Edmonton Elks name Ed Hervey general manager: sources
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/19/ed-hervey-to-be-named-gm-of-edmonton-elks-sources/#
Ed Hervey named Elks Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager
https://www.goelks.com/2024/11/19/ed-hervey-named-elks-vice-president-of-football-operations-and-general-manager/
Wonder if Buck would entertain an offer from the Elks to be head coach there?
Never been big on Hervey--wasn't he GM of Edmonton already and left them in a mess??
I for one hope Buck goes to Edm to be HC, then we can move on from him as our OC
Quote from: ModAdmin on November 19, 2024, 10:27:08 PMWonder if Buck would entertain an offer from the Elks to be head coach there?
The talk has been Campbell heading to Edmonton.
BC should start making some head office moves this week
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 19, 2024, 11:38:03 PMThe talk has been Campbell heading to Edmonton.
BC should start making some head office moves this week
If so, then bank on him getting VA there too!! He knows full well the Rourke experiment was a dismal failure
I think if he is interested Paul LaPolice for O.C.
After that great performance by our offense in the WDF boy did we stink in the G.C.
Toronto's defense is much better than Saskatchewan's though.
Quote from: 55StickCar on November 20, 2024, 01:18:15 AMI think if he is interested Paul LaPolice for O.C.
We should be interested in Paul LaPolice for OC!!
Hervey back to Edmonton... LOL
LaPo is not coming back to coach, makes more money doing TSN and no stress.
Saw something Yesterday out of BC saying that the Lions were interested in Buck as a potential HC....
https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/sports/the-moj-lions-changes-will-be-happening-and-they-will-be-happening-soon-7653740
I expect both Rick Campbell and VAJ end up with the Elks.
Quote from: VictorRomano on November 20, 2024, 02:14:20 PMSaw something Yesterday out of BC saying that the Lions were interested in Buck as a potential HC....
https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/sports/the-moj-lions-changes-will-be-happening-and-they-will-be-happening-soon-7653740
I expect Buck to move on.
Quote from: dd on November 20, 2024, 01:22:34 AMWe should be interested in Paul LaPolice for OC!!
Disagree, stick with Buck and our system and Zach another year. Improve what we got is how I would approach it.
We have struggled at times with Buck but also have found exceptional success. Will be interesting to see what they do.
Quote from: Blueforlife on November 20, 2024, 02:48:58 PMDisagree, stick with Buck and our system and Zach another year. Improve what we got is how I would approach it.
We have struggled at times with Buck but also have found exceptional success. Will be interesting to see what they do.
What have you done for me lately.
Sorry, the Buck boat has left the bay. The successes we've had have been defensve, ST and run game.
Love Buck, was happy he was here to take over when Lapo went, but he has abandoned the Lapo system that he has success with, and started the Buck system, which tragically, has been a disaster.
Other than BO20 in a jumbo package, or the occasional broken coverage for Wilson or 50/50 steal by Lawler, our O has been offensive.
Get Lapo back. Offer him good money and a winter media job.
Complacency is the killer of progress. This team hasn't progressed beyond "Grey Cup finalist and loser" for three years in a row now.
Something has to change.
Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 03:00:11 PMWhat have you done for me lately.
Sorry, the Buck boat has left the bay. The successes we've had have been defensve, ST and run game.
Love Buck, was happy he was here to take over when Lapo went, but he has abandoned the Lapo system that he has success with, and started the Buck system, which tragically, has been a disaster.
Other than BO20 in a jumbo package, or the occasional broken coverage for Wilson or 50/50 steal by Lawler, our O has been offensive.
Get Lapo back. Offer him good money and a winter media job.
I like Lapo but don't see it happening. I would like Buck to remain for one more year with Zach. With any new OC their would be growing pains. Less with Lapo as he has the pedigree. Change is needed. I would prefer a consultant over Lapo. We shall see, a good debate.
I think the league would be better with Buck as HC in BC. I think he'd do a good job as HC. Players love him, and will pay for him. But X's and O's are not his forte.
If Campbell does go to Edm, does he keep Jarious as OC, or take Maksymic? Either of those might be a good candidate should Lapo not want the job. Could Jarious bring Ford? Or is there friction there from not starting him? Was that Jones that caused the problem or Jarious?
I see both Ceresna and Mcmanus are free agents, Anyone else think its time we went big game hunting to sign one of them?
Its how we originally got back in the game with signing Jefferson,Bighill and Bryant. Maybe its time for a reset
Ceresna would be a huge addition.
Quote from: Pete on November 20, 2024, 03:23:10 PMI see both Ceresna and Mcmanus are free agents, Anyone else think its time we went big game hunting to sign one of them?
Its how we originally got back in the game with signing Jefferson,Bighill and Bryant. Maybe its time for a reset
Options should be considered but after we determine what it costs us to retain our players that we want to retain. Then we have to determine who reaches free agency that we can possibly attract.
Teams are already extending players before they reach free agency. We'll be doing the same thing shortly.
I did read that Ford does have some NFL workouts planned. I'm surprised he's still looking but that creates a two fold issue for us. If we can't re-sign him early we may have to decide on a different plan in the secondary while there are other options possibly. We can't wait for him to return late in the season and he won't be under contract.
McMannis would be a great addition but I'm not expecting him to move to another team.
We will be hard pressed to sign all the FA's we want to keep. Poaching a big name FA from another team can only happen if we are replacing one that we lost.
Love all the talk about what a difference make "Player x" would be on our team, but we need to keep our own guys first. And other teams are in the same boat. The only players changing teams will be ones their own team deems them not worth the contract or ones offer insane contracts. Neither situation is one I want to be on the signing end of.
Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 04:00:33 PMWe will be hard pressed to sign all the FA's we want to keep. Poaching a big name FA from another team can only happen if we are replacing one that we lost.
Love all the talk about what a difference make "Player x" would be on our team, but we need to keep our own guys first. And other teams are in the same boat. The only players changing teams will be ones their own team deems them not worth the contract or ones offer insane contracts. Neither situation is one I want to be on the signing end of.
All true. The team will be making decisions on who they don't want to retain as the 1st step. Then they will see how probable they can re-sign the others. After that it's an analysis of what we need and who we might attract.
Lots of work to be done before free agency.
Lions just fired Campbell so Buck might be moving anyway if rumours were true.
Lions fire head coach Campbell after early playoff exit
The BC Lions have parted ways with head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell after failing to advance in the CFL playoffs this season.
TSN's Farhan Lalji expects that Campbell, who had one year left on his contract with the Lions, will now be a front runner for the vacant head coach position with the Edmonton Elks.
The Lions promoted Ryan Rigmaiden to general manager and Neil McEvoy to VP of football operations on Wednesday.
"We thank Rick Campbell for playing a major role in bringing our franchise back to respectability and contention while navigating us through some very tough waters upon his arrival. He's a great coach and a great friend," said president Duane Vienneau.
"We're proud to have Neil and Ryan in their new roles with the preparation for 2025 already underway. Our goal remains the same: to be in Grey Cup contention every year."
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-fire-head-coach-rick-campbell-after-early-playoff-exit-1.2207652
Rigmaiden has worked with Buck, and knows his abilities. Buck was also a fan favourite back in the day in BC. I don't doubt that he will get consideration, after the GC loss, its a tougher sell, but HC is different than OC. Buck might be the reverse Lapo, good HC but terrible with X's and O's...
Does cutting Buck loose now increase or decrease his chances of a BC gig? Does Kyle call his old buddy Ryan and say, "Hey, you want to talk to Buck, be my guest".
I sure hope Pierce doesn't get the Claybrooks treatment should he get hired as HC of the Lions.
Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 04:30:22 PMRigmaiden has worked with Buck, and knows his abilities. Buck was also a fan favourite back in the day in BC. I don't doubt that he will get consideration, after the GC loss, its a tougher sell, but HC is different than OC. Buck might be the reverse Lapo, good HC but terrible with X's and O's...
Does cutting Buck loose now increase or decrease his chances of a BC gig? Does Kyle call his old buddy Ryan and say, "Hey, you want to talk to Buck, be my guest".
Do we know whether Pierce is under contract for 2025? I don't think they'd deny him an opportunity if the Lions ask to speak with him.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 20, 2024, 04:24:41 PMLions fire head coach Campbell after early playoff exit
The BC Lions have parted ways with head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell after failing to advance in the CFL playoffs this season.
TSN's Farhan Lalji expects that Campbell, who had one year left on his contract with the Lions, will now be a front runner for the vacant head coach position with the Edmonton Elks.
The Lions promoted Ryan Rigmaiden to general manager and Neil McEvoy to VP of football operations on Wednesday.
"We thank Rick Campbell for playing a major role in bringing our franchise back to respectability and contention while navigating us through some very tough waters upon his arrival. He's a great coach and a great friend," said president Duane Vienneau.
"We're proud to have Neil and Ryan in their new roles with the preparation for 2025 already underway. Our goal remains the same: to be in Grey Cup contention every year."
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-fire-head-coach-rick-campbell-after-early-playoff-exit-1.2207652
I guess we now know which of the co-GM's decided on Rourke... that's a move you just can't survive.
Question becomes, who does BC stick with at QB? Does Rourke get the year to figure things out, with VA getting traded? How much guarantee do either of the QB's have, and can they actually afford to cut one if they can't find a dance partner?
If Campbell ends up in EDM, can Hervey swing a deal for VA? Does VA want to play for Campbell after his treatment in BC? Does Campbell want another NAT QB if he ends up in Edm, or does Ford move on?
This is going to be an interesting few weeks... IIRC, coaches contracts are for the calendar year, right? And I don't think there is a non HC coach that has a multiyear deal... so Jan 1, everyone is available who hasn't already been cut loose.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 04:41:35 PMDo we know whether Pierce is under contract for 2025? I don't think they'd deny him an opportunity if the Lions ask to speak with him.
Do any non head coaches get multi year deals?
Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 04:56:21 PMDo any non head coaches get multi year deals?
I'd think most get 2 year deals to provide some stability. I could be wrong on that matter.
There's no denying advancement opportunities now that the season is over.
Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 04:55:50 PMI guess we now know which of the co-GM's decided on Rourke... that's a move you just can't survive.
Question becomes, who does BC stick with at QB? Does Rourke get the year to figure things out, with VA getting traded? How much guarantee do either of the QB's have, and can they actually afford to cut one if they can't find a dance partner?
If Campbell ends up in EDM, can Hervey swing a deal for VA? Does VA want to play for Campbell after his treatment in BC? Does Campbell want another NAT QB if he ends up in Edm, or does Ford move on?
This is going to be an interesting few weeks... IIRC, coaches contracts are for the calendar year, right? And I don't think there is a non HC coach that has a multiyear deal... so Jan 1, everyone is available who hasn't already been cut loose.
This question has come up already. Who is going to trade for Rourke with a $750K salary for 2025? They might try to re-negotiate but he might prefer being released and taking whatever guaranteed money he's due.
As a free agent it would be easier to find a new team, but is there a taker at anything close to that amount.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2024, 05:04:22 PMThere's no denying advancement opportunities now that the season is over.
Technically not true if a coach is under contract. Normally teams allow that to happen but I seem to recall it being denied in the past a few times.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 05:07:33 PMTechnically not true if a coach is under contract. Normally teams allow that to happen but I seem to recall it being denied in the past a few times.
I think it can only be denied for a lateral move or if the team is still playing games. Now that games are over, I don't think a team is able to decline for an advancement opportunity.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2024, 05:10:58 PMI think it can only be denied for a lateral move or if the team is still playing games. Now that games are over, I don't think a team is able to decline for an advancement opportunity.
Again you might be right but I'm not sure. Like I said if he's under contract, he's under contract. Players have the CFLPA, I'm not aware of anything for coaches beyond contract.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 05:07:33 PMTechnically not true if a coach is under contract. Normally teams allow that to happen but I seem to recall it being denied in the past a few times.
We did it to Lapo, he was denied permission to talk to Sask about the HC there. He stayed one more year and went to Ottawa. They said it was too late in the year to lose him. January sometime I think it was.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 20, 2024, 04:24:41 PMLions fire head coach Campbell after early playoff exit
The BC Lions have parted ways with head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell after failing to advance in the CFL playoffs this season.
TSN's Farhan Lalji expects that Campbell, who had one year left on his contract with the Lions, will now be a front runner for the vacant head coach position with the Edmonton Elks.
The Lions promoted Ryan Rigmaiden to general manager and Neil McEvoy to VP of football operations on Wednesday.
"We thank Rick Campbell for playing a major role in bringing our franchise back to respectability and contention while navigating us through some very tough waters upon his arrival. He's a great coach and a great friend," said president Duane Vienneau.
"We're proud to have Neil and Ryan in their new roles with the preparation for 2025 already underway. Our goal remains the same: to be in Grey Cup contention every year."
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-fire-head-coach-rick-campbell-after-early-playoff-exit-1.2207652
I don't think the Lions would move on so surely from Campbell without having his replacement already lined up, unless it was him that informed them he was not coming back, which is possible. Other than Buck, maybe Neal Thorpe, Anthony Calvillo, Khari, Jarious Jackson, Steinauer, Condell...maybe one of the co-ords the Stamps dumped, who knows???
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 05:06:16 PMThis question has come up already. Who is going to trade for Rourke with a $750K salary for 2025? They might try to re-negotiate but he might prefer being released and taking whatever guaranteed money he's due.
As a free agent it would be easier to find a new team, but is there a taker at anything close to that amount.
The Nathan Rourke experiment can't be declared a failure after a few short months, he's young, he's talented, and the Lions are fortunate to have him. He will recover and produce, if the Bombers could get their mitts on him they would extend their success for another decade.
Maybe Mark Killam, is this the reason he chose to move on from Calgary...he was going to BC?? Interesting thought..
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 20, 2024, 05:27:57 PMThe Nathan Rourke experiment can't be declared a failure after a few short months, he's young, he's talented, and the Lions are fortunate to have him. He will recover and produce, if the Bombers could get their mitts on him they would extend their success for another decade.
The failure is not about the player but the amount of the contract level. There is a good chance Rourke becomes a very good QB. However it's an SMS problem in the same way it was when the Lions gave Reilly that big contract and he was a proven commodity.
It forced the trimming of some good players and the overall result was not good.
Farhan is suggesting the front runners for the BC Lions HC job are Jordan Maksymic & Buck Pierce. Front runners in Edmonton are Rick Campbell & Mark Kilam.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 05:43:08 PMThe failure is not about the player but the amount of the contract level. There is a good chance Rourke becomes a very good QB. However it's an SMS problem in the same way it was when the Lions gave Reilly that big contract and he was a proven commodity.
It forced the trimming of some good players and the overall result was not good.
Too early to say IMO.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on November 20, 2024, 06:01:24 PMFarhan is suggesting the front runners for the BC Lions HC job are Jordan Maksymic & Buck Pierce. Front runners in Edmonton are Rick Campbell & Mark Kilam.
Does Maksymic stay if Buck gets the job over him?
Kilam in EDM would be epic. Makes the battle of Alberta so much more interesting.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on November 20, 2024, 06:01:24 PMFarhan is suggesting the front runners for the BC Lions HC job are Jordan Maksymic & Buck Pierce. Front runners in Edmonton are Rick Campbell & Mark Kilam.
Rick Campbell totes a fair amount of baggage, I wonder what happens to DC Ryan Phillips, OC Maksymic, ST Mike Benevides, OL Kelly Bates, DL John Bowman, Rec. Jason Tucker, etc. I guess with the coaching cap an entire staff can no longer be flushed and easily replaced.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 20, 2024, 06:31:15 PMRick Campbell totes a fair amount of baggage, I wonder what happens to DC Ryan Phillips, OC Maksymic, ST Mike Benevides, OL Kelly Bates, DL John Bowman, Rec. Jason Tucker, etc. I guess with the coaching cap an entire staff can no longer be flushed and easily replaced.
We don't know if any are under contract in 2025 or waiting for renewal deals. It won't surprise me to see some decisions made as early as next week. Some will survive and others will be part of the discussion with a new HC.
Quote from: theaardvark on November 20, 2024, 04:00:33 PMWe will be hard pressed to sign all the FA's we want to keep. Poaching a big name FA from another team can only happen if we are replacing one that we lost.
Love all the talk about what a difference make "Player x" would be on our team, but we need to keep our own guys first. And other teams are in the same boat. The only players changing teams will be ones their own team deems them not worth the contract or ones offer insane contracts. Neither situation is one I want to be on the signing end of.
thats been a big issue for me, in the past we've so focused on our own free agents that we don't look at what could improve this team, as the man said if you're not moving forward your moving backward> It may mean we don't sign Bighill or even Shoen/lawler or replacing a number of vets like thomas/alexande/wilson to replace with rookies but you can argue the reason for our success has been having a good core cornerstone of talent. Unfortunately that talent is now aging
Quote from: Pete on November 20, 2024, 08:17:25 PMthats been a big issue for me, in the past we've so focused on our own free agents that we don't look at what could improve this team, as the man said if you're not moving forward your moving backward> It may mean we don't sign Bighill or even Shoen/lawler or replacing a number of vets like thomas/alexande/wilson to replace with rookies but you can argue the reason for our success has been having a good core cornerstone of talent. Unfortunately that talent is now aging
Agree we may have waited a year or even two, too long in making some decisions. We lost some players in order to keep some others. Hindsight is great. I do think we need to move on from a few vets this season.
From Farhan:
The #Elks have asked for permission to speak to #BCLions OC Jordan Maksymic for their vacant head coaching position. No request has been made yet for Rick Campbell. @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports
B.C. Lions confirm Vernon Adams Jr. will be traded, won't give QB a 'say' on destination
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/20/b-c-lions-confirm-vernon-adams-jr-will-be-traded-wont-give-qb-a-say-on-destination/?s=09
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 20, 2024, 09:44:23 PMB.C. Lions confirm Vernon Adams Jr. will be traded, won't give QB a 'say' on destination
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/20/b-c-lions-confirm-vernon-adams-jr-will-be-traded-wont-give-qb-a-say-on-destination/?s=09
It's a small league so it's not a luxury they can afford to give VAJ. Not every team will be considering trading for him. Timeline is interesting. The Lions probably want to get a deal done as quickly as possible. It's an advantage to the team acquiring him. If you use Calgary as a possibility it allows the Stamps to part ways with Maier either by release or trading him. The same premise would be similar with other teams if they are deciding to " move on ".
If he gets traded to Edmonton then that puts Ford and MBT out in the marketplace elsewhere.
I'm still betting on Hamilton as his destination as more optimal for the Lions. That may be true even if the trade value is less out east. I don't think they'd like to see him in the western conference playing against them.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 20, 2024, 09:41:24 PMFrom Farhan:
The #Elks have asked for permission to speak to #BCLions OC Jordan Maksymic for their vacant head coaching position. No request has been made yet for Rick Campbell. @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports
Maksymic wasn't too popular because of the big strike offence and lack of run game. He hasn't been mentioned as a candidate as HC in Vancouver. However, with the GM appointment today, that may change. Nobody has to make a request for Campbell after his release.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 20, 2024, 10:19:34 PMMaksymic wasn't too popular because of the big strike offence and lack of run game. He hasn't been mentioned as a candidate as HC in Vancouver. However, with the GM appointment today, that may change. Nobody has to make a request for Campbell after his release.
Maksymic grew up outside of Edmonton in St. Albert, I hope there's more to the Elks interest than being homegrown but maybe not. Looks like he was also with the Elks from the start of his career in 2013 up until 2019 when he moved to the Lions, so they know him well.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 20, 2024, 09:44:23 PMB.C. Lions confirm Vernon Adams Jr. will be traded, won't give QB a 'say' on destination
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/20/b-c-lions-confirm-vernon-adams-jr-will-be-traded-wont-give-qb-a-say-on-destination/?s=09
Weird timing to confirm this.
They don't have a HC at the moment, so they're just confirming that the HC doesn't have a say in the starting QB.
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2024, 11:01:59 PMWeird timing to confirm this.
They don't have a HC at the moment, so they're just confirming that the HC doesn't have a say in the starting QB.
Yes and no. The GM controls the purse strings and has significant authority in deciding who gets added or deleted. It's good to get the HC approval but the GM gets final say. There isn't really an alternative to retaining both QB's due to SMS and both wanting to be starters. They've decided Rourke is the starter by the contract they offered.
I think Rourke has a higher ceiling, better football IQ and will be a better choice in the long run. 2025 might not be the best result but it's the a pre determined outcome.
Why would anyone trade assets for VA?? Why not let him go to FA?? Yes, you run the risk of not getting him, but you also are paying a premium for getting him. I only see Calgary and Edmonton in the trade for FA conversation, but those are both bottom dwelling teams lacking a deep talent pool to trade, unless they trade one of their Qb
s as a #2 in BC and some draft picks
Quote from: Jesse on November 20, 2024, 11:01:59 PMWeird timing to confirm this.
They don't have a HC at the moment, so they're just confirming that the HC doesn't have a say in the starting QB.
Xactly, he'll do whatever the boss tells him to, it's his team.
25 minutes of Ed Hervey, he certainly lays it all out.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 21, 2024, 12:47:53 AMXactly, he'll do whatever the boss tells him to, it's his team.
Welcome to the Ed Hervey Gong Show...we've seen this one before, it ends in disaster. Poor Edmonton fans, more misery on the way for them.
Quote from: dd on November 20, 2024, 11:22:27 PMWhy would anyone trade assets for VA?? Why not let him go to FA?? Yes, you run the risk of not getting him, but you also are paying a premium for getting him. I only see Calgary and Edmonton in the trade for FA conversation, but those are both bottom dwelling teams lacking a deep talent pool to trade, unless they trade one of their Qb
s as a #2 in BC and some draft picks
He isn't a FA.
Oh gotcha.
I'd let him rot in BC before I traded for him then. this is BC's mess, let's see how eager they are to trade him and I'd let them initiate discussions.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 20, 2024, 09:41:24 PMFrom Farhan:
The #Elks have asked for permission to speak to #BCLions OC Jordan Maksymic for their vacant head coaching position. No request has been made yet for Rick Campbell. @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports
What request would be needed for Rick Campbell? They fired him, he's a "free agent"
Quote from: theaardvark on November 21, 2024, 02:46:56 AMWhat request would be needed for Rick Campbell? They fired him, he's a "free agent"
I assume Farhan means they haven't asked Campbell to come interview yet.
Quote from: Jesse on November 21, 2024, 10:39:49 AMI assume Farhan means they haven't asked Campbell to come interview yet.
Totally. And because Campbell had a year on his deal maybe there's some temptation to relax and collect a cheque or live off the settlement for a bit, whatever they worked out. He wouldn't be the first coach to decide he wanted a season break.
Quote from: dd on November 21, 2024, 01:17:30 AMOh gotcha.
I'd let him rot in BC before I traded for him then. this is BC's mess, let's see how eager they are to trade him and I'd let them initiate discussions.
The catch is that both of those teams need to find a # 1 QB early to generate interest and hope for 2025. Lions reported they would be contacting 2 or 3 possible teams that will be interested as early as last night.
