The Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiving corps could soon be landing some homegrown help.
TSN's Farhan Lalji has reported the club has agreed in terms on a two-year deal with receiver Tommy Nield, who spent last season with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and four years before that with the Toronto Argonauts.
FYI, the CFL's negotiating window opened Sunday at 11 a.m. allowing teams and pending free agents around the league to negotiate, with any new agreements not to be officially announced until February 10th when the market opens.
Nield (6-3, 203; McMaster University) would join the Blue Bombers in 2026 after putting up career-best numbers last year in Saskatchewan with 42 receptions for 535 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games. He began the year by missing the first five games due to injury before serving as a reserve receiver for two weeks. He then started the last 11 games and the Western Final and 112th Grey Cup victory for the Roughriders over the Montreal Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
The 26-year-old Nield — 'Touchdown Tommy' — scored the game-winning touchdown for the Riders with 11 seconds remaining in their Western Final win over the B.C. Lions and had three catches for 46 yards in the Grey Cup.
The 26-year-old Nield — 'Touchdown Tommy' — scored the game-winning touchdown for the Riders with 11 seconds remaining in their Western Final win over the B.C. Lions and had three catches for 46 yards in the Grey Cup.
A fourth-round selection of the Argos in the 2021 CFL Draft, Nield was also a part of Toronto's championship teams in 2022 and 2024 and would bolster a Blue Bombers receiving corps that last week signed four-time 1,000-yard receiver Tim White and already features Pokey Wilson along with Canadians Nic Demski — the club's leading receiver the last two years — and three other homegrown pass catchers who started games last year in Kevens Clercius, Joey Corcoran and Gavin Cobb.
The Blue Bombers have three starting receivers from last year currently pending free agents in Keric Wheatfall, Jerreth Sterns and Dillon Mitchell, as well as Dalton Schoen and receiver/return Kody Case, both of whom are coming off injuries.
Check out the CFL's free agent tracker here:
Official 2026 Free Agent Tracker (https://www.cfl.ca/fa26/?_gl=1*1d7lh8u*_gcl_au*OTIwNTM0My4xNzY4ODYxOTg4)
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/02/01/report-blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-receiver-tommy-nield/
Wonder if we are starting 3 CDNs at WR/SB
Quote from: peg_city on February 01, 2026, 04:46:45 PMWonder if we are starting 3 CDNs at WR/SB
Why would we? We're already starting 8 Canadians.
Like this signing alot, Nield is the receiver from a different mould I was hoping for! Interested to see if they retain Clercius or use them both on running plays.
I'm a huge fan of his! Big body Canadian receiver and can actually be a WR2 in the right position.
I'm pumped about this guy. Our WR core is looking much better now!
Like this signing. Don't have to draft a Canadian WR. Good balance of size and speed.
Demski 5'11" 212
Cobb 5'10" 186
Clercius 6'3" 211
Corcoran 6'1" 206
Nield 6'3" 205
Quote from: peg_city on February 01, 2026, 04:46:45 PMWonder if we are starting 3 CDNs at WR/SB
Nah, they were clearly unhappy with Clercius. He's now depth.
Really like this signing, with he and Clercius fighting it out we finally have some depth at receiver. |Possession type reminds me of Wolitarski, a dependable go to receiver for that first down.
Quote from: Jesse on February 01, 2026, 05:16:56 PMNah, they were clearly unhappy with Clercius. He's now depth.
Maybe it's just Hogan who is not happy with him. He has a different OC now.
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on February 01, 2026, 05:26:02 PMMaybe it's just Hogan who is not happy with him. He has a different OC now.
Then we wouldn't have just signed his replacement.
Quote from: Jesse on February 01, 2026, 05:27:55 PMThen we wouldn't have just signed his replacement.
Hope they can keep Clercius happy as a backup and rotational piece, he has the tools but doesn't use them all that well.
Can Nield block? Hope so.
