Blue Bombers roster - 2024-2025

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Blue Bombers re-sign veteran defensive tackle Jake Thomas
January 16, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year extension with veteran defensive tackle Jake Thomas, who was scheduled to become a free agent next month.

Thomas (6-1, 280; Acadia University; born: December 6, 1990, in Douglas, NB.) returns in 2025 for his 13th season with the Blue Bombers. He is not only currently the longest-serving member of the team, but among the franchise leaders in games played at 205 – fifth all-time behind only Bob Cameron (394), Troy Westwood (293), Chris Walby (249), and Stan Mikawos (220).

Originally selected by the club in fourth round, 29th overall, in the 2012 CFL Draft, Thomas suited up for every game in 2024, including the Western Final and Grey Cup, and has now not missed any action for seven consecutive seasons.

He registered a career high 23 defensive tackles in 2024, adding two quarterback sacks, and a forced fumble. Thomas has 33 sacks in his career with the Blue Bombers, ranking him tied with Mikawos for 11th spot in franchise history.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/16/blue-bombers-re-sign-veteran-defensive-tackle-jake-thomas/

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Transactions:

2025-01-16   WPG   THOMAS, Jake   DL   N   Acadia   ADD   Active Roster

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Transactions:

2025-01-20   WPG   MOSELY, Quandre   DB   A   Kentucky   ADD   Active Roster

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Quandre Mosely:

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign defensive back Quandre Mosely
January 20, 2025 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed defensive back Quandre Mosely on Monday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Quandre Mosely is six foot two and weighs 185 pounds. The 25-year-old from Brunswick, Georgia, signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. In 2022, he made five tackles (4 solos, 1 assist), and two pass breakups in two preseason games. The Cowboys released him on August 23, 2022.

Mosely also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New England Patriots appearing in one regular season game for New England in 2022. The Carolina Panthers signed Mosely on August 19, 2024. In 2024, he played one preseason game recording no stats. The Panthers released him on August 27, 2024.

Collegiately, Mosely played two seasons at Eastern Arizona College (2017-18) making 88 tackles (62 solos, 26 assists), four tackles for loss, 11 interceptions for 302 yards, four touchdowns, six pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one kick return for 109 yards, one touchdown, and two punt returns for five yards in 22 games for the Monsters. He helped the Monsters win the Salt City Bowl and was named First Team All-WSFL and First Team All-ACCAC.

Then, he transferred to Kentucky (2019-21) making 69 tackles (48 solos, 21 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions for 77 yards, and one touchdown in 36 games for the Wildcats.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2025/01/20/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-defensive-back-quandre-mosely/

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Blue Bombers transactions – January 21

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive back Quandre Mosely.

Mosely (6-2, 185, Kentucky, born: May 8, 1999 in Brunswick, GA ) most recently was in training camp with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, while also spending time with Dallas, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and New England, seeing action in one regular season game with the Patriots. He spent his final two collegiate seasons at Kentucky, recording 69 tackles (48 solos, 21 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions for 77 yards, and one touchdown in 36 games for the Wildcats.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/21/blue-bombers-transactiosn-january-21/

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Blue Bombers transactions – January 21

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive back Quandre Mosely.

Mosely (6-2, 185, Kentucky, born: May 8, 1999 in Brunswick, GA ) most recently was in training camp with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, while also spending time with Dallas, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and New England, seeing action in one regular season game with the Patriots. He spent his final two collegiate seasons at Kentucky, recording 69 tackles (48 solos, 21 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions for 77 yards, and one touchdown in 36 games for the Wildcats.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/21/blue-bombers-transactiosn-january-21/

The kid has 4.3, 40 yard speed. That is fast.

