Bombers re-sign Willie Jefferson

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Our vets are the reason we have been so good for so long and made it to all those cups.  Yes they decline but some can evolve and still impact like Willie.  Time will tell how much impact he will have this year.  I believe he will earn his salary and help us win more game than he hurts us in.

You don't know his salary so how could you possibly say he'll earn it?

[Blueforlife]

You don't know his salary so how could you possibly say he'll earn it?

Now I have heard it all.  He will make about what we expect.  The exact number has no impact on my statement.

I believe he always has and will earn 100% of his paycheck this year. 

This is based on watching him his entire career and while considering age, stats and impact to the ball games, organization and community.  O and he brings a high level of entertainment value!!!

That all said my assumption is that he plays 3/4 of the season+

Come down to Wpg, Willie can still bring it baby

[Blue In BC]

You don't know his salary so how could you possibly say he'll earn it?

SMS is a complicated issue. It's not just whether a given player " earns " his contract. It's about whether it means we have to reduce offers to other players across the roster.

Retaining veterans is important but at some point that happens with every player. I think he has another year left in his game and we don't have that many long term Bomber players on defence. It's probable we won't see a few back that haven't yet been re-signed.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Now I have heard it all.  He will make about what we expect.  The exact number has no impact on my statement.

I believe he always has and will earn 100% of his paycheck this year. 

This is based on watching him his entire career and while considering age, stats and impact to the ball games, organization and community.  O and he brings a high level of entertainment value!!!

That all said my assumption is that he plays 3/4 of the season+

Come down to Wpg, Willie can still bring it baby

You said you are "sure" he will earn his salary. If he's earning $250,000 there's very different on field output that is required than if you make $110,000. I suggest that he'll deliver his off-field/leadership value no matter what we've paid him but his on field contributions are what will make or break the decision to bring him back again.

If you want to simply blow blue smoke around feel free (this is the place to do it), but don't frame it from a salary to productivity point of view unless you want to get called out for that. Especially when no one has any clue what the salary he will "for sure" earn is.

[Blue In BC]

You said you are "sure" he will earn his salary. If he's earning $250,000 there's very different on field output that is required than if you make $110,000. I suggest that he'll deliver his off-field/leadership value no matter what we've paid him but his on field contributions are what will make or break the decision to bring him back again.

If you want to simply blow blue smoke around feel free (this is the place to do it), but don't frame it from a salary to productivity point of view unless you want to get called out for that. Especially when no one has any clue what the salary he will "for sure" earn is.

Good call. Blue smoke is just another way to say " Blind Faith " that I mentioned earlier in the week. I hope he took a cut this season and possibly a reduced role.

The problem at the moment is we don't know whether we have new faces on the DL that will add to the overall productivity. I'm ok to bring him back but also have some reservations regardless of SMS.

[Blueforlife]

You said you are "sure" he will earn his salary. If he's earning $250,000 there's very different on field output that is required than if you make $110,000. I suggest that he'll deliver his off-field/leadership value no matter what we've paid him but his on field contributions are what will make or break the decision to bring him back again.

If you want to simply blow blue smoke around feel free (this is the place to do it), but don't frame it from a salary to productivity point of view unless you want to get called out for that. Especially when no one has any clue what the salary he will "for sure" earn is.

I believe he always has and will earn 100% of his paycheck this year.   Yes I confident or sure that he will earn his keep like he always has.
You're estimates of his pay a larger range than what's likely.  He will be paid what he is worth as a vet DL.  Somewhere around 200 is my guess but like I said the actual figure doesn't really factor in that much for me.

It's my opinion that he will earn his salary as it's likely a fairly reasonable figure in line with what other vets would get.

Good call. Blue smoke is just another way to say " Blind Faith " that I mentioned earlier in the week. I hope he took a cut this season and possibly a reduced role.

The problem at the moment is we don't know whether we have new faces on the DL that will add to the overall productivity. I'm ok to bring him back but also have some reservations regardless of SMS.

Has nothing to do with blind faith.

I hope we signed him for a fair value for both sides.  I hope he isn't taking a reduce role.

There are lots of opinions on Willie, his value, etc.  This place is awesome because it allows all to voice their views.  I believe we should allow space for that.  Mods have encouraged people not be be labeled or their positions generalized and I agree with that.

You both bring great insight to this forum.

Time will tell if he will earn his $.  I bet he will.  Revist at the end of the year. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Good call. Blue smoke is just another way to say " Blind Faith " that I mentioned earlier in the week. I hope he took a cut this season and possibly a reduced role.

The problem at the moment is we don't know whether we have new faces on the DL that will add to the overall productivity. I'm ok to bring him back but also have some reservations regardless of SMS.

