According to sources, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with American receiver Jerreth Sterns. Barring anything unforeseen, he's expected to officially join the team when free agency gets underway next week.
The 25-year-old made 83 catches for 941 yards and three touchdowns over 23 regular-season games with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He originally joined the team in 2023 following brief NFL stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams.
The five-foot-nine, 175-pound native of Waxahachie, Texas, had one of the best seasons in the history of collegiate football in 2021. He caught 150 passes for 1,902 yards and 17 touchdowns at Western Kentucky and earned a second-team All-American selection.
https://3downnation.com/2025/02/06/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-saskatchewan-roughriders-receiver-jerreth-sterns-sources/
And we got our waterbug. Now there really isn't room for a Lawler counter.
Another Dressler/Smith from SSK move?
He's not exactly a top receiver yet but might have some upside. I wouldn't have thought we'd be looking at another receiver at the moment. Probably small or nothing bonus involved and low contract.
I suppose the CFL potential free agent receivers will compete in TC and the best will make the AR. We already had Wheatfall and a bunch of rookies. There isn't room on the AR for everybody and I'd expect a couple of rookies to land on our PR.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 06, 2025, 06:04:55 PMAnd we got our waterbug. Now there really isn't room for a Lawler counter.
Another Dressler/Smith from SSK move?
Lawler is gone. But these random receivers we're signing have no impact on Lawler one way or the other.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 06, 2025, 06:04:55 PMAnd we got our waterbug. Now there really isn't room for a Lawler counter.
Another Dressler/Smith from SSK move?
Your comparing him to Dressler, lol. Two season in the CFL, 11 games in 2023, 12 in 2024. 23 games, 941 yards, and 3 TDs. 40 yards a game Avg. Not, Dressler like numbers. Another decent receiver just like White.
I don't know the name but shows promise on paper. I like how our depth at receiver is getting stronger. Get a couple fresh bodies in camp and we shall be ok.
Okay. Let's see what he's got.
We will miss the top end talent of Lawler but we have a significantly more experienced and talented group this year overall. Interested to see the difference. My guess is they desperately don't want to field so many rookies early in the season come June.
A very different approach to the position than last year.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 06, 2025, 06:55:38 PMWe will miss the top end talent of Lawler but we have a significantly more experienced and talented group this year overall. Interested to see the difference. My guess is they desperately don't want to field so many rookies early in the season come June.
A very different approach to the position than last year.
Maybe they'll have real competition at the receiver position? Likely 1 or 2 of these vets are cut early on, maybe even Wheatfall. If they accept a PR spot they could be in for a long sit, also if Pokey returns they need to be ready to drop a receiver like a hot stone.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 06, 2025, 06:17:39 PMYour comparing him to Dressler, lol. Two season in the CFL, 11 games in 2023, 12 in 2024. 23 games, 941 yards, and 3 TDs. 40 yards a game Avg. Not, Dressler like numbers. Another decent receiver just like White.
Dressler and Smith were diminutive rec from SSK. Stearns is 5'9. From SSK.
That's the comparison.
Waterbug.
I actually admired his play last year, he made some plays I remember.
Perhaps The bombers got as he could blossom into a more productive player. WR position will be a highly contested one which is great to see.
I remember Sterns, White and Mitchell all making plays last year, glad we are investing in having a 'balanced' less predicable approach to our passing game. Schoen, Mitchell, Demski, Sterns, White and Clercius is a very decent corps to throw to. My only concern with the smaller recievers is their ability to run block, but we'll see what training camp turns out this year.
Quote from: dd on February 06, 2025, 11:00:11 PMI remember Sterns, White and Mitchell all making plays last year, glad we are investing in having a 'balanced' less predicable approach to our passing game. Schoen, Mitchell, Demski, Sterns, White and Clercius is a very decent corps to throw to. My only concern with the smaller recievers is their ability to run block, but we'll see what training camp turns out this year.