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Transactions:

2025-01-22   WPG   LOWE, Duron   DB   A   Liberty   ADD   Active Roster
2025-01-22   WPG   Daughtry, Bryson   WR   A   Elon College   ADD   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign WR Bryson Daughtry and DB Duron Lowe
January 22, 2025 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed wide receiver Bryson Daughtry and defensive back Duron Lowe on Wednesday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Bryson Daughtry is six foot one and weighs 197 pounds. The 24-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, signed with the B.C. Lions as a free agent on May 2, 2023. In 2023, he played one preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders targeted two times recording no stats. The Lions released him on June 4, 2023.

Collegiately, Daughtry played five seasons at Elon College (2018-22) making 132 catches for 1,944 yards, 13 touchdowns, three carries for 17 yards, two touchdowns, and six punt returns for 30 yards in 49 games. In 2022, Daughtry was named Third Team All-CAA by Phil Steele after making 43 catches for 796 yards, and six touchdowns in 12 games for the Phoenix.

Duron Lowe is five foot ten and weighs 190 pounds. The 27-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas, signed with the Arlington Renegades on February 7, 2024. In 2024, he made five tackles (2 solos, 3 assists), one interception, and one pass breakup in four games. The Renegades released him on May 1, 2024.

The Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent on May 16, 2022. In 2022, Lowe made nine tackles (7 solos, 2 assists), and two pass breakups in three preseason games. The Rams released him on August 30, 2022. Next, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 1, 2023. He played in one preseason game for Tampa Bay before they released him on August 12, 2023.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Lowe on August 15, 2023. In 2023, he made one tackle (1 solo), and one pass breakup in two preseason games.

Collegiately, Lowe played two seasons at Butler Community College (2016-17) making 26 tackles (21 solos, 5 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, eight pass breakups, and 15 kick returns for 324 yards in 18 games for the Grizzlies.

Next, he transferred to UTEP (2019-20) making 44 tackles (36 solos, 8 assists), three tackles for loss, two interceptions for eight yards, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 20 punt returns for 573 yards, and two touchdowns in 19 games for the Miners. He was a two-time All-Conference USA Honorable Mention.

Then, he transferred to Liberty in 2021 making 31 tackles (21 solos, 10 assists), half a tackle for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and seven kick returns for 145 yards in 13 games for the Flames.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2025/01/22/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-wr-bryson-daughtry-and-db-duron-lowe/

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Blue Bombers transactions – January 23

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American receiver Bryson Daughtry and American defensive back Duron Lowe.

Daughty (6-1, 197,  Elon, born: October 3, 2000 in Charlotte, NC) was in training camp with the BC Lions in 2023. Collegiately, Daughtry played five seasons at Elon College from 2018-2022, making 132 catches for 1,944 yards and 13 touchdowns, while also recording three carries for 17 yards, two touchdowns, and six punt returns for 30 yards in 49 games.

Lowe (5-10, 190,  Liberty, born: November 29, 1997 in Overland Park, KS) most recently spent time in the UFL with Arlington, recording five tackles, one interception and one pass breakup in four games. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, playing in three preseason games that season. Lowe also spent time with Tampa and Kansas City in the NFL.

He finished his collegiate career at Liberty, recording  31 tackles (21 solos, 10 assists), half a tackle for loss, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, and seven kick returns for 145 yards in 13 games.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/23/blue-bombers-transactions-january-23/

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1st & 10 - A roster check-in as free agency looms
January 24, 2025  Ed Tait

The Canadian Football League free agent market opens in less than three weeks and while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football operations department has already done some serious grunt work in re-signing some of their own, the true heavy lifting is just ahead on the horizon.

Just as a reminder, the official opening of free agency goes Tuesday, February 11th at 11 a.m. and is preceded by the communication window which runs February 2-9 — a frenetic week which allows teams to step up conversations with pending free agents and make formal offers if they wish with the contracts then registered with the league — to give players and clubs a truer lay of the land before the market opens two days later.

Now, the Blue Bombers 2024 season not only came with an abrupt and disappointing conclusion, but it also did so with a list of 27 pending free agents heading into the winter. Since then, nine players have agreed to terms in offensive linemen Stanley Bryant and Pat Neufeld, defensive linemen Willie Jefferson and Jake Thomas, linebackers Tony Jones, Shayne Gauthier and Kyrie Wilson, defensive backs Evan Holm and Jamal Parker, Jr. and kicker Sergio Castillo.