Neild is an upgrade over Clercius.
I think Clercius is a good 5th receiver and blocker and I don't think this impacts that much.
I'd expect Nield to be schemed more like Demski and since Nic isn't getting any younger it's a good medium term move. I'd expect they'll be interchangeable if Demski gets hurt like he did toward the end of last season and it's a good way to try and keep some miles off him so he stays on the field.
Good signing. Very strong receiver corps.
QuoteNeild is an upgrade over Clercius.
Massive upgrade. Love our recent signings, Braxton , White, Nield, moxey and cressena, woooowwww!!
Upgraded our O and lines, receiving corps and secondary . I am totally content with free ageny and it's just started!!
Great signing, cdn depth is key for the success of any ball club
Very nice addition to the WR corps.
This is a the replacement for the younger, prime Woli that we did not get with Clercius (player or scheme - whichever).
Still happy to have Clercius in there for situations and Canadian depth. He still has room to develop.
Nield will be a solid #5 and is a great spot for a big bodied Canadian receiver.
Now just to figure out that last spot, which I imagine we will go with an ELC rookie. Only 1 ball to go around and we have 4 very good receivers now.
Quote from: blue_or_die on February 02, 2026, 07:03:19 PMThis is a the replacement for the younger, prime Woli that we did not get with Clercius (player or scheme - whichever).
Still happy to have Clercius in there for situations and Canadian depth. He still has room to develop.
Nield will be a solid #5 and is a great spot for a big bodied Canadian receiver.
Now just to figure out that last spot, which I imagine we will go with an ELC rookie. Only 1 ball to go around and we have 4 very good receivers now.
Unless Wheatfall likes it here, and can't find a deal elsewhere... keep him in a heartbeat and let him develop.
But there are DP's and rookies coming in to challenge.
I wanted to find the next Demski... we got Nield. I think Brissett and Gittens are both better than Nield (certainly Brissett). But Nield might still have some upside. If he can be a Woli type guy or better then I guess that's good enough for now.
Mafia was probably impressed by that everything-on-the-line pressure catch to beat BC in WDF. That's the type of cool you need on your team to level up.
I bet we made a decent offer to get him ($135k?), so cost could be a concern here. Our other NAT RECs (outside of Demski) weren't making that type of $. Not since Woli.
Quote from: DCM on February 01, 2026, 04:45:36 PMThe Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiving corps could soon be landing some homegrown help.
The article says "homegrown" but doesn't elaborate, unless I missed something in the cut & paste in the thread.
The dude is a Winnipegger?
Quote from: Tecno on February 03, 2026, 01:54:35 AMI wanted to find the next Demski... we got Nield. I think Brissett and Gittens are both better than Nield (certainly Brissett). But Nield might still have some upside. If he can be a Woli type guy or better then I guess that's good enough for now.
Mafia was probably impressed by that everything-on-the-line pressure catch to beat BC in WDF. That's the type of cool you need on your team to level up.
I bet we made a decent offer to get him ($135k?), so cost could be a concern here. Our other NAT RECs (outside of Demski) weren't making that type of $. Not since Woli.
We needed a reciever to rep1ace the b1ocking and physica1ity Rasheed Bai1ey brought to our recieving corps. I think Nei1d is the bigger body/better b1ocker than Brissett and Gittens, and neither of them are better than Pokey, Demski and White, so they wou1dn't be seeing the ba11 as much as they'd 1ike, so for our c1ubs needs, we definite1y got the right guy
Quote from: Tecno on February 03, 2026, 01:55:20 AMThe article says "homegrown" but doesn't elaborate, unless I missed something in the cut & paste in the thread.
The dude is a Winnipegger?
I think they were referring to him being a NAT reciever...
Quote from: theaardvark on February 03, 2026, 02:42:42 AMI think they were referring to him being a NAT reciever...
Well that's an odd way of putting it... strange.
Quote from: dd on February 03, 2026, 02:11:11 AMWe needed a reciever to rep1ace the b1ocking and physica1ity Rasheed Bai1ey brought to our recieving corps. I think Nei1d is the bigger body/better b1ocker than Brissett and Gittens
So Nield could be our inside-pass bruiser-type punishment guy to get us those tough 5Y on 2nd & medium? That's what we needed most, and White certainly isn't that.
If we've filled that hole I think we can do quite well.
So who is the 5th then? By my count we're still short. Sterns/Pokey/Schoen/Wheatie likely gonzo. Clercius/Cobb/Corcoran ("The 3 C's"?) still on the roster? Maybe we're hoping we snag one of the above IMPs cheap when no one calls them, or scouting turns up a gem.
Quote from: Tecno on February 03, 2026, 03:25:49 AMSo Nield could be our inside-pass bruiser-type punishment guy to get us those tough 5Y on 2nd & medium? That's what we needed most, and White certainly isn't that.
If we've filled that hole I think we can do quite well.
So who is the 5th then? By my count we're still short. Sterns/Pokey/Schoen/Wheatie likely gonzo. Clercius/Cobb/Corcoran ("The 3 C's"?) still on the roster? Maybe we're hoping we snag one of the above IMPs cheap when no one calls them, or scouting turns up a gem.
Pokey White Demski Neild is a great core corps, if Wheatfall stays, he's fine. Otherwise, we will see a rookie earn his bones.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 03, 2026, 03:35:48 AMPokey White Demski Neild is a great core corps, if Wheatfall stays, he's fine. Otherwise, we will see a rookie earn his bones.
So which REC gets announced last @PAS? Who is the "star"?
Both Demski & White earning about the same? Will White "accept" not getting top billing?
We need better blockers...
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on February 03, 2026, 08:07:54 AMWe need better blockers...
Yep, never matched the success they had with Woli and Bailey helping out the run game and basically abandoned using the sweep last season. Size matters.
Quote from: Tecno on February 03, 2026, 03:25:49 AMSo Nield could be our inside-pass bruiser-type punishment guy to get us those tough 5Y on 2nd & medium? That's what we needed most, and White certainly isn't that.
If we've filled that hole I think we can do quite well.
So who is the 5th then? By my count we're still short. Sterns/Pokey/Schoen/Wheatie likely gonzo. Clercius/Cobb/Corcoran ("The 3 C's"?) still on the roster? Maybe we're hoping we snag one of the above IMPs cheap when no one calls them, or scouting turns up a gem.
BOLO just signed with the Elks, don't know if he was willing to come back but he would have added a lot of flexibility at a reasonable price. I think Corcoran will be kept around to fill in for injuries and adds a bit more muscle, he has the potential to become another Wolitarsky if he develops well.
Well, still nothing to say we don't fill #5 with an IMP. Lots of middling FA guys. If no one cares about Wheatie we could land him back cheap by default.
Still, our mantra now seems to be "slight/modest/big upgrade at most changing positions". Wheatie wouldn't be that -- he seems to have stopped his climb. So is there some overlooked or cheap FA that would be better than Wheatie and under $135k?
I'm really liking this new approach to FA. It's not like there's a couple of puzzle pieces, it's that we want to brighten many pieces all at once.
Quote from: Tecno on February 04, 2026, 06:30:41 AMWell, still nothing to say we don't fill #5 with an IMP. Lots of middling FA guys. If no one cares about Wheatie we could land him back cheap by default.
Still, our mantra now seems to be "slight/modest/big upgrade at most changing positions". Wheatie wouldn't be that -- he seems to have stopped his climb. So is there some overlooked or cheap FA that would be better than Wheatie and under $135k?
I'm really liking this new approach to FA. It's not like there's a couple of puzzle pieces, it's that we want to brighten many pieces all at once.
Some pretty tempting receivers still left.
