little delay. Whatever's left over allows him to pursue FA's on the open market, but fair to say they won't be offering any one else $300k.

Its no secret that BO wasn't happy with the play calling this year. I think if there isn't a change at OC on our club, his decision will be made for him already and he'll move onto greener pastures somewhere else that will make using him and his skill sets to the fullest.

Quote from: Jesse on December 06, 2025, 06:02:49 PMThat is literally the definition of free agency. Teams competing for the top players available. All teams will make large offers on priority players while in limbo with their own free agents.

Yes it is risky. Kind of the name of the game.

Competing for top players but not while their offers to their own big name players are in limbo. Look at the Als or Lions that have already re-signed top expensive players.

You can't go into free agency with that hanging over your head and SMS money held back too long. You can't keep $275K-$300K in your back pocket and then find out you lost other opportunities.

Big name players don't last past 24 hours for the most part.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2025, 09:07:47 PMCompeting for top players but not while their offers to their own big name players are in limbo. Look at the Als or Lions that have already re-signed top expensive players.

You can't go into free agency with that hanging over your head and SMS money held back too long. You can't keep $275K-$300K in your back pocket and then find out you lost other opportunities.

Big name players don't last past 24 hours for the most part.

Yah, but don't know if they'll have much luck signing Brady before FA, he likes to stir things up and play both sides.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 06, 2025, 11:46:33 PMYah, but don't know if they'll have much luck signing Brady before FA, he likes to stir things up and play both sides.

More likely its how his agent likes to negotiate to maximize the offers

Quote from: dd on December 06, 2025, 08:34:54 PMIts no secret that BO wasn't happy with the play calling this year. I think if there isn't a change at OC on our club, his decision will be made for him already and he'll move onto greener pastures somewhere else that will make using him and his skill sets to the fullest.

Except I'm nearly positive he won't leave his home town for LESS money.  So any destination for him would have to a) offer him more than we do, b) be a GC contender (that's only 4 teams excluding WPG), c) not already have a great cheap IMP back, d) need ratio help.

Realistically I can see other teams using this FA to put in bad faith offers to Brady just to make WFC pay through the nose, even though they would never actually sign him.  We need to play poker here and be willing to call bluffs.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 06, 2025, 03:25:58 PMWe'll see how things go in the tampering week but I'm not in favour of upping our offer to match elsewhere. Decide what our offer will be and if chooses to leave, so be it.

But WM set the precedent by overriding KW and forcing the overpay signing last time.  I said at the time that will come to bite us next time Brady is in FA.  Because Brady will expect his petulant asks to be covered by "daddy".

As such I think when KW sets his $, WM needs to give Brady a call and say "this is the best we are doing this time".  I would also play up "we're getting you a far better OL too".

Plus, to avoid this same problem down the road I really want to lock up Brady for 2 or, preferably, 3 years.  Give him a ladder deal, but with no guarantees.  Use MMM.  Give him $100k signing bonus max, and $100k roster bonus each year.

Quote from: Tecno on December 07, 2025, 07:00:39 AMExcept I'm nearly positive he won't leave his home town for LESS money.  So any destination for him would have to a) offer him more than we do, b) be a GC contender (that's only 4 teams excluding WPG), c) not already have a great cheap IMP back, d) need ratio help.

Realistically I can see other teams using this FA to put in bad faith offers to Brady just to make WFC pay through the nose, even though they would never actually sign him.  We need to play poker here and be willing to call bluffs.

You can't put in bad faith offers in the tampering period. If you make the offer it can't be taken back. A player doesn't have to take the highest offer, but the other team has made a firm offer. We also see a player agreeing to that offer within the tampering period.

In theory he can't take his acceptance back either but IIRC we did see one player do that recently.

Quote from: Jesse on December 06, 2025, 02:37:11 PMIt should be a two-way street. But I think it's incredibly unrealistic to think he won't get high offers.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 06, 2025, 11:46:33 PMYah, but don't know if they'll have much luck signing Brady before FA, he likes to stir things up and play both sides.

I've made my position clear. We make him an offer and if he chooses to test free agency we withdraw the offer. One of several things happens:

1. He gets better offers elsewhere and will be leaving regardless.
2. He gets lower offers and the ball is now in the Bombers court. He gets a new offer higher than his low offers but not as high as his previous offer.
3. Bombers spend money elsewhere.

Yeah yeah I get we'll hear he's not feeling like he's being treated well. I call BS on that concept. It's business and part of this business is allowing players to test free agency.

There is a limit for every player.

I'll be happy if he returns but if he's playing both sides to get more, then he's on his own.  Another team might offer him $300K, IDK.

Let's say we offer him $250K ( a $25K increase over 2025 ) and his highest offer elsewhere is $200K. Why should we be stuck held to the original offer?  Based on last year there are no other RB's that are going to get more than $250K. If another team chooses to offer him $275-$300K, then I believe he's over paid.

Noting that the Riders won the Grey Cup with a RB earning $80K. Obviously it's not all on that decision but SMS is spent across the roster. Paying him more doesn't make us better than 2025.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 07, 2025, 12:54:45 PMI've made my position clear. We make him an offer and if he chooses to test free agency we withdraw the offer. One of several things happens:

1. He gets better offers elsewhere and will be leaving regardless.
2. He gets lower offers and the ball is now in the Bombers court. He gets a new offer higher than his low offers but not as high as his previous offer.
3. Bombers spend money elsewhere.

Yeah yeah I get we'll hear he's not feeling like he's being treated well. I call BS on that concept. It's business and part of this business is allowing players to test free agency.

There is a limit for every player.

I'll be happy if he returns but if he's playing both sides to get more, then he's on his own.  Another team might offer him $300K, IDK.

Let's say we offer him $250K ( a $25K increase over 2025 ) and his highest offer elsewhere is $200K. Why should we be stuck held to the original offer?  Based on last year there are no other RB's that are going to get more than $250K. If another team chooses to offer him $275-$300K, then I believe he's over paid.

Noting that the Riders won the Grey Cup with a RB earning $80K. Obviously it's not all on that decision but SMS is spent across the roster. Paying him more doesn't make us better than 2025.

It's fine that that's your position. I understand that. There's certainly a part of me that thinks it would be better team building paying some random American 80K as opposed to Brady 300k+.

But it's just not what the Bombers did last time, so I don't expect them to change the strategy around Brady this time.

Last time around, we waited for Brady to go to free agency. He received his contract offers. And under a smaller salary cap, he received offers of 275+ from both BC and Hamilton. We were able to get close enough to make him stay.

If we're thinking about what's going to happen, not what we think should happen, I'd expect Brady to receive his offers in the tampering period. I'd expect him to get several higher than you expect offers because it's free agency and the cap has increased and I'd expect it to continue to increase, and Walters and co. will negotiate from that point to see if there's an acceptable middle ground.

Quote from: Jesse on December 07, 2025, 04:18:35 PMIt's fine that that's your position. I understand that. There's certainly a part of me that thinks it would be better team building paying some random American 80K as opposed to Brady 300k+.

But it's just not what the Bombers did last time, so I don't expect them to change the strategy around Brady this time.

Last time around, we waited for Brady to go to free agency. He received his contract offers. And under a smaller salary cap, he received offers of 275+ from both BC and Hamilton. We were able to get close enough to make him stay.

If we're thinking about what's going to happen, not what we think should happen, I'd expect Brady to receive his offers in the tampering period. I'd expect him to get several higher than you expect offers because it's free agency and the cap has increased and I'd expect it to continue to increase, and Walters and co. will negotiate from that point to see if there's an acceptable middle ground.

That's entirely possible but you've pointed out what we did and I pointed out what we did, didn't work. Sask, BC, Calgary and Hamilton all finished with better records than the Bombers. For that matter what we did from 2022 - 2025 didn't work by in large to achieve a Grey Cup win. Nice to finish 1st and get there but the goal is winning.

What other teams did last year may or may not have the same criteria. Every team has 25-45 potential free agents. Many will want more $$$ and the new SMS won't cover all that ground.

Free agency will be interesting once again. I'm just saying we can't just pay the existing roster more money because the SMS went up.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 07, 2025, 12:54:45 PMI've made my position clear. We make him an offer and if he chooses to test free agency we withdraw the offer. One of several things happens:

1. He gets better offers elsewhere and will be leaving regardless.
2. He gets lower offers and the ball is now in the Bombers court. He gets a new offer higher than his low offers but not as high as his previous offer.
3. Bombers spend money elsewhere.

Yeah yeah I get we'll hear he's not feeling like he's being treated well. I call BS on that concept. It's business and part of this business is allowing players to test free agency.

There is a limit for every player.

I'll be happy if he returns but if he's playing both sides to get more, then he's on his own.  Another team might offer him $300K, IDK.

Let's say we offer him $250K ( a $25K increase over 2025 ) and his highest offer elsewhere is $200K. Why should we be stuck held to the original offer?  Based on last year there are no other RB's that are going to get more than $250K. If another team chooses to offer him $275-$300K, then I believe he's over paid.

Noting that the Riders won the Grey Cup with a RB earning $80K. Obviously it's not all on that decision but SMS is spent across the roster. Paying him more doesn't make us better than 2025.

Given the market value for RB's, at $225k he is over paid, $300 is ridiculous, especially given his ball security issues this year, and if another team wants to give him that, then have at er. As I recall, Matthew Peterson did quite well last year when BO was out, life will go on without him.

Quote from: dd on December 07, 2025, 04:37:19 PMGiven the market value for RB's, at $225k he is over paid, $300 is ridiculous, especially given his ball security issues this year, and if another team wants to give him that, then have at er. As I recall, Matthew Peterson did quite well last year when BO was out, life will go on without him.

I'm not sure how many fumbles he had or lost and wouldn't consider that a significant issue. Maybe someone can come up with some comparisons? Brady fights for more yardage and that creates an opportunity for defenders to strip the ball.

Brady did receive $50K Marketing Money so it lowered the SMS hit. Regardless that takes away the cash for a different player potentially. His total was actually $240K and not the $225 I mentioned earlier.

Just a guess but I think the Redblacks might make the best offer to make a big PR move so to speak.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 07, 2025, 04:40:48 PMI'm not sure how many fumbles he had or lost and wouldn't consider that a significant issue. Maybe someone can come up with some comparisons? Brady fights for more yardage and that creates an opportunity for defenders to strip the ball.

Brady did receive $50K Marketing Money so it lowered the SMS hit. Regardless that takes away the cash for a different player potentially. His total was actually $240K and not the $225 I mentioned earlier.

Just a guess but I think the Redblacks might make the best offer to make a big PR move so to speak.

didn't Brady state one of his primary motivations is to go to a winning team? But he wouldn't be the first to take the money instead (then saying this team has a lot of potential)

Quote from: Pete on December 07, 2025, 05:30:47 PMdidn't Brady state one of his primary motivations is to go to a winning team? But he wouldn't be the first to take the money instead (then saying this team has a lot of potential)

Really only eliminates Ottawa. Basically everyone's a winning team in the CFL.

The club could save money but not bringing back Wilson (we have younger, cheaper options in Ayers and Shay), Jake (not an effective player anymore), Jefferson (going to be 35, declining, overpaid at his current price), Logan, Mitchell, possibly one of Nichols, Kramdi, Holm (lots of money for one position group).

Quote from: Pete on December 07, 2025, 05:30:47 PMdidn't Brady state one of his primary motivations is to go to a winning team? But he wouldn't be the first to take the money instead (then saying this team has a lot of potential)

But who's this mysterious winning team he's going to go to--BC-can't afford him, Calgary-doesn't run the ball enough to warrant big $$ RB, Sask is set, Montreal is set, Hamilton is pass oriented/non interested in dumping huge cash into a RB.

Brady's best situation is right in front of him, and given the season he and the team had, he should be lucky to get what he was getting in 2025, let alone a raise.

Quote from: RebusRankin on December 07, 2025, 06:12:31 PMThe club could save money but not bringing back Wilson (we have younger, cheaper options in Ayers and Shay), Jake (not an effective player anymore), Jefferson (going to be 35, declining, overpaid at his current price), Logan, Mitchell, possibly one of Nichols, Kramdi, Holm (lots of money for one position group).

We have several options to reduce our current SMS while getting younger at the same time. With so many potential free agents it's interesting to contemplate what we might be doing. Once we start re-signing some players a clearer picture will begin to emerge.

As usual they're going to be some players we want to re-sign that we'll lose elsewhere.

Quote from: dd on December 07, 2025, 06:16:52 PMBut who's this mysterious winning team he's going to go to--BC-can't afford him, Calgary-doesn't run the ball enough to warrant big $$ RB, Sask is set, Montreal is set, Hamilton is pass oriented/non interested in dumping huge cash into a RB.

Brady's best situation is right in front of him, and given the season he and the team had, he should be lucky to get what he was getting in 2025, let alone a raise.

Hamilton would be an option, they bid big for him last time, and could free up cap space by not resigning Edwards. Brady would feel right at home with the hamilton bombers/err tigercats.

Quote from: RebusRankin on December 07, 2025, 06:12:31 PMThe club could save money but not bringing back Wilson (we have younger, cheaper options in Ayers and Shay), Jake (not an effective player anymore), Jefferson (going to be 35, declining, overpaid at his current price), Logan, Mitchell, possibly one of Nichols, Kramdi, Holm (lots of money for one position group).

I would like to hang on to Holm, Nichols and Kramdi. They are 3 of the most talented and experienced players on a defense that actually performed pretty well if you can get over the frustration of applying no pressure on the QB. They also play positions (HB and SAM) that are not that easy to fill with young inexperienced players. If some rookie lights it up in camp, they could always rethink things, but I would be trying to sign them. The others, I agree with.

Quote from: Pete on December 07, 2025, 07:52:54 PMHamilton would be an option, they bid big for him last time, and could free up cap space by not resigning Edwards. Brady would feel right at home with the hamilton bombers/err tigercats.

Who's Edwards?

The fact the Bombers are slower than normal signing their own free agents suggests to me they might hit the free agency market hard this off season.

Quote from: ModAdmin on December 07, 2025, 08:46:28 PMThe fact the Bombers are slower than normal signing their own free agents suggests to me they might hit the free agency market hard this off season.

That would seem like a dangerous approach IMO. Free agency hits like a hurricane. You won't know who you want will accept offers and current players could be lost.

There will be a significant list of players we want to retain. That's guesswork on our part since some decisions will be made on SMS aspects. Offers may have been made and counter offers are being considered by both sides.

I'd expect some re-signings to start showing up as early as this week. Only about 10 of 250 potential free agents have been re-signed so far.

Hopefully we focus on the Canadians in the early going.

Quote from: bunker on December 07, 2025, 08:35:08 PMI would like to hang on to Holm, Nichols and Kramdi. They are 3 of the most talented and experienced players on a defense that actually performed pretty well if you can get over the frustration of applying no pressure on the QB. They also play positions (HB and SAM) that are not that easy to fill with young inexperienced players. If some rookie lights it up in camp, they could always rethink things, but I would be trying to sign them. The others, I agree with.

I have no issues with those 3 DBs just pointing out its expensive to pay those 3 140,000-150,000 each, so one may go to save $

Quote from: bunker on December 07, 2025, 08:38:05 PMWho's Edwards?

sorry that  sb tim white, hamilton could free up 200k by moving on from him to use towards Olivera.
That together with cap increase might make it feasible depending what they do at qb

Quote from: Pete on December 07, 2025, 12:05:59 AMMore likely its how his agent likes to negotiate to maximize the offers

You forget some of the statements Brady made the last time he was a FA?  He pissed off a lot of Bomber fans me included, he's not afraid to play both sides of the fence to get what he wants, I got the impression he doesn't take his words all that seriously and sees negotiations as a game. He maybe right.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 07, 2025, 09:02:37 PMI'd expect some re-signings to start showing up as early as this week. Only about 10 of 250 potential free agents have been re-signed so far.

This is the week eh?  ;D  FA begins on Feb 10, plenty of time to deal with whoever they want to bring back even if they do nuthin before the New Year.

Quote from: ModAdmin on December 07, 2025, 08:46:28 PMThe fact the Bombers are slower than normal signing their own free agents suggests to me they might hit the free agency market hard this off season.

Hmm, or that and it makes a great negotiating tactic.  If all the players who are so used to getting their KW call by now all start sweating... could make them put in pre-emptive calls to KW: "hey, you didn't call me yet, just to let you know I'll happily re-sign for <insert reasonable/lower number here>".

We always talk about the superstars that WANT to hit FA to jack up their $, but what about the other 80% of players who just want to get re-signed and a good night's sleep?

Quote from: Pete on December 07, 2025, 07:52:54 PMHamilton would be an option, they bid big for him last time

Nah.  That was only because Ted was trying to recreate Bomber culture/success in The Hammer.  He's gone and so is that WFC-centric ethos.

Scott clearly isn't a run-first HC.  That said, they could use the ratio help.  But I don't think overpay by $150k+ for a RB is the way to do it.  Plus, if you don't have a backup NAT RB, you're taking big risks.

Quote from: Jesse on December 07, 2025, 05:58:07 PMReally only eliminates Ottawa. Basically everyone's a winning team in the CFL.

Maybe in the E.  In the W you can track clear progressions in the last decade.  No bad team just magically makes it to the GC.  They take 1-3 years (or more) to build up to it, improving most every year.  Just look at SSK.  They've been trying to crack the WPG nut since '19, and Mace had them on a clear uptrend since he arrived, and he made it work in year 2 with the help of an incompetent main rival (us).

So while, say, EDM could go far in the playoffs in '26, it's virtually impossible for them to make the cup.  SSK is at the top and could stay there.  BC & CGY are both on uptrends and could make the cup.

WPG is actually in a strange place -- we have to bounce back fast and make it to at least a WDF, or we may be the next bottom-feeder or perennial x-over team.  Then we'd basically have to start all over again on the long (2-3 season) climb back to cup contention.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 07, 2025, 12:47:01 PMYou can't put in bad faith offers in the tampering period. If you make the offer it can't be taken back.

Sure you can, if you know that WPG will pony up at least close to that amount.  It would be a gamble, but you could run the numbers and be fairly safe.  It would be quite a poker accomplishment, though.  Not sure other GMs would want to spend so much brainpower and energy on the singular goal of shafting WFC out of an extra $50k SMS... but they could!

For example, if we offer Brady $250k and every one knows it, then BC could offer $300k knowing that Brady will take $275k to stay in WPG -- and WM will force it to make it happen anyway.

But if BC doesn't offer that $300k, then Brady MUST accept the original $250k or be jobless.  That's a very low-risk situation for BC (or whoever).  In fact the numbers could all go higher (with more risk, of course).

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 08, 2025, 02:43:46 AMThis is the week eh?  ;D  FA begins on Feb 10, plenty of time to deal with whoever they want to bring back even if they do nuthin before the New Year.

Yes but it's about using up any left over SMS before the end of December, if we have any that can be used as signing bonus.

Quote from: Tecno on December 08, 2025, 09:58:55 AMSure you can, if you know that WPG will pony up at least close to that amount.  It would be a gamble, but you could run the numbers and be fairly safe.  It would be quite a poker accomplishment, though.  Not sure other GMs would want to spend so much brainpower and energy on the singular goal of shafting WFC out of an extra $50k SMS... but they could!

For example, if we offer Brady $250k and every one knows it, then BC could offer $300k knowing that Brady will take $275k to stay in WPG -- and WM will force it to make it happen anyway.

But if BC doesn't offer that $300k, then Brady MUST accept the original $250k or be jobless.  That's a very low-risk situation for BC (or whoever).  In fact the numbers could all go higher (with more risk, of course).

I can't believe any team would do something like that intentionally. Not every offer in the tampering period is accepted but but I doubt that would be part of the plan.

I don't see Brady going anywhere. Winnipeg boy that loves playing in front of his family and friends. Brady is well connected to the North and is dog rescue gig, which is his passion. Brady's GF and her involvement in her family's business.   

Quote from: Pigskin on December 08, 2025, 11:05:42 PMI don't see Brady going anywhere. Winnipeg boy that loves playing in front of his family and friends. Brady is well connected to the North and is dog rescue gig, which is his passion. Brady's GF and her involvement in her family's business.   

He still took us for all we were worth last time around and will do the same this time.

All those other factors only come into play when the money is close.

Quote from: Jesse on December 08, 2025, 11:43:10 PMHe still took us for all we were worth last time around and will do the same this time.

All those other factors only come into play when the money is close.

But ya gotta think the money WILL be close. Even if the bidding gets uncomfortably high, I think we will keep pace.

Quote from: blue_or_die on December 09, 2025, 12:29:56 AMBut ya gotta think the money WILL be close. Even if the bidding gets uncomfortably high, I think we will keep pace.

Yes. And I think he's a Bomber at the end. I just don't buy into any narrative that he's going to sign here for non-monetary reasons.

Quote from: Tecno on December 08, 2025, 09:58:55 AMSure you can, if you know that WPG will pony up at least close to that amount.  It would be a gamble, but you could run the numbers and be fairly safe.  It would be quite a poker accomplishment, though.  Not sure other GMs would want to spend so much brainpower and energy on the singular goal of shafting WFC out of an extra $50k SMS... but they could!

For example, if we offer Brady $250k and every one knows it, then BC could offer $300k knowing that Brady will take $275k to stay in WPG -- and WM will force it to make it happen anyway.

But if BC doesn't offer that $300k, then Brady MUST accept the original $250k or be jobless.  That's a very low-risk situation for BC (or whoever).  In fact the numbers could all go higher (with more risk, of course).

thats why you need to  be aggressive to sign him before free agency, BC did that with Hatcher signing him right away to avoid all the uncertainty

Quote from: Jesse on December 08, 2025, 11:43:10 PMHe still took us for all we were worth last time around and will do the same this time.

All those other factors only come into play when the money is close.

Well, of course the money has to be there. But, the Bomber just have to be close. Brady wants to be a bomber for life.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 08, 2025, 02:37:06 AMYou forget some of the statements Brady made the last time he was a FA?  He pissed off a lot of Bomber fans me included, he's not afraid to play both sides of the fence to get what he wants, I got the impression he doesn't take his words all that seriously and sees negotiations as a game. He maybe right.

Count me in as one of the fans he pissed off, and I for one am tired of this BS negotiation tactic he's doing. I really hope he does moves on, as only then will he realize what a good situation he has here. I really couldn't care if he re-signs, Peterson will literally take the ball and run with it, better than BO ever did. He has way more talent than BO.

Quote from: Pete on December 09, 2025, 03:21:08 AMthats why you need to  be aggressive to sign him before free agency, BC did that with Hatcher signing him right away to avoid all the uncertainty

But it takes both parties to be willing to do that. Brady is not.

Quote from: Pigskin on December 09, 2025, 03:22:17 AMWell, of course the money has to be there. But, the Bomber just have to be close. Brady wants to be a bomber for life.

Has he ever stated that?

Quote from: Jesse on December 09, 2025, 11:56:17 AMBut it takes both parties to be willing to do that. Brady is not.

Put a 275k offer on the table with a time limit
Having that kind of uncertainty going into free agency hamstrings the organization.
If he rejects it at least we can put a plan and pursue it aggressively instead of trying to switch to plan B or C, when other free agents have already committed
This having to react to what other teams do is to say the least unproductive. You end up signing midlevel guys  that dont improve your team
  Then whoever signs him go after their top free agent cause they wont have the sms to match. ( Tired of seeing bomber players being picked off every year)

Quote from: Pete on December 09, 2025, 02:20:12 PMPut a 275k offer on the table with a time limit
Having that kind of uncertainty going into free agency hamstrings the organization.
If he rejects it at least we can put a plan and pursue it aggressively instead of trying to switch to plan B or C, when other free agents have already committed
This having to react to what other teams do is to say the least unproductive

Honestly, that's what they do. If he isn't signed by the tampering period then Walters will take that money and try to spend it elsewhere during the tampering period. He'll know before free agency day one in all likelihood if he's willing to sign again or not.

Quote from: dd on December 09, 2025, 04:05:06 AMCount me in as one of the fans he pissed off, and I for one am tired of this BS negotiation tactic he's doing.

For all of AH's faults, I don't recall him making as much of a stink every FA.  Brady's agent should tell him to shut up publicly and just negotiate quietly with KW.  Everything Brady is saying in public can easily be kept private with KW.

Brady needs to scale back his hubris a bit.  As it stands now Oullette can break tackles better, and even seems to be smarter with AH whispering in his ear every play.  Rankin is more explosive and faster.  Scott seems like the next Messam.  And Butler and Mills are almost as good.  All of those guys except Oullette are dirt cheap.  And Brady has had a baaad year for fumbles.

Let's all remember that $300k tied up in Brady is a Gino or Kenny we can't hire.  They have a cheap RB and top REC.  We have a top RB and cheap REC.  What's better?  Well, neither GC team this year had a super expensive RB, so...

Quote from: dd on December 09, 2025, 04:05:06 AMI really hope he does moves on, as only then will he realize what a good situation he has here. I really couldn't care if he re-signs, Peterson will literally take the ball and run with it, better than BO ever did. He has way more talent than BO.

Not sure about that.  Peterson's production started to, ehem, peter out the more games he started.  Peterson can't plow as well as Brady.  I think teams were quick to figure him out once they had film.  Not to say he can't be great in 2 years, but right now he's no Brady.

Quote from: Jesse on December 09, 2025, 02:20:00 AMYes. And I think he's a Bomber at the end. I just don't buy into any narrative that he's going to sign here for non-monetary reasons.

But he already did, last time.  The "home town" "don't have to uproot my life" discount is worth $25-$45k.  Thus we only ever have to come within that range of any other team's offer.

I really can't see any other team making a real offer over $300k.  Maybe not even $250k.  Why would they?

Bombers sign WR Wilson through 2028 (https://www.cfl.ca/2025/12/09/ontaria-wilson-bombers-agree-to-two-year-contract-extension/)

Quote from: Tecno on December 09, 2025, 02:32:00 PMBut he already did, last time.  The "home town" "don't have to uproot my life" discount is worth $25-$45k.  Thus we only ever have to come within that range of any other team's offer.

I really can't see any other team making a real offer over $300k.  Maybe not even $250k.  Why would they?

That's what I mean, it has that much monetary value. It's not because he wants to be a "Bomber for life" or love of his team mates or any other off field reason. It's cheaper for Brady to stay year and he has more off the field earning potential in his home town as opposed to leaving to any other CFL city.

I was shocked we had to spend as much as we did last time, tbh. And Brady still talked about how he has more than earned it.

But I still expect him to get top offers in FA. He's not just a RB, he's a Nat and teams are going to be spending up to either keep their top Nats or poach others. He received multiple 275k+ offers last time and now the salary cap has increased. Montreal signing Philpot (who's done nothing) for 275 kind of sets the floor moving forward.

Quote from: Pete on December 09, 2025, 03:21:08 AMthats why you need to  be aggressive to sign him before free agency, BC did that with Hatcher signing him right away to avoid all the uncertainty

BC paid Hatcher stupid money, wake me up when the highest paid receiver finishes the season as the CFL's top reciever.  It's always some other guy earning half as much, at least Brady has challenged for the rushing lead every year so far.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 09, 2025, 06:05:58 PMBC paid Hatcher stupid money, wake me up when the highest paid receiver finishes the season as the CFL's top reciever.  It's always some other guy earning half as much, at least Brady has challenged for the rushing lead every year so far.

It was Kenny, this season.

Quote from: Tecno on December 09, 2025, 02:31:10 PMFor all of AH's faults, I don't recall him making as much of a stink every FA.  Brady's agent should tell him to shut up publicly and just negotiate quietly with KW.  Everything Brady is saying in public can easily be kept private with KW.

AH is from a different generation than Brady, the younger they are the stranger their norms.  My business interactions with younger people often leave me baffled, their words don't necessarily connect with their actions. Gets to the point were you can't take them all that seriously, if they follow through on what they say it's a bonus.

BO20 is definitely worth whatever the market will give.  But like AH33, he has to be ready and willing to prove he's coming to camp ready for battle.  Not suggesting he'd do anything but that, but if he pulls the same crap as AH33 did, let someone else sign him.

I have no doubts he will be ready, healthy and raring to go.  And the "home town discount" should be considerable, but not insulting. 

I'm much more worried about Demski, though.  His value is higher with his versatility.  The fact there are others competing for NAT starting Rec$ out there makes it a little easier, but more than any other player, I value Demski as the game changer.  Fewer touches than Brady, but just as many yards.

Demski
Brady
Holm
Kramdi
Schoen (if 100%)

Those are the must haves of those left.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 10, 2025, 05:40:19 PMBO20 is definitely worth whatever the market will give.  But like AH33, he has to be ready and willing to prove he's coming to camp ready for battle.  Not suggesting he'd do anything but that, but if he pulls the same crap as AH33 did, let someone else sign him.

I have no doubts he will be ready, healthy and raring to go.  And the "home town discount" should be considerable, but not insulting. 

I'm much more worried about Demski, though.  His value is higher with his versatility.  The fact there are others competing for NAT starting Rec$ out there makes it a little easier, but more than any other player, I value Demski as the game changer.  Fewer touches than Brady, but just as many yards.

Demski
Brady
Holm
Kramdi
Schoen (if 100%)

Those are the must haves of those left.

Not sure about the intent of your list exactly. Nothing wrong with it per se. I'd put Neufeld and Wallace higher than Kramdi since a SAM could be more easily replace by an import while saving SMS. Starting Canadian OL, not so much.

I think our Canadian OL might also be the easiest to re-sign but that's also just a guess.

You're correct about Demski being more of a game changer on fewer touches. I think he stays a Bomber.

Anyway, I'll be happy to see any on this list being re-signed. The order is an interesting conversation though.

I'd think many players have offers to them at the moment and there may be some negotiation happening.

Like vitamin pills, let's have 1 a day announcements.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 10, 2025, 06:24:57 PMNot sure about the intent of your list exactly. Nothing wrong with it per se. I'd put Neufeld and Wallace higher than Kramdi since a SAM could be more easily replace by an import while saving SMS. Starting Canadian OL, not so much.

I think our Canadian OL might also be the easiest to re-sign but that's also just a guess.

You're correct about Demski being more of a game changer on fewer touches. I think he stays a Bomber.

Anyway, I'll be happy to see any on this list being re-signed. The order is an interesting conversation though.

I'd think many players have offers to them at the moment and there may be some negotiation happening.

Like vitamin pills, let's have 1 a day announcements.

Oline is always going to be a work in progress, unless players are very, very good, and get huge offers, they tend to stay. So that's why they don't make my list.

Kramdi is a team leader, a hit machine and shown to be effective where ever deployed.  I love his attitude and his passport.

List is for, as you notice, conversation.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 10, 2025, 06:31:50 PMOline is always going to be a work in progress, unless players are very, very good, and get huge offers, they tend to stay. So that's why they don't make my list.

Kramdi is a team leader, a hit machine and shown to be effective where ever deployed.  I love his attitude and his passport.

List is for, as you notice, conversation.

Kramdi is a very good player but I'm also considering specific positional depth we might have to make a change. We drafted 3 LB's last year and we might bring back Makonzo. Woodbey is another possible choice.

So ratio and SMS will factor in big in the direction they go at that position, more so than any other Canadian starting position.

Happy to have him back but there might be a bidding war for him back east. IIRC he was at about $140K in 2025, so where do we draw the line and what other offers does he get? Not sure.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 10, 2025, 06:37:52 PMKramdi is a very good player but I'm also considering specific positional depth we might have to make a change. We drafted 3 LB's last year and we might bring back Makonzo. Woodbey is another possible choice.

So ratio and SMS will factor in big in the direction they go at that position, more so than any other Canadian starting position.

Happy to have him back but there might be a bidding war for him back east. IIRC he was at about $140K in 2025, so where do we draw the line and what other offers does he get? Not sure.

Danny Maciocia coached Kramdi at the Univ. of Mtl and has a very high opinion of his intelligence so he'd likely be his biggest suitor, but unlikely he has the budget for another expensive Natl. DB with Marc-Antoine Dequoy also headed for free agency, he might be in line for $200k.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 10, 2025, 07:40:23 PMDanny Maciocia coached Kramdi at the Univ. of Mtl and has a very high opinion of his intelligence so he'd likely be his biggest suitor, but unlikely he has the budget for another expensive Natl. DB with Marc-Antoine Dequoy also headed for free agency, he might in line for $200k.

Can Walters please open the vault for one of Katsatonis or Duqouy?  Please?  I'd love to see either of those guys in our defensive backfield.

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 10, 2025, 07:56:38 PMCan Walters please open the vault for one of Katsatonis or Duqouy?  Please?  I'd love to see either of those guys in our defensive backfield.

I do think our secondary needs an injection from somewhere. I'd strongly consider repurposing Deatrick Nichols money.

QuoteCan Walters please open the vault for one of Katsatonis or Duqouy?  Please?  I'd love to see either of those guys in our defensive backfield.

Fat chance this happens. Both are top $$nat s and their respective clubs won't let them walk like we do with top NAT players. We need to upgrade our OL and DL, cam Allen at safety will have to do

Where is Jaworski? Guy had an awesome game in the one he played in.

Quote from: DM83 on December 11, 2025, 02:44:41 AMWhere is Jaworski? Guy had an awesome game in the one he played in.

He's on the Blue Bomber roster.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 10, 2025, 07:40:23 PMDanny Maciocia coached Kramdi at the Univ. of Mtl and has a very high opinion of his intelligence so he'd likely be his biggest suitor, but unlikely he has the budget for another expensive Natl. DB with Marc-Antoine Dequoy also headed for free agency, he might be in line for $200k.

I'd give up Kramdi for Dequoy... if we had to.