As well, the club scooped up veteran receiver Dillon Mitchell following his release by the Edmonton Elks, while watching receiver Ontaria Wilson sign a deal with the New York Jets.

"It's a waiting game now but we're reaching crunch time on a lot of things," said Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters. "There's a bunch of irons in the fire and you've got to be ready to quickly pivot to something else and go from there."

Still, that leaves the Blue Bombers list of pending free agents at 18 and some pressing questions as the negotiating window and free agency approaches. Of those 18, 14 started at least one game last year and the list features All-CFL cornerback Tyrell Ford, West Division all-star guard Liam Dobson, a future hall of famer in linebacker Adam Bighill, two veteran receivers in Dalton Schoen and Kenny Lawler, long-time safety Brandon Alexander, popular No. 2 quarterback Chris Streveler and leading kick returner Lucky Whitehead. Just as a reminder — and undoubtedly a talking point in any discussions — Bighill, Schoen and Streveler are all coming off season-ending injuries suffered at various stages last season.

UPDATE: make that list of pending free agents now 17 after Bighill posted a thank-you and farewell to the Blue Bombers on Instagram Friday night:

And just to be clear as to how this unfolded from a club perspective, head coach Mike O'Shea told Bighill in early December he would not be receiving a new contract offer from the club. Bighill represents himself and GM Kyle Walters said they spoke not long after the player's meeting with O'Shea to confirm the news.

"These are always difficult discussions, especially for a player of Adam's stature," said Walters. "This is the business part of the game and after we spoke I thanked him and we talked about plans moving forward — would he be released, was he free to call other teams — and I wished him the best of luck in trying to land another contract."

With all this in mind, our latest edition of 1st & 10 looks at the current state of the Blue Bombers roster — those under contract, the pending free agents, the new faces and a burning question for each position group (*Indicates Canadian; (G) Global player):

QUARTERBACK
Signed: Zach Collaros, Terry Wilson, Jake Dolegala

CFL vets added: none yet

New: Darren Grainger

Pending free agents: Chris Streveler

Burning question(s): The three pivots who suited up for the Grey Cup are all back in Collaros, Wilson and Dolegala. Question is, with other teams in the West bulking up at the position — Edmonton committed to Tre Ford and then traded McLeod Bethel-Thompson to Montreal for Cody Fajardo, Saskatchewan inked former Calgary starter Jake Maier for depth behind Trevor Harris while Calgary traded for Vernon Adams, Jr. and signed NFL journeyman P.J. Walker — are the Blue Bombers comfortable rolling with the quartet under contract or looking to add another vet, prospect, or both, before camp? And is there a potential place for Streveler, who blew his knee out in the Banjo Bowl?

RUNNING BACK/FULLBACK

Signed: Brady Oliveira*, Michael Chris-Ike*

CFL vets added: none

New: none

Pending free agents: Johnny Augustine*, Bailey Feltmate*,

Burning question: The Blue Bombers signed Oliveira to a two-year contract just before free agency last season, giving the club stability at the position with the two-time CFL rushing champion and reigning Most Outstanding Player. Chris-Ike is more of a fullback and Augustine — who has provided Canadian depth behind both Oliveira and Andrew Harris since 2018 — is now 31. Does the club look to the draft to find homegrown depth here or grab an American?