Willie's taking a fair bit of guff these days, but he's done what has been asked of him without complaining even though it affects his stats, that's FIFO.  Still remember Shawn Lemon refusing to play for Chris Jones in Sask. because he asked him to do more than just pure pass rush.  Anyway, below is what Willie was paid last season, 6th highest D-line, which probably didn't change much, as he is still in the top 3 most popular players in Wpg and may actually be #1 with younger fans.

6) Willie Jefferson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $200,000

The six-time All-CFL selection got a $100,000 signing bonus to return for a sixth season in Bomberland and will also earn $77,300 in base salary, $14,700 in housing money, and an $8,000 travel allowance. The 34-year-old needs only three more sacks to reach the top 25 all-time in league history as his career total currently sits at 74.

[Blue In BC]

I believe he always has and will earn 100% of his paycheck this year.  Yes I confident or sure that he will earn his keep like he always has.
You're estimates of his pay a larger range than what's likely.  He will be paid what he is worth as a vet DL.  Somewhere around 200 is my guess but like I said the actual figure doesn't really factor in that much for me.
Please don't use terms like blue smoke, that has nothing to do with the discussion.  Please focus on talking ball.
It's my opinion that he will earn his salary as it's likely a fairly reasonable figure in line with what other vets would get.
Has nothing to do with blind faith, you calling be out on that wasn't correct then and has no merit here.  Please stop using terms like that.  Best we talk ball.

I hope we signed him for a fair value for both sides.  I hope he isn't taking a reduce role.

It has everything to do with what I said. Look up the definition of Blind Faith.

When you make un-supported comments with out facts, you'll get called out.  SB&G made a valid point that can be a discussion item with a reasonable point of view.

[Blue In BC]

Willie's taking a fair bit of guff these days, but he's done what has been asked of him without complaining even though it effects his stats, that's FIFO.  Still remember Shawn Lemon refusing to play for Chris Jones in Sask. because he asked him to do more than just pure pass rush.  Anyway, below is what Willie was paid last season, 6th highest D-line, which probably didn't change much, as he is still in the top 3 most popular players in Wpg and may actually be #1 with younger fans.

6) Willie Jefferson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $200,000

The six-time All-CFL selection got a $100,000 signing bonus to return for a sixth season in Bomberland and will also earn $77,300 in base salary, $14,700 in housing money, and an $8,000 travel allowance. The 34-year-old needs only three more sacks to reach the top 25 all-time in league history as his career total currently sits at 74.

We know that but it's a lot for an older player. SMS went up so an equal amount would in effect be less from a % of total SMS.

I'd like to know the number but I'd like to see a DI that takes some of his reps. We need to have a succession plan as well as spell him at times.

Because he has little injury history, the up front money is not an issue and tends to lower the total SMS due to tax savings.

EDIT: And we get another $200K SMS increase for 2026. We may see some of the same issue as in 2025 where top $$$ players have already been extended.

Once again I believe we should just add another couple of players to the AR.

[Pigskin]

Sounds like the Bombers gave him a low ball offer to being with.

[Blueforlife]

It has everything to do with what I said. Look up the definition of Blind Faith.

When you make un-supported comments with out facts, you'll get called out.  SB&G made a valid point that can be a discussion item with a reasonable point of view.

I posted that I thought our D would be good this year, offense average and ST good.  You said that was blind faith which it isn't, just my opinion backed by information I have previously shared.  I have asked you repeatedly in the past and again for the last time, please stop using that language, it has no merit to the argument.  It has nothing to do with blind faith.  Just me posting my opinion based on a lot of factors including facts.

I haven't provided any arguments without facts that 100% not true in the kicker thread or this one.  I haven't provided any un-supported comments.  That is simply your opinion, doesn't mean its valid or shared by everyone.

I have clearly stated my thoughts on Willie and how he will earn his salary and SB&G called me out using similar language that you have which wasn't fair and not needed.  I thought he would make around 200 and I remain committed to saying he will earn that $.

I have routinely tried my best to keep the peace with you on here and if you can't do the same please use the forum features to avoid interacting with me.  I hope we can simply talk ball and avoid things like this in the future.  If not I will be requesting the mods to ask you to stop replying to my content to ensure this behavior stops.  Some of our interactions are a distraction to the forum at times and provide little value to other users.  You opinions, insights and knowledge about the league and Bombers is well received when we can avoid having me as the topic of discussion.

I don't mind being called out, having debates or being challenged; it's a big part of what this forum is about.  It's the manner in which you routinely choose to do it that I don't agree with or appreciate.  It's my goal to try to interact with everyone on here as respectful as possible while following the forum rules, not being a distraction or making it hard on the mods.  If you can do the same, we can move past this and continue talking ball as I value you as a member most of the time.

I asked you to kindly drop the blind faith retroric on the other thread and then you brought it up here and piled on with SB&G.  Simply not necessary.  For the last time, let's please drop this, agree to disagree.