Charleston Rambo
Bralon Addison
DeVaris Daniels
Shemar Bridges
Dom Rhymes
Steven Dunbar
Kurleigh Gittens
I see the CFL is not keeping the FA list updated, so some of these may already be signed.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 04, 2026, 06:10:30 PMSome pretty tempting receivers still left.
Charleston Rambo
Bralon Addison
DeVaris Daniels
Shemar Bridges
Dom Rhymes
Steven Dunbar
Kurleigh Gittens
I see the CFL is not keeping the FA list updated, so some of these may already be signed.
Great names, but how many are fighting injuries? How many are on the backside of their careers? How many are overpricing themselves? How many would want to be #5 on the checkdowns?
We will fill our #5 spot with either a draft pick that blows it up in camp, a rookie import that blows it up in camp, or one of the many placeholders we have on the current roster, even Wheatfall.
White, Pokey, Demski, Neild and someone else... we don't need a star for that spot, just someone better than Hargreaves, Ralph, Poblah, Doneff or Jade Ettienne...
Quote from: theaardvark on February 04, 2026, 06:23:00 PMGreat names, but how many are fighting injuries? How many are on the backside of their careers? How many are overpricing themselves? How many would want to be #5 on the checkdowns?
We will fill our #5 spot with either a draft pick that blows it up in camp, a rookie import that blows it up in camp, or one of the many placeholders we have on the current roster, even Wheatfall.
White, Pokey, Demski, Neild and someone else... we don't need a star for that spot, just someone better than Hargreaves, Ralph, Poblah, Doneff or Jade Ettienne...
To me, this is going to be a rookie. I think we know what we have in Kase, so we should move on.
I really like Gerald Monroe as a prospect. We have 18 WR's on the roster currently, so I'm hoping that one of them jumps off the page in preseason!
I'd rather not spend more money on WR since this WR5 won't really get many looks.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 04, 2026, 06:23:00 PMGreat names, but how many are fighting injuries? How many are on the backside of their careers? How many are overpricing themselves? How many would want to be #5 on the checkdowns?
We will fill our #5 spot with either a draft pick that blows it up in camp, a rookie import that blows it up in camp, or one of the many placeholders we have on the current roster, even Wheatfall.
White, Pokey, Demski, Neild and someone else... we don't need a star for that spot, just someone better than Hargreaves, Ralph, Poblah, Doneff or Jade Ettienne...
You left off Addison Richards!
On that list, the two I'd be interested in are Rambo and Bridges, both young with potential without the price tag of a well established vet. Don't care if they slot #1 or #5, makes no difference.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 04, 2026, 06:46:42 PMOn that list, the two I'd be interested in are Rambo and Bridges, both young with potential without the price tag of a well established vet.
Bridges & White didn't gel well in HAM. There may be baggage. I'd rather not try to recreate the HAM REC corps here.
That said, if Dunbar isn't completely washed up (hasn't done squat in 2+ years), maybe White would like to work with him again (it's been a couple of years?). (Yes, this kinda contradicts my point #1 -- but I'm hopefully going far enough back it's not an issue.)
Addison is the new Ellingson: almost near the end, but still producing if not injured. He might be able to build off his decent '25.
Rambo is the up & comer kid, and is probably looking for a big payday and maybe a 2-3 year contract. He's someone you'd want longer term if you think he'll be the next Snead. I'd be interested at $150, but not $200.
Gittens as a star NAT doesn't fit into this, we won't/can't hire another non-cheap NAT.
The other guys are all washed up. Big nope. Bye.
We need a 50/50 guy now. Our receiving corps is small.
Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 01:36:16 AMWe need a 50/50 guy now. Our receiving corps is small.
Nield & Pokey are that. We won't get a Gino-level 50/50 guy. No more $$, and no more options in FA anyhow.
I would like another bruiser (tall or not) who can make the tough clutch conversions on the slants/curls. I think the ideal mix (for any team) is 2 lanky home-runners, 2 bruisers, and a "both" guy. I think we have all but the 2nd bruiser. The "both" guy is Demski.