RECEIVER

Signed: Nic Demski*, Drew Wolitarsky*, Kevens Clercius*, Keric Wheatfall, Myron Mitchell, Ontaria Wilson (signed with New York Jets)

CFL vets added: Dillon Mitchell

New: D'Marcus Adams, Bryson Daughtry, AK Gassama*, Jaylen Hall, Keilahn Harris,

Pending free agents: Dalton Schoen, Kenny Lawler, Lucky Whitehead

Burning question: The constraints of the salary cap would suggest the Blue Bombers might have to choose between one of Schoen or Lawler but, as GM Kyle Walters told media during CFL meetings earlier this month, the same thinking was prevalent last year with Schoen and Oliveira about to hit the market and both ended up staying. Schoen's productivity over his first two seasons – 141 catches for 2,663 yards and 26 TDs in just 34 games – was astonishing, but he suited up for just three games last year before his knee injury. Lawler is a dominant game-changer but also missed 14 games over the last two years due to suspension and last year's broken arm. While landing both would be a tasty option, is that kind of investment in one position group the right move given potential needs elsewhere on the roster?

OFFENSIVE LINE

Signed: Stanley Bryant, Pat Neufeld*, Chris Kolankowski*, Kendall Randolph, Gabe Wallace*, Tui Eli*, Micah Vanterpool

CFL vets added: none yet

New: Antonio Garcia, Chris Walker

Pending free agents: Liam Dobson*, Eric Lofton

Burning question: Canadian O-linemen are always in high demand on the open market, so Dobson's camp will be fielding a ton of calls if he gets to next week's negotiating window. There are Canadian options available if he should leave in Wallace and Eli — plus a potential draft pick or two — but would the team consider going with three imports up front given Kendall Randolph started games at guard and tackle last year?

DEFENSIVE LINE

Signed: Willie Jefferson, Jake Thomas*, Cam Lawson*, Tanner Schmekel*, Jamal Woods, Devin Adams, Collin Kornelson*, Lucky Ogbevoen (G), Kyle Samson*,

CFL vets added: none yet

New: Brandon Wright

Pending free agents: TyJuan Garbutt, Celestin Haba, Miles Fox

Burning question: The Blue Bombers finished first in some important defensive statistical categories last year, including points allowed (19.9), net offence against (328.6) and passing yards against (234.8 ). Yet, the team was sixth best against the run and last in sacks.

So, does the team bulk up along the defensive front with a proven CFL vet to take some extra attention off Jefferson and give defensive coordinator Jordan Younger even more options schematically?

LINEBACKERS

Signed:  Tony Jones, Michael Ayers, Tanner Cadwallader*, Shayne Gauthier*, Max Charbonneau*, Kyrie Wilson, Fabian Weitz (G)

CFL vets added: none yet

New: Jason Person, Marvin Pierre

Pending free agents: Adam Bighill, Brian Cole II

Burning question: The commitment to Jones after the season was telling and it impacted Bighill — who is coming off the injury and and is now 36. Cutting ties with a player who casts such a big shadow, both in the locker room and on the field, is never easy. The Blue Bombers have some solid linebacking options in Jones, Wilson — when healthy — and the up-and-coming Ayers. But do they go shopping for more help on the market in this position group?

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Signed: Redha Kramdi*, Deatrick Nichols, Evan Holm, Terrell Bonds, Michael Griffin II, Nick Hallett*, Marquise Bridges, Jake Kelly*, Jamal Parker, Jr.,

CFL vets added: none yet

New: Russell Dandy, Quandre Mosley, Patrick Rogers, Jordan Toles, Duron Lowe,

Pending free agents: Brandon Alexander, Tyrell Ford*, Noah Hallett*, Nick Taylor

Burning question: This is one of the most intriguing storylines to track in the next few weeks: if Ford doesn't land an NFL opportunity, can the Blue Bombers be a player in bidding war that will surely unfold for his services?

SPECIALISTS

Signed: PK Sergio Castillo, P Jamieson Sheahan (G), LS Ian Leroux*

Pending free agents: LS Mike Benson, returner Lucky Whitehead

Burning question: How much does last year's experience with Janarion Grant — letting him leave in free agency for Toronto and again be deadly in the return game — impact what the team might do this winter? Grant combined for 105 touches in the return game last year — 67 kickoffs, 41 punts — while Whitehead, added in early July, combined for 69 touches as the club searched for answers in that department.