White is 6 ft 1 208 lbs so not small as a blocker
Quote from: Pete on February 06, 2025, 11:27:06 PMWhite is 6 ft 1 208 lbs so not small as a blocker
I was referring to Sterns
Sterns in some games last season was noticeable for making tough catches, holding on to the ball, being able to take a hit.
Guy is tiny. Waste of money
Quote from: bluengold204 on February 07, 2025, 12:09:02 AMGuy is tiny. Waste of money
It's not the size of the dog in the fight ...
Quote from: bluengold204 on February 07, 2025, 12:09:02 AMGuy is tiny. Waste of money
Your negativity is over top and I never agree with much of what you post. Let's see what the player brings in camp and in games before we write them off. Geez.
Quote from: bluengold204 on February 07, 2025, 12:09:02 AMGuy is tiny. Waste of money
I dunno. This guy towers a full three inches over Darren Sproles.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 06, 2025, 06:04:55 PMAnd we got our waterbug. Now there really isn't room for a Lawler counter.
I hadn't seen him as a waterbug, but based on his CFL page stats, you're right. Doesn't this make him shorter than Dress?
Quote from: theaardvark on February 06, 2025, 08:17:30 PMI actually admired his play last year, he made some plays I remember.
Quote from: markf on February 06, 2025, 11:58:01 PMSterns in some games last season was noticeable for making tough catches, holding on to the ball, being able to take a hit.
Yup, me too. Sterns was starting to stand out amongst that lackluster SSK REC corps. Even the SSK fans weren't hating on him all the time, and that's a rare thing in greenie land.
He might be the best pickup to come out of that sad sack club. This signing excites me more than the White one. However, it's nice to have all body/style types available, and I like the beef White can bring.
I agree we seem to be on a different approach to the REC roster. Something strange is afoot in WFC land.
One thing I'll say is we depending on rookies way too much last year. This looks like it will give us options, at least.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 06, 2025, 06:16:22 PMHe's not exactly a top receiver yet but might have some upside.
Ya, he's hitting the right years of his career and is young. He may also have the right "MOS attitude", based on what I've seen so far.
Quote from: Jesse on February 07, 2025, 10:32:52 AMOne thing I'll say is we depending on rookies way too much last year. This looks like it will give us options, at least.
Yup, live and learn. The injury disaster at REC last year, in TC and early in the year, really hurt our early record.
Once bitten, sign 3 middling RECs out of nowhere! Now if 2 go down in TC we'll be like "meh!".
Receiving group is going to be interesting this year. Assuming we still go with two Canadians the chart heading into camp is something like this with all the other training camp receivers and 2025 draft picks (assuming we'll take one Canadian receiver) trying to displace these guys:
SLOT 1: Schoen
SLOT 2: Demski
SLOT 3: White Jr. / Sterns in an open competition
Boundary WR: D. Mitchell, Wheatfall
Field WR: Clercius, Gassama
Quote from: bluengold204 on February 07, 2025, 12:09:02 AMGuy is tiny. Waste of money
You're always so negative. Waste of a post.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 07, 2025, 01:21:59 PMReceiving group is going to be interesting this year. Assuming we still go with two Canadians the chart heading into camp is something like this with all the other training camp receivers and 2025 draft picks (assuming we'll take one Canadian receiver) trying to displace these guys:
SLOT 1: Schoen
SLOT 2: Demski
SLOT 3: White Jr. / Sterns in an open competition
Boundary WR: D. Mitchell, Wheatfall
Field WR: Clercius, Gassama
I like what I've seen from Sterns. When given the chance he has been productive. As the WR5 in Saskatchewan he picked up (about) 40 catches and 450-500 yards in each of his 2 seasons. He's still only 25!
I'm wondering if we go ahead and run only one National starter in this position group?
Quote from: LXTSN on February 07, 2025, 02:34:13 PMI like what I've seen from Sterns. When given the chance he has been productive. As the WR5 in Saskatchewan he picked up (about) 40 catches and 450-500 yards in each of his 2 seasons. He's still only 25!
I'm wondering if we go ahead and run only one National starter in this position group?
We're only starting two. Demski isn't coming off unless he's missing a leg. