Bombers sign QB Payton Thorne, release Parker & Echols

[VictorRomano]

As per bluebombers.com

Thorne (6'2", 207#) played collegiately at Michigan & Auburn, and was invited to camp with the Cincinatti Bengals in 2025.

[Blue In BC]

I didn't think Echols would be returning but a bit surprised about Parker being released. That may be an SMS issue with current demands and / or injury history?

There are few other players I'd think will be released in a similar fashion. The question is why now two days before Christmas? Hopefully this means we have a clearer picture about Holm re-signing as well as Houston and Bonds status. Noting I didn't think Bonds would be back or even available but OTOH I didn't think Parker would released now!!

Thanks to Parker for his time in Winnipeg. He'll probably get at least a TC invite elsewhere.

[Jesse]

Thorne seems like an exciting prospect.

I really liked Parker in his first season. I thought he was going to be really good but the injury seemed to derail him a bit. I hope he's able to catch on somewhere else.

[Blue In BC]

Thorne was recently added to our neg list. Most of the QB's on our list were added between August and October of this year. Some are interesting but who might be interested in coming to the CFL in 2026 is TBD.

[Blueforlife]

Sad to see Parker go but makes sense too much $ for a good but not great player.  Worth it to develop a new face.  I liked him and he played well last year.  He will be employed but will take a pay cut.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Pocket passer, seems to have a decent arm and he's pretty good at leading his receivers but not beloved in Auburn Alabama from the comments below. Watch both videos.

[Tecno]

as well as Houston and Bonds status. Noting I didn't think Bonds would be back or even available but OTOH I didn't think Parker would released now!!

Why wouldn't Bonds be back?  He's very cheap and seems to FIFO and seems to improve every year.  The injury sucks real bad though.  I would think Bonds could easily reach Parker level, and maybe beyond.

Bonds>Lawson, right now that's for sure.

[ModAdmin]

Blue Bombers transactions

WINNIPEG, MB., December 23, 2025 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American quarterback Payton Thorne.

Thorne (6-2, 207, Auburn; born: June 26, 2001, in Naperville, IL.) signs with the Bombers after attending camp with the Cincinnati Bengals this season, and a five-year collegiate career with Michigan State (2019-2022) and Auburn (2023-2024).

Thorne signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals after being unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He appeared in the final preseason game of 2025 and threw for 41 yards on four completions in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Thorne spent three seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Auburn. At Auburn he threw for 4,468 yards and 37 touchdowns and rushed for 798 yards and five touchdowns in 22 starts. During his college career he recorded 10,961 passing yards and 86 touchdowns, along with 1,068 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 53 games (46 starts).

The club has also released American defensive back Jamal Parker and American receiver Cam Echols.

[Blue In BC]

Why wouldn't Bonds be back?  He's very cheap and seems to FIFO and seems to improve every year.  The injury sucks real bad though.  I would think Bonds could easily reach Parker level, and maybe beyond.

Bonds>Lawson, right now that's for sure.

I thought that because of the season ending injury and that he wouldn't be available until mid season. We have several other options although 2 of them are also potential free agents.

Bonds may have some upside but we'll see and have a bunch of rookies looking to win spots on AR or PR. Bonds won't necessarily continue on an ELC since he's completed his 1st contract and is a potential free agent.