Kramdi is a coaches favourite. He's not going anywhere if he wants to stay. I think we might have to make some choices with Holm and Nichols. But that's hard too because it took us longer than normal to get our secondary sorted this year and even had to bring back Houston.

Tough off season.

QB  C (Zach is good but the rest of the group is BAD)
RB  A (Best RB in the league)
WR  B (Schoen, Pokey, Demski, Clercius, Wheatfall. Big drop-off from there.)
OL  B-(Your as good as your weakest link. Paddy was bad against pass rush last season, and Wallace wasn't great there either)

DL  B-(Failed to get consistent pressure on the QB, but stopped the run very well)
LB  A (This is our deepest position all around. Tony Jones, Kramdi and Wilson are all very good. The young guys show tons of potential)
DB  B (Found out quick that Bridges wasn't the guy. Hopefully we see someone jump off the page to start)
S   B (I actually really like Cam Allen... But wouldn't that be a great place to fit in a National?)

Would love to look for at least one more good OL in the draft, and maybe a RB to back up BO. Safety would be another place I'd look for a difference maker!

I'd like the scouts to lock in on DB, DE, OT and WR talent down south.

In free agency, I would track down a solid vet QB to back up Zach. Maybe scoop a pass rusher or a solid DB.

Quote from: LXTSN on December 11, 2025, 12:25:17 PMQB  C (Zach is good but the rest of the group is BAD)
RB  A (Best RB in the league)
WR  B (Schoen, Pokey, Demski, Clercius, Wheatfall. Big drop-off from there.)
OL  B-(Your as good as your weakest link. Paddy was bad against pass rush last season, and Wallace wasn't great there either)

DL  B-(Failed to get consistent pressure on the QB, but stopped the run very well)
LB  A (This is our deepest position all around. Tony Jones, Kramdi and Wilson are all very good. The young guys show tons of potential)
DB  B (Found out quick that Bridges wasn't the guy. Hopefully we see someone jump off the page to start)
S   B (I actually really like Cam Allen... But wouldn't that be a great place to fit in a National?)

Would love to look for at least one more good OL in the draft, and maybe a RB to back up BO. Safety would be another place I'd look for a difference maker!

I'd like the scouts to lock in on DB, DE, OT and WR talent down south.

In free agency, I would track down a solid vet QB to back up Zach. Maybe scoop a pass rusher or a solid DB.

Yikes.  I think these ratings are way, waaaaay too generous in most cases.

QB  C (Zach is good adequate but inconsistent when healthy, but the rest of the group is MEH to BAD - I reserve my opinion on Artie the Greek until we've seen more of him, but Strev and Wilson could be shown the door and I wouldn't even be mad.)
RB  A (Best RB in the league, but poorly used in last year's offence; Peterson and Chris-Ike can also play)
WR  C (Schoen, Pokey, Demski are fine; Wheatfall and Stearns are adequate. Clercius had a disappointing year.  Big drop-off from there.  No Top-10 recievers, and only 1 in the Top 25 (Demski @ #11), and only 1 over 700yds (Demski).  I fear Schoen is a lost cause - great talent, but always hurt.  Only way he should be brought back is on a low-cost base contract that is heavily weighted on starts and performance; his big salary, and Mitchell's, could be used to get a legit top-10 recieving threat.
OL  D (You're as good as your weakest link. Paddy was bad against pass rush last season, and Wallace wasn't great there either.  Kolankowski is a turnstile.)

DL  C+ (Failed to get consistent pressure on the QB, but stopped the run adequately; hoping for a better year in 2026 with more snaps for Lawson and Jaworski)
LB  A (This is our deepest position all around. Tony Jones, Kramdi and Wilson are all very good. Cadwallader and Gauthier are consistent.  The rest of the young guys show tons of potential)
DB  B- (Found out quick that Bridges wasn't the guy. Bonds is only adequate and we could definitely upgrade both of these guys.  Hopefully we see someone jump off the page to start)
S   B (I actually really like Cam Allen... But can we go hard after Katsantonis or Deqouy please?)

HC:  B (Osh made some errors, but overall failure of this team isn't totally on him).
OC:  D- (We weren't last in the league in points, but we were in the bottom 3rd, even with the best all-around RB in the league - Brady was used poorly for most of the season).
DC:  B- (Worst in the league in sacks, TFL, and INTs, but led the league in fewest TDs allowed and pass deflections)
ST:  B (Steady, but can always improve - at least we found a replacement for Grant - hopefully he's back in 2026 or this grade will likely drop in 2026)
Management:  C (Yes, we found a diamond in Vaval, but we also failed to address the Bomber porous OL that has been an issue for a couple of seasons now, and we made some poor choices in FA (Mitchell, perennially-injured Schoen).  Also, need to find a legit #2 QB - our QB depth has been bad for 2 years in a row.

I've heard rumours that the Bombers are close to finalizing a deal with Oliveria. 3 years for $900K.

Of course this is just a " rumour " but IMO it would be nuts no matter what the deals involve like Marketing Money or guaranteed money. That's just too much for any non QB.

Yes, I'd like to get him re-signed before the end of 2025 or certainly before free agency.

The question I would have is if that's the number he's asking for, why not let him get to the tampering window in February? Then we'd see if another team is going to up the anti. Why jump the gun on that level of contract?

One other point would be if we re-sign him for that amount shortly, what impact does that have on other player demands?

It seems strange that we don't have total contract disclosures but repeatedly hear about some of the larger deals being announced / completed.

Just bad business IMO.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 11, 2025, 05:25:37 PMI've heard rumours that the Bombers are close to finalizing a deal with Oliveria. 3 years for $900K.

Of course this is just a " rumour " but IMO it would be nuts no matter what the deals involve like Marketing Money or guaranteed money. That's just too much for any non QB.

Yes, I'd like to get him re-signed before the end of 2025 or certainly before free agency.

The question I would have is if that's the number he's asking for, why not let him get to the tampering window in February? Then we'd see if another team is going to up the anti. Why jump the gun on that level of contract?

One other point would be if we re-sign him for that amount shortly, what impact does that have on other player demands?

It seems strange that we don't have total contract disclosures but repeatedly hear about some of the larger deals being announced / completed.

Just bad business IMO.

Well, Darren Cameron said they were working hard to announce more "good news" in the coming weeks. I don't know if I believe anything to do with Brady, as I feel like he is going to go to the tampering window, but I wouldn't be opposed to the contract you outlined. It keeps him here and we can focus on the rest of the roster.

If there's a signing bonus on the 2025 cap (lost season), and marketing money as a part of the deal, it wouldn't hurt us against the cap, so it'd be a great outcome in my opinion.

And we're not living in 2005 where QBs are making 300k. The cap is higher. The floor is higher. Elite nationals are all going to be making around 300k. Tyson Philpot just signed for 275k and his career high is 800 yards and 5 TDs. You need to shift your thinking a bit on these contract numbers.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 11, 2025, 05:25:37 PMI've heard rumours that the Bombers are close to finalizing a deal with Oliveria. 3 years for $900K.

Of course this is just a " rumour " but IMO it would be nuts no matter what the deals involve like Marketing Money or guaranteed money. That's just too much for any non QB.

Yes, I'd like to get him re-signed before the end of 2025 or certainly before free agency.

The question I would have is if that's the number he's asking for, why not let him get to the tampering window in February? Then we'd see if another team is going to up the anti. Why jump the gun on that level of contract?

One other point would be if we re-sign him for that amount shortly, what impact does that have on other player demands?

It seems strange that we don't have total contract disclosures but repeatedly hear about some of the larger deals being announced / completed.

Just bad business IMO.

It's almost inevitable Brady is going to be offered $300k by someone, Walters trying to squeeze him will just piss him off and could cause a Harris like fracture that can't be repaired. 3 more years sounds good to me, he's been great in every way imaginable, after that he's welcome to play elsewhere as he will be sliding down the backside of his career by then. 

I want them to re-sign Brady and integrate Peterson into the offence however they can, he has the potential to be the next Demski if given the right opportunity.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 11, 2025, 05:51:19 PMIt's almost inevitable Brady is going to be offered $300k by someone, Walters trying to squeeze him will just piss him off and could cause a Harris like fracture that can't be repaired. 3 more years sounds good to me, he's been great in every way imaginable, after that he's welcome to play elsewhere as he will be sliding down the backside of his career by then. 

I want them to re-sign Brady and integrate Peterson into the offence however they can, he has the potential to be the next Demski if given the right opportunity.

If someone wants to pay him $300K I'm good with letting him leave. Just because the SMS is higher there is no advantage in giving a select few the bulk of the increase. That doesn't improve the roster one bit. It's status quo.

As far as fracturing the relationship: don't you think going to free agency does the same thing? If the choice is all about maximizing the payday, then the relationship is worth about as much as the refund on an empty pop bottle.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 11, 2025, 05:25:37 PMI've heard rumours that the Bombers are close to finalizing a deal with Oliveria. 3 years for $900K.

Actually sounds ideal.  Locking up a franchise NAT for 3 years is more than ideal.  Takes the pressure away until FA29.  3 year deals for Brady-like players are pretty rare.

It's also perfect from a WM / business / marketing side.  Allows us to sell a ton of merch.  You can't put a price on what the "hometown boy" value is.

And if it's 900 it's probably laddered.  275 / 300 / 325.  Add in $50 (hopefully $100) in MMM and it's actually quite affordable.  In fact, it would only be a bit more than the 225 we payed him last year?

If we assume he was going to get at least 300 or 325 with another team in FA, these numbers all come in to precisely what they should with the "hometown discount".

If Brady takes this offer and doesn't mouth off about it, we should probably all be happy and cut back on the Brady bashing.

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 10, 2025, 07:56:38 PMCan Walters please open the vault for one of Katsatonis or Duqouy?  Please?  I'd love to see either of those guys in our defensive backfield.

Dequoy is my fave FS bar none.  However, he had a really "bad" season in '25.  He wasn't nearly as effective as he was in '23-'24.  I think O's have figured him out and can negate his ability.

He didn't do much in the GC (from memory).

It's funny, because Katsatonis is like 180 degrees different from Dequoy.  You have to pick your type (lanky rover vs stout hitter): can't have both in one guy.  Since we haven't relied on our FS to run stop as much in the last few seasons, I think a Dequoy style would be more useful here.

Quote from: LXTSN on December 11, 2025, 12:25:17 PMWould love to look for at least one more good OL in the draft, and maybe a RB to back up BO. Safety would be another place I'd look for a difference maker!

No need.  Peterson is locked in for at least 1 more season, and he's perfectly adequate (and cheap!).  More upside than Johnny27 IMHO.

Interesting... KW is signing for duration so far.  I don't recall so many 2 & 3 years contracts in FA25.

I wonder if it's related to KW/Mafia having fresh 3 year contracts themselves?  KW trying to make sure his team is well stocked for the rest of his duration?

Quote from: Tecno on December 11, 2025, 06:27:09 PMDequoy is my fave FS bar none.  However, he had a really "bad" season in '25.  He wasn't nearly as effective as he was in '23-'24.  I think O's have figured him out and can negate his ability.

He didn't do much in the GC (from memory).

It's funny, because Katsatonis is like 180 degrees different from Dequoy.  You have to pick your type (lanky rover vs stout hitter): can't have both in one guy.  Since we haven't relied on our FS to run stop as much in the last few seasons, I think a Dequoy style would be more useful here.

Actually Dequoys 2024 and 2025 seasons were nearly identical. I don't think MAD is going anywhere. He a French Canadian kid that loves Quebec.

2025:   34 DTs, 4 STs, 3 Sacks, 1 Int, 1 TD, 0 FF.
2024:   32 DTs, 0 STs, 0 sacks, 2 Int, 0 TD, 1 FF

2025:

Quote from: Pigskin on December 11, 2025, 07:18:06 PMActually Dequoys 2024 and 2025 seasons were nearly identical. I don't think MAD is going anywhere. He a French Canadian kid that loves Quebec.

2025:  34 DTs, 4 STs, 3 Sacks, 1 Int, 1 TD, 0 FF.
2024:  32 DTs, 0 STs, 0 sacks, 2 Int, 0 TD, 1 FF

Now add 2023.  You'll see a trend.  The main thing is his INTs keep going down from his crazy '22-'23.  4 INT in '22, 5 in '23 (incl 2 TDs).  '23 had him with 3 FF too.

He's still great, but looking a bit more pedestrian -- coming back down to earth.

Agreed it would be hard to entice him away from Frenchie-land.  I hope/bet Maciocia is ripping him off in every new contract -- as he'll accept a massive homer discount.  Must be nice for MTL!

Quote from: Tecno on December 11, 2025, 06:24:04 PMActually sounds ideal.  Locking up a franchise NAT for 3 years is more than ideal.  Takes the pressure away until FA29.  3 year deals for Brady-like players are pretty rare.

It's also perfect from a WM / business / marketing side.  Allows us to sell a ton of merch.  You can't put a price on what the "hometown boy" value is.

And if it's 900 it's probably laddered.  275 / 300 / 325.  Add in $50 (hopefully $100) in MMM and it's actually quite affordable.  In fact, it would only be a bit more than the 225 we payed him last year?

If we assume he was going to get at least 300 or 325 with another team in FA, these numbers all come in to precisely what they should with the "hometown discount".

If Brady takes this offer and doesn't mouth off about it, we should probably all be happy and cut back on the Brady bashing.

We paid him $240K in 2025 according to reports. We don't know another team will pay him that much. I'd prefer to find out during the tampering period before making that kind of offer.

It's the similar thought as we had with not paying Lawler in 2025.

At +$250K, I'd let Brady go and pick up a good to great US RB for $180ish. 

Quote from: Tecno on December 11, 2025, 06:32:21 PMInteresting... KW is signing for duration so far.  I don't recall so many 2 & 3 years contracts in FA25.

I wonder if it's related to KW/Mafia having fresh 3 year contracts themselves?  KW trying to make sure his team is well stocked for the rest of his duration?

I don't think it's any more than coincidence. I'm sure Walters is all ways trying to lock guys up to longer contracts but there's no incentive for players to sign deals longer than one year unless they get some guaranteed money.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 11, 2025, 05:25:37 PMI've heard rumours that the Bombers are close to finalizing a deal with Oliveria. 3 years for $900K.

Of course this is just a " rumour " but IMO it would be nuts no matter what the deals involve like Marketing Money or guaranteed money. That's just too much for any non QB.

Yes, I'd like to get him re-signed before the end of 2025 or certainly before free agency.

The question I would have is if that's the number he's asking for, why not let him get to the tampering window in February? Then we'd see if another team is going to up the anti. Why jump the gun on that level of contract?

One other point would be if we re-sign him for that amount shortly, what impact does that have on other player demands?

It seems strange that we don't have total contract disclosures but repeatedly hear about some of the larger deals being announced / completed.

Just bad business IMO.

I agree. This deal, if true, does not excite me. If he made $225 in 2025, why such a huge pay increase when he fumbled the ball every second series?? If he's sooooo valuable, why don't we use him when the game is on the line?? What happens when he underperforms when he's getting the big contract, like so many other players do?

Give me AJ Oulette and Sam Emilius or Stevie Scott and Phillipot any day, we have Brady and Wilson, both decent players, but not #1's at their respective positions. If this is the shape of things to come, here we go again in FA

Quote from: dd on December 11, 2025, 11:12:05 PMI agree. This deal, if true, does not excite me. If he made $225 in 2025, why such a huge pay increase when he fumbled the ball every second series?? If he's sooooo valuable, why don't we use him when the game is on the line?? What happens when he underperforms when he's getting the big contract, like so many other players do?

Give me AJ Oulette and Sam Emilius or Stevie Scott and Phillipot any day, we have Brady and Wilson, both decent players, but not #1's at their respective positions. If this is the shape of things to come, here we go again in FA

Ouellettie has had 2 decent seasons out of 6, if it wasn't for his body transformation last year and AH's guidance the Riders would have cut him.  Previous years he was slower than a slug.

Quote from: dd on December 11, 2025, 11:12:05 PMI agree. This deal, if true, does not excite me. If he made $225 in 2025, why such a huge pay increase when he fumbled the ball every second series?? If he's sooooo valuable, why don't we use him when the game is on the line?? What happens when he underperforms when he's getting the big contract, like so many other players do?

Give me AJ Oulette and Sam Emilius or Stevie Scott and Phillipot any day, we have Brady and Wilson, both decent players, but not #1's at their respective positions. If this is the shape of things to come, here we go again in FA

How many times did he actually fumble? I think you're exaggerating. Didn't Ouellette fumble in the WDF? lol

Quote from: Jesse on December 11, 2025, 05:40:34 PMWell, Darren Cameron said they were working hard to announce more "good news" in the coming weeks. I don't know if I believe anything to do with Brady, as I feel like he is going to go to the tampering window, but I wouldn't be opposed to the contract you outlined. It keeps him here and we can focus on the rest of the roster.

If there's a signing bonus on the 2025 cap (lost season), and marketing money as a part of the deal, it wouldn't hurt us against the cap, so it'd be a great outcome in my opinion.

