2024 Free Agency Signings/Transactions (Blue Bombers)

[Blue In BC]

Agreed on Kramdi.  But Mafia is very very high on him.  I've learned that when they are excited, I should pause my calls for benching!  He does seem to be improving all the time.

By no means would we cut Kramdi.  We'd just start a legit IMP SAM like we always used to, and Kramdi dresses as bacukp/rotation SAM and spare DB.  Just dress 1 less guy on the weak/middle sides, as we usually dress a zillion anyhow.

Or Kramdi comes out in week 1 looking like the second coming of 2nd-year-with-us Leggett... but then who backs him up?

Either way, we're starting more than 7 Canadians. If an import doesn't beat him out, he can be rostered as a non starting / non DI import and be the back up. In that sense he could be a player that can step in at SAM or other positions in the secondary if we have an injury.

The same applies to Ford if he's capable of winning a starting role at CB. The back ups don't have to be Canadians necessarily.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Either way, we're stating more than 7 Canadians. If an import doesn't beat him out, he can be rostered as a non starting / non DI import and be the back up. In that sense he could be a player that can step in at SAM or other positions in the secondary if we have an injury.

The same applies to Ford if he's capable of winning a starting role at CB. The back ups don't have to be Canadians necessarily.

That's what people don't seem to understand.  The coaching staff would've stuck him at safety and put Alexander at strongside linebacker, if they didn't believe in Kramdi.

We have to stop discriminating against Canadians based on position.

Canadians can play: DE,QB,DHB,SLB,CB

[theaardvark]

8, potentially 9 starting NATS and we have 10 picks in the draft to deepen that? 

And people were thinking we might consider playing a NAT at OT?

We are going to get a free pick every year for the least "fake nat" snaps...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

That's what people don't seem to understand.  The coaching staff would've stuck him at safety and put Alexander at strongside linebacker, if they didn't believe in Kramdi.

We have to stop discriminating against Canadians based on position.

Canadians can play: DE,QB,DHB,SLB,CB

Love it when a Natl. steps up and wins the spot through his own merit, wish more would be given the opportunity to do so.

[TecnoGenius]

That's what people don't seem to understand.  The coaching staff would've stuck him at safety and put Alexander at strongside linebacker, if they didn't believe in Kramdi.

We have to stop discriminating against Canadians based on position.

Canadians can play: DE,QB,DHB,SLB,CB

Alexander is made for FS because he can bring the wood.  We like a run-and-YAC-punishing FS ever since Loffler.  Actually, ever since Hecht, but Hecht's wood would often miss      but A+ for effort.

SAM doesn't need to be physical, just fast and a bit shifty, and with a nose and IQ.  Good hands don't hurt.

We all have seen what great IMP SAMs can bring.  We aren't seeing that in Kramdi yet.  That's why it keeps getting brought up.  And no other team wants to regularly start 8 or 9 NATs, like we are probably going to end up doing.

As for discriminating against NATs by position... it's kind of a CFL-wide thing.  It's "normal".  Find me all the NAT starting DBs (ex-FS)... ya, there ya go.  And the NAT OTs.  NAT QBs.  NAT RBs.  NAT #3 SBs.  NAT SAMs.  NAT WILLs.  NAT MLBs.  NAT DEs.  Even NAT DTs.  You can probably find one, maybe two, dudes CFL-wide for each spot, even if you include ratio-fillers.

I think it's fine and natural that IMPs just might be better, and/or more plentiful and thus cheaper, at the IMP-heavy positions.  Specialization and economics.

I agree that if someone stands out and earns a starting gig, by all means you go with that guy (until he's priced out of your budget).  But remember, the dime-a-dozen spots like DB usually go to ELCs because you can get a bunch cheap.  But Kramdi is still on ELC I think, so 6 of 1, half dozen of the other... unless a new ELC IMP can be Moe-like...

In theory the pre-judging of NATs at certain spots kind of sucks for NATs who play that spot, but it does make sense, because so often it's true.  It doesn't have to be 100% to be useful to GM/HCs planning their teams.

[TecnoGenius]

8, potentially 9 starting NATS and we have 10 picks in the draft to deepen that? 

Ya, it's like backwards world in WPG.  Most other teams are desperate to get 7 serviceable real-NATs just to field a team, and end up with at least 1 "ratio-filler" (the "Hurl effect").  And here we are drowning in NATs.  We can't keep them away!

Now Ford likely back and likely starting, Kramdi starting... it's crazy.  Looks unlikely NAT RT based on the chatter and loss of Gray, so we can at least breathe on that one.