I don't see other players involved coming to the Lions. More probable draft choices, but anything is possible. Each of those teams also has 20 - 30 potential free agents, so the cupboard is thin.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on November 21, 2024, 12:29:59 PMTotally. And because Campbell had a year on his deal maybe there's some temptation to relax and collect a cheque or live off the settlement for a bit, whatever they worked out. He wouldn't be the first choice to decide he wanted a season break.
Interestingly the Lions said that a team can escape the salary coaching cap for 1 firing a year. I don't know if that is something new but I think it's a good idea.
Campbell might want to just sit back on his salary for 2025 or he may choose to try and return to the CFL elsewhere. It might depend on whether his contract decreases by any new income he gets.
I can't remember exactly how it works. I think every so often you can terminate a coach and not take the hit but can't remember exactly. They are also able to amortize the hit over 5 years or something too should one need to be applied.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats to interview Winnipeg's Ted Goveia, Danny McManus for GM job
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/hamilton-tiger-cats-to-interview-winnipegs-ted-goveia-danny-mcmanus-for-gm-job/
Edmonton Elks granted permission to interview Rick Campbell for head coaching vacancy: report
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/edmonton-elks-granted-permission-to-interview-rick-campbell-for-head-coaching-vacancy-report/
Montreal Alouettes re-sign kicker Jose Maltos through 2026
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/montreal-alouettes-re-sign-kicker-jose-maltos-through-2026/
Quote from: theaardvark on November 21, 2024, 02:46:56 AMWhat request would be needed for Rick Campbell? They fired him, he's a "free agent"
His contract might had had a non compete during the duration of his deal. Since they are paying him that might be in play. That's hard to make stick even though it exists in some employment contracts. More likely that they can pass him less if he earns new money by getting another offer.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 21, 2024, 09:42:08 PMHamilton Tiger-Cats to interview Winnipeg's Ted Goveia, Danny McManus for GM job
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/hamilton-tiger-cats-to-interview-winnipegs-ted-goveia-danny-mcmanus-for-gm-job/
I thought this would have happened last year. Hamilton needs a better talent pool, either of these guys would do them good. Danny Mac would be the obvious fan s choice there from his playing days. we'll see
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 21, 2024, 09:42:08 PMHamilton Tiger-Cats to interview Winnipeg's Ted Goveia, Danny McManus for GM job
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/hamilton-tiger-cats-to-interview-winnipegs-ted-goveia-danny-mcmanus-for-gm-job/
Per sources, Hamilton is expected to interview around 10 candidates for their GM job.
I had thought that McManus was happy not being a GM, that the scouting lifestyle he has become accustomed to fit him better than moving to Canada full time.
It would be tough to lose either of them, and it would be hard to imagine that if one gets hired by someone, that the other wouldn't join him...
Quote from: theaardvark on November 22, 2024, 07:11:43 PMI had thought that McManus was happy not being a GM, that the scouting lifestyle he has become accustomed to fit him better than moving to Canada full time.
It would be tough to lose either of them, and it would be hard to imagine that if one gets hired by someone, that the other wouldn't join him...
I don't see the Bombers losing both, that would be devastating, almost like a mutiny.
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 21, 2024, 09:43:56 PMMontreal Alouettes re-sign kicker Jose Maltos through 2026
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/montreal-alouettes-re-sign-kicker-jose-maltos-through-2026/
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 21, 2024, 09:42:08 PMHamilton Tiger-Cats to interview Winnipeg's Ted Goveia, Danny McManus for GM job
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/hamilton-tiger-cats-to-interview-winnipegs-ted-goveia-danny-mcmanus-for-gm-job/
Crap
Quote from: dd on November 21, 2024, 01:09:03 AMWelcome to the Ed Hervey Gong Show...we've seen this one before, it ends in disaster. Poor Edmonton fans, more misery on the way for them.
Agreed - dumb move.
While appearing on "The SportsCage" on Friday (https://postv4.futurimedia.com/ckrm/playlist/the-sportscage-14503.html), CFL reporter Arash Madani shared an interesting bit of information.
"I'm told Cody Fajardo is done in Montreal. Unless he's willing to play for a lot less, they're going to move forward with Davis Alexander there. There are a lot of moving parts at the QB position that have to unfold."
Quote from: TBURGESS on November 26, 2024, 02:55:50 PMWhile appearing on "The SportsCage" on Friday (https://postv4.futurimedia.com/ckrm/playlist/the-sportscage-14503.html), CFL reporter Arash Madani shared an interesting bit of information.
"I'm told Cody Fajardo is done in Montreal. Unless he's willing to play for a lot less, they're going to move forward with Davis Alexander there. There are a lot of moving parts at the QB position that have to unfold."
Makes sense to me.
given their success, a bit of a surprise .... I guess.
Macciocia is not hesitant to dump staff.
"The Montreal Alouettes will not renew the contract of senior director of football operations Éric Deslauriers for 2025, per sources. Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette was the first to report."
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/26/montreal-alouettes-not-bringing-back-personnel-man-eric-deslauriers-for-2025/
Brent Monson - New Argos DC
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/26/toronto-argonauts-hire-brent-monson-as-defensive-coordinator/
Quote from: Ridermania on November 26, 2024, 05:38:47 PMBrent Monson - New Argos DC
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/26/toronto-argonauts-hire-brent-monson-as-defensive-coordinator/
Dinwiddie likes them ex-Stamps.
Quote from: TBURGESS on November 26, 2024, 02:55:50 PMWhile appearing on "The SportsCage" on Friday (https://postv4.futurimedia.com/ckrm/playlist/the-sportscage-14503.html), CFL reporter Arash Madani shared an interesting bit of information.
"I'm told Cody Fajardo is done in Montreal. Unless he's willing to play for a lot less, they're going to move forward with Davis Alexander there. There are a lot of moving parts at the QB position that have to unfold."
The only one saying that is Arash Madani, even 3DN hasn't confirmed it. I think it would be a big mistake for the Als to dump Fajardo and go all in on Alexander.
wonder why Kevin Eiben didnt get that argo coordinator job.
Their defence was good this season.
[color=var(--td_text_color, #111111)]Montreal Alouettes sign QB Davis Alexander to contract extension through 2027 - https://3downnation.com/2024/11/26/montreal-alouettes-sign-qb-davis-alexander-to-contract-extension-through-2027/[/color]
Montreal Alouettes sign QB Davis Alexander to contract extension through 2027
By Justin Dunk -November 26, 2024
The Montreal Alouettes have signed up-and-coming quarterback Davis Alexander to a three-year contract extension through the 2027 season, per sources.
The 26-year-old Alexander produced a perfect 4-0 win-loss record as a starter in 2024 while Cody Fajardo was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He completed 105-of-151 passes (69.5 percent) for 1,347 yards with six touchdowns versus three interceptions while rushing 24 times for 166 yards, 6.6 per carry, plus three majors.
Alexander initially signed with the Als in 2022. He suited up for one game in his rookie year, Week 21 against the Toronto Argonauts, completing 8-of-13 passes for 89 yards with one interception while rushing five times for 22 yards and one TD. In his second season, the six-foot, 195-pound QB dressed for 18 games, completing 6-of-8 passes for 56 yards.
The Gig Harbour, Washington native played his NCAA football at Portland State University from 2017 to 2021. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 9,215 yards with 63 touchdowns versus 31 interceptions while rushing 362 times for 1,258 yards with 25 touchdowns in 41 games.
Meanwhile, Fajardo has a $200,000 roster bonus due on January 15 as part of his current contract as he's scheduled to earn $482,000 in hard money for the 2025 season. With Montreal committing to Alexander long-term, expect the Alouettes to ask the 110th Grey Cup MVP to rework his agreement or release him by that date.
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/26/montreal-alouettes-sign-qb-davis-alexander-to-contract-extension-throu
VERNON ADAMS JR. TRADED TO THE STAMPEDERS
discussion thread:
https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=56213.0
Have to admire mtrls gm's ability to not take the easy route and potentially move on from Fajardo to sign Alexander. They have a strong young core thats already mostly locked in for the upcoming season.
Right now I'd say their gm/coaches are the strongest in the league
Quote from: gobombersgo on November 27, 2024, 01:51:34 AMMontreal Alouettes sign QB Davis Alexander to contract extension through 2027
By Justin Dunk -November 26, 2024
The Montreal Alouettes have signed up-and-coming quarterback Davis Alexander to a three-year contract extension through the 2027 season, per sources.
The 26-year-old Alexander produced a perfect 4-0 win-loss record as a starter in 2024 while Cody Fajardo was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He completed 105-of-151 passes (69.5 percent) for 1,347 yards with six touchdowns versus three interceptions while rushing 24 times for 166 yards, 6.6 per carry, plus three majors.
Alexander initially signed with the Als in 2022. He suited up for one game in his rookie year, Week 21 against the Toronto Argonauts, completing 8-of-13 passes for 89 yards with one interception while rushing five times for 22 yards and one TD. In his second season, the six-foot, 195-pound QB dressed for 18 games, completing 6-of-8 passes for 56 yards.
The Gig Harbour, Washington native played his NCAA football at Portland State University from 2017 to 2021. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 9,215 yards with 63 touchdowns versus 31 interceptions while rushing 362 times for 1,258 yards with 25 touchdowns in 41 games.
Meanwhile, Fajardo has a $200,000 roster bonus due on January 15 as part of his current contract as he's scheduled to earn $482,000 in hard money for the 2025 season. With Montreal committing to Alexander long-term, expect the Alouettes to ask the 110th Grey Cup MVP to rework his agreement or release him by that date.
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/26/montreal-alouettes-sign-qb-davis-alexander-to-contract-extension-throu
I guess they are very confidant in Alexander. He showed well when he played. His deal saves them some SMS over Fajardo's deal. That can be used to re-sign some of their other free agents.
Fajardo isn't going to drop his SMS by a few 100K's to stay as a # 2 and finding a new spot as a starter is up in the air.
In 2025, Davis will make about 150k less than what Cody was planned to earn.
From Farhan:
Davis Alexander's 3-year deal is in line with Dru Brown's bridge deal.
His 2025 deal can max out at 336k (incl 120k signing bonus & 72k in playtime)
2026: 406k max (incl 54k playtime)
2027: 456k max (54k playtime)
Total max value: 1.198m
(negotiated by @Proplayersagent)
What will this mean for Tre Ford (repped same agent), who has started & won more games than Alexander or Brown before signing?
As for Fajardo, I expect the Als will explore trade options soon, before any potential roster bonus is due.
QuoteAs for Fajardo, I expect the Als will explore trade options soon, before any potential roster bonus is due.
I can't see another team agreeing to a trade when all they need to do is wait till January to get a better deal.
BC has a QB, so does Calgary, so does Wpg (I guess). Ottawa and Toronto are set. It's only whether Hamilton re-signs BLM, what Edmonton wants to do, and what Sask wants to do that is the question. And, none of those teams needs to give up anything if they wait till January when presumably Fajardo will either be released or re-signed by the Als; they could simply go with their existing QB options.
Quote from: Pete on November 27, 2024, 03:26:35 AMHave to admire mtrls gm's ability to not take the easy route and potentially move on from Fajardo to sign Alexander. They have a strong young core thats already mostly locked in for the upcoming season.
Right now I'd say their gm/coaches are the strongest in the league
Well they are brave, they did what Wpg. would not dare do with Brown. Poor Cody getting kicked around again, smartest thing for him is to accept the pay cut and swallow his pride, with the Als he'll have a good chance to regain his spot as top dog. Too bad he burned his bridges with Sask. that may have been his best landing spot backing up old Trevor.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 27, 2024, 05:32:34 PMWell they are brave, they did what Wpg. would not dare do with Brown.
LOL
Nah.
wow, montreal is going all in on Alexander, and fajardo could be moving on?? and he just won them the Grey Cup a year ago. Wow. Not sure where he's going to land, thinking Edmonton??
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 27, 2024, 06:50:05 PMThat's a useless comment, explain?
It's pretty self-explanatory. The Alouettes aren't brave for "daring" to re-sign Alexander and move on from Fajardo.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on November 27, 2024, 07:19:34 PMIt's pretty self-explanatory. The Alouettes aren't brave for "daring" to re-sign Alexander and move on from Fajardo.
The Als are taking quite the gamble if they trade or kick Fajardo out the door, leaving Alexander with Dom. Davis and Caleb Evans as his only backups. Maybe long term he works out but right now no evidence he won't become the next "can't miss" James Franklin.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 27, 2024, 10:14:35 PMThe Als are taking quite the gamble if they trade or kick Fajardo out the door, leaving Alexander with Dom. Davis and Caleb Evans as his only backups. Maybe long term he works out but right now no evidence he'll surpass the next "can't miss" James Franklin.
Exactly. Davis and Evans are brutal backup Qb's so if and when Alexander gets hurt, because all scrambling running Qb get hurt, Montreal is dead. I'd be cutting them loose and going with Fajardo and Alexander as my #1 and #2 Qb's, and if Alexander doesn't like it, tough. Where else is he going to go and get a #1 job, nowhere. Montreal would be committing suicide by getting rid of Fajardo. Brave??? Stupid, irresponsible maybe, but not brave. What a joke!!
CFL free agent is only about 247 this year. That seems down from previous years. It doesn't address the importance of a given teams list even if it may be shorter. Lots of talent of the lists.
Time to start re-signing those we want and / or have an idea of which will test free agency.
2025 Free Agent Tracker (https://www.cfl.ca/official-2025-free-agent-tracker/)
Interesting...Janarian Grant is a FA, wonder if he's going to give the Argos the run around like he did to walters. man it would be nice to get him back.
McManis is a FA as well, best MLB in the league...wonder what he's going to get for $$$.
Landon Rice is a FA, would be nice to bring him into our OL and have him play close to home
Quote from: dd on November 28, 2024, 11:36:51 PMInteresting...Janarian Grant is a FA, wonder if he's going to give the Argos the run around like he did to walters. man it would be nice to get him back.
McManis is a FA as well, best MLB in the league...wonder what he's going to get for $$$.
Landon Rice is a FA, would be nice to bring him into our OL and have him play close to home
McManis to me was the MVP of the Grey Cup, not Arbuckle. Why the Bombers kept trying to go into his zone was bizarro after a while. He is the Argos top priority to sign if you ask me.
I guess we just need to list every position, select the best player in the league at that position, he's likely a FA, as say "Hurry up, Walters, sign him", and we're done.
Argos are GC Champs, have won it as many times recently as we have. poaching players from them is not like taking them from Hamilton or CGY.
We will sign players that make sense, to contracts that make sense.
My concern is if we lose McManus or Goveia... either or both will affect our recruiting. Losing Rimaiden was bad enough. And, as Waters said in his presser, the front office cap means you dont have a lot of next man up staff.
This is a case where Lapo might gt a double hat / salary. OC / Head Scout works for me. He has a network in the NCAA, Walters is connected USports. I think these hats would be complimentary...
Quote from: ichabod_crane on November 29, 2024, 12:17:34 AMMcManis to me was the MVP of the Grey Cup, not Arbuckle. Why the Bombers kept trying to go into his zone was bizarro after a while. He is the Argos top priority to sign if you ask me.
Quote from: dd on November 28, 2024, 11:36:51 PMInteresting...Janarian Grant is a FA, wonder if he's going to give the Argos the run around like he did to walters. man it would be nice to get him back.
McManis is a FA as well, best MLB in the league...wonder what he's going to get for $$$.
Landon Rice is a FA, would be nice to bring him into our OL and have him play close to home
Nice to look....but by the time Walters gets all of his own FA's re-signed there's not usually much cash left in the cookie jar, and it's been that way for a few years now. Maybe someone can remember the last time he made a splash stealing a coveted player away from a rival team? Can't hurt to look but unlikely to pick off any expensive top-rung players, maybe grab a few under appreciated hanger ons near the bottom like Tony Jones, or maybe another QB with limited options that's comfortable sliding in as backup behind Zach.
McManis made $206K last year and will be getting a raise from some team but most likely stays in Toronto.
Quote from: Ridermania on November 29, 2024, 06:36:01 PMMcManis made $206K last year and will be getting a raise from some team but most likely stays in Toronto.
do you think that Mcmanis is more of an impact player than lawler at 280k?
Quote from: Pete on November 29, 2024, 06:59:12 PMdo you think that Mcmanis is more of an impact player than lawler at 280k?
Yes sir.
Quote from: Pete on November 29, 2024, 06:59:12 PMdo you think that Mcmanis is more of an impact player than lawler at 280k?
That's an obvious yes from me, too.
Receivers salaries got skewed. No one is worth 250k+ right now.
Quote from: Pete on November 29, 2024, 06:59:12 PMdo you think that Mcmanis is more of an impact player than lawler at 280k?
Definitely, a good game for a receiver is 6-8 touches, MLB is involved in every defensive play.
Quote from: Pete on November 29, 2024, 06:59:12 PMdo you think that Mcmanis is more of an impact player than lawler at 280k?
Absolutely. He controls the middle of the field and directs the defense, the Argos D was good, but McManis is the primary reason they were so good. If he moves to another team, their D will be good, just not dominating like it was. But I don't expect him to go anywhere, he's the cornerstone they build the D around.
And agree 100% recievers salaries are very skewed right now. No way they should be getting more than a star RB and Lawler at $280 is ridiculous, no one is worth that much catching 8-10 passes a game.
Quote from: dd on November 28, 2024, 11:36:51 PMInteresting...Janarian Grant is a FA, wonder if he's going to give the Argos the run around like he did to walters. man it would be nice to get him back.
McManis is a FA as well, best MLB in the league...wonder what he's going to get for $$$.
Landon Rice is a FA, would be nice to bring him into our OL and have him play close to home
I am not sure we need another 37 year old OL.
Quote from: dd on November 29, 2024, 10:29:40 PMAbsolutely. He controls the middle of the field and directs the defense, the Argos D was good, but McManis is the primary reason they were so good. If he moves to another team, their D will be good, just not dominating like it was. But I don't expect him to go anywhere, he's the cornerstone they build the D around.
And agree 100% recievers salaries are very skewed right now. No way they should be getting more than a star RB and Lawler at $280 is ridiculous, no one is worth that much catching 8-10 passes a game.
If McManus does get to free agency I could see him getting $250k + then
Quote from: Pete on November 30, 2024, 01:24:57 AMIf McManus does get to free agency I could see him getting $250k + then
Could be, but not likely the Argos pay that price, remember they let CFL all-star DB Adarius Pickett walk last off-season for much less. The Argos have shown individual stars are not the driver of their defence, they rely on the group approach.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on November 30, 2024, 04:14:25 PMCould be, but not likely the Argos pay that price, remember they let CFL all-star DB Adarius Pickett walk last off-season for much less. The Argos have shown individual stars are not the driver of their defence, they rely on the group approach.
I would say individual stars are a key to argos,
They were the highest bidder for Ormilade, Got Ceresna at 225k, and if course big bucks for Kelly, the reason they let Picket go was they couldn't afford them all Ty they may not be able to afford both Ceresna and Mcmanus
Hamilton Tiger-Cats narrow GM decision to three finalists:
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have narrowed the team's general manager search to three finalists, per sources: Geroy Simon, Ted Goveia and Kyle Carson.
https://3downnation.com/2024/11/30/hamilton-tiger-cats-narrow-gm-decision-to-three-finalists-sources/
Danny Mac likely back.
Paul La Police... not interested in any of the coaching jobs?
Maybe Bombers if Buck leaves?
Quote from: markf on November 30, 2024, 08:42:59 PMPaul La Police... not interested in any of the coaching jobs?
Maybe Bombers if Buck leaves?
Don't think Lapo returns to coaching at this point.
My money is on Buck going to the Lions and Jarious Jackson as our new OC.
Quote from: Jesse on November 30, 2024, 09:02:51 PMDon't think Lapo returns to coaching at this point.
My money is on Buck going to the Lions and Jarious Jackson as our new OC.
If the Lions hire Buck it's likely to be Jordan Maksymic.
I've only heard the Bombers asking for permission to speak to Maksymic.
Maksymic.....
Lions didnt run the ball much, even though it worked when they did. Had Stanback, and decent O line.
with Rourke... just kept flinging the ball around even though it did t work.
pass, pass, pass. (pun intended)
anyway Buck is still our coach.
Quote from: markf on December 01, 2024, 02:07:00 PMMaksymic.....
Lions didnt run the ball much, even though it worked when they did. Had Stanback, and decent O line.
with Rourke... just kept flinging the ball around even though it did t work.
pass, pass, pass. (pun intended)
anyway Buck is still our coach.
Agreed. Stanback is a beast and not giving him the rock to make the defense respect the run was a mistake on their part. Plus Rourke sucked big time, yet they kept trying the same stuff over and over again like it was magically going to start to work (sounds familiar in our Grey Cup game!!!)
Bc had a good team. The GM couldn't make,correct personnel,decions.. put in Rourke and he destroyed the chemistry.
Riders sign QB Trevor Harris to a one year contract.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/05/staying-in-saskatchewan-riders-re-sign-veteran-qb-trevor-harris/
Elks sign QB Tre Ford to a three year contract extension.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/06/electric-edmonton-elks-sign-canadian-qb-tre-ford-to-contract-extension/
Quote from: Ridermania on December 06, 2024, 09:02:55 PMElks sign QB Tre Ford to a three year contract extension.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/06/electric-edmonton-elks-sign-canadian-qb-tre-ford-to-contract-extension/
Not really a surprise. Options to move to another team with a chance to start in 2025 were slim. After Harris re-signed, that took that option away as well.
A 3 year deal suggests he's the long term plan but might not be guaranteed to start in 2025. I'm not sure what MBT will think of this development and whether he extends for another season. It may depend on how much he got in 2024 and what he wants in 2025? He may consider the USFL for the off season to earn some extra money or perhaps he retires.
Edmonton has declared who their starter will be for 3 years. Who cares what MBT thinks, he wasn't getting it done. Maier will be looking for a job and could sign as their #2 if MBT packs it in
TORONTO — Under the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the CFL Players' Association's joint drug policy, BC Lions defensive lineman Sione Teuhema has been suspended for two games after testing positive for the banned substance Amfetamine.
https://www.cfl.ca/2024/12/10/bcs-sione-teuhema-suspended-for-violating-cfl-cflpa-drug-policy/ (https://www.cfl.ca/2024/12/10/bcs-sione-teuhema-suspended-for-violating-cfl-cflpa-drug-policy/)
JC Sherritt joins the Elks as DC.
Paredes back in Calgary for a least two more years.
So, in the sometimes hard world of interpreting CFL news, I noticed on CFL Transactions that Adams Jr. was added to the Calgary Stampeders roster and then deleted from the Stamps roster. Currently, the Stamps roster page does show him on the team.
No doubt there is an explanation but it is a bit confusing.
Quote from: ModAdmin on December 12, 2024, 05:45:17 AMSo, in the sometimes hard world of interpreting CFL news, I noticed on CFL Transactions that Adams Jr. was added to the Calgary Stampeders roster and then deleted from the Stamps roster. Currently, the Stamps roster page does show him on the team.
No doubt there is an explanation but it is a bit confusing.
Re-negotiated his contract to a more team friendly deal.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 12, 2024, 01:44:13 PMRe-negotiated his contract to a more team friendly deal.
