Bomber Free Agents

[Tecno]

It seems clear in their eyes Elsbury has replaced Vanterpool, I'm not sure what that decision is based on as Elsbury hasn't demonstrated versatility or great ability yet.

But Vant is the backup OT.  Els is not.  Els is C and maybe backup OG.  Thus you need both on the PR or AR.
 

The off-season should determine if they stick with the 3 Natl. O-line or seek major personnel upgrades, at most I expect 2 alterations to the existing O-line. Should have forced Stan out last season and retained Randolph as he was the definition of adequate at RT.

I think we retain flexibility to field the best OLmen we have with no regard to ratio, in terms of what nationality gets that 3rd spot.  Let the best man win.  If it's Eli at C, fine; Els at C, fine; rookie at C, fine; new $280k NAT C, fine.

Yes, I would seek to upgrade Stan, Els/Eli, Wallace.  Broxton to LT.  Neuf stays.  If Eli or Wallace want to stay as PR or 6th, great; if not: Vibert.

[Tecno]

How much of these player's defensive woes is on Younger? Would they thrive on other teams with better schemes like others have? Just a thought.

Yes, the beefy and younger front-7, and faster younger DBs, would look way better on other teams with "normal" schemes.

Jones & Smith would be smashing runs dead in other schemes.  Holm, Major, and even Vaval would be hawking 3-5 INTs a season each on other teams; as well as actually making disruptions at point of catch rather than coming in after the fact.

All of the DL would be getting way more sacks because there'd be more blitz help, and much more innovative and effective stunts and delays.

The whole D is crippled by the soft-zone, give-up-the-d&d, give-up-the-wide-out, vacate-the-flat, no-blitz Younger scheme.

The morale must be unfathomably diseased at this point.  That's why I expect to see some freelancing and "playing the play" in this next game.  Full mutiny.

[Tecno]

Gauthier retired after 2025 when he was 33 years old. Hallett turns 33 at the end of this year. I agree Hallett can still play at a good level.

The issue is roster size and players drafted in 2026 and those that will be drafted in 2027.  We also added Novak , Clark and Boulianne in 2026. Overall that's 5 2026 draft choices on the roster.

Then one would assume they've planned for Hallett to retire this FA or next.  Boulaine is one I'd keep an eye on as the next big ST thing.  He's starting to stand out to me.  However, he's more a LB than DB, right?  If you drop Hallett you really need a replacement who's a DB or tweener.

Who out of all the AR/PR ST NATs fits that bill?  (Ignoring Kelly who is already a guaranteed dress.  Maybe Stuart?)

[Blue In BC]

Then one would assume they've planned for Hallett to retire this FA or next.  Boulaine is one I'd keep an eye on as the next big ST thing.  He's starting to stand out to me.  However, he's more a LB than DB, right?  If you drop Hallett you really need a replacement who's a DB or tweener.

Who out of all the AR/PR ST NATs fits that bill?  (Ignoring Kelly who is already a guaranteed dress.  Maybe Stuart?)

I think Stuart showed well in pre season. He was playing quite a bit as a " starter " during the exhibition games. He seems to have speed and some raw talent to be developed. Ball is the other one I mentioned as a depth replacement

Boulianne is more LB than DB.

[Blue In BC]

But Vant is the backup OT.  Els is not.  Els is C and maybe backup OG.  Thus you need both on the PR or AR.
 
I think we retain flexibility to field the best OLmen we have with no regard to ratio, in terms of what nationality gets that 3rd spot.  Let the best man win.  If it's Eli at C, fine; Els at C, fine; rookie at C, fine; new $280k NAT C, fine.

Yes, I would seek to upgrade Stan, Els/Eli, Wallace.  Broxton to LT.  Neuf stays.  If Eli or Wallace want to stay as PR or 6th, great; if not: Vibert.

Vanterppol could be back but just as easily leave on his own for a stronger chance to not end up on the PR.

Poncious has been here since TC and he might be the guy fighting to start or land on the PR.

It's a double sword question with the expectation that we'll replace Bryant. So we need a new RT and PR depth.