It hasn't made since to me for the 2 seasons we've been regularly doing it.  Doesn't make sense to me now.  The league and all the other teams are shifting to eliminating more NAT snaps!  And we're adding them!  Crazy.

The last 2 loser cups... would a real, talented IMP at 8th ratio spot have pushed us over the edge?  Margin was slim.  Who knows.  Makes you go hmmm.  Again, our competitors were maximizing IMP snaps, we were insouciant.  Hmmm.

If the CFL said tomorrow "there is no ratio", we'd still start 8 NATs, whilst Chris Jones would field a zero-NAT team.  Who won the GC during the X-era years with the no-ratio USA teams?  Ya, always the no-ratio team except once, eh?

Make it make sense to me, other than our scouts keep coming up empty handed at the not-quite-filled positions (SAM, OT), or at least can't keep up with the numbers game??

[TecnoGenius]

Love it when a Natl. steps up and wins the spot through his own merit, wish more would be given the opportunity to do so.

They all should have the opportunity to, hopefully.  But when busy coaches/GMs have only a couple of minutes to view a couple of plays by 125 guys, they have to have rules of thumb and maximize the use of their time before cut-down day.

If you're a NAT at a IMP-dominated position, you'll really have to stand out, and fast, to win a spot.  The only saving grace is drafted NATs who can make the AR on STs do have some time/breathing room to further show what they can do.  So there's one win for the current system.  That's basically the Kramdi story, eh?

[Blue In BC]

It's a little early to determine if Ford will earn a starting position at CB. Same with Kramdi at SAM or Lawson at DT.

There will be lots of competition at each spot. At worst they will be very good role players, rotational and back ups.

Each may end up being starters or seeing significant playing time.

Lots of XFL/USFL players with playing time coming to camp. Some sound impressive.

It's not unreasonable to think that a few rookie imports may win significant roles early or as the season progresses.

[theaardvark]

Alexander is made for FS because he can bring the wood.  We like a run-and-YAC-punishing FS ever since Loffler.  Actually, ever since Hecht, but Hecht's wood would often miss      but A+ for effort.

SAM doesn't need to be physical, just fast and a bit shifty, and with a nose and IQ.  Good hands don't hurt.

We all have seen what great IMP SAMs can bring.  We aren't seeing that in Kramdi yet.  That's why it keeps getting brought up. And no other team wants to regularly start 8 or 9 NATs, like we are probably going to end up doing.

As for discriminating against NATs by position... it's kind of a CFL-wide thing.  It's "normal".  Find me all the NAT starting DBs (ex-FS)... ya, there ya go.  And the NAT OTs.  NAT QBs.  NAT RBs.  NAT #3 SBs.  NAT SAMs.  NAT WILLs.  NAT MLBs.  NAT DEs.  Even NAT DTs.  You can probably find one, maybe two, dudes CFL-wide for each spot, even if you include ratio-fillers.

I think it's fine and natural that IMPs just might be better, and/or more plentiful and thus cheaper, at the IMP-heavy positions.  Specialization and economics.

I agree that if someone stands out and earns a starting gig, by all means you go with that guy (until he's priced out of your budget).  But remember, the dime-a-dozen spots like DB usually go to ELCs because you can get a bunch cheap.  But Kramdi is still on ELC I think, so 6 of 1, half dozen of the other... unless a new ELC IMP can be Moe-like...

In theory the pre-judging of NATs at certain spots kind of sucks for NATs who play that spot, but it does make sense, because so often it's true.  It doesn't have to be 100% to be useful to GM/HCs planning their teams.

I totally disagree with you.  Every teams would LOVE to have 8-9 starting level Nats.  Every additional Nat starter gives you a DI.  And if you lose a Nat starter in game, its no where near the issue.  No changing half the field to put in a Nat backup at a different position.  Drop in your backup at that spot, Nat or DI without changing any other positions.

Yes, most Nats come at a premium over Americans, but with Nats now coming in ready to play and under 3 year ELC's, its not the $SMS burden it used to be.  And if you draft good, when they age out and getbetter offer$ elsewhere, next man up. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It's a little early to determine if Ford will earn a starting position at CB. Same with Kramdi at SAM or Lawson at DT.

There will be lots of competition at each spot. At worst they will be very good role players, rotational and back ups.

Each may end up being starters or seeing significant playing time.

Lots of XFL/USFL players with playing time coming to camp. Some sound impressive.

It's not unreasonable to think that a few rookie imports may win significant roles early or as the season progresses.

With 3 potential Natl. positions on defence covered by Lawson/Jake, Kramdi and Ford they may no longer be looking for the elusive Natl. DE who can rotate in effectively.  Kongbo is still out there, but it appears no teams are interested in paying him what he thinks he's worth.