Occam's Razor: https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/calgary-stampeders-quarterback-vernon-adams-jr-restructure-contract-1.2218686
QuoteThe club and player agreed to terms on a restructured contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
"The restructured contract will give us more salary-cap flexibility to sign free agents and retain our own players who will be eligible for free agency in February," Dave Dickenson, Calgary's head coach and general manager, said in a statement. "Vernon remains under contract for the next two seasons and we're excited to have him in Calgary."
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 12, 2024, 01:57:25 PM"The restructured contract will give us more salary-cap flexibility to sign free agents and retain our own players who will be eligible for free agency in February," Dave Dickenson, Calgary's head coach and general manager, said in a statement. "Vernon remains under contract for the next two seasons and we're excited to have him in Calgary."
LOL sure Dave, Stamps continue squeezing nickels out of every contract. Cheap cheap cheap went the Dickie bird.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 12, 2024, 04:37:15 PMLOL sure Dave, Stamps continue squeezing nickels out of every contract. Cheap cheap cheap went the Dickie bird.
I don't think Dickie and the Stamps have much choice here. Season ticket sales are down over pervious years - year over year. I know I have always purchased 4 Super Reds Season tickets (to give to my clients most of the time) and have done so for a number of years. This coming year I probably will cut back to two season tickets. Could not even give some of the season tickets away last year. And there are no plans to replace McMahon Stadium just some minor upgrades that really do not add much value from what I an see. So things are not looking all that great here in Stampeder Land!
Quote from: BBRT on December 12, 2024, 07:13:36 PMI don't think Dickie and the Stamps have much choice here. Season ticket sales are down over pervious years - year over year. I know I have always purchased 4 Super Reds Season tickets (to give to my clients most of the time) and have done so for a number of years. This coming year I probably will cut back to two season tickets. Could not even give some of the season tickets away last year. And there are no plans to replace McMahon Stadium just some minor upgrades that really do not add much value from what I an see. So things are not looking all that great here in Stampeder Land!
The Stamps negligent owner is a billionaire hiding in Switzerland so he doesn't have to pay Canadian taxes, he makes Harold Ballard look like a spendthrift.
Quote from: BBRT on December 12, 2024, 07:13:36 PMI don't think Dickie and the Stamps have much choice here. Season ticket sales are down over pervious years - year over year. I know I have always purchased 4 Super Reds Season tickets (to give to my clients most of the time) and have done so for a number of years. This coming year I probably will cut back to two season tickets. Could not even give some of the season tickets away last year. And there are no plans to replace McMahon Stadium just some minor upgrades that really do not add much value from what I an see. So things are not looking all that great here in Stampeder Land!
It's almost as if the owners couldn't care less about their CFL franchise.
Paredes says he's blessed to have spent his entire career in Calgary...wuh?? he must've forgot his time in Winnipeg, and rightfully so, as he sucked then only to blossom into one of the most consistent kicker in the game.
Quote from: dd on December 12, 2024, 10:09:39 PMParedes says he's blessed to have spent his entire career in Calgary...wuh?? he must've forgot his time in Winnipeg, and rightfully so, as he sucked then only to blossom into one of the most consistent kicker in the game.
He was cut after his 1st TC in Winnipeg. So saying he spent his entire career is a more accurate statement about making a roster.
We let him slip away unfortunately. It happens a few times when a TC cut goes onto great success. Lions released Lawler in TC and we picked him up as an example.
Toronto Argonauts sign former Edmonton Elks running back Kevin Brown
The Toronto Argonauts have signed former Edmonton Elks running back Kevin Brown.
The five-foot-nine, 205-pound back ran 101 times for 522 yards and caught 22 passes for 138 yards with the Elks this past season. He was eventually demoted to the practice roster after losing his starting spot to Justin Rankin.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/13/toronto-argonauts-sign-former-edmonton-elks-running-back-kevin-brown/
Edmonton Elks extend Javon Leake through 2026
The Edmonton Elks have signed Javon Leake to a two-year contract extension, per sources, tying him to the team through 2026. He was a pending free agent. The news was first reported by the Canadian Press.
The 26-year-old had a breakout season on offence in 2024, his first in Edmonton. He rushed for 661 yards and six touchdowns, starting five games at running back, and made 34 catches for 301 yards and one score.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/13/edmonton-elks-extend-javon-leake-through-2026/
Quote from: gobombersgo on December 13, 2024, 11:46:42 PMToronto Argonauts sign former Edmonton Elks running back Kevin Brown
The Toronto Argonauts have signed former Edmonton Elks running back Kevin Brown.
The five-foot-nine, 205-pound back ran 101 times for 522 yards and caught 22 passes for 138 yards with the Elks this past season. He was eventually demoted to the practice roster after losing his starting spot to Justin Rankin.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/13/toronto-argonauts-sign-former-edmonton-elks-running-back-kevin-brown/
Dang, Toronto just got stronger!! Looks like Edmonton is going all in on Leake, who's decent in his own right.
Quote from: dd on December 14, 2024, 01:55:04 AMDang, Toronto just got stronger!! Looks like Edmonton is going all in on Leake, who's decent in his own right.
Kevin Brown + KaDeem Carey + Deonta McMahon + Daniel Adeboboye, can't keep em all somethings got to give.
I can't see them signing Carey now, both mtrl and toronto are good at going younger and cheaper for comparable talent
We could take a lesson or two from them as we tend to go older and more expensive with our players
Quote from: Pete on December 14, 2024, 03:10:10 PMI can't see them signing Carey now, both mtrl and toronto are good at going younger and cheaper for comparable talent
We could take a lesson or two from them as we tend to go older and more expensive with our players
True, they seem to be sticking to the economic fundamentals needed to employ an expensive QB. They may also believe Import RB's are bountiful and they don't need to pay one a premium. Paying James Butler a premium wage certainly hasn't paid off for the Ti-Cats.
Hamilton and Ottawa have hired their DC's. So it doesn't appear that R. Hall will be leaving the team.
Things regarding our OC are a little more vague as to what we'll be doing but IMO it will be decided in good time.
What open coaching positions are left? And which available OC's are still interested in coaching? Who was OC under Dobie at U of M?
interesting trade Fajardo for bethel-thomas, Mtrl gets out of the contract before the bonus date kicks in and gets the rights to negotiate with MBT who is a free agent.
Still more to play out though, are Elks going to renegotiate Fajardo's contract? And what effect will having two potential starters do on each of the locker rooms. Alouettes are saying its for the back up spot, but one or two good/bad games could change that.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/17/montreal-alouettes-trade-cody-fajardo-to-edmonton-elks-for-mcleod-bethel-thompson/
Quote from: Pete on December 17, 2024, 08:19:51 PMinteresting trade Fajardo for bethel-thomas, Mtrl gets out of the contract before the bonus date kicks in and gets the rights to negotiate with MBT who is a free agent.
Still more to play out though, are Elks going to renegotiate Fajardo's contract? And what effect will having two potential starters do on each of the locker rooms. Alouettes are saying its for the back up spot, but one or two good/bad games could change that.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/17/montreal-alouettes-trade-cody-fajardo-to-edmonton-elks-for-mcleod-bethel-thompson/
Smart move by both teams, ensuring they have experienced backups behind their young starters, chomping at the bit ready to go. Wonder if the Bombers will roll the dice one more time on Zach's health without an adequate backup plan in place.
Weird Montreal got rid of Fajardo, all he did was win them a Grey Cup. Now they turn the ball over to Junior, who could very well fall flat on his face, and then have MBT come in vs Fajardo?? Ok, whatever. Montreals offense was no where near as good with Alexander in vs Fajardo, but they signed the kid to a 3 year deal, I guess we'll see. On the other hand, Ford is a more versatile Qb and can make something out of absolutely nothing, and his backup is now Fajardo. Edmonton fleeced Montreal on this one.
So Calgary got Adams, and Edmonton got Fajardo as a backup....the west just got alot tougher!!!
Quote from: dd on December 17, 2024, 10:31:24 PMWeird Montreal got rid of Fajardo, all he did was win them a Grey Cup. Now they turn the ball over to Junior, who could very well fall flat on his face, and then have MBT come in vs Fajardo?? Ok, whatever. Montreals offense was no where near as good with Alexander in vs Fajardo, but they signed the kid to a 3 year deal, I guess we'll see. On the other hand, Ford is a more versatile Qb and can make something out of absolutely nothing, and his backup is now Fajardo. Edmonton fleeced Montreal on this one.
So Calgary got Adams, and Edmonton got Fajardo as a backup....the west just got alot tougher!!!
Not so fast. Fajardo is due $200K on Jan 15th and $482K in hard money for 2025. They'll want to renegotiate that deal for him to stay. MBT is a pending free agent and negotiating a deal to be the # 2 is not any certainty.
It's interesting but both may end up elsewhere or where they are today.
I'm not sure how Fajardo and Ford coexist, Fajardo is already on record stating that he feels but for a hamstring he could have been the MVP of the league and by all accounts Edmonton has stated that Jones is the man for the next 3 years.
If Ford falters as all the locker room could get divided in a hurry - see BC with Rourke/Adams
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 16, 2024, 04:09:39 PMHamilton and Ottawa have hired their DC's. So it doesn't appear that R. Hall will be leaving the team.
Things regarding our OC are a little more vague as to what we'll be doing but IMO it will be decided in good time.
Be great if Hall stays. Guys a mastermind.
Quote from: Pete on December 18, 2024, 12:22:02 AMI'm not sure how Fajardo and Ford coexist, Fajardo is already on record stating that he feels but for a hamstring he could have been the MVP of the league and by all accounts Edmonton has stated that Jones is the man for the next 3 years.
If Ford falters as all the locker room could get divided in a hurry - see BC with Rourke/Adams
Montreal was already the only place that would take him last time he was a free agent. He's out of options.
Quote from: Jesse on December 18, 2024, 11:50:03 AMMontreal was already the only place that would take him last time he was a free agent. He's out of options.
Things change but how much is any team willing to pay to have him as a # 2? He may end up retiring. Some question for MBT but he's a potential free agent. He's also turning 37 in July. Maybe we see him back in the USFL.
I have to imagine the Elks will ask Fajardo to restructure.
Could be a good situation for him, IMO: mentor and backup.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 18, 2024, 02:04:41 PMI have to imagine the Elks will ask Fajardo to restructure.
Could be a good situation for him, IMO: mentor and backup.
Seems logical. As mentioned earlier his options are limited. I don't know that he's prepared to retire but the same money elsewhere might be more attractive? Going to a team that looks to have a better chance getting to the play offs etc. While Edmonton may take a giant leap upwards, other teams would be ranked higher.
I guess we'll see how this shakes out.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 18, 2024, 02:04:41 PMI have to imagine the Elks will ask Fajardo to restructure.
Could be a good situation for him, IMO: mentor and backup.
Last Night
Quote from: Dave Campbell @Dave_CHED#Elks GM Ed Hervey joined @BrendenEscott tonight on @CHED880 Inside Sports about the trade for QB Cody Fajardo.
Hervey says Fajardo fits what he's looking for which is veteran depth behind Tre Ford. He now gets a head start in negotiating what he hopes is a new deal for Fajardo.
This Morning
Quote from: Dave Campbell @Dave_CHEDFurther to last night's comments. Hervey says Fajardo understands the situation he's coming to. He's the #2 QB. He's coming in to compete and support Ford who is QB1. Fajardo has already reached out to Ford.
A new deal between the #Elks and Fajardo should be able to take place soon. #CFL
The stadium in Hamilton will be getting a new name in 2025. The 10 year deal with Tim Horton's will expire at the end of the month.
https://www.ticats.ca/2024/12/18/hamiltons-stadium-will-have-a-new-name/ (https://www.ticats.ca/2024/12/18/hamiltons-stadium-will-have-a-new-name/)
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 18, 2024, 03:12:34 PMSeems logical. As mentioned earlier his options are limited. I don't know that he's prepared to retire but the same money elsewhere might be more attractive? Going to a team that looks to have a better chance getting to the play offs etc. While Edmonton may take a giant leap upwards, other teams would be ranked higher.
I guess we'll see how this shakes out.
I don't see a smooth transition to a backup role for Fajardo, nor do I think he will accept it. If Zach retired tomorrow he'd be the first QB I'd call in to replace him.
I agree with the post that Fajardo was front runner for league MOP until his hamstring injury. He was lighting it up. Sure, Alexander won 4 games, but big deal, Montreals offense was far better with CF in at Qb than DA. And ya, he lost to Toronto, but so did we and he looked alot better than our offense , not even close.
I can see them having an open camp and best player starts and retaining CF as a backup, even with the $200k bonus. I hate when teams get rid of players for roster bonus's, to me its under handed. Don't structure the contract that way if you have no intention of retaining the player. I hope Montreal gets what it deserves, Alexander lays and egg and MBT does the same, and Edmonton goes to the west final!!
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 18, 2024, 03:12:34 PMSeems logical. As mentioned earlier his options are limited. I don't know that he's prepared to retire but the same money elsewhere might be more attractive? Going to a team that looks to have a better chance getting to the play offs etc. While Edmonton may take a giant leap upwards, other teams would be ranked higher.
I guess we'll see how this shakes out.
Who would want Fajardo as a starter though for next season though? Only team I can see is maybe Hamilton if they are unsure to stick with a rejuvenated Bo Levi. Everyone else pretty much set with starters. Can't see him going back to Sask with the bridges he burned there even for a good backup spot. If he'd accept what Strevler got last season in FA, then welcome to Bomber land and we have a legitimate backup and someone who could be a starter for a few seasons after this coming season when everyone thinks Collaros might hang them up (a carrot they could dangle to him). He is going to have to lower his expectations if he goes to free agency as it's a backup job this season it appears to me AND as well Edmonton WILL cut him if he does not renegotiate his salary footprint. Take a one year deal as the backup (and maybe good chance of getting in several games with some older starters via injuries) and then see what the landscape looks like the following season is my advice to Fajardo as ALWAYS some turnover in the CFL. He could be a starter again by 2026.
Dancing Danny Machacho in Montreal is taking a big risk as the new QB starter does not have much a resume really. Even less than Rourke in BC who I think should bounce back next season with his ego soothed hopefully. Bucky has some locker room issues to fix up in BC though, but with Adams gone now they know it's Rourke or bust! ;)
Really depends on how much meddling the owner is doing....never a good thing for any team to let the owner have too much control of football operations unless they TRULY have experience in the sport. Jerry Jones of Dallas got lucky somewhat when he first bought the Cowboys and brought in a very accomplished coach right away, but since the late 90's Dallas has done zip and Jerry is still there as owner and GM! He needs to fire himself at this point as GM! ;) :D
Quote from: ichabod_crane on December 19, 2024, 05:35:00 AMWho would want Fajardo as a starter though for next season though? Only team I can see is maybe Hamilton if they are unsure to stick with a rejuvenated Bo Levi. Everyone else pretty much set with starters. Can't see him going back to Sask with the bridges he burned there even for a good backup spot. If he'd accept what Strevler got last season in FA, then welcome to Bomber land and we have a legitimate backup and someone who could be a starter for a few seasons after this coming season when everyone thinks Collaros might hang them up (a carrot they could dangle to him). He is going to have to lower his expectations if he goes to free agency as it's a backup job this season it appears to me AND as well Edmonton WILL cut him if he does not renegotiate his salary footprint. Take a one year deal as the backup (and maybe good chance of getting in several games with some older starters via injuries) and then see what the landscape looks like the following season is my advice to Fajardo as ALWAYS some turnover in the CFL. He could be a starter again by 2026.
Dancing Danny Machacho in Montreal is taking a big risk as the new QB starter does not have much a resume really. Even less than Rourke in BC who I think should bounce back next season with his ego soothed hopefully. Bucky has some locker room issues to fix up in BC though, but with Adams gone now they know it's Rourke or bust! ;)
Really depends on how much meddling the owner is doing....never a good thing for any team to let the owner have too much control of football operations unless they TRULY have experience in the sport. Jerry Jones of Dallas got lucky somewhat when he first bought the Cowboys and brought in a very accomplished coach right away, but since the late 90's Dallas has done zip and Jerry is still there as owner and GM! He needs to fire himself at this point as GM! ;) :D
I don't think any team will want him as a starter in 2025. But his salary at the moment also means #2 is not yet a real option. I'm just pointing out that if he has to take a big cut he may as well go to free agency and see what happens. If his best offer is $200K ( just spit balling ), the choice of a team may come into play.
Edmonton isn't going to be many players 1st option IMO unless they offer more money than elsewhere. It seems somewhat obvious that he could have taken that cut and stayed in Montreal.
Montreal, Toronto, BC, Sask and Calgary would not seem to be in the running. As I've said, I'm not sure if he wants to end up in Edmonton. That doesn't leave many choices.
Winnipeg has a demand for an experienced # 2 but Collaros SMS already makes an expensive QB room.
We'll see what happens with BLM, Masoli and MBT that could still be moving elsewhere and / or retiring?
BC Lions have re-signed Betts to a two year contract.
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-re-sign-standout-dl-mathieu-betts-on-two-year-deal-1.2222658
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 19, 2024, 01:37:39 PMI don't think any team will want him as a starter in 2025. But his salary at the moment also means #2 is not yet a real option. I'm just pointing out that if he has to take a big cut he may as well go to free agency and see what happens. If his best offer is $200K ( just spit balling ), the choice of a team may come into play.
Edmonton isn't going to be many players 1st option IMO unless they offer more money than elsewhere. It seems somewhat obvious that he could have taken that cut and stayed in Montreal.
Montreal, Toronto, BC, Sask and Calgary would not seem to be in the running. As I've said, I'm not sure if he wants to end up in Edmonton. That doesn't leave many choices.
Winnipeg has a demand for an experienced # 2 but Collaros SMS already makes an expensive QB room.
We'll see what happens with BLM, Masoli and MBT that could still be moving elsewhere and / or retiring?
Rumour has it Sask. will go hard after Maier as their backup and possible future, leaving the Bombers with the choice of Masoli, Shiltz and maybe Arbuckle as experienced backups. I'd be happy with either, but not sure the Bombers are interested in the concept at all.
Betts re-signs with BC, it'd be interesting to know what they paid him.
https://www.cfl.ca/2024/12/19/all-betts-are-on-lions-extend-top-national-pass-rusher-through-2026/
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 19, 2024, 04:10:33 PMBetts re-signs with BC, it'd be interesting to know what they paid him.
https://www.cfl.ca/2024/12/19/all-betts-are-on-lions-extend-top-national-pass-rusher-through-2026/
Reports on Lionbackers state he'll earn $260K in 2025 with some additional playing benefits possible. YIKES. He has extra value as a Canadian but he's now the highest paid defensive player in the CFL.
Per Farhan Lalji
Betts deal will make him the highest paid defensive player in @CFL. 260k hard money in 2025 and 270k in 2026. @CFLonTSN
Also from Farhan
Hearing that Mike Benevides has agreed to become the defensive coordinator of @BCLions. The same role he held from 2008-2011.
Wouldn't surprise me to see Ryan Phillips retained on staff, but not confirmed yet.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 19, 2024, 05:05:48 PMReports on Lionbackers state he'll earn $260K in 2025 with some additional playing benefits possible. YIKES. He has extra value as a Canadian but he's now the highest paid defensive player in the CFL.
Don't believe it's financially sustainable yet, but $250k would be a good rate of pay for (non-QB) star players in the CFL to achieve across the board. It could be very attractive to many players down South who are gifted but can't crack the NFL nut.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 19, 2024, 05:05:48 PMReports on Lionbackers state he'll earn $260K in 2025 with some additional playing benefits possible. YIKES. He has extra value as a Canadian but he's now the highest paid defensive player in the CFL.
Seriously overpaid. This and gambling on Rourke makes me wonder who is actually calling the shots in BC.
A few coaching and player announcements/rumours on 3 Down Nation today...
https://3downnation.com/
Quote from: ModAdmin on December 19, 2024, 07:26:22 PMA few coaching and player announcements/rumours on 3 Down Nation today...
https://3downnation.com/
B.C. Lions hiring Mike Benevides as defensive coordinator.
"The Lions' incumbent defensive coordinator, Ryan Phillips, is the only member of the team's 2024 staff who remains under contract for next season and his firing would count against the football operations cap. According to Lalji, the former defensive back could still return next season in a different role, though that has yet to be hammered out."
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 19, 2024, 08:14:38 PMB.C. Lions hiring Mike Benevides as defensive coordinator.
"The Lions' incumbent defensive coordinator, Ryan Phillips, is the only member of the team's 2024 staff who remains under contract for next season and his firing would count against the football operations cap. According to Lalji, the former defensive back could still return next season in a different role, though that has yet to be hammered out."
If he's still under contract, I guess he goes back to DB coach under Bene... no doubt Buck wanted someone with more experience to help him, and Bene has the DC/HC chops to do it.
Jalon Philpot re-signed @ $185K for 2025? Are you kidding me?
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 20, 2024, 05:29:32 PMJalon Philpot re-signed @ $185K for 2025? Are you kidding me?
Seems about right, no?
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 20, 2024, 05:29:32 PMJalon Philpot re-signed @ $185K for 2025? Are you kidding me?
I agree, that is a lot of money for Jalen. A healthy Tyson might be worth that much.
The Stampeders have been busy - all two year deals
Canadian receiver
Jalen Philpot has signed a two-year contract with the Calgary Stampeders and will remain a member of the Red and White through the 2026 season. Philpot had been slated to become a free agent in February.
Philpot Signed (https://www.stampeders.com/2024/12/20/philpot-stays-with-stamps-through-2026/)
The Calgary Stampeders and American offensive lineman
D'Antne Demery have come to terms on a two-year contract that runs through the 2026 Canadian Football League season. Demery had been slated to become a free agent in February.
Demery Extended (https://www.stampeders.com/2024/12/20/demery-re-ups-with-stamps-through-2026/)
Veteran long snapper
Aaron Crawford has signed a two-year contract to remain with the Calgary Stampeders. The Medicine Hat product had been slated to become a free agent in February.
Aaron Crawford signed (https://www.stampeders.com/2024/12/19/stamps-sign-crawford-to-two-year-deal/)
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 20, 2024, 05:29:32 PMJalon Philpot re-signed @ $185K for 2025? Are you kidding me?
If he's healthy, why not? He's got nothing but upside, and is already pretty darned good. He's no Nic Demski, but he had a decent year on a bad team with bad QB play.
If they'd let him get to FA, MTL would offer him that, or more.
Ottawa has signed a number of players in recent days
The Ottawa REDBLACKS have reached a deal with their left tackle, signing American Dino Boyd to a one-year contract extension.
Dino Boyd re-signed (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2024/12/20/redblacks-sign-american-tackle-dino-boyd-to-one-year-extension/)
Fresh off of his sixth season in the nation's capital, Marco Dubois isn't going anywhere, as the Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed the National fullback to a two-year deal.
Marco Dubois - 2 years (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2024/12/16/redblacks-ink-national-fullback-marco-dubois-to-two-year-deal/)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS have locked up a former Canadian Football League East Division All-Star through 2026, reaching a two-year deal with American pass rusher Bryce Carter.
