Blue Bombers re-sign veteran linebacker Tanner Cadwallader

ModAdmin · January 08, 2026, 03:30:19 PM

Blue Bombers re-sign veteran linebacker Tanner Cadwallader

WINNIPEG, MB., January 8, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Canadian linebacker Tanner Cadwallader.

He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Cadwallader (5-11, 216; Wilfrid Laurier University; born: June 24, 1997, in Georgetown, ON.) returns in 2026 for his sixth year with the Blue Bombers and following another season in which he was a steady presence on special teams, recording 14 tackles on the kick cover units – third most on the club after Michael Ayers (23) and Jaylen Smith (22).

Cadwallader, now 28, was selected by the Blue Bombers in the 7th round, 64th overall, in the 2020 Canadian Football League Draft and has not missed a single game since his rookie season in 2021 -- suiting up for all 86 regular-season games and every playoff contest over that span.

He has finished second or third in special teams tackles for the club in each year from 2022-25 and his career total of 68 currently ranks 12th in club history – just four shy of moving into the Top 10.

Blueforlife · January 08, 2026, 03:43:41 PM

Amazing, I wonder how much cake? I see him as a Bomber lifer. Good development trend.

Blue In BC · January 08, 2026, 04:30:11 PM

I really like Cadwallader. He's an excellent ST player. I wonder if he'll have any progression to more snaps on defence this year. Two year deal was another good situation. I hate those 1 year deals!!.

Since we drafted 3 LB's in 2025 I'm wondering if there is a " spot " left for Gauthier in 2026. Gauthier is still an asset but how many Canadian LB's can you squeeze onto a roster? I'm curious how much Cadwallader will earn but don't expect it to be unreasonable.

It might depend on the status of the injury to Novak and when he can return. However I do have Gauthier not on my list to re-sign at the moment. But keep in mind this is not a performance issue, it's a change in succession with younger ELC players versus a veteran, older player that is not on an ELC.

I wouldn't be upset to see him return but I've made the case on why I feel that way.

Throw Long Bannatyne · January 08, 2026, 06:37:57 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 04:30:11 PMI really like Cadwallader. He's an excellent ST player. I wonder if he'll have any progression to more snaps on defence this year. Two year deal was another good situation. I hate those 1 year deals!!.

Since we drafted 3 LB's in 2025 I'm wondering if there is a " spot " left for Gauthier in 2026. Gauthier is still an asset but how many Canadian LB's can you squeeze onto a roster? I'm curious how much Cadwallader will earn but don't expect it to be unreasonable.

It might depend on the status of the injury to Novak and when he can return. However I do have Gauthier not on my list to re-sign at the moment. But keep in mind this is not a performance issue, it's a change in succession with younger ELC players versus a veteran, older player that is not on an ELC.

I wouldn't be upset to see him return but I've made the case on why I feel that way.

Love Caddie, but from the lineup in front of him at LB, he looks to be a career ST player and has probably accepted his fate. Plays like a wildman, sprints on and off the field and waits for his next chance to reek havoc.

Can't find the footage of him being double teamed on a kickoff last season, I think it was against the Stamps, 2 players took turns repeatedly knocking him to the ground but he refused to stay down.

Pigskin · January 08, 2026, 06:49:09 PM

After 51 CFL games, I don't see his role changing much. He's a lifetime ST player. But, a good signing.

GOLDMEMBER · January 08, 2026, 08:57:35 PM

Always liked this guy. Just a good ST tackler.

Blue In BC · January 08, 2026, 09:38:07 PM

Quote from: Pigskin on January 08, 2026, 06:49:09 PMAfter 51 CFL games, I don't see his role changing much. He's a lifetime ST player. But, a good signing.

? He's played 86 games. Gauthier didn't record a DT until his 5th season. It is likely his role is ST's but I could see him added in one of those 3rd and goal situations we saw Gauthier fill. That or garbage time. Every snap a starter doesn't play in garbage time is one less play where an injury could be sustained.

He is virtually the same body type as Gauthier but possibly a little more athletic.

Throw Long Bannatyne · January 08, 2026, 11:15:27 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 09:38:07 PM? He's played 86 games. Gauthier didn't record a DT until his 5th season. It is likely his role is ST's but I could see him added in one of those 3rd and goal situations we saw Gauthier fill. That or garbage time. Every snap a starter doesn't play in garbage time is one less play where an injury could be sustained.

He is virtually the same body type as Gauthier but possibly a little more athletic.

I'd swear Gauthier was much bigger, certainly looks like a heavier build, there's good reason he's playing 3rd and goal situations.

Tecno · **Today** at 09:32:11 AM

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 04:30:11 PMhow many Canadian LB's can you squeeze onto a roster?

LOL, this is a MOS-led team. The answer is "a lot". MOS might select an all-LB D if it wouldn't get him fired!

Tecno · **Today** at 09:35:09 AM

Told y'all in his 2nd year he was one to watch! Remember the way Biggie in his prime would just pounce on a guy like a lion (no pun intended)? No dancing, just pounce. Ya, so that's Cadwall.

He had some mega ST hits in '25. What was that one near the GL, I think on a missed FG return? Impressive, and super fun to watch.

He has not progressed as much on D as I was hoping, but he's basically last on the chart. But I don't see why you ditch the kid until the next (similar) big thing gets drafted. He was probably quite budget. Like a Thomas Miles, but much more impactful.

Jesse · **Today** at 10:51:26 AM

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 09:38:07 PM? He's played 86 games. Gauthier didn't record a DT until his 5th season. It is likely his role is ST's but I could see him added in one of those 3rd and goal situations we saw Gauthier fill. That or garbage time. Every snap a starter doesn't play in garbage time is one less play where an injury could be sustained.

He is virtually the same body type as Gauthier but possibly a little more athletic.

I think you guys are saying the same thing. ST players still get defensive snaps here and there. Gauthier started games but was never "a starter".

Blue In BC · **Today** at 01:03:10 PM

Quote from: Tecno on Today at 09:32:11 AMLOL, this is a MOS-led team. The answer is "a lot". MOS might select an all-LB D if it wouldn't get him fired!

The problem is little Canadian depth on offence at receiver in particular. Roster size and ratio are factors. I just can't see having 5 Canadian LB's just to play on ST's.