[Blue In BC]

Sure but we may find the next Sayles, Alford, Jeffcoat in TC. A rookie may not start the season as a starter but could be viewed as a longer term solution.

In the meantime, several of our Canadians could start and continue to progress. Lawson and Ford in particular should be better in 2024. Thomas is on the downside but still adds skill and leadership.

[CrazyCanuck89]

Alexander is made for FS because he can bring the wood.  We like a run-and-YAC-punishing FS ever since Loffler.  Actually, ever since Hecht, but Hecht's wood would often miss      but A+ for effort.

SAM doesn't need to be physical, just fast and a bit shifty, and with a nose and IQ.  Good hands don't hurt.

We all have seen what great IMP SAMs can bring.  We aren't seeing that in Kramdi yet.  That's why it keeps getting brought up.  And no other team wants to regularly start 8 or 9 NATs, like we are probably going to end up doing.

As for discriminating against NATs by position... it's kind of a CFL-wide thing.  It's "normal".  Find me all the NAT starting DBs (ex-FS)... ya, there ya go.  And the NAT OTs.  NAT QBs.  NAT RBs.  NAT #3 SBs.  NAT SAMs.  NAT WILLs.  NAT MLBs.  NAT DEs.  Even NAT DTs.  You can probably find one, maybe two, dudes CFL-wide for each spot, even if you include ratio-fillers.

I think it's fine and natural that IMPs just might be better, and/or more plentiful and thus cheaper, at the IMP-heavy positions.  Specialization and economics.

I agree that if someone stands out and earns a starting gig, by all means you go with that guy (until he's priced out of your budget).  But remember, the dime-a-dozen spots like DB usually go to ELCs because you can get a bunch cheap.  But Kramdi is still on ELC I think, so 6 of 1, half dozen of the other... unless a new ELC IMP can be Moe-like...

In theory the pre-judging of NATs at certain spots kind of sucks for NATs who play that spot, but it does make sense, because so often it's true.  It doesn't have to be 100% to be useful to GM/HCs planning their teams.

Of course the SAM needs to be physical, they are playing closer to the line, than the safety is.  Their job is to help stop the run, whereas the safety is more the last line of defense.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think it's fine and natural that IMPs just might be better, and/or more plentiful and thus cheaper, at the IMP-heavy positions.  Specialization and economics.

I agree that if someone stands out and earns a starting gig, by all means you go with that guy (until he's priced out of your budget).  But remember, the dime-a-dozen spots like DB usually go to ELCs because you can get a bunch cheap.  But Kramdi is still on ELC I think, so 6 of 1, half dozen of the other... unless a new ELC IMP can be Moe-like...

Kramdi has been with the Bombers since 2021, I don't know how many contracts he's gone through so far, but he was re-signed again 12/19/23, so you know they like what they see.  He went from a ST player to beating out more experienced imports (Lawrence + Darby)for his job, so I don't expect him to be displaced anytime soon, even by Ford. He brings more grit than skill to his position but also seems to have a high football IQ, maybe he communicates well, much like Biggie and Alexander. O'Shea might be the only coach in the league that would give him the chance to develop into a ratio breaker.

[Blue In BC]

Kramdi has been with the Bombers since 2021, I don't know how many contracts he's gone through so far, but he was re-signed again 12/19/23, so you know they like what they see.  He went from a ST player to beating out more experienced imports (Lawrence + Darby)for his job, so I don't expect him to be displaced anytime soon, even by Ford. He brings more grit than skill to his position but also seems to have a high football IQ, maybe he communicates well, much like Biggie and Alexander. O'Shea might be the only coach in the league that would give him the chance to develop into a ratio breaker.

Ford won't compete at SAM with Kramdi. He'll compete to start at CB.  At this point we don't really know which of the many rookie DB's will be possible SAM candidates. So it's Kramdi's spot to lose going into TC.

Kramdi didn't appear to be getting beat or out of position on TV. That's a good place in the development curve. If he starts getting we'll know his football IQ is increasing.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Ford won't compete at SAM with Kramdi. He'll compete to start at CB.  At this point we don't really know which of the many rookie DB's will be possible SAM candidates. So it's Kramdi's spot to lose going into TC.

Kramdi didn't appear to be getting beat or out of position on TV. That's a good place in the development curve. If he starts getting we'll know his football IQ is increasing.

I realize that, but if Ford wins his spot at CB they'll have the the option of reducing the ratio at SAM or DT. I don't think either is going to happen unless injuries come into play.