And we're not living in 2005 where QBs are making 300k. The cap is higher. The floor is higher. Elite nationals are all going to be making around 300k. Tyson Philpot just signed for 275k and his career high is 800 yards and 5 TDs. You need to shift your thinking a bit on these contract numbers.

Have a bad feeling the "good news" is that the podcast buddies are gonna get brought back (Neufeld and Kolankowski)in which case, Zach might wanna hang them up

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2025, 12:06:25 AMHow many times did he actually fumble? I think you're exaggerating. Didn't Ouellette fumble in the WDF? lol

Ouellette did fumble in the WDF 3rd Q, then went into beast mode and made up for it.  Brady fumbled in the ESF and went out with a whimper the rest of the game.

Ouellette did what AH used to do: if he fumbled he got mad and made up for it the same game.  Brady was like: "oh well, where's my bigger contract".

Quote from: dd on December 11, 2025, 11:12:05 PMGive me AJ Oulette

AJ is mediocre without the Andrew Harris control unit.  Have to buy both as a combo to be effective.

Quote from: Jesse on December 11, 2025, 10:19:07 PMI don't think it's any more than coincidence.

Could be.  Early days, low sampling count.  If KW continues to get a lot of 2-years then we'll know there's a paradigm shift.  And 3-years... that will be the ultimate tell.  Outside of a QB, almost no one signs a 3-year.

Quote from: TBURGESS on December 11, 2025, 10:07:33 PMAt +$250K, I'd let Brady go and pick up a good to great US RB for $180ish.

If Brady was from Moncton, yes.  But Brady is from Winnipeg.  There is a premium WM will pay for the hometown hero.  The merch & marketing & tix sales all get a massive boost from Brady.

Actually, if anyone should get a massive MMM bonus, it's Brady.  We can easily justify giving him half his salary in MMM.  We need to take more advantage of this -- we're paying him bigly for his name almost as much as his RB talent.

Quote from: Tecno on December 12, 2025, 04:24:51 PMOuellette did fumble in the WDF 3rd Q, then went into beast mode and made up for it.  Brady fumbled in the ESF and went out with a whimper the rest of the game.

That was an ugly fumble, but didn't he only get eight or so touches in that game? He was misused - yet again - by a hopefully-soon-to-be-unemployed OC in the biggest game of the season.

By and large, Oliveira's more than demonstrated his value to this team, IMO. He's been arguably the best tailback in this league for some time now.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 12, 2025, 04:33:58 PMThat was an ugly fumble, but didn't he only get eight or so touches in that game? He was misused - yet again - by a hopefully-soon-to-be-unemployed OC in the biggest game of the season.

But that fumble killed all of our soul-destroying momentum and lost us the game.  The entire stadium was popping bricks right up until that fumble.  We were steamrolling them at that point and a go-ahead TD would have won the game as the Als tumble into despair.

You can actually put the loss of the whole season on that Brady fumble.  It's inexcusable.  Triply inexcusable for a RB who is making $100k more than all the other RBs in the playoffs!

Quote from: Tecno on December 12, 2025, 04:43:07 PMBut that fumble killed all of our soul-destroying momentum and lost us the game.  The entire stadium was popping bricks right up until that fumble.  We were steamrolling them at that point and a go-ahead TD would have won the game as the Als tumble into despair.

You can actually put the loss of the whole season on that Brady fumble.  It's inexcusable.  Triply inexcusable for a RB who is making $100k more than all the other RBs in the playoffs!

That was a bad fumble but that one play didn't lose an entire game, much less an entire season.

The Bombers should've put forth a better effort in the first half. They played like losers for too much of that game.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 12, 2025, 04:52:20 PMThe Bombers should've put forth a better effort in the first half. They played like losers for too much of that game.

Both can be true.  At the moment of the Brady fumble we were a runaway freight train.  I was sitting right next to all the Frenchies listening to their French swears and watching their despair.  It was all over if we pounded that TD in.

Quote from: TBURGESS on December 11, 2025, 10:07:33 PMAt +$250K, I'd let Brady go and pick up a good to great US RB for $180ish.

It wouldn't take 180K. It would probably like 70-80K to find a few US RB on entry level contracts. Spending money on a RB seems like a fool errand. Although Olievra being Canadian changes things.

In a perfect world, I'd take that 150K in savings and sink it into two CDN guards. Neufeld could retire and Wallace could back up. The only way this teams wins the grey cup next year, is if Collaros is upright and has time.

Quote from: peg_city on December 12, 2025, 04:57:57 PMIt wouldn't take 180K. It would probably like 70-80K to find a few US RB on entry level contracts. Spending money on a RB seems like a fool errand. Although Olievra being Canadian changes things.

In a perfect world, I'd take that 150K in savings and sink it into two CDN guards. Neufeld could retire and Wallace could back up. The only way this teams wins the grey cup next year, is if Collaros is upright and has time.

That's the disconnect. You're not really paying 300k for a RB, you're paying an elite NI 300k, which is the going rate right now.

Quote from: Tecno on December 12, 2025, 04:43:07 PMBut that fumble killed all of our soul-destroying momentum and lost us the game.  The entire stadium was popping bricks right up until that fumble.  We were steamrolling them at that point and a go-ahead TD would have won the game as the Als tumble into despair.

You can actually put the loss of the whole season on that Brady fumble.  It's inexcusable.  Triply inexcusable for a RB who is making $100k more than all the other RBs in the playoffs!

This is a bit extreme, yes he fumbled the ball but I don't believe we got a clear replay that showed the cause of the fumble.  Could have been a bad handoff or an opponent striking the ball before he secured it.  Fumbles going to happen, they're not firing offences.

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 05:08:44 PMThat's the disconnect. You're not really paying 300k for a RB, you're paying an elite NI 300k, which is the going rate right now.

You can spin it all you want but it is $300K for a RB and we could replace him for a lot less and use the money to upgrade our OL.

Demski and Kramdi potentially will also get another $60K based on this this potentially. That would take Demski to $285K and Kramdi to $200K??

Then we have Holm and Nichols that might also see similar increases.

So 5 players getting about $300K of the increased SMS if we choose to retain all of them.

We have something like 35 potential free agents. I'm just guessing but maybe 8-10 won't be back. Easily can determine that anything left of the increased SMS is spent on those we keep: Castillo, Sheehan, Houston, Parker to name a few.

Sure we might trim some older veterans and save some money: Gauthier, Hallett, Thomas, K. Wilson. Their replacements like Lawson and Ayers will take up that savings.

So where do we get SMS room to improve the roster? That's my question.  What are we willing to give up?

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2025, 05:21:51 PMYou can spin it all you want but it is $300K for a RB and we could replace him for a lot less and use the money to upgrade our OL.

Demski and Kramdi potentially will also get another $60K based on this this potentially. That would take Demski to $285K and Kramdi to $200K??

Then we have Holm and Nichols that might also see similar increases.

So 5 players getting about $300K of the increased SMS if we choose to retain all of them.

We have something like 35 potential free agents. I'm just guessing but maybe 8-10 won't be back. Easily can determine that anything left of the increased SMS is spent on those we keep: Castillo, Sheehan, Houston, Parker to name a few.

Sure we might trim some older veterans and save some money: Gauthier, Hallett, Thomas, K. Wilson. Their replacements like Lawson and Ayers will take up that savings.

So where do we get SMS room to improve the roster? That's my question.  What are we willing to give up?

The idea would hopefully be to have more success in FA. We spent money on Logan, Mitchell, Jones that resulted in little to no production.

There aren't too many guys who are earning big raises. Obviously Walters is working under a salary cap and can't sign every FA he wants, but there's room to make moves. Spending up a little on Brady (which might be covered with marketing money) isn't going to hamstring the team at all, imo.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2025, 05:21:51 PMYou can spin it all you want but it is $300K for a RB and we could replace him for a lot less and use the money to upgrade our OL.

Demski and Kramdi potentially will also get another $60K based on this this potentially. That would take Demski to $285K and Kramdi to $200K??

Can't see Demski or Kramdi getting sizeable raises, Demski has aged out and was well paid in his prime at $225k unless he goes to FA and gets a better offer. I can't see him leaving Wpg. and don't see him getting paid more at this point in his career. 

Kramdi doesn't have LB size and he isn't a weight room guy so he's not putting on muscle like Mo Leggett of BA did to transform themselves.  With better dime backs in Griffin and Woodbey available I don't see him fitting in other than at Safety and he isn't fast enough to play corner.

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 05:08:44 PMThat's the disconnect. You're not really paying 300k for a RB, you're paying an elite NI 300k, which is the going rate right now.

That's a great point.  Just ignore the position of the tier-1 NAT.  It really only matters they are a tier-1 NAT.

If Ty Ford can earn near $300k, then certainly Brady is worth it.  I'd rather have Brady than Ford in terms of overall impact and value.

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 05:50:40 PMThere aren't too many guys who are earning big raises.

Also a great point.  Who the heck on this team acquitted themselves well enough this season to be a poaching target and/or demand a huge raise?  Maybe Demski?

We do have the "solid quiet" top guys like Holm, but even if teams want them they aren't splashy and don't usually do the Henoc-prostitution tour.  They seem easy to re-sign at reasonable rates, usually before FA.

Because we were the worst of the playoff-making teams, we should be much safer from poaching and defections this FA.  It's SSK that's going to suffer this time.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 12, 2025, 06:06:20 PMKramdi doesn't have LB size and he isn't a weight room guy so he's not putting on muscle like Mo Leggett of BA did to transform themselves.  With better dime backs in Griffin and Woodbey available I don't see him fitting in other than at Safety and he isn't fast enough to play corner.

Then you're not listening to the MOS pressers enough.  Kramdi has become the lynchpin of the D, and touted as the smartest guy out there.  Now, can he direct the D from FS?  Sure, but they might prefer him to continue at SAM.

You absolutely need to account for the position of the player and you don't blindly throw $300,000 at any starting anybody. Everything is an opportunity cost and Oliveira's value is dependent on the economics of the position, which for him, aren't great considering how much success $75,000 American backs have had. I'm not against resigning Oliveira but I'd rather have a better offensive line and an American running back, as an example, compared to what we have now.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 12, 2025, 06:43:32 PMYou absolutely need to account for the position of the player and you don't blindly throw $300,000 at any starting anybody. Everything is an opportunity cost and Oliveira's value is dependent on the economics of the position, which for him, aren't great considering how much success $75,000 American backs have had.

Except the last couple of FAs the teams have been blindly throwing $225-$275k at top-5 NATs, regardless of position.  It seems to be a trend.  Ford, Betts, Demski... you guys add to the list.

And it stands to reason.  You need a top NAT to fix your ratio, and it doesn't matter what position they are in -- because the ratio doesn't care.

And if you think the cornucopia of great IMP RBs should lessen Brady's price, then how do you explain Ty Ford??  He's at a position where great IMP players are a dime a dozen -- literally the lowest paid starting unit on any team.

I like Jesse's theory better.

Quote from: Tecno on December 12, 2025, 06:48:12 PMExcept the last couple of FAs the teams have been blindly throwing $225-$275k at top-5 NATs, regardless of position.  It seems to be a trend.  Ford, Betts, Demski... you guys add to the list.

And it stands to reason.  You need a top NAT to fix your ratio, and it doesn't matter what position they are in -- because the ratio doesn't care.

And if you think the cornucopia of great IMP RBs should lessen Brady's price, then how do you explain Ty Ford??  He's at a position where great IMP players are a dime a dozen -- literally the lowest paid starting unit on any team.

I like Jesse's theory better.

You sure field corner is an easy position to play? We went through like four of them this season. We can afford to spend on a couple of Canadian spots for sure and it's possible that one is Oliveria. It is still an choice that will have an impact on what else we can do with our SMS. I would be less concerned but it's been awhile since we've scouted our way to a couple stellar offensive lineman so we may need to try and buy them in Free Agency or resign us to another season of offensive line regression from age and ability. Suggest we avoid that outcome at all costs because it won't matter if we had Dion Sanders back there if we don't get better.

I also think the Bombers know this because if they had a blank cheque for Brady they would have announced his signing, and not Cam Lawson or Pokey's.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 12, 2025, 06:50:16 PMYou sure field corner is an easy position to play? We went through like four of them this season. We can afford to spend on a couple of Canadian spots for sure and it's possible that one is Oliveria. It is still an choice that will have an impact on what else we can do with our SMS. I would be less concerned but it's been awhile since we've scouted our way to a couple stellar offensive lineman so we may need to try and buy them in Free Agency or resign us to another season of offensive line regression from age and ability. Suggest we avoid that outcome at all costs because it won't matter if we had Dion Sanders back there if we don't get better.

I also think the Bombers know this because if they had a blank cheque for Brady they would have announced his signing, and not Cam Lawson or Pokey's.

Ford is exactly th same as Brady. He was paid 70k+ more than anyone else at the postion. Because the Elks weren't paying for top DB, (around 140k last season), they were paying for a top NI (236k last season).

Almost identical to the disparity between Ouellette and Brady. With salary cap increases, we're seeing top NI money approach 300k now. It's just the cost of business unless you want them to walk. And successive seasons of watching our top offensive talent leave (Kenny and then Brady), doesn't make our team better, no matter how much cap room you're left with.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2025, 05:21:51 PMSo where do we get SMS room to improve the roster? That's my question.  What are we willing to give up?

We give up on Logan, Mitchell, Schoen - that's a half-million right there.  Neufeld and Streveller is another 350k.  You need more?  I can find more.....

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 12, 2025, 07:20:55 PMWe give up on Logan, Mitchell, Schoen - that's a half-million right there.  Neufeld and Streveller is another 350k.  You need more?  I can find more.....

Neufeld is definitely coming back.

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 07:14:14 PMFord is exactly th same as Brady. He was paid 70k+ more than anyone else at the postion. Because the Elks weren't paying for top DB, (around 140k last season), they were paying for a top NI (236k last season).

Almost identical to the disparity between Ouellette and Brady. With salary cap increases, we're seeing top NI money approach 300k now. It's just the cost of business unless you want them to walk. And successive seasons of watching our top offensive talent leave (Kenny and then Brady), doesn't make our team better, no matter how much cap room you're left with.

Look at who won the Grey Cup. Which non import contract did they "overpay" because it's the cost of business?

They made substantial investment along both offensive and defensive lines through free agency (over two years).  If they overpaid, it was there with Hardrick and along the defensive line.

They controlled costs at receiver, QB and running back and had a mid tier secondary (from a cost perspective).

You cannot say that top Canadians now cost 300,000 across the board so Oliveira is a slam dunk at that price. That's a huge stretch. Where they play and how easily that production can be replaced is a big part of the consideration.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 12, 2025, 06:06:20 PMCan't see Demski or Kramdi getting sizeable raises, Demski has aged out and was well paid in his prime at $225k unless he goes to FA and gets a better offer. I can't see him leaving Wpg. and don't see him getting paid more at this point in his career. 

Kramdi doesn't have LB size and he isn't a weight room guy so he's not putting on muscle like Mo Leggett of BA did to transform themselves.  With better dime backs in Griffin and Woodbey available I don't see him fitting in other than at Safety and he isn't fast enough to play corner.

Demski has aged out?  lol How can you argue Demski was well paid but Oliveria at $240K deserves a raise?

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 05:50:40 PMThe idea would hopefully be to have more success in FA. We spent money on Logan, Mitchell, Jones that resulted in little to no production.

There aren't too many guys who are earning big raises. Obviously Walters is working under a salary cap and can't sign every FA he wants, but there's room to make moves. Spending up a little on Brady (which might be covered with marketing money) isn't going to hamstring the team at all, imo.

I think Logan and Mitchell will be released. J. Jones was released earlier. That's not enough SMS to add top difference makers to the roster. At best that SMS is used to beef up depth players. It certainly doesn't add top receiver for example.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2025, 08:15:55 PMDemski has aged out?

Absolutely not. He'll be 32 in two days. He has plenty left in the tank, IMO.

I'd have to expect he'll get a raise, even if only slightly.

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 07:14:14 PMFord is exactly th same as Brady. He was paid 70k+ more than anyone else at the postion. Because the Elks weren't paying for top DB, (around 140k last season), they were paying for a top NI (236k last season).

Almost identical to the disparity between Ouellette and Brady. With salary cap increases, we're seeing top NI money approach 300k now. It's just the cost of business unless you want them to walk. And successive seasons of watching our top offensive talent leave (Kenny and then Brady), doesn't make our team better, no matter how much cap room you're left with.

Brady was already paid more than $80K than the next highest paid RB.

The Elks were a bottom feeding team and needed a Canadian starter. It was good PR to add the brother aspect to the roster.

Quote from: VictorRomano on December 12, 2025, 07:20:55 PMWe give up on Logan, Mitchell, Schoen - that's a half-million right there.  Neufeld and Streveller is another 350k.  You need more?  I can find more.....

I think you're dreaming.  We might be able to add a good receiver with Schoen's money but his SMS was largely saved on 6 game IR even if he had a significant signing bonus.

Streveler had a team friendly contract for a # 2 QB.  We may save some money if we go with Wilson and rookies but that's not locked in stone.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 12, 2025, 08:22:12 PMAbsolutely not. He'll be 32 in two days. He has plenty left in the tank, IMO.

I'd have to expect he'll get a raise, even if only slightly.

The thing is what impact a potential big raise to Oliveria does to other players expectations. Their 2025 salaries were only about $20K apart.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2025, 08:15:55 PMDemski has aged out?  lol How can you argue Demski was well paid but Oliveria at $240K deserves a raise?

It's worse than that: Demski AND Brady deserve raises.  Well, Demski for sure deserves it, and Brady will get it anyhow because he's the prima donna.

Demski could probably be eyeing near $275k if he were to test FA.  Luckily I think we keep him with a small bump and hometown discount.  He's BFL.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 12, 2025, 08:10:20 PMYou cannot say that top Canadians now cost 300,000 across the board so Oliveira is a slam dunk at that price.

$250-$300k, yes.  Easily.  The top-5 will get it.  Maybe top-7.  Why?  Because there aren't enough top "as good as INTs" starting NATs to go around to all 9 teams.

We've already seen it.  There are easily 7 NATs across the league making that in this upcoming season, especially if you include OL.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 12, 2025, 08:10:20 PMLook at who won the Grey Cup. Which non import contract did they "overpay" because it's the cost of business?

They controlled costs at receiver, QB and running back and had a mid tier secondary (from a cost perspective).

SSK found the magic formula.  It's actually brilliant as it throws CFL orthodoxy on its head.  Buy a top-2 OL unit and have an accurate short-game QB, then it doesn't matter who you are throwing it to as you have all day and any mediocre NAT REC can get the job done.  And that's what they did: filled their roster with mediocre NAT RECs (and mediocre IMP ones too).

It's brilliant because besides the OL, everyone can be cheap.  No need for expensive ratio-busters on D.  No need to overpay either NAT or IMP at REC, because anyone can do it.  No need to overpay a NAT RB.

The downside is you have to rethink and rejig your whole operation (both sides).  I'm not sure other teams are prepared to make such a drastic change.  Pretty sure we're not.

Plus, the dink & dunk is vulnerable.  Hall figured it out in years past.  We just need to figure it out again and we can neutralize their non-splashy O.

As for MTL, same question, different answer: they've been riding on the coattails of great scouting and cheap ELCs.  That ride appears to be over for FA26.  They now have to "overpay" for NATs too, like the Philpot deal.  And let's see what their NAT DL demand in their next FAs...

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 12, 2025, 06:50:16 PMYou sure field corner is an easy position to play? We went through like four of them this season.

"Dime a dozen" as in "cheap", not as in "easy to find great ones".  DBs are grossly underpaid compared to all other units, and are readily sacrificed as soon as they show any hint of aging out or demanding too much $$.

Factor in what you said, and it becomes even more absurd.  But it's the truth.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 12, 2025, 06:50:16 PMI also think the Bombers know this because if they had a blank cheque for Brady they would have announced his signing, and not Cam Lawson or Pokey's.

I don't think it's blank cheque for Brady, but it's pretty close.  I think KW/WM are doing a sort of good cop / bad cop routine on Brady.  At least I hope they are, otherwise we're just getting played.  KW can put in a firm lowball offer (say $250k), Brady can scream for $300k, then WM can step in and say "just for you Brady I will override KW and you get $275".

That's what I'd be doing.

Quote from: Tecno on December 12, 2025, 08:47:50 PMSSK found the magic formula.  It's actually brilliant as it throws CFL orthodoxy on its head.  Buy a top-2 OL unit and have an accurate short-game QB, then it doesn't matter who you are throwing it to as you have all day and any mediocre NAT REC can get the job done.  And that's what they did: filled their roster with mediocre NAT RECs (and mediocre IMP ones too).

It's brilliant because besides the OL, everyone can be cheap.  No need for expensive ratio-busters on D.  No need to overpay either NAT or IMP at REC, because anyone can do it.  No need to overpay a NAT RB.

The downside is you have to rethink and rejig your whole operation (both sides).  I'm not sure other teams are prepared to make such a drastic change.  Pretty sure we're not.

Plus, the dink & dunk is vulnerable.  Hall figured it out in years past.  We just need to figure it out again and we can neutralize their non-splashy O.

As for MTL, same question, different answer: they've been riding on the coattails of great scouting and cheap ELCs.  That ride appears to be over for FA26.  They now have to "overpay" for NATs too, like the Philpot deal.  And let's see what their NAT DL demand in their next FAs...

You really under sell how good the Riders recievers are like Sam Emilius or Meyers, they aren't just any regular Joe's out there, we have those on our roster. Sterns couldn't make the Riders roster, and he was one of our most reliable and productive reciever this year.

I think what Saskatchewan does though, is uncover good young talent and get them on ELC's, and hats off to their scouting staff for that. Heck, lost in all of this, is they had Justin McInnes before he left for more $$ and BC--can you imagine their recieving corps with McInnes added to it?!?!?  I expect when ELC's expire, the same will follow in Sask. Heck, its exactly what happened to us with Dobson and Ford. It's the nature of the business, but it isn't easy, the unsung heros in all of this is the scouting staff getting the talent 

Quote from: Jesse on December 12, 2025, 07:27:34 PMNeufeld is definitely coming back.

This might be Walter's last year, if this is what happens.

Quote from: peg_city on December 13, 2025, 01:09:50 AMThis might be Walter's last year, if this is what happens.

People going to flip when they re-sign Mighty Jake.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 13, 2025, 02:02:19 AMPeople going to flip when they re-sign Mighty Jake.

Dear god no...

Quote from: dd on December 12, 2025, 10:33:33 PMYou really under sell how good the Riders recievers are like Sam Emilius or Meyers, they aren't just any regular Joe's out there, we have those on our roster.

But they are not.  And I can prove it: No one will be offering their FA RECs any big Kenny money.  SSK will get to retain whoever they want, and all at reasonable prices.  Any that shake free will be commanding "leftovers" money like Sterns got.

Their only future semi-star REC is K.Johnson.  That dude has hands, and seems to not have peaked yet.

Emilus is decent, but is Demski level at best -- made more valuable because he's a NAT.

The rest are really a dime a dozen.  They are all solid (well, almost all) but nothing special.  They are like Bailey or Woli were.  Every REC on that team looks better than they are because of the scheme and OL.  And I maintain their system is vulnerable, and our D better be planning on how to beat it.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 13, 2025, 02:02:19 AMPeople going to flip when they re-sign Mighty Jake.

I think the long extension of Lawson hints that Fatboi is out.  I guess you could keep him around on PR as backup or even dress as backup, but seriously, why bother?  I'm Fatboi's biggest fan, and I think we should give him a coaching/advisor role if his knowledge is so important.

Quote from: Tecno on December 13, 2025, 05:35:34 PMI think the long extension of Lawson hints that Fatboi is out.  I guess you could keep him around on PR as backup or even dress as backup, but seriously, why bother?  I'm Fatboi's biggest fan, and I think we should give him a coaching/advisor role if his knowledge is so important.

Depends what they decide to do with Schmeckel and the ratio, Adams is gone and Woods is leftover, I don't know if Jenkins or Jaworski are DT's or DE's, they seem to be somewhere in the middle, so maybe a different look is at hand.  If not Jake is probably back.

Who do you think we signed.?  The Bombers have a lot of  guys signed, just not announced?
Right?  We should get Sankey immediately.

Let's sign guys who want to make The block or tackle.  We have a lot of posers, and a lot of "too old"  who on the defensive line, some DBs and some Olinemen who are content to stand arouond.

I played RB and often wondered why my o linemen were standing with no one around while I was being tackled by 3or4 guys.. lol!

Quote from: DM83 on December 14, 2025, 10:33:05 PMWho do you think we signed.?  The Bombers have a lot of  guys signed, just not announced?
Right?  We should get Sankey immediately.

I've always like Sankey. I don't see him being added though. Unless the team feels either T. Jones or Sankey fills the spot at WIL, then it's a strategic kind of issue. Obviously SMS is an issue since he e4arned $175K+ last year.

I think we're expecting Ayers or one of our Canadian LB's to take on a bigger role in 2026.

He'd be an asset but he'll want to start and not be a rotational DI. That means he needs to join a different team IMO.

I expect him to be signed somewhere before Christmas as teams make decisions going forward.

Quote from: DM83 on December 14, 2025, 10:33:05 PMWho do you think we signed.?  The Bombers have a lot of  guys signed, just not announced?
Right?  We should get Sankey immediately.

I love Sankey, but where can we spot him in? Any chance we let Kyrie Wilson walk? Sankey, Tony Jones, Kramdi/Griffin would be a top 3 LB core.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 13, 2025, 06:10:28 PMDepends what they decide to do with Schmeckel and the ratio, Adams is gone and Woods is leftover, I don't know if Jenkins or Jaworski are DT's or DE's, they seem to be somewhere in the middle, so maybe a different look is at hand.  If not Jake is probably back.

Did I miss this? Is Adams out? I really liked him but Woods is solid.
Maybe both those guys just didn't produce enough? Woods is still really young.
Hopefully those 2 new guys are back competing for some AR spots.
Vaughters had the best season of his career with 36 tackles and 6 sacks.
Person had 6 tackles and 1 sack as a backup in 13 games.
Willie had 15 tackles and 3 sacks. He had a ton of knockdowns and won at least one game for us with some breakups at the line of scrimmage.
It would be nice to have at least one 10-sack guy, but there was only 4 of those in the league last season!

six potential free agents I would pursue to get one or two of:
Mcmanus
Dequoy
Gittens jr
Ceresna/Tavai
Hicks
Woodmansey

Quote from: Pete on December 15, 2025, 04:44:21 PMsix potential free agents I would pursue to get one or two of:

I really think we're good at LB.  The starters are good, the backups are good.  The NAT depth is beyond ample.

I would put any extra D resources into the DL.  It's by far the weakest unit.

Quote from: LXTSN on December 15, 2025, 03:36:45 PMDid I miss this? Is Adams out? I really liked him but Woods is solid.
Maybe both those guys just didn't produce enough? Woods is still really young.
Hopefully those 2 new guys are back competing for some AR spots.
Vaughters had the best season of his career with 36 tackles and 6 sacks.
Person had 6 tackles and 1 sack as a backup in 13 games.
Willie had 15 tackles and 3 sacks. He had a ton of knockdowns and won at least one game for us with some breakups at the line of scrimmage.
It would be nice to have at least one 10-sack guy, but there was only 4 of those in the league last season!

Person ended up on the PR to end the season and is now a free agent.

Quote from: Tecno on December 15, 2025, 04:50:47 PMI really think we're good at LB.  The starters are good, the backups are good.  The NAT depth is beyond ample.

I would put any extra D resources into the DL.  It's by far the weakest unit.

In theory that is true but Griffin, Kramdi and Ayers are all potential free agents. The team may know what the chances of these players returning will be but it's a TBD until we hear for certain.

LB does seem to be the least of our concerns though even with that status of unknowns. I'm really expecting for our 2nd year Canadians to take a step forward on defence.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 15, 2025, 05:11:34 PMIn theory that is true but Griffin, Kramdi and Ayers are all potential free agents. The team may know what the chances of these players returning will be but it's a TBD until we hear for certain.

LB does seem to be the least of our concerns though even with that status of unknowns. I'm really expecting for our 2nd year Canadians to take a step forward on defence.

Add Woodbey, Shay and Smith to the pile of players fighting for 3 LB jobs.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 15, 2025, 04:59:51 PMPerson ended up on the PR to end the season and is now a free agent.

I thought they handled this situation rather badly, if Munier-Bailey beat Person out as the 3rd DE, why did he have to wait till the end of the season to make his first appearance?  Is it logical to make the choice based on a one game performance? I have no opinion who is the better player but it does not give confidence in the evaluation process when it's handled so unevenly. The caveat may be that Person indicated to management he did not intend to return to the CFL next season.

Our FA efforts have to address our teams weaknesses ie our needs, no need to go after 'wants'. Our needs are an upgrade to our O and D line. It would be nice to get another productive reciever to go with Demski, Wilson and Sterns, but that's a nice to have, our need to haves are a stud DT and an upgrade to our Guards and centre on our O line.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 15, 2025, 05:43:48 PMI thought they handled this situation rather badly, if Munier-Bailey beat Person out as the 3rd DE, why did he have to wait till the end of the season to make his first appearance?  Is it logical to make the choice based on a one game performance? I have no opinion who is the better player but it does not give confidence in the evaluation process when it's handled so unevenly. The caveat may be that Person indicated to management he did not intend to return to the CFL next season.

There could be many reasons but it's easier to add the 2nd global player than to add an import as a DI. After 2 seasons and very limited play, Person may have decided not to return as you suggested.

The newer DE's that played in the final game may have also been higher up on someones list and would be on ELC's.

We'll see if Person ends up with a TC invite elsewhere including the USFL.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 15, 2025, 05:43:48 PMI thought they handled this situation rather badly, if Munier-Bailey beat Person out as the 3rd DE, why did he have to wait till the end of the season to make his first appearance?  Is it logical to make the choice based on a one game performance? I have no opinion who is the better player but it does not give confidence in the evaluation process when it's handled so unevenly. The caveat may be that Person indicated to management he did not intend to return to the CFL next season.

Munier-Bailey is only 24. They sky is the limit for him! I thought he played well in preseason too. Hoping to see him come back strong this season!

Assuming Sheahan is back on the roster next season, if Munier-Bailey is on the roster, does he take up a space?
I'm not close to a roster specialist... but I thought they made one extra space if you choose to use it for a global player?

Quote from: dd on December 15, 2025, 05:47:40 PMOur FA efforts have to address our teams weaknesses ie our needs, no need to go after 'wants'. Our needs are an upgrade to our O and D line. It would be nice to get another productive reciever to go with Demski, Wilson and Sterns, but that's a nice to have, our need to haves are a stud DT and an upgrade to our Guards and centre on our O line.

While I'm not expecting Schoen back I could be mistaken. If he is healthy he'd be a solid addition. That said he may not even be available for 1/2 the season and is a potential free agent.

Quote from: LXTSN on December 15, 2025, 05:52:02 PMMunier-Bailey is only 24. They sky is the limit for him! I thought he played well in preseason too. Hoping to see him come back strong this season!

Assuming Sheahan is back on the roster next season, if Munier-Bailey is on the roster, does he take up a space?
I'm not close to a roster specialist... but I thought they made one extra space if you choose to use it for a global player?

A 2nd global on the roster comes at the expense of another Canadian on the AR. Teams are required to have at least one global and we expect Sheehan to be that player.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 15, 2025, 05:53:33 PMWhile I'm not expecting Schoen back I could be mistaken. If he is healthy he'd be a solid addition. That said he may not even be available for 1/2 the season and is a potential free agent.

After his last two seasons being the Jekyll to his first two being Hyde, I'd be hesitant to re-sign Schoen unless the contract is heavily incentivized and he's been able to rehab that knee as much as possible.

I think DS83 would be on the 6 game to stat the season. He might end up like Woli and miss the whole season.

Quote from: Pigskin on December 15, 2025, 07:31:56 PMI think DS83 would be on the 6 game to stat the season. He might end up like Woli and miss the whole season.

He's a potential free agent. They would have to re-sign him in order to place him on IR. I find that unlikely at best.

Aaaaaand we can remove Oliveira (https://www.cfl.ca/2025/12/15/bombers-sign-brady-oliveira-to-extension-through-2028/) from this pending FA list. ;D

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 15, 2025, 08:29:06 PMAaaaaand we can remove Oliveira (https://www.cfl.ca/2025/12/15/bombers-sign-brady-oliveira-to-extension-through-2028/) from this pending FA list. ;D

Demski should be next as a bigger ticket re-signing.

Quote from: dd on December 15, 2025, 05:47:40 PMOur FA efforts have to address our teams weaknesses ie our needs, no need to go after 'wants'. Our needs are an upgrade to our O and D line. It would be nice to get another productive reciever to go with Demski, Wilson and Sterns, but that's a nice to have, our need to haves are a stud DT and an upgrade to our Guards and centre on our O line.

I think we need another impact receiver. Sterns is adequate at best, a 4/5 receiver. Schoen cannot be relied upon, I'm hoping he recovers, but think it unlikely he will ever be close to what he was. Demski is usually injured once a season. Ideally we need a #1 receiver, or if you consider Wilson to be that guy, then another number 2/3 receiver. Granted there is only so much money to go around, and I agree O-line needs to be the priority.

N

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 15, 2025, 05:53:33 PMWhile I'm not expecting Schoen back I could be mistaken. If he is healthy he'd be a solid addition. That said he may not even be available for 1/2 the season and is a potential free agent.

Not worth the money or injury risk.