Hardy would have been such a good pick up if he had made it to FA...
Quote from: Tecno on February 05, 2026, 01:42:23 AMNield & Pokey are that. We won't get a Gino-level 50/50 guy. No more $$, and no more options in FA anyhow.
I would like another bruiser (tall or not) who can make the tough clutch conversions on the slants/curls. I think the ideal mix (for any team) is 2 lanky home-runners, 2 bruisers, and a "both" guy. I think we have all but the 2nd bruiser. The "both" guy is Demski.
Hardy would have been such a good pick up if he had made it to FA...
Im hoping recruitment finds us a stud.
Quote from: Tecno on February 05, 2026, 01:42:23 AMNield & Pokey are that. We won't get a Gino-level 50/50 guy. No more $$, and no more options in FA anyhow.
I would like another bruiser (tall or not) who can make the tough clutch conversions on the slants/curls. I think the ideal mix (for any team) is 2 lanky home-runners, 2 bruisers, and a "both" guy. I think we have all but the 2nd bruiser. The "both" guy is Demski.
Hardy would have been such a good pick up if he had made it to FA...
Im not seeing Nield in that role. He is likely our Clercius/Woli type guy.
Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 01:58:12 AMIm not seeing Nield in that role. He is likely our Clercius/Woli type guy.
But Clercius and Woli were, to a degree, bruiser type guys. Both could make catches in traffic and take hits and hang on. Clercius was certainly big enough. Of course, we usually played them out wide, which seems strange in hindsight.
I agree that a scouting find with some beef would be an ideal add, and solve the problem nicely.
Quote from: Tecno on February 05, 2026, 02:02:05 AMBut Clercius and Woli were, to a degree, bruiser type guys. Both could make catches in traffic and take hits and hang on. Clercius was certainly big enough. Of course, we usually played them out wide, which seems strange in hindsight.
I agree that a scouting find with some beef would be an ideal add, and solve the problem nicely.
Clercius and Woli were 3rd or 4th progression guys mainly. That's how I see Nield when he is in.
Quote from: GCn19 on February 05, 2026, 02:15:01 AMClercius and Woli were 3rd or 4th progression guys mainly. That's how I see Nield when he is in.
Zach requires a bailout man, that won't be Demski, White or Wilson as they're the primary targets running set routes. Clercius never picked up on that role but Corcoran illustrated fairly quickly he knew when to break off a route and make himself available.
I'm thinking with the amount of money they are paying him (175), that he will be starting in Wheatfalls spot and Clercius is starting at wide side WR. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me to pay Nield 175 for him have 2 balls a game thrown to him.
We start three Canadians at WR/SB, which gives us the ability to start Randolph at LG.
Quote from: peg_city on February 11, 2026, 01:48:15 PMI'm thinking with the amount of money they are paying him (175), that he will be starting in Wheatfalls spot and Clercius is starting at wide side WR. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me to pay Nield 175 for him have 2 balls a game thrown to him.
Or it could be a depth thing. Demski was injured a bit last season, and not having him probably doomed our ESF. Nield would, in theory, give us at least a glimmer of hope if Demski goes down again -- more than Corcoran or the others did.
Or... all of the above.
Quote from: Tecno on February 11, 2026, 05:08:32 PMOr it could be a depth thing. Demski was injured a bit last season, and not having him probably doomed our ESF. Nield would, in theory, give us at least a glimmer of hope if Demski goes down again -- more than Corcoran or the others did.
Or... all of the above.
They have some flexibility even if they don't sign anyone else, having both Nield and Clercius on the game day roster gives them added muscle when they need it. They have a few rookies coming to TC that could make an immediate impact and Gavin Cobb may surprise with his versatility if he isn't shunted to the PR.
Is Nield a better blocker than Clercius? Hope so.
What do the coaches have to do to get the receivers to be better blockers?