Let's also remember this as crunch time approaches: a year ago the Blue Bombers got a ton done when the calendar flipped to February, locking up Schoen and Oliveira along with then pending free agents Alexander, Kolankowski, Thomas and Gauthier while adding Streveler.

So, buckle up, Bomber Nation, for the ride is just about to get interesting.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/24/1st-10-a-roster-check-in-as-free-agency-looms/

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Blue Bombers release receiver Drew Wolitarsky
January 27, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has released veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky.

"These decisions are always difficult and it's especially true with a player who has been with us for so long," said Blue Bombers GM Kyle Walters. "Drew has been a solid contributor for the team, was popular in the locker room and was instrumental in two Grey Cup championships, and for that the franchise is forever grateful."

Wolitarsky was selected by the Blue Bombers in the 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft and appeared in 89 regular-season games over his seven seasons with the team, pulling in 227 receptions for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Injuries limited him to 10 games in 2024 in which he had 33 catches for 403 yards and one touchdown. His best season came in 2023, when he had 47 receptions for 668 yards and six touchdowns.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/27/blue-bombers-release-receiver-drew-wolitarsky/

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers release veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky
By John Hodge -January 27, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released Canadian-American receiver Drew Wolitarsky.

The 29-year-old made 33 catches for 403 yards and one touchdown this past season, missing eight games due to injury. He started five games at field-side wide receiver and five games at boundary wide receiver.

"These decisions are always difficult and it's especially true with a player who has been with us for so long," said general manager Kyle Walters in a statement. "Drew has been a solid contributor for the team, was popular in the locker room and was instrumental in two Grey Cup championships, and for that the franchise is forever grateful."

Per sources, Wolitarsky was due a $12,000 offseason roster bonus on Feb. 1 as part of a deal that would have paid him around $110,000 in 2025.

The six-foot-one, 225-pound native of Santa Clarita, Calif. was selected in the 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft out of the University of Minnesota after qualifying for Canadian citizenship. Winnipeg forfeited a third-round pick in the 2018 CFL Draft to secure his rights.

"I found out this morning that I am being released from Winnipeg," said Wolitarsky on his Instagram page. "I'm still just trying to wrap my mind around that, to be honest with you. I'm having a hard time believing that. It's been so long in that place. To get that call was definitely heartbreaking for me."

In total, Wolitarsky made 227 receptions for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns over 96 career games, winning two Grey Cups.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-veteran-receiver-drew-wolitarsky/

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Transactions:

2025-01-27   WPG   GRAINGER, Darren   QB   A   Georgia State   TRF TO RETIRED   Retired
2025-01-27   WPG   WOLITARSKY, Drew   WR   N   Minnesota   DEL   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers lose young QB Darren Grainger to retirement
By John Hodge -January 27, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have lost developmental quarterback Darren Grainger to retirement, the team confirmed to 3DownNation on Monday.

The six-foot-four, 225-pound passer had a brief stint with Winnipeg during training camp in 2024 and later joined the practice roster after Chris Streveler suffered a season-ending knee injury in September. The team released Grainger in October but signed him to a futures deal, which kicked in after the Blue Bombers lost the Grey Cup to Toronto.

The 24-year-old native of Conway, S.C. finished his collegiate career at Georgia State University, throwing for 6,779 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions and rushing for 2,130 yards and 19 scores over 38 games. He was twice named honourable mention All-Sun Belt with the Panthers.

Grainger started his collegiate career at Furman University, an FCS program located in Greenville, S.C. He threw for 1,403 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions with the Paladins and ran for 349 yards and five scores. In 2019, he was named to the Southern Conference's All-Freshman team.

The Blue Bombers now have only three quarterbacks under contract for 2025: veteran starter Zach Collaros, journeyman Jake Dolegala, and Terry Wilson, who threw one pass attempt as a rookie in 2024. Streveler remains a pending free agent.

https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-lose-young-qb-darren-grainger-to-retirement/