Bryce Carter locked up (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2024/12/18/redblacks-extend-american-defensive-lineman-bryce-carter-through-2026/)
5 other players signed
American offensive lineman Darta Lee
American receiver Maurice Ffrench
American receiver Latreal Jones
American receiver Kahtero Summers
American punter Noah Gettman
5 players signed (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2024/12/19/redblacks-transactions-december-19-2024/)
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 20, 2024, 05:29:32 PMJalon Philpot re-signed @ $185K for 2025? Are you kidding me?
I agree, ly only 659 yds and previous years couldn't stay healthy. Maybe they thought that they were signing his brother. (although he can't stay healthy either but at least when he is ,Tyson has produced. You can say he has potential but that seems a lot given his history, but Stamps can dream.
Quote from: Pete on December 20, 2024, 09:05:36 PMI agree, ly only 659 yds and previous years couldn't stay healthy. Maybe they thought that they were signing his brother. (although he can't stay healthy either but at least when he is ,Tyson has produced. You can say he has potential but that seems a lot given his history, but Stamps can dream.
Exactly. He may have upside but you can find rookie imports for ELC deals that will be more effective.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 20, 2024, 07:53:40 PMSeems about right, no?
Not for the wrong Philpot.
The Stamps are trying hard to make as much noise as possible to distract the passengers from the calamity unfolding about them. "Rumours the ship is about to sink are unsubstantiated and exaggerated! Please ignore the crew fleeing in lifeboats and carry on as normal. Please note, free pickles will be added to the buffet in a week or two."
interesting side note was that Mtrl selected Tyson at number 9 vs calgary taking Jalen at 5. Just another example of mtrls draft ability
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have acquired American quarterback Jake Maier in a trade with the Calgary Stampeders. In exchange, the Roughriders have sent their eighth-round selection in the 2025 CFL Draft to Calgary. Maier is eligible to become a free agent in February.
https://www.riderville.com/2024/12/23/roughriders-acquire-jake-maier-in-trade-with-calgary/ (https://www.riderville.com/2024/12/23/roughriders-acquire-jake-maier-in-trade-with-calgary/)
Quote from: Stats Junkie on December 23, 2024, 06:03:23 PMThe Saskatchewan Roughriders have acquired American quarterback Jake Maier in a trade with the Calgary Stampeders. In exchange, the Roughriders have sent their eighth-round selection in the 2025 CFL Draft to Calgary. Maier is eligible to become a free agent in February.
https://www.riderville.com/2024/12/23/roughriders-acquire-jake-maier-in-trade-with-calgary/ (https://www.riderville.com/2024/12/23/roughriders-acquire-jake-maier-in-trade-with-calgary/)
8th rounder? Other than neg list right, is there anything less you can offer?
TC fodder?
Quote from: theaardvark on December 23, 2024, 06:08:23 PM8th rounder? Other than neg list right, is there anything less you can offer?
TC fodder?
He's a potential free agent so the Stamps just off loaded him early so the Riders can try to and get him to re-sign. That's not worth a lot per se. It mentioned the pick was conditional so I wonder if the trade value increases if he does sign in Regina?
Quote from: theaardvark on December 23, 2024, 06:08:23 PM8th rounder? Other than neg list right, is there anything less you can offer?
TC fodder?
Noway, this is a smart move by the Riders. If they keep making smart moves they could eventually overcome the advantage the Bombers have held on them the past 5 seasons. The Bombers need to make counter moves to stay ahead.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2024, 07:17:52 PMNoway, this is a smart move by the Riders. If they keep making smart moves they could eventually overcome the advantage the Bombers have held on them the past 5 seasons. The Bombers need to make counter moves to stay ahead.
What a silly narrative. Did a stubblejumper hack your account?
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 23, 2024, 07:24:22 PMWhat a silly narrative. Did a stubblejumper hack your account?
Not at all, I don't take for granted the Bombers will hold an advantage over them or any other team they've dominated forever. If they stop moving forward they eventually fall back, just as the Stamps have done.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2024, 07:34:57 PMNot at all, I don't take for granted the Bombers will hold an advantage over them or any other team they've dominated forever. If they stop moving forward they eventually fall back, just as the Stamps have done.
Can't say I'd qualify acquiring Maier's negotiation rights as a smart move or the Riders moving forward. Maier is a mediocre QB.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 23, 2024, 07:48:18 PMCan't say I'd qualify acquiring Maier's negotiation rights as a smart move or the Riders moving forward. Maier is a mediocre QB.
Well I would have taken that mediocre Qb in this past Grey Cup game to come off the bench and lead us to victory . I agree, solid move by Riders, as when Harris gets hurt, and he will as he hasn't played an entire season in like forever, Riders won't miss a beat in their dink and dunk game. Maier can do dink and dunk.
Quote from: dd on December 23, 2024, 08:04:08 PMWell I would have taken that mediocre Qb in this past Grey Cup game to come off the bench and lead us to victory . I agree, solid move by Riders, as when Harris gets hurt, and he will as he hasn't played an entire season in like forever, Riders won't miss a beat in their dink and dunk game. Maier can do dink and dunk.
Got into the egg nog early, eh?
Of more importance Calgary just re-signed zac williams,,I wa hoping he'd be an option for us
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 23, 2024, 08:39:17 PMGot into the egg nog early, eh?
Not at all. Aside from Collaros, Maier is far better than anything we have on our roster. I am hoping we have a plan for who our #2 is going to be as last year was a total bust and it cost us big time.
Quote from: dd on December 23, 2024, 09:08:39 PMNot at all. Aside from Collaros, Maier is far better than anything we have on our roster. I am hoping we have a plan for who our #2 is going to be as last Quote from: dd on December 23, 2024, 09:08:39 PMNot at all. Aside from Collaros, Maier is far better than anything we have on our roster. I am hoping we have a plan for who our #2 is going to be as last year was a total bust and it cost us big time.
year was a total bust and it cost us big time.
Year two Terry Wilson and Jake Dolegala is night and day better than what we went to camp last year with.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on December 23, 2024, 10:56:36 PMyear was a total bust and it cost us big time.
Year two Terry Wilson and Jake Dolegala is night and day better than what we went to camp last year with.
I have little faith in Dolegala, Riders let him walk and BC cut him, his ceiling looks to be below mediocre. I like Terry Wilson but if they don't give him serious game reps to develop they could find themselves in the same position in the playoffs.
It'd be nice to see an OC come in with a different approach, rather than banking on blind luck hoping Zach never gets hurt.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2024, 11:23:02 PMI have little faith in Dolegala, Riders let him walk and BC cut him, his ceiling looks to be below mediocre. I like Terry Wilson but if they don't give him serious game reps to develop they could find themselves in the same position in the playoffs.
It'd be nice to see an OC come in with a different approach, rather than banking on blind luck hoping Zach never gets hurt.
You're right. No idea if either will work out. Odds are they will not. That's not me doubting either of them, it's just the reality of the odds of a QB prospect becoming a starter.
I'm glad we have Dolegala though. And it's not like Maier or Fajardo were terribly expensive. We could have traded for either and chose not to. To me, that says something about the guys we have and the Bombers opinions of them.
Quote from: dd on December 23, 2024, 09:08:39 PMNot at all. Aside from Collaros, Maier is far better than anything we have on our roster. I am hoping we have a plan for who our #2 is going to be as last year was a total bust and it cost us big time.
Hard to make sense of this narrative. Much like Frank Costanza's hilarious holiday, it's pretty out there to think Maier coming in for an injured Collaros would've helped the Bombers win GC111.
Lost in all this backup QB chatter is the fact that Streveler was lost to a nasty injury from a dirtbag whose only accomplishment in pro football is taking out QBs with his embarrassingly questionable play.
But I digress. Maier's a known commodity and I'm glad the Bombers didn't try and trade for him.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2024, 11:23:02 PMI have little faith in Dolegala, Riders let him walk and BC cut him
I see it as misfortune. Riders sign Harris and they don't want to pay Dolegala. He was a free agent for a grand total of one day. BC wanted him to the tune of $172,800. That's pretty good for an inexperienced 2nd string. He became expendable only when Rourke broke the budget else he is probably still there.
He throws a really nice ball, probably why he got looks from 4 NFL teams, Packers and Patriots twice each. There could be potential there but I leave that to the coaches to decide.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 24, 2024, 01:16:11 PMHard to make sense of this narrative. Much like Frank Costanza's hilarious holiday, it's pretty out there to think Maier coming in for an injured Collaros would've helped the Bombers win GC111.
Lost in all this backup QB chatter is the fact that Streveler was lost to a nasty injury from a dirtbag whose only accomplishment in pro football is taking out QBs with his embarrassingly questionable play.
But I digress. Maier's a known commodity and I'm glad the Bombers didn't try and trade for him.
I can understand the thinking though. We didn't need an allstar. Just a HEALTHY vet that can outplay Arbuckle by one score wins us the game.
Quote from: Waffler on December 24, 2024, 01:23:51 PMI can understand the thinking though. We didn't need an allstar. Just a HEALTHY vet that can outplay Arbuckle by one score wins us the game.
Maier is not that guy, IMO. And this is exacerbated by how poorly the rest of the offense performed in that game from the first snap.
Quote from: Waffler on December 24, 2024, 01:23:51 PMI can understand the thinking though. We didn't need an allstar. Just a HEALTHY vet that can outplay Arbuckle by one score wins us the game.
I don't think any QB would have made a difference. We were struggling to move the ball all game even with our #1 in before he sliced his finger
Quote from: Waffler on December 24, 2024, 01:19:05 PMI see it as misfortune. Riders sign Harris and they don't want to pay Dolegala. He was a free agent for a grand total of one day. BC wanted him to the tune of $172,800. That's pretty good for an inexperienced 2nd string. He became expendable only when Rourke broke the budget else he is probably still there.
He throws a really nice ball, probably why he got looks from 4 NFL teams, Packers and Patriots twice each. There could be potential there but I leave that to the coaches to decide.
Dolegala might throw a decent ball but he isn't at all mobile, not sure a pocket passer has played in Wpg. since Drew Willy.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on December 24, 2024, 01:30:46 PMMaier is not that guy, IMO. And this is exacerbated by how poorly the rest of the offense performed in that game from the first snap.
The Bombers were so ill prepared for this game it was laughable. First play, our O lineman jumps offside. Perfect. Loose ball interference on a fumble that's coming our way, UNLESS we commit a foul, which we did. A number of confused substitutions on defense, one which lead to our player losing his cool and costing us 15 yards. We were lost out there, playing with our heads up our butts. Toronto, was laser focused, made few mistakes and made us look foolish.
Former Bomber Tyrique McGhee signs in Regina.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/27/former-bombers-db-tyrique-mcghee-signs-with-riders/
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 24, 2024, 04:42:37 PMDolegala might throw a decent ball but he isn't at all mobile, not sure a pocket passer has played in Wpg. since Drew Willy.
Ya, Ricky Ray seemed to make a decent career out of being a pocket passer, rarely scrambled even. And Tom Brady had a pretty good run sitting in the pocket in the NFL. I am hoping Dolegala works out, he's got the size, and yes, does throw a very decent ball. Let's hope that turns out well for us and him
Quote from: Ridermania on November 20, 2024, 01:27:48 PMLaPo is not coming back to coach, makes more money doing TSN and no stress.
How much are the two salaries ?
Quote from: dd on December 28, 2024, 03:36:00 AMYa, Ricky Ray seemed to make a decent career out of being a pocket passer, rarely scrambled even. And Tom Brady had a pretty good run sitting in the pocket in the NFL. I am hoping Dolegala works out, he's got the size, and yes, does throw a very decent ball. Let's hope that turns out well for us and him
My enduring memories of Ricky Ray are from his last 3-4 years in Toronto, the O-line couldn't protect him and he'd end up on the 6-game IR sooner or later as he was getting beat up worse than Mike Reilly in Edmonton.
The game has changed and big immobile pocket passer hasn't worked well in the CFL for quite awhile, teams are unable to sustain the pocket providing the protection needed to go through their reads. These QB's tend to be the worst at ad-libbing as well as US colleges prefer to program them to do as they're told and not be creative.
Ricky Ray won the Grey Cup 4 times, and Tom Brady won , um, 7 super bowls that's a decent amount of success for someone who never leaves the pocket.
Owen Hubert is now a Ti-Cat.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/28/hamilton-tiger-cats-nab-canadian-dl-owen-hubert-from-blue-bombers/
Other teams have signed more bomber players ( or exbombers) this offseason than we have
Quote from: Pete on December 28, 2024, 08:07:19 PMOther teams have signed more bomber players ( or exbombers) this offseason than we have
Sure is quiet, probably hiring an OC in house or finding one from outside the CFL that nobodies ever heard of before. It's becoming the Bomber way not to chase after highly pursued targets.
Quote from: Waffler on December 28, 2024, 07:32:15 PMOwen Hubert is now a Ti-Cat.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/28/hamilton-tiger-cats-nab-canadian-dl-owen-hubert-from-blue-bombers/
Too bad had promise
Quote from: Waffler on December 28, 2024, 07:32:15 PMOwen Hubert is now a Ti-Cat.
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/28/hamilton-tiger-cats-nab-canadian-dl-owen-hubert-from-blue-bombers/
Makes sense... 8th rounder, 2nd last pick overall and a McMaster boy. Can't hold onto every draft pick.
Quote from: theaardvark on December 29, 2024, 06:10:22 PMMakes sense... 8th rounder, 2nd last pick overall and a McMaster boy. Can't hold onto every draft pick.
That's true but he did seem to show some talent. Bringing him back for TC wouldn't have cost them anything. OTOH, we already have a few other younger Canadians fighting for spots on the AR.
We also have 9 other Canadians that are on the potential free agent list. Hard to know just yet how many of those will be lost intentionally or otherwise.
I hope to see a couple or more on our list signed before the end of the year starting tomorrow.
Riders probably taking a long look at this guy:
"FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona issued a public apology Sunday, one day after a viral video clip appeared to show him intentionally step on a Texas Tech player near the end of the Razorbacks' 39-26 victory at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis."
Quote from: markf on December 29, 2024, 09:55:45 PMRiders probably taking a long look at this guy:
"FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas offensive lineman Fernando Carmona issued a public apology Sunday, one day after a viral video clip appeared to show him intentionally step on a Texas Tech player near the end of the Razorbacks' 39-26 victory at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis."
Miles Brown liked this
3DN compiled a ranking of every primary CFL logo ever in 4 articles, some pretty interesting and some awful designs included in this collection.
(https://3downnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screen-Shot-2023-10-31-at-8.31.25-PM-696x575.png)
(https://3downnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screen-Shot-2023-10-31-at-8.31.32-PM-696x452.png)
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/29/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-15-1/
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/28/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-30-16/
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/27/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-50-31/
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/26/ranking-every-primary-cfl-logo-ever-70-51/
Saskatchewan Roughriders re-sign twins Jordan, Justin Herdman-Reed
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/31/saskatchewan-roughriders-re-sign-twins-jordan-justin-herdman-reed/
Montreal Alouettes sign RB Walter Fletcher to two-year contract extension
https://3downnation.com/2024/12/31/montreal-alouettes-sign-rb-walter-fletcher-to-two-year-contract-extension/
With NIL, portal exploding, Mike Locksley hires former Maryland star to be program's first general manager
The explosion of NIL and the transfer portal have made college athletics more professionalized, and not just in theory. With revenue-sharing payrolls of up to $20 million beginning this year, college programs are increasingly hiring general managers to oversee their NIL spending, roster management and recruiting.
Maryland football has joined that movement, hiring someone with deep roots inside the program to oversee operations. Mike Locksley is making former Terps receiver Geroy Simon as the program's first GM, a university source confirmed to Inside Maryland Sports.
The GM position is becoming a must-have for college programs, with head coaches hard-pressed to coach and manage their teams while also manage the constant turnstile of the transfer portal and how they spend money on players.
Simon, a star at Maryland in the 1990s who ranks second in school history in career receptions (185) and sixth in receiving yards (2,059), later became a star in the Canadian Football League before several front-office CFL jobs, including a stint as assistant GM on the Edmonton Elks.
It was reported earlier this week that Simon was set to take the GM job at Sacramento State, which has reportedly raised $50 million to fund a hopeful climb to Division I relevancy, but Locksley swooped in and snagged him.
Simon, who landed on Inside Maryland Sports' all-1990s Maryland football team, holds the program record for receptions in a game, with 16 against Florida State in 1995. After college, he spent a season on the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad before heading to the CFL. He won multiple Grey Cups and won the Most Outstanding Player of the year award once on his way to a hall-of-fame career. He ranks first in league history in receiving yards (16.352), second in receptions (1,029) and fifth in touchdowns (104)
https://247sports.com/college/maryland/article/with-nil-portal-exploding-mike-locksley-hires-former-maryland-star-to-be-programs-first-general-manager-243236008/
BC Lions name 2025 coaching staff, demote Ryan Phillips.
New receivers coach is Kevin Bourgoin from the Bombers.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/02/b-c-lions-confirm-mike-benevides-as-dc-demote-ryan-phillips-on-finalized-coaching-staff/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 02, 2025, 04:40:56 PMBC Lions name 2025 coaching staff, demote Ryan Phillips.
New receivers coach is Kevin Bourgoin from the Bombers.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/02/b-c-lions-confirm-mike-benevides-as-dc-demote-ryan-phillips-on-finalized-coaching-staff/
Wow Bombers lose another coach, guess it was inevitable some would follow Buck. Time for Kyle to emerge from hibernation and make some good things happen.
Meh. I'm sure the WFC can find someone better to be the next OC.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 02, 2025, 05:00:36 PMMeh. I'm sure the WFC can find someone better to be the next OC.
We've waited until most of the obvious choices have been scooped up. He may have the next choices in mind, but we're in wait and see mode. The same goes for re-signing potential free agents. Bombers have signed 3 and the Als have signed about a dozen.
I guess it doesn't matter if we get back the ones we wanted to get back. To some degree other teams are spending their SMS and may not have money to attract too many free agents when free agency hits?
Quote from: Ridermania on January 02, 2025, 04:40:56 PMBC Lions name 2025 coaching staff, demote Ryan Phillips.
New receivers coach is Kevin Bourgoin from the Bombers.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/02/b-c-lions-confirm-mike-benevides-as-dc-demote-ryan-phillips-on-finalized-coaching-staff/
Buck taking an HC position and wearing 2 hats with OC duties as well. Not sure this is wise. Maybe Kevin gets the "Asst OC role"... guess teh Bombers didn't offer him OC after all.
Now that coached contracts have expired, no need to ask permission, we can go out and raid anyone not under contract...
Still want Lapo as our OC, sure he can fill out the coaches pretty easy.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 02, 2025, 05:47:26 PMWe've waited until most of the obvious choices have been scooped up. He may have the next choices in mind, but we're in wait and see mode. The same goes for re-signing potential free agents. Bombers have signed 3 and the Als have signed about a dozen.
I guess it doesn't matter if we get back the ones we wanted to get back. To some degree other teams are spending their SMS and may not have money to attract too many free agents when free agency hits?
Guessing there are deals done just not announced that use up the balance of the 2024 cap, Walters seems to use that method. Not sure if the league has to announce any contracts that are filed, or if other teams (that leak) are notified...
We were over $SMS budget early on, but got lots of relief on the 6 game. Not sure how much we actually got in injury relief because I'd bet there was guaranteed money in those injured deals.
Either way, we should start weeing some of the role players who like it here start signing, and then its off to the tampering period for the real action to start.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 02, 2025, 05:55:06 PMGuessing there are deals done just not announced that use up the balance of the 2024 cap, Walters seems to use that method. Not sure if the league has to announce any contracts that are filed, or if other teams (that leak) are notified...
We were over $SMS budget early on, but got lots of relief on the 6 game. Not sure how much we actually got in injury relief because I'd bet there was guaranteed money in those injured deals.
Either way, we should start weeing some of the role players who like it here start signing, and then its off to the tampering period for the real action to start.
I disagree that we were over the SMS early. It has never been our mode to over commit when there has to be a budget allowance to cover 1 game IR costs and potential trades or NFL acquisitions. Teams don't spend the entire SMS on day 1.
As it turns out we had very few players on 1 game IR for any length of time. In that regard I'd say we were under any budget provision.
Players that went on 6 game IR went on very early for the most part and were replaced by ELC players. The advance money may have bit us somewhat but IMO we gained ground in ELC replacements.
Example: Not sure what Schoen was scheduled to earn. Lets just say $260K and 1/2 was early money. That still means most of the $130K was protected on 6 game IR and with an ELC player. Note that Whitehead may have been more than an ELC but he also played less games than Schoen missed.
Schoen only played 3 games and Whitehead played 10. Whitehead also served a dual role as the primary returner. That would suggest we gained SMS in that transaction.
Lawson was lost for the entire year and replaced by an ELC choice.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 02, 2025, 05:50:42 PMBuck taking an HC position and wearing 2 hats with OC duties as well. Not sure this is wise. Maybe Kevin gets the "Asst OC role"... guess teh Bombers didn't offer him OC after all.
Now that coached contracts have expired, no need to ask permission, we can go out and raid anyone not under contract...
Still want Lapo as our OC, sure he can fill out the coaches pretty easy.
I think LaPo declared early on he wasn't interested in returning to coaching this season, but you never know, O-Shea may have had him lined up just in case Buck left. The only two in-house options left, are Marty Costello and Jason Hogan, Brady's favourite RB coach.
Here's a bit of his background.
A Montréal product, Hogan brings a wealth of experience to the Blue Bombers coaching staff, having most recently served as the assistant offensive coordinator, running backs and wide receiver coach with the Université de Montréal Carabins after originally joining the staff in 2018 as quarterbacks coach.
Previous to his days with the Carabins, Hogan spent two years with the Montréal Alouettes, beginning as an offensive quality control coach and then serving as defensive assistant/receivers coach.
Hogan was also the program coordinator of the junior varsity and varsity teams at École secondaire Curé-Antoine-Labelle Loups as well as offensive coordinator for the varsity team.
Hogan also previously worked for the Alouettes as a youth football program coordinator, where he helped organize the Anthony Calvillo Leadership Academy for Quarterbacks as well as serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at College André-Grasset.
Hogan was a member of the Université de Laval Rouge et Or's Vanier Cup win in 2006.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 02, 2025, 06:09:30 PMI disagree that we were over the SMS early. It has never been our mode to over commit when there has to be a budget allowance to cover 1 game IR costs and potential trades or NFL acquisitions. Teams don't spend the entire SMS on day 1.
As it turns out we had very few players on 1 game IR for any length of time. In that regard I'd say we were under any budget provision.
Players that went on 6 game IR went on very early for the most part and were replaced by ELC players. The advance money may have bit us somewhat but IMO we gained ground in ELC replacements.
Example: Not sure what Schoen was scheduled to earn. Lets just say $260K and 1/2 was early money. That still means most of the $130K was protected on 6 game IR and with an ELC player. Note that Whitehead may have been more than an ELC but he also played less games than Schoen missed.
Schoen only played 3 games and Whitehead played 10. Whitehead also served a dual role as the primary returner. That would suggest we gained SMS in that transaction.
Lawson was lost for the entire year and replaced by an ELC choice.
My point was, if we had 2024 $SMS left to use, we would have signed players with it in 2024. It is now 2025, that cap money is gone. Maybe we gave it to Sergio and/or Stanley in signing bonuses.