He's only made the AR for 9 games in 3 seasons and hasn't landed a more prominent role. He was part of the team in 2024.

[BBRT]

Vanterppol could be back but just as easily leave on his own for a stronger chance to not end up on the PR.

Poncious has been here since TC and he might be the guy fighting to start or land on the PR.

It's a double sword question with the expectation that we'll replace Bryant. So we need a new RT and PR depth.

He's only made the AR for 9 games in 3 seasons and hasn't landed a more prominent role. He was part of the team in 2024.

Bryant plays left tackle I believe and I do expect him to retire. Left tackle is the important position as most QB's are right handed and roll to the right so LT has to protect their blind spot etc. I believe that is the major reason that Zack has taken so many hits! Bryant has been IMHO the weakest link in what i consider a very average (if that) Oline.

[Blue In BC]

Bryant plays left tackle I believe and I do expect him to retire. Left tackle is the important position as most QB's are right handed and roll to the right so LT has to protect their blind spot etc. I believe that is the major reason that Zack has taken so many hits! Bryant has been IMHO the weakest link in what i consider a very average (if that) Oline.

Sure that's what we're thinking but then it leaves the RT as a TBD when Broxton moves to LT. My impression was that Poncius was an OT candidate. His history indicates he was a back up LT.   The other newbie OL I'm not so sure. However, we'll see many candidates in tryouts and in TC.

We may even resolve that issue in free agency.

Here is the info on Fatukasi who is on our PR.  I like his ability to cover multiple roles in his skill set.

Incredible Versatility: Fatukasi is heavily regarded by scouts for his rare ability to cover multiple positions. Over his collegiate career, he racked up over 36 career starts across all five positions on the offensive line, playing heavily at left tackle, right guard, and center.

[Pete]

The guy ive been really disappointed with is Ceresna, we brought him in to be an impact player,
He had the majority of his sacks in one game against calgary but really hasnt been a factor , hes not been better than Fletcher most games and by the 4th qtr is out of gas it seems

[Jesse]

The guy ive been really disappointed with is Ceresna, we brought him in to be an impact player,
He had the majority of his sacks in one game against calgary but really hasnt been a factor , hes not been better than Fletcher most games and by the 4th qtr is out of gas it seems

I've been disappointed with all the FAs we've brought in except for Tim White.

[BBRT]

I've been disappointed with all the FAs we've brought in except for Tim White.

Can not help but agree with your comments!

[blue_or_die]

The guy ive been really disappointed with is Ceresna, we brought him in to be an impact player,
He had the majority of his sacks in one game against calgary but really hasnt been a factor , hes not been better than Fletcher most games and by the 4th qtr is out of gas it seems

I was willing to chalk this up the Younger's system but even when we played closer to the line and gave him support, Ceresna was extremely underwhelming. Agree that he's not noticeably better than all the other no-names we rotate through on the DL.

I've been disappointed with all the FAs we've brought in except for Tim White.

And even then Tim has had some horrible, rookie-esque drops all season at inopportune times. He's for sure the best of the bunch though.

Most disappointing "FA" signing by far this year goes to Condell though. Wow did that not go as expected.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I was willing to chalk this up the Younger's system but even when we played closer to the line and gave him support, Ceresna was extremely underwhelming. Agree that he's not noticeably better than all the other no-names we rotate through on the DL.

And even then Tim has had some horrible, rookie-esque drops all season at inopportune times. He's for sure the best of the bunch though.

Most disappointing "FA" signing by far this year goes to Condell though. Wow did that not go as expected.

They got what I expected from Condell, an OC who has spent most of his career working for the losing side. Might be ok if they had other offensive minds on their staff, such as a HC that was an ex QB or OC like a lot of teams have, but his only backup is Hogan.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

The guy ive been really disappointed with is Ceresna, we brought him in to be an impact player,
He had the majority of his sacks in one game against calgary but really hasnt been a factor , hes not been better than Fletcher most games and by the 4th qtr is out of gas it seems

Ceresna has no moves and is too slow to be able to stunt, he puts in good effort but looks to be a less effective at getting penetration than Lawson.  This might cause Lawson to take notice and demand a whole lot more money when he comes up for renewal.