The quick pass around the line of scrimmage is not available for the bombers cause of that problem. Blocking was non existent.
Wish there was a stat for that.
Quote from: markf on February 11, 2026, 05:32:32 PMIs Nield a better blocker than Clercius? Hope so.
What do the coaches have to do to get the receivers to be better blockers?
The quick pass around the line of scrimmage is not available for the bombers cause of that problem. Blocking was non existent.
Wish there was a stat for that.
Blocking isn't a random occurrence, on any given play blocking is assigned to specific players, if they fail to execute they get an F on that assignment.
https://3downnation.com/2026/03/07/tommy-nield-joined-winnipeg-blue-bombers-after-saskatchewan-roughriders-didnt-make-offer/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/03/07/tommy-nield-joined-winnipeg-blue-bombers-after-saskatchewan-roughriders-didnt-make-offer/)
To be fair, I think SSK knew they wouldn't be able to afford him. Their scheme doesn't require high price RECs, at least not beyond the top 2 guys Emilus and K.Johnson. And maybe KSB. Most of those guys got big bumps this year.
They are probably hoping to draft a top REC. It would be cool & funny if other teams picked all the top REC prospects before SSK's pick comes around.
Quote from: Tecno on March 08, 2026, 06:33:17 AMTo be fair, I think SSK knew they wouldn't be able to afford him. Their scheme doesn't require high price RECs, at least not beyond the top 2 guys Emilus and K.Johnson. And maybe KSB. Most of those guys got big bumps this year.
They are probably hoping to draft a top REC. It would be cool & funny if other teams picked all the top REC prospects before SSK's pick comes around.
It'll be interesting to see if the Bombers go 3 Natl. receivers like the Riders did, can't really see it as it would limit the dynamic of the passing game. Would honestly prefer to see Nield and Clercius job share, only on the field at the same time when it's a running play, which could spare Demski extra wear and tear he doesn't need to accumulate.
I have high hopes for Nield.
He is primed for a break out season.
Here is hoping...
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on March 08, 2026, 07:13:08 PMIt'll be interesting to see if the Bombers go 3 Natl. receivers like the Riders did, can't really see it as it would limit the dynamic of the passing game. Would honestly prefer to see Nield and Clercius job share, only on the field at the same time when it's a running play, which could spare Demski extra wear and tear he doesn't need to accumulate.
by going three nationals, allows us to have oline with 3 imports. A stronger oline increases the dynamics of the passing game much more than the 4th best receiver being a cdn vs import. The quality of the receivers doesn't mean a whole lot if the qb is continually running for his life.
Personally I'm with Goldmember in hoping Nield continues his growth, I could see him being more effective than say a Wheatfeld or Stern was for us last year.
Quote from: Pete on March 09, 2026, 07:18:32 PMby going three nationals, allows us to have oline with 3 imports. A stronger oline increases the dynamics of the passing game much more than the 4th best receiver being a cdn vs import. The quality of the receivers doesn't mean a whole lot if the qb is continually running for his life.
Personally I'm with Goldmember in hoping Nield continues his growth, I could see him being more effective than say a Wheatfeld or Stern was for us last year.
I agree and like this thinking. Our O line has to be SOLID if we are to have success, so start 3 IMP there, and 3 NAT's on recieving corps and you're right, as the 4th read, really how much impact is he going to have??
I never really thought of going 3 Nat rec but the argument is really good.
- Demski "doesn't count" since he plays as good as any star receiver
- Nield showed very well last year and if he builds on that, can become a top Canadian receiver perhaps
- Fifth receiver is a role player anyway and there's one ball to go around and no ball to go around if the QB is getting sacked constantly. Clercius looked good to me in his first year but didn't seem to be used very well last year. Let's give Condell a chance to position him to showcase his strengths when needed and make that progression from his first year
I like the idea of doing whatever it takes to getting back to having an elite OL again. We sure missed it last year.