Players "Added to game roster", ie. signed, since the GC... not sure how many have any guaranteed moeny / signing bonuses
2024-12-27 WPG PIERRE, Marvin LB A Kent State ADD Game Roster
2024-12-10 WPG BRYANT, Stanley OL A East Carolina ADD Game Roster
2024-12-06 WPG KORNELSON, Collin DL N Manitoba ADD Game Roster
2024-12-05 WPG HALL, Jaylen WR A Western Kentucky ADD Game Roster
2024-12-04 WPG JONES, Tony LB A Texas Tech ADD Game Roster
2024-12-04 WPG Walker, Chris OL A Montana ADD Game Roster
2024-12-02 WPG Rogers, Patrick DB A Central Washington ADD Game Roster
2024-12-02 WPG Dandy, Russell DB A Eastern Illinois ADD Game Roster
2024-11-26 WPG Leroux, Ian LS N Laval ADD Game Roster
2024-11-26 WPG Gassama, Abdul-Karim WR N Manitoba ADD Game Roster
2024-11-22 WPG Ogbevoen, Lucky DL G Tirol Raiders (ELF) ADD Game Roster
2024-11-22 WPG HARRIS, Keilahn WR A Oklahoma Baptist ADD Game Roster
2024-11-21 WPG CASTILLO, Sergio K A West Texas A&M ADD Game Roster
Quote from: theaardvark on January 02, 2025, 09:01:08 PMMy point was, if we had 2024 $SMS left to use, we would have signed players with it in 2024. It is now 2025, that cap money is gone. Maybe we gave it to Sergio and/or Stanley in signing bonuses.
Players "Added to game roster", ie. signed, since the GC... not sure how many have any guaranteed moeny / signing bonuses
2024-12-27 WPG PIERRE, Marvin LB A Kent State ADD Game Roster
2024-12-10 WPG BRYANT, Stanley OL A East Carolina ADD Game Roster
2024-12-06 WPG KORNELSON, Collin DL N Manitoba ADD Game Roster
2024-12-05 WPG HALL, Jaylen WR A Western Kentucky ADD Game Roster
2024-12-04 WPG JONES, Tony LB A Texas Tech ADD Game Roster
2024-12-04 WPG Walker, Chris OL A Montana ADD Game Roster
2024-12-02 WPG Rogers, Patrick DB A Central Washington ADD Game Roster
2024-12-02 WPG Dandy, Russell DB A Eastern Illinois ADD Game Roster
2024-11-26 WPG Leroux, Ian LS N Laval ADD Game Roster
2024-11-26 WPG Gassama, Abdul-Karim WR N Manitoba ADD Game Roster
2024-11-22 WPG Ogbevoen, Lucky DL G Tirol Raiders (ELF) ADD Game Roster
2024-11-22 WPG HARRIS, Keilahn WR A Oklahoma Baptist ADD Game Roster
2024-11-21 WPG CASTILLO, Sergio K A West Texas A&M ADD Game Roster
Interesting they let Hubert walk and bring back Kornelson for another try.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 02, 2025, 08:21:58 PMHogan brings a wealth of experience
That's a wealth? Sure, he is an up and comer but a wealth? Not at the CFL level.
Maybe it doesn't bother others but the deafening quiet coming out of Bomberland is pretty concerning to me. Hoping they announce something of quality soon.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 02, 2025, 09:01:08 PMMy point was, if we had 2024 $SMS left to use, we would have signed players with it in 2024. It is now 2025, that cap money is gone. Maybe we gave it to Sergio and/or Stanley in signing bonuses.
Players "Added to game roster", ie. signed, since the GC... not sure how many have any guaranteed moeny / signing bonuses
2024-12-27 WPG PIERRE, Marvin LB A Kent State ADD Game Roster
2024-12-10 WPG BRYANT, Stanley OL A East Carolina ADD Game Roster
2024-12-06 WPG KORNELSON, Collin DL N Manitoba ADD Game Roster
2024-12-05 WPG HALL, Jaylen WR A Western Kentucky ADD Game Roster
2024-12-04 WPG JONES, Tony LB A Texas Tech ADD Game Roster
2024-12-04 WPG Walker, Chris OL A Montana ADD Game Roster
2024-12-02 WPG Rogers, Patrick DB A Central Washington ADD Game Roster
2024-12-02 WPG Dandy, Russell DB A Eastern Illinois ADD Game Roster
2024-11-26 WPG Leroux, Ian LS N Laval ADD Game Roster
2024-11-26 WPG Gassama, Abdul-Karim WR N Manitoba ADD Game Roster
2024-11-22 WPG Ogbevoen, Lucky DL G Tirol Raiders (ELF) ADD Game Roster
2024-11-22 WPG HARRIS, Keilahn WR A Oklahoma Baptist ADD Game Roster
2024-11-21 WPG CASTILLO, Sergio K A West Texas A&M ADD Game Roster
I get your point but disagree based on my comment earlier. Jones would have got an increase. I'm not so sure that Bryant and Castillo would have gotten more. The others were all PR or 2024 draft choices and ELC players. I
As mentioned we may have signed other players but not yet announced them. It would only take 1 or 2 like Holm or Dobson to be signed getting bonus money to use some excess 2024 SMS that could have been available.
If you are correct that we had little SMS left, then I would suggest that was a horribly planned budget going into the season.
We'll see if we get some quick re-signing that might also indicate some bonus money that came out of 2024 SMS.
And we'll see if we went over the SMS when all the calculations are done and fines issued.
I'm with Waffler on this - the lack of signings by the Bombers doesn't instill alot of confidence going forward for me.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 02, 2025, 11:06:19 PMI get your point but disagree based on my comment earlier. Jones would have got an increase. I'm not so sure that Bryant and Castillo would have gotten more. The others were all PR or 2024 draft choices and ELC players. I
As mentioned we may have signed other players but not yet announced them. It would only take 1 or 2 like Holm or Dobson to be signed getting bonus money to use some excess 2024 SMS that could have been available.
If you are correct that we had little SMS left, then I would suggest that was a horribly planned budget going into the season.
We'll see if we get some quick re-signing that might also indicate some bonus money that came out of 2024 SMS.
And we'll see if we went over the SMS when all the calculations are done and fines issued.
Doesn't matter is Sergio or Stanley (or even Jones) got raises, and any 2024 $SMS given to them in bonus is money we don't have to spend out of the 2025 $SMS. They could all have gotten big raises, and we would still have more 2025 $SMS to spend than we did 2024 $SMS
No more signings with 2024 $SMS, though, that's done...
We didn't go over, but did we spend it all?
Quote from: theaardvark on January 03, 2025, 05:50:51 AMNo more signings with 2024 $SMS...
We didn't go over, but did we spend it all?
Quote from: theaardvark on January 03, 2025, 05:50:51 AMDoesn't matter is Sergio or Stanley (or even Jones) got raises, and any 2024 $SMS given to them in bonus is money we don't have to spend out of the 2025 $SMS. They could all have gotten big raises, and we would still have more 2025 $SMS to spend than we did 2024 $SMS
No more signings with 2024 $SMS, though, that's done...
We didn't go over, but did we spend it all?
I really can't understand why people are worried about the lack of signings. We signed three players to likely use up any 2024 budget and then it was Christmas.
Work starts now.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 03, 2025, 05:50:51 AMDoesn't matter is Sergio or Stanley (or even Jones) got raises, and any 2024 $SMS given to them in bonus is money we don't have to spend out of the 2025 $SMS. They could all have gotten big raises, and we would still have more 2025 $SMS to spend than we did 2024 $SMS
No more signings with 2024 $SMS, though, that's done...
We didn't go over, but did we spend it all?
It is true that even without raises for Bryant and Castillo, they could have used excess 2024 SMS as bonus money to reduce their hit in 2025 SMS.
That could have actually reduced their total salary due to the tax advantage for a win win situation. Neither player is a high risk to miss games.
The argument was whether we did or didn't have 2024 SMS left. The re-signings of those 3 players isn't really conclusive that we did or didn't use 2024 SMS or how much was available. You felt we didn't have much and I disagreed.
Quote from: Jesse on January 03, 2025, 12:55:32 PMI really can't understand why people are worried about the lack of signings. We signed three players to likely use up any 2024 budget and then it was Christmas.
Work starts now.
Tell that to the Als that have re-signed about a dozen of their potential free agents. Work starts the day after the Grey Cup.
Would you rather see our list today at 24 or 12? Players could have been re-signed with bonus money due in January etc.
Ultimately as long as the players we want get their names on new deals it will all be good. I'd point out we lost some players in 2024 I thought we wanted: Hardrick, Grant, Bailey, Gray, Walker and Jeffcoat for example.
Did we start to late or was it just time to move on with younger players? Hindsight is always 100%. You can't always get players to agree.
I think It's going to be an interesting season.
I wonder what coaches and players going to Vancouver do for housing, it is pretty expensive there.
I imagine young single guys can share accommodations, but someone with a family.... Probably not.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 03, 2025, 01:57:10 PMTell that to the Als that have re-signed about a dozen of their potential free agents. Work starts the day after the Grey Cup.
Would you rather see our list today at 24 or 12? Players could have been re-signed with bonus money due in January etc.
Ultimately as long as the players we want get their names on new deals it will all be good. I'd point out we lost some players in 2024 I thought we wanted: Hardrick, Grant, Bailey, Gray, Walker and Jeffcoat for example.
Did we start to late or was it just time to move on with younger players? Hindsight is always 100%. You can't always get players to agree.
Perhaps the Als had more space available?
Quote from: theaardvark on January 03, 2025, 05:50:51 AMDoesn't matter is Sergio or Stanley (or even Jones) got raises, and any 2024 $SMS given to them in bonus is money we don't have to spend out of the 2025 $SMS. They could all have gotten big raises, and we would still have more 2025 $SMS to spend than we did 2024 $SMS
No more signings with 2024 $SMS, though, that's done...
We didn't go over, but did we spend it all?
No reason not to spend it all, the team is cash rich and Walters always attempts to spend every last penny and usually goes a bit over. They used to sign a slew of new contracts at the end of each season like the Als have done, but that was before the bigger contracts were awarded to Collaros, Lawler and a few others, so they've lost the ability to save.
Quote from: Jesse on January 03, 2025, 03:26:09 PMPerhaps the Als had more space available?
They might have but not every bonus is part of an early signing situation. Not every player is going to get a big bump in pay either.
If a team has $100K left, that might go to 1 high profile player or 10 players getting $10K each as an example.
We don't see the granularity for all these players getting re-signed. Generally we expect teams have some SMS left and use that up. The key is to not exceed the SMS by any significant amount. Going over by $25K more or less in 2023 was a good result.
I'm not expecting to be out of that type of range for 2024 but that's just a guess.
As I have said we had a low cost against 1 game IR so that should suggest we had some SMS left. We probably gained ground against the 6 game IR as well.
If Schoen's SMS was $260K and $130K was early money, he was still being replaced by an ELC against that $130K balance. Obviously those are just guesstimate kinds of examples. However I think the explanation is reasonable on why I think we had SMS left.
Coach Bourgoin gone to BC.
Bombers have lots of work to do.
Signing players to play in Winnipeg in January is not the easiest sell. I'd bet most of the signings on other teams so far have been players who want to or presently do live in that area. Like Hubert.
We have a good corps re-signed, and I bet the whiteboard in Walters office is already full of plan A, B and C for every position, and during the tampering period, I expect him to be very active, both in feilding matching offers, and throwing out offers to other players.
It will be interesting to see if we can make an OC hire that attracts players.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 03, 2025, 08:47:53 PMSigning players to play in Winnipeg in January is not the easiest sell. I'd bet most of the signings on other teams so far have been players who want to or presently do live in that area. Like Hubert.
We have a good corps re-signed, and I bet the whiteboard in Walters office is already full of plan A, B and C for every position, and during the tampering period, I expect him to be very active, both in feilding matching offers, and throwing out offers to other players.
It will be interesting to see if we can make an OC hire that attracts players.
Have you even looked at our free agent list? We have 3 starting receivers, 3 starting OL, 3 starting DB's, 2 starting LB's and 5 or 6 starting DL as potential free agents. We have 3 players getting NFL tryouts that we may or may not lose. Two are rookies but Ford may not be back regardless of NFL opportunities.
We may get most of them back and we have have other plans in place.
It's an over statement to suggest we have a good corps in place as of today. There are 24 potential free agents.
I'm not overly concerned or overly worried yet, but we won't know the outcome for a few weeks and the 1st week of free agency.
I'd say there are about 12 I think we want and will get to re-sign. A few could go one way or the other
In the tampering window, we will see how desperate other teams are to take our FA's.
Last year, the starters they got Hardrick (dodged that injury bullet) and Houston. And Grant on teams.
We retained Bryant (again), Castillo (again), Oliviera, Schoen, Alexander, Jefferson, Kramdi, our Oline, Lawson, Nichols, Thomas, Wolitarski. All but Castillo before FA started.
No doubt players now want to hear offers, but for the guys Walters wants, and guys with realistic asks, they will be signed before tampering, and guys who don't get Hardeick/Houson offers during tampering, we will sign them too. Schoen/Oliveria signed early in the tampering window...
The rest we re-signed, extended or recruited.
I trust Walters implicitly to give good value offers to our pending free agents. We will lose a couple again, and may have to wait on some with NFL opportunities, but this year, I can see us snagging a player or two.
Having our OC in place, though, would be helpful. That's not as much a Walters thing as it is an MOS thing, with Walters and Miller assisting.
https://www.cfl.ca/fa24/#BOMBERS
I think that players that aren't re-signed before the free agency tampering period tend to move elsewhere. This is not only a Bomber issue. Every team makes an offer they feel is fair and continue to re-sign and spend SMS on somewhat of a 1st come 1st serve basis.
While we might offer Ford $180K today, by the start of free agency we make have decided to spend elsewhere.
We signed Alexander, Schoen and Olivera during the tampering period...
So yeah, the rest either retired or moved on, and we really didn't lose anyone irreplaceable.
Grant is a unique case and can't really be con sidered in this conversation. He's just weird.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 04, 2025, 06:24:30 PMWe signed Alexander, Schoen and Olivera during the tampering period...
So yeah, the rest either retired or moved on, and we really didn't lose anyone irreplaceable.
Grant is a unique case and can't really be con sidered in this conversation. He's just weird.
I beg to differ, both Jeffcoat and Grant proved to be irreplaceable players, their skill level was not fully matched by a single individual.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 04, 2025, 07:21:27 PMI beg to differ, both Jeffcoat and Grant proved to be irreplaceable players, their skill level was not fully matched by a single individual.
We didn't lose Jeffcoat to signing with another team, and Grant, well... is Grant.
We fully expected that one of the DL would step up, but ran into injury issues. So, same as Jeffcoat, but probably cheaper, and we should see some improvement on that this year as they heal up.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 04, 2025, 07:48:29 PMWe didn't lose Jeffcoat to signing with another team, and Grant, well... is Grant.
We fully expected that one of the DL would step up, but ran into injury issues. So, same as Jeffcoat, but probably cheaper, and we should see some improvement on that this year as they heal up.
Disagree again, injuries did not impair any of the replacements performances, not one of them was able to make the consistent impact Jeffcoat could because they are nowhere near as skilled as he was. He was a dominant pass rusher probably better than Willy game to game, his replacement has not yet been found, so they've had to compromise.
ya, we never even came close to replacing Jeffcoat as DE and this should be our #1 priority, as I m not sure we can get a secondary as good as the one we just had--some will pursue NFL opportunities, some other teams etc., so we'll need a bonafide pass rush this year for sure.
Here is the list of the 18 players that have had NFL looks so far. On Monday those players can be made offers if their respective team releases them. 3 Bombers are on that list.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/05/every-cfl-player-to-work-out-with-an-nfl-team-this-offseason/
The BC Lions announced this morning the team has acquired American offensive lineman Dejon Allen in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts.
In return, the Lions send National linebacker Ryder Varga and our round two selection in the 2026 CFL Draft to Toronto.
https://www.bclions.com/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-2023-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman-dejon-allen/ (https://www.bclions.com/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-2023-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman-dejon-allen/)
https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/06/argonauts-agree-to-trade-with-b-c-lions/ (https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/06/argonauts-agree-to-trade-with-b-c-lions/)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS have filled their Defensive Coordinator vacancy; tapping former Toronto Argonauts Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach, and three-time Grey Cup champion William Fields to lead their defence.
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/06/redblacks-name-william-fields-defensive-coordinator/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/06/redblacks-name-william-fields-defensive-coordinator/)
Jason Gregor @JasonGregor
Hearing Mark Kilam's coaching staff with the #Elks has been finalized:
Jordan Maksymic
JC. Sherritt
Stephen Sorrells
Demetrious Maxie
Jason Tucker
Aaron Grymes
Des Catellier
Trysten Dice
#CFL
This is an odd one. At least to me, I never heard of this before.
Mike O'Shea invited on 'mentors trip' with Toronto Maple Leafs
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/winnipeg-blue-bombers-head-coach-mike-oshea-invited-on-mentors-trip-with-toronto-maple-leafs/
Buck Pierce didn't wait.
BC releases DL Pete Robertson.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/b-c-lions-release-dl-pete-robertson/
Quote from: Waffler on January 06, 2025, 11:38:02 PMBuck Pierce didn't wait.
BC releases DL Pete Robertson.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/06/b-c-lions-release-dl-pete-robertson/
Pete Robertson biggest claim to fame was for headbutting Zach, earning himself a suspension when he was a Rider. Wasn't he also with the Elks for a season before moving onto the Lions?
What's happening with Jarious Jackson?
Our next O.C.?
Quote from: markf on January 07, 2025, 04:53:19 PMWhat's happening with Jarious Jackson?
Our next O.C.?
It seems to be the obvious choice, but it's taking forever to get a formal announcement
Quote from: dd on January 07, 2025, 05:36:07 PMIt seems to be the obvious choice, but it's taking forever to get a formal announcement
I'm not sure it's an obvious choice but it's a choice. Do we know who was on the consideration list?
Quote from: dd on January 07, 2025, 05:36:07 PMIt seems to be the obvious choice, but it's taking forever to get a formal announcement
Don't think Jackson is the obvious choice but he's probably the only experienced CFL OC we have left to talk about. With O'Shea on a promotional tour across Canada and free agency opening next month, it seems likely the OC hiring has already happened and the announcement will come as a full rollout of the entire coaching staff.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 06, 2025, 06:32:30 PMThe BC Lions announced this morning the team has acquired American offensive lineman Dejon Allen in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts.
In return, the Lions send National linebacker Ryder Varga and our round two selection in the 2026 CFL Draft to Toronto.
https://www.bclions.com/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-2023-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman-dejon-allen/ (https://www.bclions.com/2025/01/06/lions-acquire-2023-most-outstanding-offensive-lineman-dejon-allen/)
https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/06/argonauts-agree-to-trade-with-b-c-lions/ (https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/06/argonauts-agree-to-trade-with-b-c-lions/)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS have filled their Defensive Coordinator vacancy; tapping former Toronto Argonauts Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach, and three-time Grey Cup champion William Fields to lead their defence.
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/06/redblacks-name-william-fields-defensive-coordinator/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/06/redblacks-name-william-fields-defensive-coordinator/)
Jason Gregor @JasonGregor
Hearing Mark Kilam's coaching staff with the #Elks has been finalized:
Jordan Maksymic
JC. Sherritt
Stephen Sorrells
Demetrious Maxie
Jason Tucker
Aaron Grymes
Des Catellier
Trysten Dice
#CFL
Varga had a very good year. Nice pickup for the Argos.
Jarious Jackson/ Elks offence last season according to https://www.footballdb.com/stats/teamstat.html?group=O&cat=T&yr=2024&lg=CFL
2 in total points
Most rushing yards
Around third passing yards
Second in yards per game.
In an off season, taking over for C. Jones.
Seems like a good fit for Bombers to me. Specially the run game.
To me, he's the obvious choice...only OC available with experience, had impressive offensive stats last year, and has HC experience in the event MOS retires after 2025. What's taking so long??
Argos receiver Makai Polk signs with Atlanta Falcons.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/toronto-argos-receiver-makai-polk-signs-with-atlanta-falcons/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 08, 2025, 01:28:23 PMArgos receiver Makai Polk signs with Atlanta Falcons.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/07/toronto-argos-receiver-makai-polk-signs-with-atlanta-falcons/
Big loss for the Argos, he was a good one.
Chris Jones hired by Bill Belichick as a defensive assistant with the N. Carolina Tar Heels...
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/chris-jones-hired-as-defensive-assistant-by-bill-belichick-with-north-carolina-tar-heels/
Quote from: ModAdmin on January 08, 2025, 07:37:24 PMChris Jones hired by Bill Belichick as a defensive assistant with the N. Carolina Tar Heels...
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/08/chris-jones-hired-as-defensive-assistant-by-bill-belichick-with-north-carolina-tar-heels/
This is astounding.but this explains it:
"Jones has already been working with the Tar Heels staff as Belichick tries to build a winning program for the 2025 season. Freddie Kitchens, who hired Jones as a senior defensive specialist with the Cleveland Browns for the 2019 season, was UNC's offensive coordinator last year and he's expected to stay in that role under Belichick."
Edit
" Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football -- including the Las Vegas Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach about what it would take to make a reunion happen in Las Vegas, per sources."
Quote from: markf on January 08, 2025, 11:05:54 PM" Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football -- including the Las Vegas Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach about what it would take to make a reunion happen in Las Vegas, per sources."
This part surprises me. An article I read a couple weeks ago suggests he wants more power than an owner wants to give.
"The best place to start may be last offseason, after Belichick had finalized his divorce with the Patriots and was seeking another job in the NFL's coaching carousel. Despite his résumé, leaguewide interest in him was tepid, and only the Atlanta Falcons seriously considered hiring him before settling on the 47-year-old Raheem Morris.
This largely came down to power dynamics. Belichick wielded total control of football operations during his tenure with the Patriots"
..."These days, however, most NFL owners aren't willing to give that kind of latitude to a head coach"
https://www.theringer.com/2024/12/12/college-football/bill-belichick-hired-head-coach-university-of-north-carolina-new-england-patriots-nfl-history
I can understand Belichick wanting total control, he has a reputation and brand to protect and doesn't want it tarnished by inferior support staff--he'd want to hire his own and call the shots personnel wise. That's fine when you've won as many championships as he's won. Funny how no bottom dwelling NFL team wanted to take him on and turn their brutal team around, they'd rather stay status quo and suck forever??? The Jets, Jacksonville, Tennesee, they're all good/they don't need Belichick??? They've sucked for so long they wouldn't know what to do with a winning season!! Or maybe it was a case he wanted to take total control over a team that was a contender for the superbowl, and that would be a different story
Elliot Brown released by Elks to pursue NFL opportunities. He's the 3rd NFL option release so far from the CFL.
James Butler released by Hamilton at his request. Nothing mentioned regarding NFL though?
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 09, 2025, 01:38:37 PMElliot Brown released by Elks to pursue NFL opportunities. He's the 3rd NFL option release so far from the CFL.
James Butler released by Hamilton at his request. Nothing mentioned regarding NFL though?
lol. No chance Butler has an NFL opportunity.
