Blue Bombers agree to terms with offensive tackle Eric Lofton

ModAdmin · February 16, 2024, 03:25:18 PM

Blue Bombers agree to terms with offensive tackle Eric Lofton

WINNIPEG, MB., February 16, 2024 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American offensive tackle Eric Lofton to a one-year contract.

Lofton (6-4, 293, Temple,; born: March 6, 1993 in Lumberton, NJ) returns to Winnipeg after spending the 2022 season with the club. Last season, he started 14 games for the Riders at tackle.

Lofton has also spent two seasons (2019-20) with the Edmonton Elks, suiting up for two games. He started his CFL career with the Ottawa Redblacks, dressing in four games during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

The New Jersey native played five collegiate seasons (2011-2015) at Temple University. He appeared in 37 games, making starts at right tackle, right guard and left guard.

Blue In BC · February 16, 2024, 03:32:06 PM

Any stats on how many penalties and sacks he gave up?

Jesse · February 16, 2024, 03:45:26 PM

Well, not impressed.

Stats Junkie · February 16, 2024, 03:48:55 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on February 16, 2024, 03:32:06 PMAny stats on how many penalties and sacks he gave up?

3 penalties for 10 yards

2 x Illegal Procedure (5 yards each)
1 x Illegal Block - Hands to the Face (declined - 0 yards)

Pete · February 16, 2024, 03:52:19 PM

We Look
desperate

theaardvark · February 16, 2024, 03:56:05 PM

Walters said there would be players on min contracts they will be kicking the tires on.

As TC fodder, this is a guy with CFL experience. Is that enough for him to win a spot in camp? We shall see.

With 3 Americans competing for RT, and potentially more from recruiting or draft, competition should be strong.

blue_gold_84 · February 16, 2024, 04:06:23 PM

Quote from: Pete on February 16, 2024, 03:52:19 PMWe Look
desperate

Because of this signing...? $:-\$

Pete · February 16, 2024, 04:33:48 PM

SIgning a recycled ot from the worst oline in the league last year , yeah this signing looks desperate
Are we ever gonna sign a free agent that isn't an exblue bomber?

Sir Blue and Gold · February 16, 2024, 04:45:20 PM

This was always going to be a bit of a transition year for us. We could easily still win it all but don't expect a 16-2 team. We got to enjoy that core of players more or less dominate the league since the middle of 2019. I'm thinking we're something like 11-7 with an eye to next year's in Winnipeg Grey Cup. Just look at who we've lost. It happens -- especially in an SMS world.

Pigskin · February 16, 2024, 05:08:21 PM

Eric has been around the CFL since 2017.

2017/2018: Ottawa played 4 games.
2019: BC was in TC.
2019: Edmonton Played in 2 games.
2021: Edmonton cut in TC.
2022: Winnipeg played in 1 game.
2023: Sask. Played in 14 games.
2024: Winnipeg, to be determined.

Pigskin · February 16, 2024, 05:14:38 PM

Quote from: Stats Junkie on February 16, 2024, 03:48:55 PM3 penalties for 10 yards

2 x Illegal Procedure (5 yards each)
1 x Illegal Block - Hands to the Face (declined - 0 yards)

Not to bad, any stats on Hardrick. Penalties, number of sacks he gave up?

LXTSN · February 16, 2024, 05:39:22 PM

Quote from: Pete on February 16, 2024, 04:33:48 PMSIgning a recycled ot from the worst oline in the league last year , yeah this signing looks desperate
Are we ever gonna sign a free agent that isn't an exblue bomber?

I guess you can't please everyone...
They just signed the OL of the year so they were probably going to find a rookie to back him up rather than Lofton.
The offensive line is only as good as its weakest link right? If one of their interior guys was the problem, it makes the whole team look bad.
If he didn't have a single holding penalty on that team, I would say he's probably pretty solid when given the chance.
I really just want to see the competition for that RT spot

Stats Junkie · February 16, 2024, 06:38:04 PM

Quote from: Pigskin on February 16, 2024, 05:14:38 PMNot to bad, any stats on Hardrick. Penalties, number of sacks he gave up?

Hardrick penalties

5 for 15 yards

1 x Illegal Procedure (5 yards)
2 x Holding (declined - 0 yards)
1 x IB - Hands to Face (declined - 0 yards)
1 x OC (10 yards) pushed a player off the pile

Also (in Grey Cup)
1 x Holding (10 yards - negated a 12 yard run)

Throw Long Bannatyne · February 16, 2024, 06:39:59 PM

Quote from: theaardvark on February 16, 2024, 03:56:05 PMWalters said there would be players on min contracts they will be kicking the tires on.

As TC fodder, this is a guy with CFL experience. Is that enough for him to win a spot in camp? We shall see.

With 3 Americans competing for RT, and potentially more from recruiting or draft, competition should be strong.

Based on experience I would pencil Lofton in as the starting RT game #1, they already know his ability and his personality probably fits in well with the team. Rookie O-linemen have to go through Marty Costello's school first, if one progresses well, he may get a look or take over mid-late season from Lofton.

theaardvark · February 16, 2024, 06:53:00 PM

OK, I didn't see that Lofton had played 15 games last year at LT for SSK... that's not an amazing stat, we know how good SSK's Oline was last year, and one of the reasons for paying Hardrick.

Have to wonder what kind of contract he signed, can't have been league min, could it?

It will be interesting to see whether he can earn a spot on the roster at that price out of camp, and how short a leash he will be on...