Quote from: bunker on December 15, 2025, 10:11:50 PMI think we need another impact receiver. Sterns is adequate at best, a 4/5 receiver. Schoen cannot be relied upon, I'm hoping he recovers, but think it unlikely he will ever be close to what he was. Demski is usually injured once a season. Ideally we need a #1 receiver, or if you consider Wilson to be that guy, then another number 2/3 receiver. Granted there is only so much money to go around, and I agree O-line needs to be the priority.

Totally agree. Hope we have enough money to get a #1 WR now that we dumped huge cash Oliviera's way

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 15, 2025, 05:53:33 PMWhile I'm not expecting Schoen back I could be mistaken. If he is healthy he'd be a solid addition. That said he may not even be available for 1/2 the season and is a potential free agent.

I would be fine with a Schoen re-sign, but ONLY with (near) $0 bonus / up-front.  It has to be a deal that can be protected via the 6GIR.  Greater than 50/50 he pulls a Masoli and has a knee blow up for a 3rd time.

Quote from: Tecno on December 16, 2025, 01:23:53 AMI would be fine with a Schoen re-sign, but ONLY with (near) $0 bonus / up-front.  It has to be a deal that can be protected via the 6GIR.  Greater than 50/50 he pulls a Masoli and has a knee blow up for a 3rd time.

That's a bad business decision if he's going to start the season on the 6 game IR+. It may not impact SMS in that sense but that suggests his time frame to become healthy is unknown and a risk.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 16, 2025, 01:11:35 PMThat's a bad business decision if he's going to start the season on the 6 game IR+. It may not impact SMS in that sense but that suggests his time frame to become healthy is unknown and a risk.

I don't really see how it's a bad business decision. Assuming that if he comes back, it's at a pretty low salary. If he's starts on the 6 game it's a non-factor salary cap wise. That's essentially zero risk with the potential pay off of a healthy Schoen for the back half of the season.

It's not a high percentage play, as we've likely seen the last of what we hoped Schoen would be. But given the state of our receiving core, we need to take some shots and that's as good a low risk/high reward move as any.

Quote from: Jesse on December 16, 2025, 03:33:09 PMI don't really see how it's a bad business decision. Assuming that if he comes back, it's at a pretty low salary. If he's starts on the 6 game it's a non-factor salary cap wise. That's essentially zero risk with the potential pay off of a healthy Schoen for the back half of the season.

It's not a high percentage play, as we've likely seen the last of what we hoped Schoen would be. But given the state of our receiving core, we need to take some shots and that's as good a low risk/high reward move as any.

You can wait until he's healthy before re-signing him. That's the risk. He may not be healthy for the entire 2026 season.

Why would we assume he'd re-sign for a low salary if he regains health and can play at a top level? Was it a good risk assessment going into the 2025 season with the same issue of coming off that same injury? Noting that we paid a large signing bonus which counted against the SMS.

I say again, IMO it would be a bad business decision to re-sign him if he is unable to make TC. At the moment that seems doubtful.

Looks like Kramdi (https://www.cfl.ca/2025/12/16/bombers-sign-redha-kramdi-to-two-year-extension/) can be taken off the pending FA list. He's back through 2027!

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 16, 2025, 03:48:21 PMYou can wait until he's healthy before re-signing him. That's the risk. He may not be healthy for the entire 2026 season.

Why would we assume he'd re-sign for a low salary if he regains health and can play at a top level? Was it a good risk assessment going into the 2025 season with the same issue of coming off that same injury? Noting that we paid a large signing bonus which counted against the SMS.

I say again, IMO it would be a bad business decision to re-sign him if he is unable to make TC. At the moment that seems doubtful.

I think they extend the courtesy of re-signing Schoen if he decides he wants to continue his football career, which could mean another entire season on the 6 game. Hard to say what his mindset is but I half expect him to announce his retirement in the spring and get on with his engineering career.  If he comes back he will not be the receiver he was but could fill the role of the smart receiver like Luke Tasker, Dressler or Darren Flutie.

The Bombers will get Demski done soon. I would like to nail down Castillo.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 16, 2025, 03:48:21 PMYou can wait until he's healthy before re-signing him. That's the risk. He may not be healthy for the entire 2026 season.

Then it's zero SMS cost, as long as no bonus.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 16, 2025, 03:48:21 PMWhy would we assume he'd re-sign for a low salary if he regains health and can play at a top level?

Because he has near zero alternatives.  We're the ones who would show loyalty, no one else would.  And it's impossible for him to say, or for anyone to predict, that he'll ever play at "top level".  That's the risk for any team looking at him.

Ideally he'd even take a modest salary (lower than before) but with lots of bonuses for games dressed or TDs or whatever.  That way if it all works out, he gets good pay, if not, well at least we tried.

Masoli blew up his knee like 18 times and yet he got offers and a job every single time he came back.  Schoen is much younger and one would think/hope his chances of recovery are better than Masolis.  So if Masoli got offers, so should Schoen.  And you can't wait, because other teams won't.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 16, 2025, 03:48:21 PMWas it a good risk assessment going into the 2025 season with the same issue of coming off that same injury? Noting that we paid a large signing bonus which counted against the SMS.

No, someone screwed up by offering a non-contact knee injury guy a non-tiny bonus.  And we should never do it again.  But it doesn't mean we can't make a no-bonus offer that makes sense for everyone.

There's also the loyalty factor.  Mafia has shown loyalty in the past, like Moe's after first big injury, and with Strev.

My guess is Nichols is next to sign.

Quote from: Tecno on December 16, 2025, 06:09:43 PMThen it's zero SMS cost, as long as no bonus.

Because he has near zero alternatives.  We're the ones who would show loyalty, no one else would.  And it's impossible for him to say, or for anyone to predict, that he'll ever play at "top level".  That's the risk for any team looking at him.

Ideally he'd even take a modest salary (lower than before) but with lots of bonuses for games dressed or TDs or whatever.  That way if it all works out, he gets good pay, if not, well at least we tried.

Masoli blew up his knee like 18 times and yet he got offers and a job every single time he came back.  Schoen is much younger and one would think/hope his chances of recovery are better than Masolis.  So if Masoli got offers, so should Schoen.  And you can't wait, because other teams won't.

No, someone screwed up by offering a non-contact knee injury guy a non-tiny bonus.  And we should never do it again.  But it doesn't mean we can't make a no-bonus offer that makes sense for everyone.

There's also the loyalty factor.  Mafia has shown loyalty in the past, like Moe's after first big injury, and with Strev.

I'd bet none of that happens unless he's healthy to participate in TC and I doubt that he will be.  You're suggesting we repeat the problem we had in 2025. That's seem clear. I don't know where loyalty fits into your idea.

Loyalty got us J. Thomas long after he should have been replaced.

Good that we have two "ratio breakers" signed already.

Not saying American aren't important to the success of the club, but that pool is much deeper and easier to fish.

We are going to see a few FA's test the waters, and during the tampering period, we will also be executing backup plans. 

I have trust in Walters that he's going to upgrade the team in surprising ways.  The fact we are so heavy on Oline this camp is going to be really interesting.  I don't think anyone nailed the RT spot, and Big Stan might not be back, so there is going to be a feeding frenzy at OT. 

We do need Oline for the pipe in the draft, I'm not sure that we want to go after any potential OT's though.  Sticking with the interior 3 for ratio makes too much sense, with the depth we have in "ratio breakers".  So getting the best possible interior prospects is huge.

I am interested in if Eli can make the move to full time C.  I think it is time for him to.  And then we bring up new guys for the roster for Jumbo.  Hate taking one of our best % receivers off the SY team, but you make sacrifices to play every down.

I wonder how they feel about Vibert as a prospect. He got activated for one game, but didn't see him after that. Either way we need to add at least one more in the first 4 rounds for a little added depth and potential.

I might be in minority, but I like what we've seen from Vanterpool at LT in limited action. I see him as the long term replacement for Stanley.
Randolph was put in almost every spot on the OL. If he is set to start a full season at RT I think he'd be better prepared and polished to do a more specific job.

The biggest hole on our OL in my opinion is Paddy. Great run blocker but he was a pilon against the pass rush this season. He's one of those guys that you want to reward but we need to get back into the business of competing for Grey Cups! Wallace to RG and Eli at LG or we use a higher draft pick.

Again... Paddy will be back, that's just how the Bombers operate. But it's fun to dream!

Quote from: theaardvark on December 17, 2025, 03:05:47 PMGood that we have two "ratio breakers" signed already.

Not saying American aren't important to the success of the club, but that pool is much deeper and easier to fish.

We are going to see a few FA's test the waters, and during the tampering period, we will also be executing backup plans. 

I have trust in Walters that he's going to upgrade the team in surprising ways.  The fact we are so heavy on Oline this camp is going to be really interesting.  I don't think anyone nailed the RT spot, and Big Stan might not be back, so there is going to be a feeding frenzy at OT. 

We do need Oline for the pipe in the draft, I'm not sure that we want to go after any potential OT's though.  Sticking with the interior 3 for ratio makes too much sense, with the depth we have in "ratio breakers".  So getting the best possible interior prospects is huge.

I am interested in if Eli can make the move to full time C.  I think it is time for him to.  And then we bring up new guys for the roster for Jumbo.  Hate taking one of our best % receivers off the SY team, but you make sacrifices to play every down.

Eli is now listed as 287 lbs and maybe too light to hold down a starting position on the O-line, I know when he first arrived his belly was hanging over his belt so he's slimmed down a lot since 2019. Kola is listed at 307 lbs and have heard him say he needs to eat 10 times a day to maintain that weight in a position were size really matters.

I don't understand the enthusiasm for Eli. He's been trying to beat out Kolankowski, the worst starting centre in the league for a number of years, and has not succeeded. He's been even worse when played at guard. If you want to keep him around as a 6th O-lineman who can play centre in a pinch, fine, although I'd rather find and roster some younger Nat O-lineman with more upside.

Quote from: bunker on December 17, 2025, 04:46:13 PMI don't understand the enthusiasm for Eli.

You guys nailed it.  Eli will never be starting C unless our desired C goes on 6G.  Eli is a good backup C, very good jumbo TE, happy with his position, a NAT, and inexpensive.  He's ideal in the role he has.

Too small, and just not that great when he gets C or OG snaps.  However, someone said in a presser Neuf got injured in ESF and Eli played the remainder of the game?  I was at the game I didn't notice any drop-off, so maybe he has improved slightly.  (I need to rewatch that game soon!)  And I say all of this as a big Eli fan.

I see Eli keeping his current job basically until we can find another C who is fine being a backup/jumbo -- which may never happen.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 17, 2025, 03:17:17 AMLoyalty got us J. Thomas long after he should have been replaced.

The loyalty "problem" as it pertains to Fatboi has nothing to do with the loyalty "problem" with Schoen.  Schoen is a top-3 NAT REC if fully healthy, worth gobs of money -- who is always hurt.  Fatboi is a mediocre NAT DT who is never hurt.

Yes, both get helped by "loyalty", but it's in different ways.  If we're loyal to Schoen and give him another shot, it's because we hope he'll be 2023 Schoen again.  There's no hope Fatboi will ever be more than Fatboi (and that's ok).

Quote from: bunker on December 17, 2025, 04:46:13 PMI don't understand the enthusiasm for Eli. He's been trying to beat out Kolankowski, the worst starting centre in the league for a number of years, and has not succeeded.

I don't know if I'd go that far!  I'd say Ko-man is more middle / lower-middle of the pack.  His pass-pro isn't great, but run block is ok.  On the plus side he's a superb snapper, and rarely puts one over Zach's head.

Contrast with that clown costing BLM games chucking balls everywhere but BLM's hands in HAM at the end of the season... I don't care how well he pass-pros, if he can't get the ball to the QB.

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 17, 2025, 03:15:32 AMMy guess is Nichols is next to sign.

Nailed it.

Quote from: Tecno on December 17, 2025, 05:51:30 PMI don't know if I'd go that far!  I'd say Ko-man is more middle / lower-middle of the pack.  His pass-pro isn't great, but run block is ok. On the plus side he's a superb snapper, and rarely puts one over Zach's head.

Yah, I suspect Zach gets a say in who plays Center and he's a loud voice in that room. Picture Hogan in backwards ball cap and shades sweating profusely when Zach airs his grievances.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 18, 2025, 06:48:11 PMYah, I suspect Zach gets a say in who plays Center and he's a loud voice in that room. Picture Hogan in backwards ball cap and shades sweating profusely when Zach airs his grievances.

I'd rather picture Hogan filing his EI claim

Quote from: Tecno on December 17, 2025, 05:49:17 PMThe loyalty "problem" as it pertains to Fatboi has nothing to do with the loyalty "problem" with Schoen.  Schoen is a top-3 NAT REC if fully healthy, worth gobs of money -- who is always hurt.  Fatboi is a mediocre NAT DT who is never hurt.

Yes, both get helped by "loyalty", but it's in different ways.  If we're loyal to Schoen and give him another shot, it's because we hope he'll be 2023 Schoen again.  There's no hope Fatboi will ever be more than Fatboi (and that's ok).

? Typo
Schoen is an import.

Quote from: bunker on December 17, 2025, 04:46:13 PMI don't understand the enthusiasm for Eli. He's been trying to beat out Kolankowski, the worst starting centre in the league for a number of years, and has not succeeded. He's been even worse when played at guard. If you want to keep him around as a 6th O-lineman who can play centre in a pinch, fine, although I'd rather find and roster some younger Nat O-lineman with more upside.

I hear you saying Kolankowski is the "worst starting centre in the league" but haven't heard that anywhere but here. Eli is on the roster because he can back up a couple of positions.  If you are suggesting we could upgrade the Oline, I would agree but criticism, when coming from a single source, this forum, can be taken at least with a grain of salt.

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 18, 2025, 04:21:35 PMNailed it.

Well done, you know a thing or two!

Good progress made in the last 1 1/2 weeks. Would like to see 3 - 4 more added before Christmas. Lot's of players on the OL, kickers and secondary on our list.

While the order is not critical, I'd like to see us dealing with our Canadian OL decisions. Not to down play the importance of our imports but Canadians are harder to come by.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 19, 2025, 03:18:30 PMGood progress made in the last 1 1/2 weeks. Would like to see 3 - 4 more added before Christmas. Lot's of players on the OL, kickers and secondary on our list.

While the order is not critical, I'd like to see us dealing with our Canadian OL decisions. Not to down play the importance of our imports but Canadians are harder to come by.

I'd be surprised if they're not done till after the holidays, they've signed some major pieces.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 19, 2025, 06:20:17 PMI'd be surprised if they're not done till after the holidays, they've signed some major pieces.

Maybe but I see other teams re-signing some players already today. This week, next week or after Christmas is all good if they get it done.

Jake Thomas has retired and will now take on the role of DL coach (https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/12/22/blue-bombers-announce-coaching-changes/#:~:text=Jake%20Thomas%20will%20be%C2%A0transitioning%20from%20his%20playing%20career%20to%20become%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20defensive%20line%20coach).

Good for Jake.

As with many players, he probably hung on a bit too long, but I have to imagine he's going to be a great coach and it clears the way for guys who can get a bit more pressure from the middle.

Veru intrigued by the decision.  He obviously is taking a pay cut from being a player.  And he has a life/business on the East Coast. 

I guess he's going to see if he can take the MOS / Buck / Mace / Dinwiddie path to a bigger paycheck.

I could see this move coming, MOS favourite becomes coach.

I just hope he can whip this unit into shape and start being an effective unit.

JT is a player thats lasted due to perseverance, attitude,and effort and leadership in blue bomber culture. If he can pass this on its a win

Quote from: dd on December 22, 2025, 05:44:49 PMI could see this move coming, MOS favourite becomes coach.

I just hope he can whip this unit into shape and start being an effective unit.

Jordan Younger must be comfortable with this decision as he will be working closely with Jake.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 22, 2025, 03:23:51 PMJake Thomas has retired and will now take on the role of DL coach (https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/12/22/blue-bombers-announce-coaching-changes/#:~:text=Jake%20Thomas%20will%20be%C2%A0transitioning%20from%20his%20playing%20career%20to%20become%20the%20team%E2%80%99s%20defensive%20line%20coach).

Happy for Jake. He had a good career, and a great Bomber. But you could tell father time had caught up with him last year. Now, can we get Biggie back to coach our LBs.

Can we update this post.
Please, Thanks

Quote from: DM83 on December 22, 2025, 08:50:53 PMCan we update this post.
Please, Thanks

Here. Bookmark this for continuing use as updates are made league wide.

https://www.cfl.ca/fa26/

Quote from: bunker on December 19, 2025, 01:17:47 AM? Typo
Schoen is an import.

Ya, gotta stop posting when I haven't slept in 23 hrs!  Thanks for catching that.

Quote from: theaardvark on December 22, 2025, 05:20:41 PMVeru intrigued by the decision.  He obviously is taking a pay cut from being a player.  And he has a life/business on the East Coast. 

I guess he's going to see if he can take the MOS / Buck / Mace / Dinwiddie path to a bigger paycheck.

I never thought he had an expensive contract but also don't know what the coaching position will pay.

Derek Taylor:

Bombers announce they have released DB Jamal Parker and WR Cam Echols.

Parker filled a bunch of roles in the defensive backfield in his 4 years/3 seasons in Winnipeg. Played 11 games this year after missing all of 2024 with an ACL injury.

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 23, 2025, 08:47:09 PMDerek Taylor:

Bombers announce they have released DB Jamal Parker and WR Cam Echols.

Parker filled a bunch of roles in the defensive backfield in his 4 years/3 seasons in Winnipeg. Played 11 games this year after missing all of 2024 with an ACL injury.

Wow, they moved on from Parker giving him a head start on FA.  Kind of thought he was in danger of being replaced with the players they brought in last season, obviously they see Cam Allen, Dexter Lawson and Demerio Houston as better options.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2025, 09:21:16 PMWow, they moved on from Parker giving him a head start on FA.  Kind of thought he was in danger of being replaced with the players they brought in last season, obviously they see Cam Allen, Dexter Lawson and Demerio Houston as better options.

Yes but Lawson and Houston are still technically potential free agents. Deals may have been made but not announced.

Quote from: DM83 on December 22, 2025, 08:50:53 PMCan we update this post.
Please, Thanks

Chris Streveler (A)
Kody Case (A)
Dillon Mitchell (A)
Dalton Schoen (A)
Jerreth Sterns (A)
Keric Wheatfall (A)
Stanley Bryant (A)
Tui Eli (N)
Chris Kolankowski (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)

Willie Jefferson (A)
Tanner Schmekel (N)
James Vaughters (A)
Jamal Woods (A)
Tanner Cadwallader (N)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Kyrie Wilson (A)
Terrell Bonds (A)
Michael Griffin II (A)
Nick Hallett (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Demerio Houston (A)
Enock Makonzo (N)

Sergio Castillo (A)
Jamieson Sheahan (G)

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 23, 2025, 10:35:18 PMChris Streveler (A)
Kody Case (A)
Dillon Mitchell (A)
Dalton Schoen (A)
Jerreth Sterns (A)
Keric Wheatfall (A)
Stanley Bryant (A)
Tui Eli (N)
Chris Kolankowski (N)
Eric Lofton (A)
Patrick Neufeld (N)

Willie Jefferson (A)
Tanner Schmekel (N)
James Vaughters (A)
Jamal Woods (A)
Tanner Cadwallader (N)
Shayne Gauthier (N)
Kyrie Wilson (A)
Terrell Bonds (A)
Michael Griffin II (A)
Nick Hallett (N)
Evan Holm (A)
Demerio Houston (A)
Enock Makonzo (N)

Sergio Castillo (A)
Jamieson Sheahan (G)

Didn't like my bookmark to keep it current? lol

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 23, 2025, 08:47:09 PMParker filled a bunch of roles in the defensive backfield in his 4 years/3 seasons in Winnipeg. Played 11 games this year after missing all of 2024 with an ACL injury.

I think this strongly hints that Houston will be re-upping.  You don't want to shed all the super-vet corners.  Parker was ok after returning, but never lit it up.  He may be aging out or may get some decent offers from the weak teams.

Houston is next on the bubble, too.  He better regain his '21 form or some scouting find will overtake him.

No announcement from the Bombers yet but looks like Eli was extended.

2025-12-29   WPG   ELI, Asotui   OL   N   Hawaii   ADD   Active Roster

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 29, 2025, 10:19:36 PMNo announcement from the Bombers yet but looks like Eli was extended.

No surprise.  Unless we find (and want!) a monster IMP C (and pigs will fly), or the next league-top NAT C, you can't beat Eli as an affordable and well-liked NAT C & OG backup.  And he certainly has the experience now.

Good signing.

Quote from: Tecno on December 30, 2025, 10:31:35 AMNo surprise.  Unless we find (and want!) a monster IMP C (and pigs will fly), or the next league-top NAT C, you can't beat Eli as an affordable and well-liked NAT C & OG backup.  And he certainly has the experience now.

Good signing.

Is it? I guess you need to find a replacement first but Eli has been around forever and can't crack Kolankowski who probably only starts on about half the lines in the league himself.

Quote from: gobombersgo on December 29, 2025, 10:19:36 PMNo announcement from the Bombers yet but looks like Eli was extended.

2025-12-29   WPG   ELI, Asotui   OL   N   Hawaii   ADD   Active Roster

Decent signing. We have 4 starters on the OL as potential free agents. He could end up as a starter if we lose some players.

At worst he's depth and plays on jumbo. I don't imagine his new contract is excessive or in the realm of starters money.

OC, OG backup, starting TE on Jumbo with pretty good mitts...

I don't think this was a bank breaker, and probably excellent value.

Always liked Eli, no idea if he does actually beat Kman at OC, because MOS never makes those types of changes without injury...

Quote from: theaardvark on December 30, 2025, 03:36:59 PMOC, OG backup, starting TE on Jumbo with pretty good mitts...

I don't think this was a bank breaker, and probably excellent value.

Always liked Eli, no idea if he does actually beat Kman at OC, because MOS never makes those types of changes without injury...

Is Neufeld too tall to play Center?  If not I hope he's been practising his snaps this winter, cause it sure looks like only 2 Natls. will be starting.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 30, 2025, 04:43:12 PMIs Neufeld too tall to play Center?  If not I hope he's been practising his snaps this winter, cause it sure looks like only 2 Natls. will be starting.

I don't think a switch to centre is in the cards for him at this point in his career.

Steelers work out E. Holm.  I didn't see that coming.

Elgersma working out with the Dolphins

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 30, 2025, 11:45:12 PMSteelers work out E. Holm.  I didn't see that coming.

He is that good. He deserves it and would be a perfect slot corner in the NFL.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 31, 2025, 12:01:25 AMHe is that good. He deserves it and would be a perfect slot corner in the NFL.

He'll be 28. Tough to crack an NFL roster for the first time at that age. I wish him luck I suppose, though I selfishly want him right where he is.

Quote from: Jesse on December 31, 2025, 12:05:06 AMHe'll be 28. Tough to crack an NFL roster for the first time at that age. I wish him luck I suppose, though I selfishly want him right where he is.

You're right. Odds against him especially as a DB. Bighill did it at 29 so it's possible but I just have thought Evan Holm was the best player we had for a couple years now and he is also great on the teams. I think he's got an actual shot.

Quote from: Blue In BC on December 30, 2025, 11:45:12 PMSteelers work out E. Holm.  I didn't see that coming.

I guess that explains the delay in re-signing him, funny no one mentioned him getting any NFL workouts.  Ed Tait in hibernation?

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 30, 2025, 12:43:00 PMIs it? I guess you need to find a replacement first but Eli has been around forever and can't crack Kolankowski who probably only starts on about half the lines in the league himself.

But that's more a dig on Ko-man than Eli.  Ko is expected to be better as the anointed starter.  Eli is expected to be a good jumbo & TE & backup snapper.

I could possibly argue Eli is better at his job than Ko-man...

The answer to having a monster C (NAT or IMP) isn't in the building at the moment, and hasn't been since Couture left.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 31, 2025, 12:46:27 AMI guess that explains the delay in re-signing him, funny no one mentioned him getting any NFL workouts.  Ed Tait in hibernation?

Was he supposed to report on it before it happened?

Quote from: Tecno on December 31, 2025, 06:10:14 AMBut that's more a dig on Ko-man than Eli.  Ko is expected to be better as the anointed starter.  Eli is expected to be a good jumbo & TE & backup snapper.

I could possibly argue Eli is better at his job than Ko-man...

The answer to having a monster C (NAT or IMP) isn't in the building at the moment, and hasn't been since Couture left.

Couture might not have been as dominant as you remember, when he came back from a serious arm injury in 2022 he was not given his job back and remained backup to Kolankowski for the remainder of the season including the playoffs.  Despite being listed 100% recovered he only played in 7 games that season. 

One possibility could be they already knew Couture intended to return to BC in the off-season and decided better to stick with the transition with Zach's approval.

Holm, working out for the Steelers.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 01, 2026, 01:38:50 PMHolm, working out for the Steelers.

I don't see him getting another NFL shot. OTOH, there is no guarantee we're able to re-sign him either.  He was at $135K last year and about the same as Nichols SMS. Maybe with releasing Parker we gain some SMS spend targeted to the secondary. IDK but hope he returns.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 01, 2026, 04:35:50 PMI don't see him getting another NFL shot. OTOH, there is no guarantee we're able to re-sign him either.  He was at $135K last year and about the same as Nichols SMS. Maybe with releasing Parker we gain some SMS spend targeted to the secondary. IDK but hope he returns.

Don't know anything about the NFL but to my eye Dee Alford holds no significant advantage in talent or size over Holm, so anything could happen.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 01, 2026, 05:36:32 PMDon't know anything about the NFL but to my eye Dee Alford holds no significant advantage in talent or size over Holm, so anything could happen.

Younger when he went to the NFL. They are the same age now and Alford has been in the NFL for 4 years.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 01, 2026, 05:36:32 PMDon't know anything about the NFL but to my eye Dee Alford holds no significant advantage in talent or size over Holm, so anything could happen.

The only one MOS et al said "has the best hips I've ever seen" (paraphrase) is D.Alford.  Even Holm has never gotten that praise.  In fact, I don't recall anyone ever saying anything about Holm's hips.

Holm is great because of his speed, brains, and ability to never draw a DPI.  Yes, that means the couple he's gotten were bogus (ref fails).

Quote from: Tecno on January 02, 2026, 08:48:41 AMThe only one MOS et al said "has the best hips I've ever seen" (paraphrase) is D.Alford.  Even Holm has never gotten that praise.  In fact, I don't recall anyone ever saying anything about Holm's hips.

Holm is great because of his speed, brains, and ability to never draw a DPI.  Yes, that means the couple he's gotten were bogus (ref fails).

I thought O'Shea did say that about Holm several times. Whether he said that earlier about Alford I'm not sure.

Quote from: Tecno on January 02, 2026, 08:48:41 AMThe only one MOS et al said "has the best hips I've ever seen" (paraphrase) is D.Alford.  Even Holm has never gotten that praise.  In fact, I don't recall anyone ever saying anything about Holm's hips.

Holm is great because of his speed, brains, and ability to never draw a DPI.  Yes, that means the couple he's gotten were bogus (ref fails).

MOS, does use the "can flip the hips" line often, but pretty sure his description of Alford was his highest praise on that subject.

And that's all it takes, a tiny advantage in movement is the difference between getting a look and sticking.

Things have slowed down a bit regarding re-signings but that should pick up again next week. We have a lot of work to do.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 02, 2026, 03:04:14 PMI thought O'Shea did say that about Holm several times. Whether he said that earlier about Alford I'm not sure.

"Hips" for Holm, maybe ... but not "best hips".  You should be able to find that about D.Alford in the forum history.  IIRC, he said in in TC.  That is why Alford got a starting spot basically in week 1, which is not the norm for us.

I remember doubting MOS/Hall and thinking who is this Alford guy and why is he starting ahead of <insert guy he displaced here>.  Ya, I learned not to doubt those type of statements ever again.  Same thing with Schoen.  They said in TC he was the next big thing, and they were right.

Now when Mafia gives TOP praise, I don't argue.

I think our next re-signings will be our kickers. Those seem like easy choices.  On the other 12 players I had expected to be re-signed, I think there are some deep thoughts by the organization on whether they are brought back.

I don't mean this in a bad way, but we may be considering players like Bryant and Neufeld from the aspect of age, SMS and performance. The entire OL status is not exactly clear.

I'd add Jefferson to that thought as to whether it's time to move on or not. He's no long a slam dunk to re-sign.

I'm not suggesting massive roster changes but I think there are pros and cons for most on my particular list.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 05, 2026, 05:16:11 PMI think our next re-signings will be our kickers. Those seem like easy choices.  On the other 12 players I had expected to be re-signed, I think there are some deep thoughts by the organization on whether they are brought back.

I don't mean this in a bad way, but we may be considering players like Bryant and Neufeld from the aspect of age, SMS and performance. The entire OL status is not exactly clear.

I'm not suggesting massive roster changes but I think there are pros and cons for most on my given list.

Give us your list!

Not that we won't attempt to rip it apart 6 ways to Sunday!

Ok. Here is my list I think of players we will re-sign. This is about what I think we'll do rather than what I think we should do or can do. Not everything is within our control. At some point age and SMS draw new lines in the sand. The teams expectation versus the player expectation for SMS and playing time.

I have a 2nd list of players I don't think we'll re-sign. It's about half of the total list. It's easy to determine who are on that list.  Let the poop flinging begin. lol

Obviously these are just conversational opinions. If you're curious and want to discuss a specific opinion I can elaborate. That said I'm not wanting to start a war so perhaps some of this happens on PM's?  Opinions are only based on things like age, SMS, injury history, declining performance and possible replacements in free agency or signings of rookies.


BRYANT, Stanley
CADWALLADER, Tanner
CASTILLO, Sergio
HOLM, Evan
HOUSTON, Demerio
JEFFERSON, Willie
KOLANKOWSKI, Chris
NEUFELD, Patrick
SCHMEKEL, Tanner
SHEAHAN, Jamieson
STERNS, Jerreth
VAUGHTERS, James
WHEATFALL, Keric
WOODS, Jamal

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 05, 2026, 05:42:46 PMOk. Here is my list I think of players we will re-sign. This is about what I think we'll do rather than what I think we should do or can do. Not everything is within our control. At some point age and SMS draw new lines in the sand. The teams expectation versus the player expectation for SMS and playing time.

I have a 2nd list of players I don't think we'll re-sign. It's about half of the total list. It's easy to determine who are on that list.  Let the poop flinging begin. lol

Obviously these are just conversational opinions. If you're curious and want to discuss a specific opinion I can elaborate. That said I'm not wanting to start a war so perhaps some of this happens on PM's?  Opinions are only based on things like age, SMS, injury history, declining performance and possible replacements in free agency or signings of rookies.


BRYANT, Stanley
CADWALLADER, Tanner
CASTILLO, Sergio
HOLM, Evan
HOUSTON, Demerio
JEFFERSON, Willie
KOLANKOWSKI, Chris
NEUFELD, Patrick
SCHMEKEL, Tanner
SHEAHAN, Jamieson
STERNS, Jerreth
VAUGHTERS, James
WHEATFALL, Keric
WOODS, Jamal

Fixed your list!  Other than that nothing very controversial.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 05, 2026, 06:32:01 PMFixed your list!  Other than that nothing very controversial.

I think we're all ok with Kolo being released but what the plan going forward is a TBD. Also interesting that he was released rather than allowed to hit free agency. Courtesy I imagine giving him a head start possibly.

Schmekel seemed obvious as depth behind Lawson.  Trey Laing now competes for depth on the PR barring injury.

If there is any controversy it's more about those I didn't list on who I thought would be re-signed.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 05, 2026, 05:16:11 PMI don't mean this in a bad way, but we may be considering players like Bryant and Neufeld from the aspect of age, SMS and performance. The entire OL status is not exactly clear.

Both Brady and Zach made it pretty clear they want the core back, and Neuf/Stan are pretty much the only guys mentioned by name.  Regardless of what MOS or KW says, I think Brady/Zach making demands on who they play with will be a factor.

Plus, I see no reason to ditch either one.  Stan is still 90% of peak awesomeness if he's healthy.  Neuf is trailing off according to many.  But he's as integral to the off-field aspects of the team as Fatboi is/was.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 05, 2026, 05:16:11 PMI'd add Jefferson to that thought as to whether it's time to move on or not. He's no long a slam dunk to re-sign.

Never letting Willie go.  Do you know what Willie would do if you put him on a legit DL like SSK's??  He would light the league up and wreak terror on QBs.

The only reason Willie appears neutered on our team is we have no DTs, so every snap they double/triple-team Willie.

Your list is pretty good.

I'm not so sure on:
- Ko-man (if we do a line shakeup)
- Schmekel (we might do a DL blowup)
- Sterns (REC corps is a bit shaky beyond the obvious re-signs)
- Woods (we need a real, established, monster DT, not a "maybe" like we've had for 3 straight seasons)

Edit:
I just saw your post Ko-man was released.  That answers that question.  Please Lord, don't tell me our plans at C are now Eli!  Yikes.  I'd start an IMP there instead.

Quote from: Tecno on January 06, 2026, 02:51:32 AMNever letting Willie go.  Do you know what Willie would do if you put him on a legit DL like SSK's??  He would light the league up and wreak terror on QBs.

The only reason Willie appears neutered on our team is we have no DTs, so every snap they double/triple-team Willie.

Never is a longtime. Yes we have to fix the rest of our DL and strategy, but he's overpaid now IMO. There is no guarantee we change our strategy on how we use him.

Quote from: Tecno on January 06, 2026, 02:55:35 AMYour list is pretty good.

I'm not so sure on:
- Ko-man (if we do a line shakeup)
- Schmekel (we might do a DL blowup)
- Sterns (REC corps is a bit shaky beyond the obvious re-signs)
- Woods (we need a real, established, monster DT, not a "maybe" like we've had for 3 straight seasons)

Edit:
I just saw your post Ko-man was released.  That answers that question.  Please Lord, don't tell me our plans at C are now Eli!  Yikes.  I'd start an IMP there instead.