Rick Campbell back to Ottawa.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/ottawa-redblacks-to-hire-rick-campbell-as-special-teams-coordinator-report/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 09, 2025, 02:10:33 PMRick Campbell back to Ottawa.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/ottawa-redblacks-to-hire-rick-campbell-as-special-teams-coordinator-report/
Forgot about him, wonder if he would have come to Wpg. for the OC job?
Quote from: Jesse on January 09, 2025, 01:51:10 PMlol. No chance Butler has an NFL opportunity.
Yeah that's not likely but it may mean he wants to catch on with the USFL shortly. He would have been a free agent in 6 weeks or so anyway so he must have some sort of plan.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2025, 04:09:03 PMForgot about him, wonder if he would have come to Wpg. for the OC job?
Hard pass on Milquetoast Rick.
Quote from: Jesse on January 09, 2025, 01:51:10 PMlol. No chance Butler has an NFL opportunity.
Ha, you think Butler has no chance, I had to look up who the heck Elliot Brown was and he's getting a shot!! If Betts couldn't make it, who was the league defensive MVP, what makes Brown think he can??
Quote from: dd on January 09, 2025, 05:27:21 PMHa, you think Butler has no chance, I had to look up who the heck Brown was and he's getting a shot!! If Betts couldn't make it, who was the league defensive MVP, what makes Brown think he can??
Elliot Brown is a good pass rusher similar in style to Willy with his speed moves, they'd make a great set of bookends.
Riders have signed QB Jake Maier.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-qb-jake-maier-to-one-year-contract-for-2025/
Riders have extended special teams tackle leader AJ Allen.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/saskatchewan-roughriders-extend-cfl-special-teams-tackle-leader-a-j-allen/
Lions sign RB James Butler, cut Stanback loose.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/b-c-lions-grant-veteran-rb-william-stanback-early-release/
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/09/b-c-lions-bring-back-rb-james-butler-following-release-from-ticats/
What is Buck smoking out on the left coast, I'd take stanback over Butler any day of the week!!
Stanback signs with RedBlacks.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/ottawa-redblacks-sign-veteran-cfl-rb-william-stanback-sources/
I knew Stanback wouldn't be out of a job long. Ottawa just got alot better, his running and pounding the defense as well as his ability to catch passes out of the backfield will really help Brown and the offense out. Good signing by Ottawa!!
Quote from: dd on January 10, 2025, 03:17:13 PMI knew Stanback wouldn't be out of a job long. Ottawa just got alot better, his running and pounding the defense as well as his ability to catch passes out of the backfield will really help Brown and the offense out. Good signing by Ottawa!!
Agree, Stanback is getting a bit long in the tooth but he's still more effective than James Butler. Good for the Bombers, they won't have to worry about the Lions running game, Butler is easy to shut down.
I always thought Stanback was pretty overrated.
Either way, BC is going to have to shed a bit of money for this season with Rourke earning his full contract now. RB was an easy choice to start the cuts.
I guess a lot of it is how expensive they each are for what they are expected to contribute... with a running QB, is Butler a better blocker than Stanback?
Another Argos salary dump.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/toronto-argonauts-trade-dl-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-for-canadian-lb-cameron-judge/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 10, 2025, 10:40:12 PMAnother Argos salary dump.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/toronto-argonauts-trade-dl-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-for-canadian-lb-cameron-judge/
You think this saves them money?
[edit] It saved them 50-60k. Significant savings, actually.
Quote from: Jesse on January 10, 2025, 05:45:59 PMI always thought Stanback was pretty overrated.
Either way, BC is going to have to shed a bit of money for this season with Rourke earning his full contract now. RB was an easy choice to start the cuts.
BC got rid of Butler a year ago, only now to dump Stanback, who had a pretty decent season for them, for the sake of $60k. They'll regret this when Rourke struggles, and he will struggle again, or worse, gets hurt, and they'll have to rely on the running game to move the ball. Stanback could move the ball for them, Butler can't. He 's an average RB at best. I am enjoying watching BC self destruct, one bogus personnel move after the other.
Quote from: Ridermania on January 10, 2025, 10:40:12 PMAnother Argos salary dump.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/toronto-argonauts-trade-dl-folarin-orimolade-to-calgary-stampeders-for-canadian-lb-cameron-judge/
It may be the conspiracy part of me, but does this set them up to go after Jefferson?
Quote from: Pete on January 11, 2025, 12:41:56 AMIt may be the conspiracy part of me, but does this set them up to go after Jefferson?
Possibly, last time Willy was a FA Pinball wined and dined him and offered about $50k more than Wpg. did. Pinball loves Willy.
Quote from: dd on January 10, 2025, 11:27:16 PMBC got rid of Butler a year ago, only now to dump Stanback, who had a pretty decent season for them, for the sake of $60k. They'll regret this when Rourke struggles, and he will struggle again, or worse, gets hurt, and they'll have to rely on the running game to move the ball. Stanback could move the ball for them, Butler can't. He 's an average RB at best. I am enjoying watching BC self destruct, one bogus personnel move after the other.
Butler left BC in FA after 2022, I think at one time Hamilton made him the highest paid RB in the league.
Quote from: Pete on January 11, 2025, 12:41:56 AMIt may be the conspiracy part of me, but does this set them up to go after Jefferson?
That would be a huge shock to me. I don't think it makes a lot of sense for either side, tbh.
Elks release receiver Dillon Mitchell.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/edmonton-elks-release-american-receiver-dillon-mitchell/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 11, 2025, 01:15:31 PMElks release receiver Dillon Mitchell.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/10/edmonton-elks-release-american-receiver-dillon-mitchell/
Any idea why? Did he get an NFL offer or was he expecting a big raise? Where will he end up I wonder. He has some talent and has remained healthy and productive. Whether he has an attitude issue or is not a good team guy IDK, but a 700 yard receiver might get some looks.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2025, 03:02:13 PMAny idea why? Did he get an NFL offer or was he expecting a big raise? Where will he end up I wonder. He has some talent and has remained healthy and productive. Whether he has an attitude issue or is not a good team guy IDK, but a 700 yard receiver might get some looks.
Biggest reason for these releases is a Jan roster bonus coming due... that'd be my guess
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2025, 03:02:13 PMAny idea why? Did he get an NFL offer or was he expecting a big raise? Where will he end up I wonder. He has some talent and has remained healthy and productive. Whether he has an attitude issue or is not a good team guy IDK, but a 700 yard receiver might get some looks.
Not very surprised, new management looked at his pay vs. performance and decided he wasn't worth it, probably had a bonus due shortly. It'll be interesting to see what they do with Eugene Lewis, he isn't a FA but his salary is still $50k more than any other CFL receiver without exceptional performance, Hervey may attempt to reel him in.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 11, 2025, 03:52:56 PMNot very surprised, new management looked at his pay vs. performance and decided he wasn't worth it, probably had a bonus due shortly. It'll be interesting to see what they do with Eugene Lewis, he isn't a FA but his salary is still $50k more than any other CFL receiver without exceptional performance, Hervey may attempt to reel him in.
Actually Lewis is a pending free agent. So are Mayala and Tevin Jones. That's essentially all of their top receivers.
IIRC Mitchell was earning a lot so this may have been a salary dump. Mitchell was their 4th leading receiver and nearly their 3rd. He was targeted 3rd most on the Elks.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2025, 04:51:30 PMActually Lewis is a pending free agent. So are Mayala and Tevin Jones. That's essentially all of their top receivers.
IIRC Mitchell was earning a lot so this may have been a salary dump. Mitchell was their 4th leading receiver and nearly their 3rd. He was targeted 3rd most on the Elks.
I thought Lewis was a FA too, but checking the list on cfl.ca he isn't listed there.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 11, 2025, 06:35:52 PMI thought Lewis was a FA too, but checking the list on cfl.ca he isn't listed there.
He's on the list? Did you find another list? The main page of CFL.CA list shows him there.
https://www.cfl.ca/official-2025-free-agent-tracker/
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2025, 07:14:37 PMHe's on the list? Did you find another list? The main page of CFL.CA list shows him there.
https://www.cfl.ca/official-2025-free-agent-tracker/
Thanks, not sure how I missed him.
Could you imagine a rec corps of
Lawler
Schoen
Demski
Wolitarski
Lewis
Yikes... I'd say "Yes please"
His price tag has got to come down to be considered in our lineup, he got a ridiculous amount of money last year and was all but invisible. We already have Lawler, Schoen and Demski chewing up the bulk of our reciever salary, I don't think Lewis could fit in our budget.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 11, 2025, 08:30:27 PMCould you imagine a rec corps of
Lawler
Schoen
Demski
Wolitarski
Lewis
Yikes... I'd say "Yes please"
Well, that would be a dumb waste of resources, lol.
Elks sign Jonathan Kongbo.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/12/edmonton-elks-sign-refocused-canadian-dl-jonathan-kongbo/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 12, 2025, 04:21:42 PMElks sign Jonathan Kongbo.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/12/edmonton-elks-sign-refocused-canadian-dl-jonathan-kongbo/
Interesting considering Hervey is one of the guys Kongbo couldn't reach agreement with in Hamilton.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 12, 2025, 07:24:51 PMInteresting considering Hervey is one of the guys Kongbo couldn't reach agreement with in Hamilton.
I guess that is part of the "refocused" comment...
Riders re-sign Malik Carney.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/scooped-up-saskatchewan-roughriders-re-sign-dl-malik-carney/
Als sign MBT.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/we-will-get-something-done-jason-maas-confident-alouettes-will-extend-qb-mcleod-bethel-thompson/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 13, 2025, 04:53:39 PMAls sign MBT.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/we-will-get-something-done-jason-maas-confident-alouettes-will-extend-qb-mcleod-bethel-thompson/
An underappreciated QB, I predict he'll win the Als some games and eventually they'll question the faith they've put in Davis Alexander.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/im-going-to-fing-bring-it-in-edmonton-elks-mark-kilam-puts-cfl-on-notice/
"You have to ask the people that made the decision in Calgary, that's out of my control. I can tell you I'm going to f***ing bring it in Edmonton — I can tell you that right now. You can print that," Kilam said.
Why would a coach feel he has to say that to the media? Would he not be expected to "bring it" when he was hired? Of course he'll give max effort like every other head coach in the league. He'll circle the Calgary games on the calendar. We knew this already. Maybe some fans want to hear this but to me it's empty bravado, trash talk. Honestly makes me wonder if this is the right hire. We'll see.
Mr. K. not holding back.
Stumps are taking a lot of punches to the head this off-season.
Quote from: markf on January 13, 2025, 07:31:21 PMMr. K. not holding back.
Stumps are taking a lot of punches to the head this off-season.
Self inflicted wounds for the most part.
I can't imagine a coach with a shorter leash than Dickie. But as GM and HC, who fires him? And who replaces him?
LB Jameer Thurman signs 2 year contract with the Riders.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/two-years-for-jameer-saskatchewan-roughriders-extend-lb-thurman-through-2026/
Quote from: Waffler on January 13, 2025, 06:43:44 PMhttps://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/im-going-to-fing-bring-it-in-edmonton-elks-mark-kilam-puts-cfl-on-notice/
"You have to ask the people that made the decision in Calgary, that's out of my control. I can tell you I'm going to f***ing bring it in Edmonton — I can tell you that right now. You can print that," Kilam said.
It's a statement fueled by a franchise that promised him the big hat and not only welched on the at promised but stunk the joint out in the process. To me,the stamps quit on Dickie this past season and I hope that misery continues this year and the elks will no doubt 'bring it' this year
Quote from: Waffler on January 13, 2025, 06:43:44 PMhttps://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/im-going-to-fing-bring-it-in-edmonton-elks-mark-kilam-puts-cfl-on-notice/
"You have to ask the people that made the decision in Calgary, that's out of my control. I can tell you I'm going to f***ing bring it in Edmonton — I can tell you that right now. You can print that," Kilam said.
Why would a coach feel he has to say that to the media? Would he not be expected to "bring it" when he was hired? Of course he'll give max effort like every other head coach in the league. He'll circle the Calgary games on the calendar. We knew this already. Maybe some fans want to hear this but to me it's empty bravado, trash talk. Honestly makes me wonder if this is the right hire. We'll see.
Feels like a standard rah rah speech from a new coach.
Quote from: Jesse on January 14, 2025, 01:36:47 AMFeels like a standard rah rah speech from a new coach.
With a little added flavour of renewed hostilities in the Battle of Alberta.
He doesn't have much to lose.
He's paid his dues as has Buck.
Bobby Dyce has more lives than a cat.
Maccococho is a study in how to be a CFL professional.
Don't burn any bridges, be comoetant as an employee, and work hard. Pretty similar to other people. Who are god at their jobs. That included the Bombers who also a study in how to do it.
Stamps made some pretty goofy choices from management, that have nit worked out. Whereas Argos cut. All their stars, and they re surface a couple years. Later as the nest. Defense wins. championships.
I wonder though, about the burnt bridge he just incinerated.
The chances that CGY has a new HC next year feels like 95% now, 110% if they miss the playoffs. If he had a good year in Edm, would he want to go home to CGY in a completely overhauled management group?
I guess that bridge isn't burned, as he's attacking the current regime, not the team or the city...
Quote from: theaardvark on January 14, 2025, 03:39:08 PMI wonder though, about the burnt bridge he just incinerated.
The chances that CGY has a new HC next year feels like 95% now, 110% if they miss the playoffs. If he had a good year in Edm, would he want to go home to CGY in a completely overhauled management group?
I guess that bridge isn't burned, as he's attacking the current regime, not the team or the city...
Killam gets to be HC now with another team. I doubt he cares about bridge-burning with a fresh start in Edmonton.
Dickenson's demise is fun to watch; he can't see past his own hubris.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 14, 2025, 03:39:08 PMI wonder though, about the burnt bridge he just incinerated.
The chances that CGY has a new HC next year feels like 95% now, 110% if they miss the playoffs. If he had a good year in Edm, would he want to go home to CGY in a completely overhauled management group?
I guess that bridge isn't burned, as he's attacking the current regime, not the team or the city...
In what situation could he leave his contract in Edmonton to go back to Calgary next year?
And again, what bridges did he burn? He didn't say anything wrong.
Quote from: Jesse on January 14, 2025, 07:31:20 PMIn what situation could he leave his contract in Edmonton to go back to Calgary next year?
And again, what bridges did he burn? He didn't say anything wrong.
Agree, it's just 3DN trying to stir up some controversy where none exists.
Khari Jones - New QB Coach.......at UBC.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/14/longtime-cfl-player-coach-khari-jones-joins-ubc-thunderbirds-as-qb-coach/
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 14, 2025, 03:55:58 PMKillam gets to be HC now with another team. I doubt he cares about bridge-burning with a fresh start in Edmonton.
Dickenson's demise is fun to watch; he can't see past his own hubris.
Here's Dave's response to Killam, has to stick the knife in......he just seems like an unlikeable person.
"I don't know why it happened like it did — Mark's been up for many, many head coaching jobs and he wasn't chosen"
Obnoxious thing to say about a guy who was loyal for decades.
I too would be happy to see Dave gone from the league.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/13/our-organizations-in-good-shape-dave-dickenson-defends-against-calgary-stampeders-critics/
Ottawa has extended Dru Brown through the 2026 season.
There were a handful of posters who were hopeful that Brown would return to Winnipeg in 2026. That window just closed.
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/15/dru-brown-extends-with-redblacks-through-2026/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/15/dru-brown-extends-with-redblacks-through-2026/)
Quote from: Stats Junkie on January 15, 2025, 03:59:10 PMOttawa has extended Dru Brown through the 2026 season.
There were a handful of posters who were hopeful that Brown would return to Winnipeg in 2026. That window just closed.
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/15/dru-brown-extends-with-redblacks-through-2026/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/15/dru-brown-extends-with-redblacks-through-2026/)
2027 it is! ;)
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2025, 04:01:23 PM2027 it is! ;)
This just means that Zach's staying around for an extra year.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2025, 04:01:23 PM2027 it is! ;)
If he had any desire to return, he would not have extended. He is a RedBlack now.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 16, 2025, 12:46:43 AMIf he had any desire to return, he would not have extended. He is a RedBlack now.
::)
Elks release CDN. punter Jake Julien for NFL.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/15/edmonton-elks-release-canadian-punter-jake-julien-to-pursue-nfl/
Andrew Harris is now a Rider coach.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/20/riders-hire-former-bombers-star-andrew-harris-as-running-backs-coach/
For me he'll be the enemy as all Riders are, until he leaves.
I thought Harris was going to coach Jr football in BC?
Guessing the AJ Obuilette connection came into play....
Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2025, 02:53:43 PMI thought Harris was going to coach Jr football in BC?
Guessing the AJ Obuilette connection came into play....
Not just coach, but run the whole program. I had heard he was looking to get back into the CFL. I think he will do well.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 20, 2025, 03:12:11 PMNot just coach, but run the whole program. I had heard he was looking to get back into the CFL. I think he will do well.
Strange, I thought he had a lot of things going on career wise, surprised a lowly coaching job would be on his radar. Wish him luck, he's now "one of them".
The CFL winter meetings happened last week, no fanfare, no announcements, nothing to chew on or debate, done as stealthy as possible I suppose. The league needs a new band leader, having a lame-duck commissioner it seems nobody else is willing to step up and blow the horn.
Quote from: Waffler on January 20, 2025, 02:24:53 PMAndrew Harris is now a Rider coach.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/20/riders-hire-former-bombers-star-andrew-harris-as-running-backs-coach/
For me he'll be the enemy as all Riders are, until he leaves.
Techno gonna have a meltdown over this
Play for the Argos, and then coach for the Riders? But he retired as a Bomber, right? I'm not sure how to process this.
Quote from: bluengold204 on January 20, 2025, 05:22:53 PMTechno gonna have a meltdown over this
He's busy reviewing all of Harris' career carries on the PVR.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2025, 05:32:12 PMPlay for the Argos, and then coach for the Riders? But he retired as a Bomber, right? I'm not sure how to process this.
Unlikely the Bombers offered him a job with the remains of Buck's crew still under contract.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2025, 06:01:36 PMUnlikely the Bombers offered him a job with the remains of Buck's crew still under contract.
I am surprised Buck didn't offer him a job in BC.
Quote from: Waffler on January 20, 2025, 02:24:53 PMAndrew Harris is now a Rider coach.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/20/riders-hire-former-bombers-star-andrew-harris-as-running-backs-coach/
For me he'll be the enemy as all Riders are, until he leaves.
And just like that, Rider Nation becomes fans of Andrew Harris.
This is gross.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 20, 2025, 06:16:50 PMI am surprised Buck didn't offer him a job in BC.
Didn't Buck take his RB coach with him?
Walters comment on Bighill from last weeks Jeff Hamilton FP article.
4) Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea, when asked about Adam Bighill's future in Winnipeg, noted some of those conversations might still need to be had. I've been told that Bighill won't be offered a contract ahead of free agency, putting his CFL future in a bit of doubt. Bighill has been a staple on Winnipeg's defence, spending half of his 12 CFL seasons with the Blue and Gold, winning two of his three Most Outstanding Defensive Player awards (2019,2021) on the Prairies. Bighill is 36 and is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in the Labour Day Classic. The Bombers have also signed Tony Jones, who played admirably in relief of Bighill last season. Bighill vowed to return to playing when asked during Grey Cup week, so we'll have to wait and see how this plays out.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2025, 06:01:36 PMUnlikely the Bombers offered him a job with the remains of Buck's crew still under contract.
We have spots available. And an RB coach is an entry level job (the same way we started Buck). If we didn't offer him a job it's because we don't want him here, imo.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2025, 04:41:44 PMStrange, I thought he had a lot of things going on career wise, surprised a lowly coaching job would be on his radar. Wish him luck, he's now "one of them".
I think these are mostly partnerships and/or passive business investments/involvements made off his then-fame, which I'm sure has quickly dissipated having not really been relevant since 2021 when he was last with us. This will be his day-to-day.
AH33 is a very polarizing character. There is no doubt that he had massive talent and a very high compete level. But he also had a mercurial personality, and things like not subjecting himself to a physical and then signing in Toronto does not scream a leadership mentality.
No doubt he brought 100% to the field, and his athletic efforts was witnessed on every play. If that was what was needed in a coaching or executive role, no one better.
While O'Shea had that passion and drive on the field too, you can see a completely different side of him as a coach. I guess we will find out if AH33 has coaching chops to match his playing skills.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2025, 06:22:56 PMWalters comment on Bighill from last weeks Jeff Hamilton FP article.
4) Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea, when asked about Adam Bighill's future in Winnipeg, noted some of those conversations might still need to be had. I've been told that Bighill won't be offered a contract ahead of free agency, putting his CFL future in a bit of doubt. Bighill has been a staple on Winnipeg's defence, spending half of his 12 CFL seasons with the Blue and Gold, winning two of his three Most Outstanding Defensive Player awards (2019,2021) on the Prairies. Bighill is 36 and is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in the Labour Day Classic. The Bombers have also signed Tony Jones, who played admirably in relief of Bighill last season. Bighill vowed to return to playing when asked during Grey Cup week, so we'll have to wait and see how this plays out.
Very interesting. Absolutely loved his contribution to the Bombers over the years but surely Biggie is at the end of his professional playing career. Great athleticism to go along with a great motor and work ethic. If this is the end for Biggie I wish him all the best. The man was a beast!
Quote from: J5V on January 21, 2025, 02:10:08 AMVery interesting. Absolutely loved his contribution to the Bombers over the years but surely Biggie is at the end of his professional playing career. Great athleticism to go along with a great motor and work ethic. If this is the end for Biggie I wish him all the best. The man was a beast!
Keep in mind Bighill will not be ready for the start of the season, so Walters has no pressure to get a deal done before TC and has time to make Bighill a delayed offer if he wants as long as no other team takes a flyer on him in FA.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 20, 2025, 06:19:13 PMAnd just like that, Rider Nation becomes fans of Andrew Harris.
This is gross.
A few heads will definitely explode, Harris getting busted for PEDs was the best thing that happened to Rider fans since their
last Grey Cup win all the way back in 2013
Jeff Hamilton writing about Harris in the Free Press..
Harris noted a few times during his media conference the Riders were
the ones to offer him a job, adding he had spoken to a few teams in
the process. What he didn't say was he attempted to contact the
Bombers but his calls were not returned.
It's unclear why the Bombers were seemingly uninterested in adding
to their coaching staff someone as decorated as Harris...
Part of it would certainly be that the Bombers already have a quality
running backs coach in Jason Hogan, who has done an admirable job with
Harris's replacement, Brady Oliveira. Oliveira, who has talked
glowingly about his relationship with Hogan...
Part of it could be a lack of trust between Harris and Bombers head
coach Mike O'Shea that first arose when Harris showed up to training
camp out of shape ahead of the 2021 season. With Oliveira ready to
take on a bigger role the following year, the transition from one
Winnipeg-born tailback to another led to a messy breakup between the
Bombers and Harris, who was given a low-ball offer at the 11th hour
before eventually signing with the Argos.
