Bombers Release Chris Kolankowski

[Tecno]

So, the decision had been made to move on from him.  Walters/MOS aren't ones that move on without a plan in place, though, so I fully expect to see Eli getting the C spot going into camp, it being his to lose.

You're gung-ho on Eli, but I still am hesitant to think that's the plan.  The only reason I can possibly see to let Ko-man walk and start Eli is if you wanted to SAVE money on OL this season.  Which is weird, because my prediction is we need to SPEND MORE on OL.

We don't tend to buy FA Oline, can't remember ever signing a FA Olineman to start.

You probably already know, but that's just a since-2018 (or so) thing.  Before that, Mafia was big-time into FA'ing OL.

Nothing says we can't go back to being a FA OL buyer.  The years of always being in the cup has destroyed our OL draft quality.

[Tecno]

Perhaps it also sends a message to other free agents that we have an opening at center, making those currently unsigned less likely to accept a lowball offer from current team, i.e. McEwan or Woodmansey

This is a very good, and outside the box, point.  Love it.

[bunker]

I think Woodmansey played mostly guard in college, and also played right guard his first 3 years in the league. He only converted to centre 2 years ago, which may explain some of the problems he's having with snapping. Don't know if that's coachable or not, but you'd think it is. Money may also be an obstacle to the bombers picking him up though, based on what he was making last year.

[Tecno]

Solution to bad snapping if we get Woodmansey for C... Zach takes every ball under center.

   

[Sir Blue and Gold]

This is a very good, and outside the box, point.  Love it.

In this case, don't think it's that outside the box. It's true. A bonus was probably the primary reason for the release timing but a very real result is it has an impact on pending free agent centres. No doubt.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

No way Ko-man took $120k.  I bet Eli is earning over $100k, and he's never started squat.  For $120k maybe we keep Ko-man around as a NAT backup!

I doubt he took much of a discount from what he was getting here.

Bomber O-line has never been the highest paid but they're well grounded in the reality of the football business which seems to be a big part of Bomber culture.  Led by Stan and Neuf they choose stability and a long playing career over asking for max dollars and the life of a football nomad who moves from team to team every few years chasing the highest dollar, but never establishes much of a fanbase, reputation or deeper roots. As most are already married with children, that's probably the wisest decision they could ever make.

Imagine a FA hot shot stepping into the locker room with the team awareness that he's being paid much more than HOFer prospect Stanley Bryant, that might not go over so well, and to this point that scenario has been avoided. 

[Stats Junkie]

Coulter Woodmansey would be a good add at guard.

[Jesse]

Bomber O-line has never been the highest paid but they're well grounded in the reality of the football business which seems to be a big part of Bomber culture.  Led by Stan and Neuf they choose stability and a long playing career over asking for max dollars and the life of a football nomad who moves from team to team every few years chasing the highest dollar, but never establishes much of a fanbase, reputation or deeper roots. As most are already married with children, that's probably the wisest decision they could ever make.

Imagine a FA hot shot stepping into the locker room with the team awareness that he's being paid much more than HOFer prospect Stanley Bryant, that might not go over so well, and to this point that scenario has been avoided. 

Meh, I'm better Stanley was the highest paid American OL in the league most years.

[Pigskin]

Meh, I'm better Stanley was the highest paid American OL in the league most years.

He was for a number of years.