[gobombersgo]

Sounds like the Bombers gave him a low ball offer to being with.

Willie said negotiations were a bit more difficult than other years.

He also acknowledges he needs to make more plays in the backfield and and thats something he is working on this off-season.

https://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/winnipeg_blue_bombers/don-t-count-us-out-jefferson-says-he-bombers-not-done/article_63f7b8a5-a620-4758-9b8d-773057e27139.html

[Blue In BC]

I posted that I thought our D would be good this year, offense average and ST good.  You said that was blind faith which it isn't, just my opinion backed by information I have previously shared.  I have asked you repeatedly in the past and again for the last time, please stop using that language, it has no merit to the argument.  It has nothing to do with blind faith.  Just me posting my opinion based on a lot of factors including facts.

I haven't provided any arguments without facts that 100% not true in the kicker thread or this one.  I haven't provided any un-supported comments.  That is simply your opinion, doesn't mean its valid or shared by everyone.

I have clearly stated my thoughts on Willie and how he will earn his salary and SB&G called me out using similar language that you have which wasn't fair and not needed.  I thought he would make around 200 and I remain committed to saying he will earn that $.

I have routinely tried my best to keep the peace with you on here and if you can't do the same please use the forum features to avoid interacting with me.  I hope we can simply talk ball and avoid things like this in the future.  If not I will be requesting the mods to ask you to stop replying to my content to ensure this behavior stops.  Some of our interactions are a distraction to the forum at times and provide little value to other users.  You opinions, insights and knowledge about the league and Bombers is well received when we can avoid having me as the topic of discussion.

I don't mind being called out, having debates or being challenged; it's a big part of what this forum is about.  It's the manner in which you routinely choose to do it that I don't agree with or appreciate.  It's my goal to try to interact with everyone on here as respectful as possible while following the forum rules, not being a distraction or making it hard on the mods.  If you can do the same, we can move past this and continue talking ball as I value you as a member most of the time.

Facts are that we've lost / eliminated 2 starters on defence ( Parker and Thomas ). We have: K. Wilson, Houston, Vaughters and Woods as potential free agents. We may re-sign some or all of those 4 but at the moment it isn't looking that way.  Arguments could be made to re-sign or not for each of those players.

If you can determine that with certainty we'll have a good defence I'd like to see your crystal ball. At this point the facts are we have no idea one way or the other. 

If you can't take the heat get out of the fire. Nobody is making you respond if you don't like the feedback. Support your arguments better and you'll have less heat.

Many of us posters disagree but at least they make arguments using facts and realities which can be debated.

[Blueforlife]

Facts are that we've lost / eliminated 2 starters on defence ( Parker and Thomas ). We have: K. Wilson, Houston, Vaughters and Woods as potential free agents.

If you can determine that with certainty we'll have a good defence I'd like to see your crystal ball. At this point the facts are we have no idea one way or the other.

If you can't take the heat get out of the fire. Nobody is making you respond if you don't like the feedback.

Nothing is certain in life.  I simply believe our D will be good based on the players we have, our top coaching staff and FA's we will likely add.  It's so early in the process, I think we will also fill holes with the draft, camp surprises and a FA hidden gems.  I like to make predictions, don't mind eating crow but don't feed it to me ask I'm cooking it lol.

Parker isn't a big loss.  Thomas fairly early to replace and upgrade, his locker room impact and ability to mentor remains as he is a coach.  We will likely sign  2 out of the 4 you mention.  Wilson and Houston tops on my list.  Vaughters I would try to get but at the right price.  Woods I like but not a massive loss but I would welcome him back on the cheap.

You and others roasted Thomas but now you worried about replacing him......

This is the type of interaction I prefer, we are talking ball.

[Blue In BC]

Nothing is certain in life.  I simply believe our D will be good based on the players we have, our top coaching staff and FA's we will add.

Parker isn't a big loss.  Thomas fairly early to replace and upgrade, his locker room impact and ability to mentor remains as he is a coach.  We will likely sign  2 out of the 4 you mention.  Wilson and Houston tops on my list.  Vaughters I would try to get but at the right price.  Woods I like but not a massive loss. 

This is the type of interact I prefer, we are talking ball.

Ah, now there is at least something to debate. We have 3 Canadian and 2 import LB's that I think makes K. Wilson a casualty. OTOH he has the most experience and if we lose some others that may be needed.

I wouldn't like to see 2 new CB's particularly if we've shuffling a new deck on the DL. So Houston is needed unless Bonds is healthy for TC and they choose him. Noting he hasn't been re-signed either.

Vaughters, same issue if we don't sign Woods ( I don't think we do ) then potentially 2 of 4 on the front 4 are new. Yes we had a couple of rookies that played the last game, but I don't want to bank on that per se.

We don't yet know which free agents we'll add. Rookies may sit on the PR all year. IDK. We could sign the rookie of the year.