Lions Bo Lokombo retires.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/21/canadian-lb-bo-lokombo-retires-after-10-seasons-in-cfl/
Quote from: Waffler on January 21, 2025, 03:20:48 PMPart of it would certainly be that the Bombers already have a quality
running backs coach in Jason Hogan, who has done an admirable job with
Harris's replacement, Brady Oliveira. Oliveira, who has talked
glowingly about his relationship with Hogan...
This has to be (or should be) the main reason. Hogan's an excellent RB coach.
Quote from: Waffler on January 21, 2025, 03:20:48 PMJeff Hamilton writing about Harris in the Free Press..
Harris noted a few times during his media conference the Riders were
the ones to offer him a job, adding he had spoken to a few teams in
the process. What he didn't say was he attempted to contact the
Bombers but his calls were not returned.
It's unclear why the Bombers were seemingly uninterested in adding
to their coaching staff someone as decorated as Harris...
Part of it would certainly be that the Bombers already have a quality
running backs coach in Jason Hogan, who has done an admirable job with
Harris's replacement, Brady Oliveira. Oliveira, who has talked
glowingly about his relationship with Hogan...
Part of it could be a lack of trust between Harris and Bombers head
coach Mike O'Shea that first arose when Harris showed up to training
camp out of shape ahead of the 2021 season. With Oliveira ready to
take on a bigger role the following year, the transition from one
Winnipeg-born tailback to another led to a messy breakup between the
Bombers and Harris, who was given a low-ball offer at the 11th hour
before eventually signing with the Argos.
Without an OC in place the Bombers shouldn't be hiring assistants for him. Love Harris but the next two players in line to be offered entry level coaching positions should be Biggie and BA, if they're interested in pursuing that career option.
Quote from: Waffler on January 21, 2025, 03:20:48 PMJeff Hamilton writing about Harris in the Free Press..
he attempted to contact the
Bombers but his calls were not returned.
Was surprised to read that this morning. Calling back with a polite "no thank-you we have no position for you at the moment" would be proper business etiquette, especially for a high profile Bomber alum like Harris.
Not returning his calls? I'm skeptical. The Bombers don't operate that way.
Or there's more to the break-up story and their relationship with Harris then we have been privy to.
Wow.
We are the river city, and have so many bridges here, but AH33 seems intent of burning them all.
Not sure how many coaches are hired after "attempting to make contact" with a team. Pretty sure its unsurprisingly near zero.
Like when he chose to not come in for a physical in order to get a contract offer.
If he wanted a job with the Bombers, waiting for a phone call to be returned is probably not the optimal way to go about it. He knows where the office is, how about dropping in with a resume?
But, like Pinball, the Riders saw an opportunity and took it, and I have no doubt if Ouilette is the RB, he should be a good fit.
AH33 is proud and passionate, and I get that his ego can be easily bruised. I'd just prefer if he didn't bash the Bombers so much.
Quote from: gordo on January 21, 2025, 04:52:18 PMWas surprised to read that this morning. Calling back with a polite "no thank-you we have no position for you at the moment" would be proper business etiquette, especially for a high profile Bomber alum like Harris.
Not returning his calls? I'm skeptical. The Bombers don't operate that way.
Or there's more to the break-up story and their relationship with Harris then we have been privy to.
Unfortunately they do, it's been well documented in the past few years they don't do a good enough job communicating with players entering free agency keeping them informed of their status in the broad picture, which leads to miscommunication and frustration on behalf of the players.
Quote from: Waffler on January 21, 2025, 03:20:48 PMJeff Hamilton writing about Harris in the Free Press..
Harris noted a few times during his media conference the Riders were
the ones to offer him a job, adding he had spoken to a few teams in
the process. What he didn't say was he attempted to contact the
Bombers but his calls were not returned.
It's unclear why the Bombers were seemingly uninterested in adding
to their coaching staff someone as decorated as Harris...
Part of it would certainly be that the Bombers already have a quality
running backs coach in Jason Hogan, who has done an admirable job with
Harris's replacement, Brady Oliveira. Oliveira, who has talked
glowingly about his relationship with Hogan...
Part of it could be a lack of trust between Harris and Bombers head
coach Mike O'Shea that first arose when Harris showed up to training
camp out of shape ahead of the 2021 season. With Oliveira ready to
take on a bigger role the following year, the transition from one
Winnipeg-born tailback to another led to a messy breakup between the
Bombers and Harris, who was given a low-ball offer at the 11th hour
before eventually signing with the Argos.
I can understand why the Bombers didn't return his call for a number of reasons, the Bombers are set at that coaching position and why rock the boat. Sad it couldn't have ended better for him, but he made his own bed on this one.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2025, 05:23:42 PMUnfortunately they do, it's been well documented in the past few years they don't do a good enough job communicating with players entering free agency keeping them informed of their status in the broad picture, which leads to miscommunication and frustration on behalf of the players.
Well documented by the players who have been moved on from, perhaps.
I take these comments with a grain of salt.
Quote from: Jesse on January 21, 2025, 08:46:05 PMWell documented by the players who have been moved on from, perhaps.
I take these comments with a grain of salt.
Definitely, Harris, Jeffcoat and Bailey come to mind, also failing to get hold of Janarion Grant can't be forgiven.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2025, 08:53:58 PMDefinitely, Harris, Jeffcoat and Bailey come to mind, also failing to get hold of Janarion Grant can't be forgiven.
I think it was Grant who wasn't returning phone calls on that one. I can understand the Bailey scenario, but not the Jeffcoat one, why we didn't offer him a contract and went ahead with the slugs we had at DE is beyond me.
Wpg sun... Jeffcoat interview
It took him a while to get there, though, including one very dark day when he first realized that after 10 years as a pro and six seasons with the Bombers, it was over.
"Yesterday I was really in shock," is how he put it. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't know how to move. I just wanted to sleep. I couldn't. I just tried to process it all."
"It all began with silence from the Bombers.
No doubt they had bigger potential free-agent fish to fry this off-season, but Jeffcoat would have at least liked to hear something.
"I don't think it was handled right," he said. "I understand it's business, nothing personal. But in business there's communication. And there wasn't any communication, really."
Quote from: markf on January 22, 2025, 12:52:51 AM"I don't think it was handled right," he said. "I understand it's business, nothing personal. But in business there's communication. And there wasn't any communication, really."
What does that even mean? It's pretty ambiguous. Much in the same vein as with Harris and Bailey.
This whole narrative regarding the lack of communication by the WFC with a few players seems feeble at best. And there's no documentation to speak of; it's just vague statements to the media from what seem like a few jilted former players.
FWIW, I do think they dropped the ball with Grant. He should've been re-signed, IMO.
So, when the club communicates with a player they do not have plans for (Bailey), they get slagged. When the team doesn't communicate with a player they do not have plans for, they get slagged.
How much is the proper response?
When I get an unsolicited sales call or email, unless it is very compelling (and those usually end up as fake), I give them zero response. I find that any response, even in the negative, opens up the opportunity for a followup offer/demand. Which wastes more of my time.
If it is a charity, or something armslength but related to my business, I will usually give a polite but cursory response. Most of the time, that ends the inquiry.
Why do players think that they "deserve" consideration? Do they somehow think the team doesn't know who they are, what they can do, what their price ask will be? Do they think a phone call entitles them to an opportunity to plead their case, even though the team has expressed no interest?
The WFC is a very honourable and fair dealing team, with a family dynamic envied around the league. Moving on from a player who was part of that family is often necessary, and at the best of times, difficult.
Has there ever been a case of the team (barring injury or other loss of a player) saying, "Hey, what about so and so, is he still available? Maybe we should give him a call"?
This is a professional organization, they have charts and lists of current roster, prospects on the horizon, past players, other teams potential free agents/cuts. They are tracking hundreds of players at any time, with varying levels of detail on them, and varying levels of interest.
I do not doubt there is a list of "We know these guys, and even at ELC, they do not fit into our plans barring other catastrophic circumstances". Like Bailey/Wilson. Now it doesn't always work out that amazingly well, but decisions like those are part of this game. Had they signed Bailey to even an ELC contract, and Schoen not get hurt, Wilson likely doesn't see the field. And we miss out on a 1000 yard guy on an ELC.
I get that players like Harris, Jeffcoat, Jovon Johnson, Bailey all may "deserve" better, but at what time does unreturned phone calls or "we're not interested at this time" become insufficient in terms of a "break up"? We all know of or been in a messy breakup where one party just doesn't get it that it is over, right? And its not fair that the the party breaking up is subjected to ongoing torment, and eventually derision from the other side.
What is really odd is that after the WFC moved on from Harris, he still came back to retire as a Bomber, and knowing the team and coaches here was surprised that he wasn't pursued for a coaching gig. I wish him well in SSK, I think he fits into their coaching style a lot better than ours. But I really don't think we "missed out on" hiring him, both now and before.
Some players need to be more professional, and when a team decides (rightly or wrongly) that they want to spend their time and capspace elsewhere, maybe its just time to move on.
Fact is we are hearing only one side of the story. Contract negotiations are complex with often dozens of players to deal with. Walters has said as much with offers that have gone out with sometimes no response to them and the player ends up signing with another team. I don't think its as simple as some make it to be. We need two sides of the story and that can be difficult with privacy issues.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 22, 2025, 04:06:19 PMSo, when the club communicates with a player they do not have plans for (Bailey), they get slagged. When the team doesn't communicate with a player they do not have plans for, they get slagged.
How much is the proper response?
When I get an unsolicited sales call or email, unless it is very compelling (and those usually end up as fake), I give them zero response. I find that any response, even in the negative, opens up the opportunity for a followup offer/demand. Which wastes more of my time.
If it is a charity, or something armslength but related to my business, I will usually give a polite but cursory response. Most of the time, that ends the inquiry.
Why do players think that they "deserve" consideration? Do they somehow think the team doesn't know who they are, what they can do, what their price ask will be? Do they think a phone call entitles them to an opportunity to plead their case, even though the team has expressed no interest?
The WFC is a very honourable and fair dealing team, with a family dynamic envied around the league. Moving on from a player who was part of that family is often necessary, and at the best of times, difficult.
Has there ever been a case of the team (barring injury or other loss of a player) saying, "Hey, what about so and so, is he still available? Maybe we should give him a call"?
This is a professional organization, they have charts and lists of current roster, prospects on the horizon, past players, other teams potential free agents/cuts. They are tracking hundreds of players at any time, with varying levels of detail on them, and varying levels of interest.
I do not doubt there is a list of "We know these guys, and even at ELC, they do not fit into our plans barring other catastrophic circumstances". Like Bailey/Wilson. Now it doesn't always work out that amazingly well, but decisions like those are part of this game. Had they signed Bailey to even an ELC contract, and Schoen not get hurt, Wilson likely doesn't see the field. And we miss out on a 1000 yard guy on an ELC.
I get that players like Harris, Jeffcoat, Jovon Johnson, Bailey all may "deserve" better, but at what time does unreturned phone calls or "we're not interested at this time" become insufficient in terms of a "break up"? We all know of or been in a messy breakup where one party just doesn't get it that it is over, right? And its not fair that the the party breaking up is subjected to ongoing torment, and eventually derision from the other side.
What is really odd is that after the WFC moved on from Harris, he still came back to retire as a Bomber, and knowing the team and coaches here was surprised that he wasn't pursued for a coaching gig. I wish him well in SSK, I think he fits into their coaching style a lot better than ours. But I really don't think we "missed out on" hiring him, both now and before.
Some players need to be more professional, and when a team decides (rightly or wrongly) that they want to spend their time and capspace elsewhere, maybe its just time to move on.
What you fail to recognize is poor communication adds to the stress a player goes through between contracts, they are literally between jobs that sustain their livelihood with no sense of where they are going to end up. Much worse if they have a family to support. A professionally trained personnel manager understands this scenario and is equipped to addresses it head on, as communicating well in all situations is a huge part of that job.
I'd suggest it's past time for the Bombers to move on from the overgrown ball boy they've given the job to for life and hire a qualified professional. It's a bizarre coincidence Wade Miller still runs one of the biggest staffing agency in Wpg!
Quote from: theaardvark on January 22, 2025, 04:06:19 PMSo, when the club communicates with a player they do not have plans for (Bailey), they get slagged. When the team doesn't communicate with a player they do not have plans for, they get slagged.
How much is the proper response?
When I get an unsolicited sales call or email, unless it is very compelling (and those usually end up as fake), I give them zero response. I find that any response, even in the negative, opens up the opportunity for a followup offer/demand. Which wastes more of my time.
If it is a charity, or something armslength but related to my business, I will usually give a polite but cursory response. Most of the time, that ends the inquiry.
Why do players think that they "deserve" consideration? Do they somehow think the team doesn't know who they are, what they can do, what their price ask will be? Do they think a phone call entitles them to an opportunity to plead their case, even though the team has expressed no interest?
The WFC is a very honourable and fair dealing team, with a family dynamic envied around the league. Moving on from a player who was part of that family is often necessary, and at the best of times, difficult.
Has there ever been a case of the team (barring injury or other loss of a player) saying, "Hey, what about so and so, is he still available? Maybe we should give him a call"?
This is a professional organization, they have charts and lists of current roster, prospects on the horizon, past players, other teams potential free agents/cuts. They are tracking hundreds of players at any time, with varying levels of detail on them, and varying levels of interest.
I do not doubt there is a list of "We know these guys, and even at ELC, they do not fit into our plans barring other catastrophic circumstances". Like Bailey/Wilson. Now it doesn't always work out that amazingly well, but decisions like those are part of this game. Had they signed Bailey to even an ELC contract, and Schoen not get hurt, Wilson likely doesn't see the field. And we miss out on a 1000 yard guy on an ELC.
I get that players like Harris, Jeffcoat, Jovon Johnson, Bailey all may "deserve" better, but at what time does unreturned phone calls or "we're not interested at this time" become insufficient in terms of a "break up"? We all know of or been in a messy breakup where one party just doesn't get it that it is over, right? And its not fair that the the party breaking up is subjected to ongoing torment, and eventually derision from the other side.
What is really odd is that after the WFC moved on from Harris, he still came back to retire as a Bomber, and knowing the team and coaches here was surprised that he wasn't pursued for a coaching gig. I wish him well in SSK, I think he fits into their coaching style a lot better than ours. But I really don't think we "missed out on" hiring him, both now and before.
Some players need to be more professional, and when a team decides (rightly or wrongly) that they want to spend their time and capspace elsewhere, maybe its just time to move on.
I don't know what the full story is with some of these players. But this is a pretty homer take on things.
It's hard to read your statement that we have a
"honourable and fair dealing team, with a family dynamic envied around the league" but also see you say
"Why do players think that they "deserve" consideration?"Those statements seem opposed to one another.
If you want to say "we're a family", you do have to have those tough conversations and if they are leaving long standing players hanging on the vine without any communication, the family comments should rightfully get slagged. If players are messaging the club and being ignored; that's business sometimes...but it ain't a family.
If agents are being told by the club that the team can't make any promises and that things have to unfold and we'll see, and players aren't hearing that message, then it's a whole other thing. But again, if you want to make those "family" and "respect" and "honorable" comments about your organization, then the players absolutely deserve consideration.
When it's over it's over.
At some time you have to move on.
Could we have had one more season from those guys? Yes, I believe so.
However, is one season at a higher price, better than a lower priced guy, for potentially many more?
Does anyone really think schoen, Strev, biggie will be around in 2025 or 26. Get it while you can.
We will probably see this in the future. Or if it were me, I'd bring back all those guys. Pay em whatever. The Provincial government has previously picked up deficits. That's who we are , a socialist government run by non accountable politicians. I mean even the ones that were there resigned in astonishment at the irresponsible, smirking leadership, of members who are at best vague. Short term gain, for long term pain for the grandchildren who will receive the gift of debt, disrepair, and out and out closures.
Quote from: Jesse on January 22, 2025, 07:21:41 PMI don't know what the full story is with some of these players. But this is a pretty homer take on things.
It's hard to read your statement that we have a "honourable and fair dealing team, with a family dynamic envied around the league" but also see you say "Why do players think that they "deserve" consideration?"
Those statements seem opposed to one another.
If you want to say "we're a family", you do have to have those tough conversations and if they are leaving long standing players hanging on the vine without any communication, the family comments should rightfully get slagged. If players are messaging the club and being ignored; that's business sometimes...but it ain't a family.
If agents are being told by the club that the team can't make any promises and that things have to unfold and we'll see, and players aren't hearing that message, then it's a whole other thing. But again, if you want to make those "family" and "respect" and "honorable" comments about your organization, then the players absolutely deserve consideration.
Those statements are not opposed. You can have a respectful family organization while not keeping every player you've ever signed.
Some of the players that have said they felt "disrespected" have never played again. Some got deals elsewhere, but proved that the WFC had made the proper decision to move on. And occasionally, a player has a year or two more good years.
How much hand holding and consolation does a team need to provide a player once they've decided to move on? Do players/agents not understand when a "call is not returned" what that means? Anyone who has ever been in the dating pool understands what that message is.
I m not sure what happened in the Jeffcoat situation and why we didn't reach out and offer him a contract, but we didn't replace the talent lost by not signing him and our pass rush suffered immensely. We had a killer rush with JJ and WJ at the ends. Without JJ, we had a below average rush at best. Also, if Jeffcoat wanted to continue playing football, it's funny he didn't sign with another team.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 22, 2025, 10:24:21 PMThose statements are not opposed. You can have a respectful family organization while not keeping every player you've ever signed.
Some of the players that have said they felt "disrespected" have never played again. Some got deals elsewhere, but proved that the WFC had made the proper decision to move on. And occasionally, a player has a year or two more good years.
How much hand holding and consolation does a team need to provide a player once they've decided to move on? Do players/agents not understand when a "call is not returned" what that means? Anyone who has ever been in the dating pool understands what that message is.
Seems like a painless way to get rid of Bighill, how would you feel if the Bombers just ghosted him? His situation isn't much different than Jeffcoat's, except Biggie is 3 years older and missed half seasons at a time due to serious injuries a number of times instead of a few games here and there due to maintenance.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 23, 2025, 04:35:36 PMSeems like a painless way to get rid of Bighill, how would you feel if the Bombers just ghosted him?
Has the WFC ever actually ghosted one of its players? Nah. So, the what if game seems a bit silly here.
We never got the full story on Jeffcoat; just his side.
I am sure the subject of next year is discussed in the player exit interviews or if not, the player has the opportunity to ask where he stands with the club vs say nothing and wait for a phone call. And if your phone call never came, you have an agent, have him inquire, and if no calls are returned, call other teams to see if you can catch on. But I agree with the players on this, it seems classless if after a number of seasons, the team doesn't have the decency to thank you for your service and wish you well, but 'we're going in another direction' speil. But again, we're only hearing one side of this conversation
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 23, 2025, 05:30:50 PMHas the WFC ever actually ghosted one of its players? Nah. So, the what if game seems a bit silly here.
We never got the full story on Jeffcoat; just his side.
What do you call it when they don't return phone calls from former employees? Andrew Harris said the same a few days ago, what mega-mind decides a call from Andrew Harris is not worthy of returning? To note, this is not the job of the GM, they have a specific person on staff to handle player relations.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 23, 2025, 06:03:05 PMWhat do you call it when they don't return phone calls from former employees? Andrew Harris said the same a few days ago, what mega-mind decides a call from Andrew Harris is not worthy of returning? To note, this is not the job of the GM, they have a specific person on staff to handle player relations.
Hearsay from former players who whined to the media does not constitute proof of ghosting. Or anything salient, for that matter.
Try again.
Is it "ghosting" to not acknowledge an unsolicited approach? I know I get 50 emails a day wanting me to buy website services, and many will send a second or third "Still waiting for your response".
I know that if I respond to any, the number then starts to increase, because they know there is someone on the other end.
If you call, and do not get a response, and then call again, and don't get a response, I'm guessing they are not interested.
Football management is a recruiting business, not a sit and wait for players to approach you. Now, should a coach or player that was of interest to the team were to call, I'm betting they get a returned call.
" If players are messaging the club and being ignored; that's business sometimes...but it ain't a family."
If Jeffcoat or his agent is calling or emailing the team, and the team just doesn't respond... that is simply rude. Being businesslike does not entail being ill mannered.
Jeffcoat was a stalwart.
Quote from: markf on January 23, 2025, 06:44:38 PM" If players are messaging the club and being ignored; that's business sometimes...but it ain't a family."
If Jeffcoat or his agent is calling or emailing the team, and the team just doesn't respond... that is simply rude. Being businesslike does not entail being ill mannered.
Jeffcoat was a stalwart.
There are typically three sides to every story:
- person/party 1's account
- person/party 2's account
- what actually happened
Unless I've missed something, we've only got one side, which is that of the player and made public by the local sports media. And the latter of which strives for catchy quotes and sensationalism to push engagement.
Jeffcoat was a stalwart, no question. He also dealt with numerous injuries during his tenure and missed a significant number of games. All of that would've factored in with regard to ongoing contract renewal negotiations.
The notion that management turned their back on him and ignored his calls - without any other information or context - just flies in the face of how the WFC has operated under this regime.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 23, 2025, 06:33:00 PMIs it "ghosting" to not acknowledge an unsolicited approach? I know I get 50 emails a day wanting me to buy website services, and many will send a second or third "Still waiting for your response".
I know that if I respond to any, the number then starts to increase, because they know there is someone on the other end.
If you call, and do not get a response, and then call again, and don't get a response, I'm guessing they are not interested.
Football management is a recruiting business, not a sit and wait for players to approach you. Now, should a coach or player that was of interest to the team were to call, I'm betting they get a returned call.
This is not a fair comparable.
Jeffcoat/Harris/Grant are not unsolicited companies with no ties to the club. They're long standing parts of the "family" who you'd expect to be told if they're in the plans or not.
Again, I have no idea what happened. But if the club is having zero contact with these players then yes, it is ghosting.
Quote from: Jesse on January 23, 2025, 08:19:02 PMAgain, I have no idea what happened. But if the club is having zero contact with these players then yes, it is ghosting.
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't ghosting the act of ignoring someone without explanation?
Quote from: markf on January 23, 2025, 06:44:38 PM" If players are messaging the club and being ignored; that's business sometimes...but it ain't a family."
If Jeffcoat or his agent is calling or emailing the team, and the team just doesn't respond... that is simply rude. Being businesslike does not entail being ill mannered.
Jeffcoat was a stalwart.
We have no idea if they ghosted him, or left it at "We won't be offering you a contract at this time, we will let you know if things change"
I'd be disappointed if I were Jeffcoat and not picked up. But we don't know what his exit interview consisted of, if the team asked for a physical like they did AH33, or some other conditions like off season conditioning. Or, if the team had just decided that they needed to move on with a younger/cheaper/healthier option. We don't know if an incentive laden contract was discussed. Or if any other communication happened.
Quote from: Jesse on January 23, 2025, 08:19:02 PMThis is not a fair comparable.
Jeffcoat/Harris/Grant are not unsolicited companies with no ties to the club. They're long standing parts of the "family" who you'd expect to be told if they're in the plans or not.
Again, I have no idea what happened. But if the club is having zero contact with these players then yes, it is ghosting.
I realize they are not directly comparable, but once the team says "Sorry", are they obligated to return calls? Because that's what it sounds like happened.