We needed Schmekel for Canadian depth behind Lawson and he did seem to be improving before his injury.

I don't know that either Sterns or Woods are locks to win starting AR roles. For the moment I don't think they'd be expensive to bring back to TC and could end up as PR players. Of course neither may accept that role.

Quote from: Tecno on January 06, 2026, 02:51:32 AMNever letting Willie go.  Do you know what Willie would do if you put him on a legit DL like SSK's??  He would light the league up and wreak terror on QBs.

The only reason Willie appears neutered on our team is we have no DTs, so every snap they double/triple-team Willie.

(https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/simgad/11068927651856748218)

Top banner on the Bomber site right now, he's either integral to the team's promotion or they're having a blow out on his merchandise.

I don't think they would part ways with Willie unless he thought he could make significantly more elsewhere in FA.  But one thing to note, both he and Neufeld negotiate their own contracts and are always first in line  when it comes to locking in a deal in place that provides them security, so they're a bit behind schedule.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 05, 2026, 08:21:32 PMI think we're all ok with Kolo being released but what the plan going forward is a TBD. Also interesting that he was released rather than allowed to hit free agency. Courtesy I imagine giving him a head start possibly.

Schmekel seemed obvious as depth behind Lawson.  Trey Laing now competes for depth on the PR barring injury.

If there is any controversy it's more about those I didn't list on who I thought would be re-signed.

Trey Laing?  Who is that?

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2026, 04:59:55 PMTrey Laing?  Who is that?

2025 draft choice that returned to school as far as I know. In theory he'll be back for TC 2026. And / or we'll draft another DL this draft as well.

Willie will, unfortunately for us, be even worse than last year.

We need to completely rebuild both lines and I see no really good way to keep him unless we decide to use the roster rules for once. He would be a candidate for that, and frankly you could argue he's earned that opportunity.

But as an every down American starter? No way that works out for us in 2026.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 06, 2026, 05:08:09 PM2025 draft choice that returned to school as far as I know. In theory he'll be back for TC 2026. And / or we'll draft another DL this draft as well.

Trey Laing 6'2" 240lb, DL. Decided not to come to camp due to personal reasons. One site shows him signing with the Bombers on 5/2/2025 and released on 5/20/2025. He has no stats for 2025 that I could find.

Bombers sign Evan Holm to a 2 year extention!

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/06/blue-bombers-sign-all-cfl-halfback-evan-holm-to-two-year-contract-extension (https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/06/blue-bombers-sign-all-cfl-halfback-evan-holm-to-two-year-contract-extension)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2026, 06:19:58 PMBombers sign Evan Holm to a 2 year extention!

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/06/blue-bombers-sign-all-cfl-halfback-evan-holm-to-two-year-contract-extension (https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/06/blue-bombers-sign-all-cfl-halfback-evan-holm-to-two-year-contract-extension)

Really like this signing. Would have been better at 3 years.

Holm boi is huge. Absolutely needed but never a guarantee (until now). This is worth getting excited over, for sure.

Quote from: blue_or_die on January 06, 2026, 06:25:24 PMHolm boi is huge. Absolutely needed but never a guarantee (until now). This is worth getting excited over, for sure.

Easier to retain players recruited close to home in States to the South of MB, they should focus heavily on that region.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2026, 07:31:12 PMEasier to retain players recruited close to home and in States to the South of MB, they should focus heavily on that region.

The Als do that with French Canadian players. Quite an advantage they have.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2026, 04:49:51 PMI don't think they would part ways with Willie unless he thought he could make significantly more elsewhere in FA.

We also have to keep in mind he's the absolute team leader.  Watch the warmups every game @PAS and the pep talk before they go back into the tunnel... it's all Willie.  Before that it was AH.

Don't write off the importance of a good leader.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2026, 04:49:51 PMBut one thing to note, both he and Neufeld negotiate their own contracts and are always first in line  when it comes to locking in a deal in place that provides them security, so they're a bit behind schedule.

That also might be a reason they can accept well below FA-market contracts.  Most players are paying, what, 15% to their agents.  That money stays in Willie's pocket.

We have enough leaders. What we need is players who are worth at least what we are paying them. 

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 07, 2026, 02:24:00 PMWe have enough leaders. What we need is players who are worth at least what we are paying them.

Agreed. Leadership and good culture should exist to produce wins. They aren't the goal in and of themselves and I think we have been too close to that line the last two seasons.

Quote from: TBURGESS on January 07, 2026, 02:24:00 PMWe have enough leaders.

But we don't.  Not real, effective ones.

AH got ditched by us and went to TOR and TOR instantly won the GC.  AH gets hired in SSK and Oullette turns into a legit beast and SSK instantly wins the GC.  AH is a real leader.  If we had found a way to keep him in WFC (not necessarily as a player) we'd have won more cups and not stunk the joint out last year; change my mind.

If Willie is the best leader we've got right now, don't flippantly dismiss him or that role.  Who knows how weak our next leader will be.

The guys that get everyone wound up and pull them through the tough slog and make everyone better are few and far between.

Quote from: Tecno on January 08, 2026, 01:43:08 AMBut we don't.  Not real, effective ones.

AH got ditched by us and went to TOR and TOR instantly won the GC.  AH gets hired in SSK and Oullette turns into a legit beast and SSK instantly wins the GC.  AH is a real leader.  If we had found a way to keep him in WFC (not necessarily as a player) we'd have won more cups and not stunk the joint out last year; change my mind.

If Willie is the best leader we've got right now, don't flippantly dismiss him or that role.  Who knows how weak our next leader will be.

The guys that get everyone wound up and pull them through the tough slog and make everyone better are few and far between.

Andrew Harris was responsible for exactly zero wins for the Riders last season. The notion that keeping a specific running back coach leads to more wins is, frankly, absurd and plain wrong. No. That is not how football works.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 08, 2026, 01:57:41 PMAndrew Harris was responsible for exactly zero wins for the Riders last season. The notion that keeping a specific running back coach leads to more wins is, frankly, absurd and plain wrong. No. That is not how football works.

LOL.  Then you didn't watch any SSK pressers.  Oullette basically said AH pumps him up into a superhuman come game day, and clearly he taught him every trick in AH's book.  Those hurdles?  Ya, Oullette never did those before -- at least not successful ones.  Those are the AH film-study trademarks -- which you'd also know about if you watched all the AH pressers when he was here.

If you think SSK's O wasn't super-extra effective because they had a legit punish-you-badly run threat, then I don't know what to say.  And if you think AH didn't instantly make Oullette much better, then you're not paying attention.  And if you think AH wasn't a big pep man for the whole team behind the scenes...  Now it's THEY who are screaming "we got your back"!

So ya, AH is "responsible" for SSK winning games, AND winning the cup.  Even if he only tipped them over the edge just a little, it's that little bit that did it.  Did he win it all on his own?  Nah.  But he was definitely an important piece in the puzzle.  I don't think SSK wins the W in 2025 if AH doesn't join them.

Quote from: Tecno on January 09, 2026, 09:11:16 AMLOL.  Then you didn't watch any SSK pressers.  Oullette basically said AH pumps him up into a superhuman come game day, and clearly he taught him every trick in AH's book.  Those hurdles?  Ya, Oullette never did those before -- at least not successful ones.  Those are the AH film-study trademarks -- which you'd also know about if you watched all the AH pressers when he was here.

If you think SSK's O wasn't super-extra effective because they had a legit punish-you-badly run threat, then I don't know what to say.  And if you think AH didn't instantly make Oullette much better, then you're not paying attention.  And if you think AH wasn't a big pep man for the whole team behind the scenes...  Now it's THEY who are screaming "we got your back"!

So ya, AH is "responsible" for SSK winning games, AND winning the cup.  Even if he only tipped them over the edge just a little, it's that little bit that did it.  Did he win it all on his own?  Nah.  But he was definitely an important piece in the puzzle.  I don't think SSK wins the W in 2025 if AH doesn't join them.

The only difference in Oullette's 2025 is that he stayed healthy. It wasn't even his most productive season on a per game basis, he was just able to play more snaps.

It was like the inverse of Brady's year. He didn't play worse, he just played in fewer games.

Quote from: Tecno on January 09, 2026, 09:11:16 AMLOL.  Then you didn't watch any SSK pressers.  Oullette basically said AH pumps him up into a superhuman come game day, and clearly he taught him every trick in AH's book.  Those hurdles?  Ya, Oullette never did those before -- at least not successful ones.  Those are the AH film-study trademarks -- which you'd also know about if you watched all the AH pressers when he was here.

If you think SSK's O wasn't super-extra effective because they had a legit punish-you-badly run threat, then I don't know what to say.  And if you think AH didn't instantly make Oullette much better, then you're not paying attention.  And if you think AH wasn't a big pep man for the whole team behind the scenes...  Now it's THEY who are screaming "we got your back"!

So ya, AH is "responsible" for SSK winning games, AND winning the cup.  Even if he only tipped them over the edge just a little, it's that little bit that did it.  Did he win it all on his own?  Nah.  But he was definitely an important piece in the puzzle.  I don't think SSK wins the W in 2025 if AH doesn't join them.

Cool. But no.

I think it's fair to say Andrew Harris is a good running back coach and player motivator who may be setting himself up for a more prominent coaching career.

But really, no, on the rest of that stuff.

To illustrate this clearly for you, for both our Grey Cup wins, Kevin Bourgion was a position coach at running back and then later receiver. Great coach, but, see where I'm going here?

Andrew Harris was on the Lions... they won a Grey Cup

On the Bombers. ... Grey Cup

On the Argos... Grey Cup

On Sask .... Grey Cup



Sure seems like he's doing something to push these teams to the top.

Quote from: markf on January 09, 2026, 02:17:02 PMAndrew Harris was on the Lions... they won a Grey Cup
Left the team. No Grey Cup.

On the Bombers. ... Grey Cup

On the Argos... Grey Cup

On Sask .... Grey Cup

Just a coincidence.

Sure seems like he's doing something to push these teams to the top.

Yes, it is just a coincidence.

Teams win championships.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 09, 2026, 02:20:30 PMYes, it is just a coincidence.

Teams win championships.

So you think leadership doesn't matter in team sports?

Yikes.

Quote from: markf on January 09, 2026, 03:47:44 PMSo you think leadership doesn't matter in team sports?

Yikes.

That's exactly what everyone was saying. Thanks for being so sharp.

Quote from: markf on January 09, 2026, 03:47:44 PMSo you think leadership doesn't matter in team sports?

Yikes.

That's a pretty inane question to ask. And it will go unanswered for that reason.

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023: all years in which a team with Harris on its roster didn't win a championship.

Are you saying yikes due to the glaring lack of critical thinking by you and one other poster?

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 09, 2026, 04:08:32 PMThat's a pretty inane question to ask. And it will go unanswered for that reason.

2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023: all years in which a team with Harris on its roster didn't win a championship.

Are you saying yikes due to the glaring lack of critical thinking by you and one other poster?

4 rings in 6 years makes you wonder if Andrew doesn't know the recipe to the "secret sauce".  Have to keep an eye on him to see where he goes from here, could be he wants to become a HC.

(https://imgs.search.brave.com/3XHm3f4FLdKjTf_JS0A4UqBIRSlNcQOWvLDFnCApmXs/rs:fit:500:0:1:0/g:ce/aHR0cHM6Ly9pLnBp/bmltZy5jb20vb3Jp/Z2luYWxzL2Q1LzM4/LzE5L2Q1MzgxOTRl/NjI0ZGVhODk5OGZh/ZDIwYjMzYWJiY2Fh/LmpwZw)

Quote from: Jesse on January 09, 2026, 11:02:27 AMThe only difference in Oullette's 2025 is that he stayed healthy. It wasn't even his most productive season on a per game basis, he was just able to play more snaps.

Hehe, but staying healthy is another one of AH's trademarks.  When he was in his prime (basically until 2022) he was one of the least-injured RBs.  Once again, watch the pressers: he (and others) would talk about how he had all sorts of tricks for not getting injured when other RBs would.  He actually talked about it at length, stuff like going limp when it was smart, and going rigid when it was smart, etc.

I bet you a zillion to one he taught them all toe Oullette.  I bet AH was half responsible for Oullette losing some of that useless upper body "wrestler" muscle.

And voila: Oullette has a season where he finally isn't in the tub all the time.  Proved my point.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 09, 2026, 01:57:28 PMBut really, no, on the rest of that stuff.

Great, expansive argument there.  Don't strain yourself.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 09, 2026, 01:57:28 PMTo illustrate this clearly for you, for both our Grey Cup wins, Kevin Bourgion was a position coach at running back and then later receiver. Great coach, but, see where I'm going here?

Markf already spelled it out.  Though surely you probably sensed it as you typed that.  Winning and cups follows AH around.  Nothing followed Bourgoin around.

I knew people would still doubt the value AH provides after the TOR GC win.  But now he gets another rah-rahing in green.  4 teams, 4+ cups, 1+ cup with each team.  Good enough for me.

If AH wants to maximize his profit potential he should start a RB school, for both CLFers and NFLers.  He's like the high end coaches top CEO's hire to hone their craft.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 09, 2026, 02:20:30 PMYes, it is just a coincidence.

Teams win championships.

And once you get near the top it is the little 5% nudges that change you from a contender to a winner.  The entire Mafia tenure is an illustration of this.

AH was the 5% nudge that pushed potential contenders into GC appearances and wins.  As was other things, like Mace in SSK and Dinwiddie in TOR.  But each of those 5%'s were critical.  To say AH was a 0% nudge and made no difference either way is blind.

If AH wasn't in WPG in 2019 we don't win that cup.  We don't even win the WSF.

Clearly many of you didn't watch all the pressers and vignettes and Bomber vids and GC-Saturdays and post-games and pep talks.  I've literally never seen anything like what AH brought to our team.

After the '19 cup a lot of stories came out about how they were in the locker in the WSF halftime down a bit and AH starts telling the guys/leaders that they aren't just going to let this one be lost like all the other previous years.  He picked them up and told them they were going to win it.  And that's what they did.

Oh ya, and as soon as he left we started going downhill.  Sure, the coattails got us to many more cups... but did we get the nudge needed to win them??

Brady's a great back, but he has NONE of the leadership qualities AH had.  And no one else has stepped up to take us to that level of hype.  And so we struggle.

But whatever, if some want to think it's just athleticism or raw talent that wins cups (especially with SMS limitations), you do you.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 09, 2026, 04:08:32 PM2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023: all years in which a team with Harris on its roster didn't win a championship.

I guess some people can't see the forest for the trees.  It's like the distinct and odd lack of curiosity I often experience here.  Some people just can't make the mental leap to understand something that isn't concrete black & white.  It's like all things point to Z, but because an authority didn't say it, or the path is convoluted, or it required more mental or time effort, it just doesn't exist for them.

I've grown to accept it, but it still stuns me how prevalent it is.  For the few who get it: I got your back.  And... We're coming home with that cup, WOOOOOOOOOOOO!

P.S. Yoshi was another of those 5% nudges.  Dude's effect on demoralizing D's cannot be understated.  The dude actually teabags and toots on DL and LBers on the regular, on camera.  And he's another perennially positive guys who lift everyone around them up to higher heights.  Just like AH.  Funny how we let SSK have probably the 2 biggest difference makers from our winning formula, eh?  What's next, letting Willie walk to SSK too?  LOL, that would be hilarious, albeit following precedent!

Quote from: Tecno on January 10, 2026, 11:29:48 AMI guess some people can't see the forest for the trees.  It's like the distinct and odd lack of curiosity I often experience here.  Some people just can't make the mental leap to understand something that isn't concrete black & white.

Also, people  here take things (and themselves) a bit too seriously.

Why  get angry, defensive, superior, and rude about something someone posts on a very small, completely insignicant football fan forum.

Relax. It's supposed to be fun. nobody's Opinion here is important. At all.

Well said. Some folks on here think they are above everyone else and thisvisctheirviennpersonnsl forum and only their opinion matters.

You're 100% correct, at the end of the day,  it really doesn't matter. Some people got to move away from the keyboard and get a life

Nice to see the forum is in peak off season mode.  I think we could all use a little deep breathing on this one.

Harris does make a difference on and off the field.  Leadership is critical and having the entire club and coaches on the same page is critical.  Team culture is the glue that makes cups stick to you.

I believe that Brady is a good leader in training.  Needs time to season. 

I expect to hear shortly that Neufled and Bryant have signed 1 year contracts. Sounds like there getting close.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 13, 2026, 03:51:25 AMI expect to hear shortly that Neufled and Bryant have signed 1 year contracts. Sounds like there getting close.

Willbe interesting to see how much they get.  Worth it.

C'mon. Sign someone already.  Currently 23 potential free agents. Of that I'm expecting to sign 10. Even then a few of those could fall into not re-signed group.