In the case of AH33 calling about a coaching spot, we have no idea what the interaction was. Did they say "Sorry, we're set at the moment, thanks for your interest"? Or just not return his call at all (there being no OC, who was he trying to contact?)
Ottawa has been busy
Justin Hardy isn't going anywhere. The Ottawa REDBLACKS have signed their All-CFL receiver, and unanimous 2024 Most Outstanding Player nominee to a one-year contract extension.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS are bringing back one of their most productive offensive players from 2024, re-signing American receiver Bralon Addison through 2025.
Alijah McGhee is returning to Ottawa for a third season, with the REDBLACKS signing the American defensive back to a one-year contract extension.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS have re-signed American quarterback Dustin Crum to a one-year deal.
The Ottawa REDBLACKS are bringing back National defensive lineman, and former Carleton Raven Kene Onyeka for the 2025 season.
It'll be a seventh straight season in the nation's capital for Richie Leone, with the Ottawa REDBLACKS announcing that they have re-signed their star punter through the 2025 season.
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/22/all-cfl-receiver-justin-hardy-re-signs-with-redblacks/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/22/all-cfl-receiver-justin-hardy-re-signs-with-redblacks/)
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/22/redblacks-re-sign-american-receiver-bralon-addison-2/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/22/redblacks-re-sign-american-receiver-bralon-addison-2/)
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/21/redblacks-re-sign-american-defensive-back-alijah-mcghee/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/21/redblacks-re-sign-american-defensive-back-alijah-mcghee/)
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/20/redblacks-re-sign-american-quarterback-dustin-crum/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/20/redblacks-re-sign-american-quarterback-dustin-crum/)
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/21/redblacks-re-sign-national-defensive-lineman-kene-onyeka-2/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/21/redblacks-re-sign-national-defensive-lineman-kene-onyeka-2/)
https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/21/redblacks-re-sign-five-time-all-star-punter-richie-leone/ (https://www.ottawaredblacks.com/2025/01/21/redblacks-re-sign-five-time-all-star-punter-richie-leone/)
Argos news
The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today they have re-signed American WR Damonte Coxie.
https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/22/damonte-coxie-staying-in-toronto/ (https://www.argonauts.ca/2025/01/22/damonte-coxie-staying-in-toronto/)
Riders re-sign Nelson Lokombo.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/24/riders-re-sign-canadian-db-nelson-lokombo/
Riders sign DL Shane Ray.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-super-bowl-grey-cup-winner-shane-ray/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 27, 2025, 04:00:23 PMRiders sign DL Shane Ray.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-super-bowl-grey-cup-winner-shane-ray/
Guessing the Mace connection landed him there...
Stamps release DL Rose and Vaughters. Hmmmm.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/calgary-stampeders-release-starting-dl-mike-rose-james-vaughters/
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2025, 06:14:44 PMStamps release DL Rose and Vaughters. Hmmmm.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/27/calgary-stampeders-release-starting-dl-mike-rose-james-vaughters/
Interesting, wonder what they're planning to replace them with. Always lose betting on the Stamps to regain their footing, but maybe this year they have a plan to back their actions. Anyone think they will make the playoffs?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 27, 2025, 06:19:03 PMInteresting, wonder what they're planning to replace them with. Always lose betting on the Stamps to regain their footing, but maybe this year they have a plan to back their actions. Anyone think they will make the playoffs?
Like most teams today they have about 20 potential free agents. How this works out as to who is lost or is gained in free agency is a TBD.
Any starting point won't be known until the dust settles and draft happens.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 27, 2025, 06:19:03 PMInteresting, wonder what they're planning to replace them with. Always lose betting on the Stamps to regain their footing, but maybe this year they have a plan to back their actions. Anyone think they will make the playoffs?
they have about 20 dl signed already so it looks like they are going to try to save some cap space there, I wouldn't be surprised if they are freeing it up to go after Mcinnis or Eugene Lewis, who both have played with Adams before and had chemistry. Calgarys recieving core needs a big upgrade.
Guessing we will see a lot of releases, with roster bonuses coming due.
Rose is no better than the guys we had here. Pass
Quote from: dd on January 28, 2025, 03:45:15 AMRose is no better than the guys we had here. Pass
Don't know about now, but Rose played at an all-star level for many seasons, Micah Johnson like inside guy. Definitely put up better numbers than any DT currently on staff.
Elks release Boris Bede.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/28/edmonton-elks-release-kicker-boris-bede-ahead-of-offseason-roster-bonus/
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 28, 2025, 04:11:52 PMDon't know about now, but Rose played at an all-star level for many seasons, Micah Johnson like inside guy. Definitely put up better numbers than any DT currently on staff.
In the games we played vs Calgary, I honestly couldn't tell you if he played or not, I don't recall hearing his name called on any plays...that tells me he isn't as effective as you might think.
Quote from: dd on January 28, 2025, 10:57:26 PMIn the games we played vs Calgary, I honestly couldn't tell you if he played or not, I don't recall hearing his name called on any plays...that tells me he isn't as effective as you might think.
Yeah, I think he's done.
Grant extended in TO, so that dream can die now.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/31/argonuats-bring-back-all-cfl-return-man-janarion-grant/
Quote from: dd on January 28, 2025, 03:45:15 AMRose is no better than the guys we had here. Pass
According to Dunk many teams pursuing Rose.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Elks and B.C. Lions pursuing veteran DL Mike Rose.
https://x.com/JDunk12/status/1885406262483181608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1885406262483181608%7Ctwgr%5E669f9ddcaf1cabe64a90a2d7214382343360da7a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.riderfans.com%2Fforum%2Fforum%2Fmain-forum%2F1200376-2025-pending-cfl-free-agent-list%2Fpage35
Quote from: Waffler on January 31, 2025, 06:37:32 PMGrant extended in TO, so that dream can die now.
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/31/argonuats-bring-back-all-cfl-return-man-janarion-grant/
It still chaps my hide they let him get away.
Riders re-sign DB Milligan through 2026 (https://www.cfl.ca/2025/01/31/riders-extend-rolan-milligan-jr-through-2026/)
https://3downnation.com/2025/01/31/b-c-lions-agree-to-restructured-contract-with-canadian-qb-nathan-rourke/
How does bc get away with giving 200k in marketing money to Rourke even on his reworked deal?(His cap hit becomes only 424k)
And why aren't we doing the same with Collaros
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 31, 2025, 06:48:34 PMIt still chaps my hide they let him get away.
I don't think he 'got away', more like left and didn't want to talk to KW or return his phone calls, there's a big difference. If he was at the point where he wouldn't return a phone call, he had his mind made up he wasn't coming back here.
I've let it go, you can't sign players that don't want to sign.
Quote from: Pete on February 01, 2025, 04:15:46 AMHow does bc get away with giving 200k in marketing money to Rourke even on his reworked deal?(His cap hit becomes only 424k)
And why aren't we doing the same with Collaros
That's Rigmaiden calculating the real cost of the promise Doman made to Rourke and rejigging his contract so they're not severely handicapped heading into FA. I hope the league governors gave Doman holy hell at the recent league meetings.
Sask signs Rose.
Quote from: Pete on February 01, 2025, 04:15:46 AMHow does bc get away with giving 200k in marketing money to Rourke even on his reworked deal?(His cap hit becomes only 424k)
And why aren't we doing the same with Collaros
Marketing money should go against the cap....needs to change.
McManis re-signs with Toronto for an anti-climatic start to the day.
Elks are having an impressive start to re-build to their roster today. These additions probably indicate some players from 2024 that won't be re-signed.
Quote from: Ridermania on February 02, 2025, 12:46:19 PMQuote from: Pete on February 01, 2025, 04:15:46 AMHow does bc get away with giving 200k in marketing money to Rourke even on his reworked deal?(His cap hit becomes only 424k)
And why aren't we doing the same with Collaros
Marketing money should go against the cap....needs to change.
Agreed about the Marketing money and I don't know why Kyle isn't taking advantage. Let's see if he does take advantage at some point.
Yikes! Hervey raking them in on opening day. He just stole 1/2 of the vaunted Argo D-Line that smashed the Bombers!
"Within hours of the CFL's legal tampering window opening on Sunday, confirmed reports had the Elks agreeing to terms with six impact free agents. While pen can't be put to paper until free agency officially opens on February 11, it appears that defensive linemen Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, and Jared Brinkman, cornerback Tyrell Ford, offensive lineman David Beard, and receiver Kaion Julien-Grant will all be wearing Green and Gold this year."
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/02/edmonton-elks-gm-ed-hervey-secures-eight-starters-on-opening-day-of-tampering-window-he-inspired/
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 03, 2025, 03:08:41 AMYikes! Hervey raking them in on opening day. He just stole 1/2 of the vaunted Argo D-Line that smashed the Bombers!
"Within hours of the CFL's legal tampering window opening on Sunday, confirmed reports had the Elks agreeing to terms with six impact free agents. While pen can't be put to paper until free agency officially opens on February 11, it appears that defensive linemen Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, and Jared Brinkman, cornerback Tyrell Ford, offensive lineman David Beard, and receiver Kaion Julien-Grant will all be wearing Green and Gold this year."
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/02/edmonton-elks-gm-ed-hervey-secures-eight-starters-on-opening-day-of-tampering-window-he-inspired/
That's massive! Not to be Captain Obvious or anything but that not only improves the Elks but it weakens the Argos. It's going to be an interesting free agency period as we watch were these talented players go.
I just finished rewatching our 2019 Grey Cup victory. It's astounding to realize so many great players have moved on. Andrew Harris, Drew Wolitarsky, Matt Nichols, Rasheed Bailey, Darvin Adams, Jermarcus Hardrick (Yoshi), Jackson Jeffcoat, Adam Bighill, Janarian Grant, Thiadric Hansen, Mercy Maston, Justin Medlock, Winston Rose Jr., and more. Man what a great team that was.
Quote from: J5V on February 03, 2025, 04:11:58 AMI just finished rewatching our 2019 Grey Cup victory. It's astounding to realize so many great players have moved on. Andrew Harris, Drew Wolitarsky, Matt Nichols, Rasheed Bailey, Darvin Adams, Jermarcus Hardrick (Yoshi), Jackson Jeffcoat, Adam Bighill, Janarian Grant, Thiadric Hansen, Mercy Maston, Justin Medlock, Winston Rose Jr., and more. Man what a great team that was.
Yup. It was.
And we've gone back 4 more times to the cup, each time having lost a few of the mentioned players. The Mafia delivers.
Riders sign Tevaughn Campbell.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/03/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-canadian-db-tevaughn-campbell-after-six-year-nfl-run/
Quote from: Ridermania on February 03, 2025, 03:26:01 PMRiders sign Tevaughn Campbell.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/03/saskatchewan-roughriders-sign-canadian-db-tevaughn-campbell-after-six-year-nfl-run/
Sask are signing good vets so far. Elks and Riders, I think may be tough this year.
It's pretty obvious Hervey is tampering prior to "tampering week", he's the guy responsible for the league introducing these measures in 2020. He's also the GM that would announce signings 3 seconds after midnight back in the pre-tampering days when the Elks last won their cup under Jones. Pretty obvious he has disregard for the rules of fair play, the league better keep a sharp eye on the books he keeps.
Agreed that the west is going to be competitive but I'm not very scared of Campbell. He wasn't that good when he left, has played very little since. Riders are smart for picking him up and taking a look but not sure they're going to like what they see.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 03, 2025, 05:14:10 PMIt's pretty obvious Hervey is tampering prior to "tampering week", he's the guy responsible for the league introducing these measures in 2020. He's also the GM that would announce signings 3 seconds after midnight back in the pre-tampering days when the Elks last won their cup under Jones. Pretty obvious he has disregard for fair play rules, the league needs to keep a sharp eye on the books he keeps.
Maybe but he did take action on several players very early.
Just because you spend a lot of money, it doesn't mean your going to have a great team. Ed's purchased big name players before and tried to put the piece together and it didn't work. Time will tell.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 03, 2025, 05:14:10 PMIt's pretty obvious Hervey is tampering prior to "tampering week", he's the guy responsible for the league introducing these measures in 2020. He's also the GM that would announce signings 3 seconds after midnight back in the pre-tampering days when the Elks last won their cup under Jones. Pretty obvious he has disregard for the rules of fair play, the league better keep a sharp eye on the books he keeps.
Pretty sure its impossible not to tamper when you are after a twin... but as its arms length, is it tampering?
If the elks bend, break some rules and as a result the team is revived, I am ok with it.
I thought Tyrell would get an NFL contract. Based on some of the db tackling whiffs I've seen in their current playoffs I don't get it.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 03, 2025, 06:17:35 PMPretty sure its impossible not to tamper when you are after a twin... but as its arms length, is it tampering?
Could be they signed as a package deal? Tre may not have signed unless Hervey also signed Ty, and he may have deferred income to his brother to make it happen. How else do you explain paying a CB so much more than any other DB in the league???
Twins are weird that way.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 03, 2025, 06:37:16 PMCould be they signed as a package deal? Tre may not have signed unless Hervey also signed Ty, and he may have deferred income to his brother to make it happen. How else do you explain paying a CB so much more than any other DB in the league???
Twins are weird that way.
And a QB so much less...
You can sign/spend as much as you want, however your numbers must be accounted for on final countdown roster day.
Elks sign Metchie. That's about 8 or 9 new starters in Edmonton. I guess their potential free agents are looking over their shoulders for new teams. That's a couple of big changes to their starting Canadians.
Eastern teams are losing quite a few good players out west.
EDIT: Now have added K. Williams from Calgary and Rugamba from BC.
It may take awhile to gel but this is the ultimate re-build.
Ottawa signs Lewis. That might put the Elks in the market for Lawler although they've been spending on others like a drunken sailor.
Both Lawler and Dobson have signed with Hamilton!
Riders sign QB Tommy Stevens.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/saskatchewan-roughriders-agree-to-terms-with-qb-tommy-stevens/
Quote from: Ridermania on February 04, 2025, 03:43:20 PMBoth Lawler and Dobson have signed with Hamilton!
Son of a gun. That's not good for Winnipeg.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 04, 2025, 03:48:29 PMSon of a gun. That's not good for Winnipeg.
You'd think someone who's posted that in three separate threads could provide a link at the very least.
Hamilton is going to be called Winnipeg East soon.
Again, not surprising when Goveia went there. Giving his QB targets and protection is important.
Will he retain Dunbar? Have to wonder if he has the budget.
I guess Dobson replaces Beard, still has 2 OL unsigned...
Nearly an hour later and still nothing on Dobson.
Quote from: Ridermania on February 04, 2025, 03:46:22 PMRiders sign QB Tommy Stevens.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/saskatchewan-roughriders-agree-to-terms-with-qb-tommy-stevens/
Dang. I was hoping to get him here as our SY guy.
Quote from: VictorRomano on February 04, 2025, 05:53:50 PMDang. I was hoping to get him here as our SY guy.
Prukop and Strev. still available. I guess with injured players teams don't take a chance on them until they are fully recovered. They can't wait half a season for Strev. to recover, so likely use Wilson or bring Prukop back.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 04, 2025, 07:37:46 PMPrukop and Strev. still available. I guess with injured players teams don't take a chance on them until they are fully recovered. They can't wait half a season for Strev. to recover, so likely use Wilson or bring Prukop back.
Wilson did fine SY, and he's developing as #2. We need an AR and PR QB with potential to become a starter in the league, not a placeholder plug for SY. I'd even like to see us go away from a SY QB, and train up Chris-Ike or Gauthier or even Willie as the SY guy.
Nick Arbuckle stays with the Argos.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/04/toronto-argonauts-re-sign-grey-cup-mvp-nick-arbuckle/
Riders sign Marcus Sayles.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/05/all-cfl-db-marcus-sayles-signs-contract-extension-with-saskatchewan-roughriders/
Potential free agent list is not entirely up to date and accurate. Best I can figure is that the list is down to about 125 players. There are players on the list that could be of interest but need, salary and roster space are considerations. What I mean by that is the final rosters after cut down. No need to bring in 10 veteran DB's if they have no real chance to land on the AR as an example.
At this point we might be down to considering a couple of DL.
On the last list is saw, receiver Lewis? Highest paid receiver from last yr? Was on the free agent list. And still was? Did he sign with anyone?
Quote from: DM83 on February 05, 2025, 08:51:23 PMOn the last list is saw, receiver Lewis? Highest paid receiver from last yr? Was on the free agent list. And still was? Did he sign with anyone?
He signed with the Redblacks.
Interesting. Miles Fox signed a 2 year deal with the TiCats. I guess he had been recruited by Goviea and he liked what he saw?
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 05, 2025, 10:15:51 PMHe signed with the Redblacks.
Interesting. Miles Fox signed a 2 year deal with the TiCats. I guess he had been recruited by Goviea and he liked what he saw?
As I predicted, Haba, Fox, and Garbutt are all gone. Just didn't leave enough mud on the carpet.
O'Shea interview earlier today.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 05, 2025, 10:44:58 PMAs I predicted, Haba, Fox, and Garbutt are all gone. Just didn't leave enough mud on the carpet.
No surprise they're gone, they should be gone, they weren't getting the job done, time to bring in bodies who can and we started that process, with more players to come.
Mario Alford back with the Riders.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/05/saskatchewan-roughriders-re-sign-award-winning-returner-mario-alford/
Quote from: dd on February 05, 2025, 11:19:06 PMNo surprise they're gone, they should be gone, they weren't getting the job done, time to bring in bodies who can and we started that process, with more players to come.
I think there is a good chance 2/3 will be good players for years to come. But yes, we decided to go in a different direction and I sure hope it works out. On new clubs these guys will likely get more playing time and perhaps a raise, not sure. I liked all three.
Inconsequential players.non playmakers and certainly forgettable.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 05, 2025, 11:00:48 PMO'Shea interview earlier today.
Thanks Bannatyne! Good interview. I can't wait to see the wrinkles the new OC is going to implement. O'Shea certainly thinks he's creative and a hard worker and O'Shea isn't easy to impress. If this goes well we could have a very exciting season.
Quote from: dd on February 05, 2025, 11:19:06 PMNo surprise they're gone, they should be gone, they weren't getting the job done, time to bring in bodies who can and we started that process, with more players to come.
We still have Woods and Adams who both where more productive.
In other news.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/calgary-stampeders-db-demerio-houston-charged-with-domestic-violence/
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/shawn-lemon-hit-with-additional-suspension-for-violating-cfl-drug-policy/
Garbut and Haba played on league leading defence.
Must have been pretty good. Stats aren't everything.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2025, 07:28:30 PMhttps://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/shawn-lemon-hit-with-additional-suspension-for-violating-cfl-drug-policy/
Shawn Lemon is a perennial loser.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2025, 07:28:30 PMIn other news.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/calgary-stampeders-db-demerio-houston-charged-with-domestic-violence/
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/shawn-lemon-hit-with-additional-suspension-for-violating-cfl-drug-policy/
Wow, Houston with a domestic violence charge.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 06, 2025, 08:53:05 PMWow, Houston with a domestic violence charge.
Didn't Houston have 2-3 young kids? I know it was one of the young DB's that already had a bunch.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 06, 2025, 08:42:50 PMShawn Lemon is a perennial loser.
Funny it said Lemon was still a member of the Als.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2025, 09:12:45 PMDidn't Houston have 2-3 young kids? I know it was one of the young DB's that already had a bunch.
It's 5 kids.
Brian Cole signed by the TiCats.
Be interesting to see if the TiCats are any good next year with all these ex Blue Bombers. lol
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 06, 2025, 10:12:37 PMBrian Cole signed by the TiCats.
Hope they get Ayers back, I think he had NFL tryouts but didn't sign anywhere, so should be back.
U mean the Eastern Bombers?
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on February 06, 2025, 10:47:04 PMBe interesting to see if the TiCats are any good next year with all these ex Blue Bombers. lol
They'll win the east and then lose in the Grey Cup....
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 06, 2025, 07:28:30 PMIn other news.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/calgary-stampeders-db-demerio-houston-charged-with-domestic-violence/
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/shawn-lemon-hit-with-additional-suspension-for-violating-cfl-drug-policy/
Yikes!
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 06, 2025, 10:12:37 PMBrian Cole signed by the TiCats.
That's too bad, had promise
Quote from: Pigskin on February 06, 2025, 08:53:05 PMWow, Houston with a domestic violence charge.
It's February and things are already going terribly for Dave.
Cole was very good on teams, he could be missed.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 07, 2025, 04:55:45 AMCole was very good on teams, he could be missed.
Yeah he was rounding out into a good player. I don't think it was a money issue. Roster size and ratio limitations pushed him down the depth against other LB's in theory. We have Jones, Wilson and Ayers headed for the AR. Having a 4th import LB on the AR is a possibility but it's a trade off against a DL, DB or receiver.
We've often added a global LB in addition but that's swinging door.
The Hamilton Blue Bombers have loaded up.
A question about D. Houston. Does his charge make him restricted from crossing the border? Will his charge be decided prior to TC?
Regardless of the final legal aspect, this is a horrible situation for his wife.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 07, 2025, 05:32:46 PMA question about D. Houston. Does his charge make him restricted from crossing the border? Will his charge be decided prior to TC?
Regardless of the final legal aspect, this is a horrible situation for his wife.
He'd technically be inadmissible with a misdemeanor assault charge. A TRP (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/inadmissibility/temporary-resident-permits.html) could be an option but it's probably too early to tell one way or another.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 07, 2025, 02:11:35 PMYeah he was rounding out into a good player. I don't think it was a money issue. Roster size and ratio limitations pushed him down the depth against other LB's in theory. We have Jones, Wilson and Ayers headed for the AR. Having a 4th import LB on the AR is a possibility but it's a trade off against a DL, DB or receiver.
We've often added a global LB in addition but that's swinging door.
We also signed Johnathon Jones from the Argos who at 230 lbs gives us more options. He also had more special teams tackles than Cole, and frankly is an upgrade
Quote from: Pete on February 07, 2025, 06:46:58 PMWe also signed Johnathon Jones from the Argos who at 230 lbs gives us more options. He also had more special teams tackles than Cole, and frankly is an upgrade
I don't disagree with that but it's still unfortunate we couldn't keep him as well. We don't know if we made him an offer or whether we had been considering Jon Jones at the same time.
JJ could be a good addition as depth at worst but we have some interesting rookies coming to TC. He does appear to be next best suited at MLB after Tony Jones. That removes the need to use Gauthier as next man up, if we can get him on the AR.
It might be the plan at the moment.
Riders re-sign Micah Johnson.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/07/saskatchewan-roughriders-re-sign-all-cfl-dl-micah-johnson/
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 07, 2025, 04:24:12 PMThe Hamilton Blue Bombers have loaded up.
I'm sure it hasn't been cheap for them and if they've overpaid they may yet regret it. I hope KW has some exciting developments in store for us as he works his magic building the best team possible within the confines of the salary cap. He's a pretty shrewd operator which is exactly what we need him to be.
A lot of movement in the CFL right now. I think Edmonton is up to 17 players potential signed so far since the communication window opened.
More mis management. Over the cap, and the owner hired the wrong guy for GM.
Tre Roberson deal with Ottawa falls through.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/07/sources-ottawa-redblacks-deal-with-veteran-db-tre-roberson-falls-through/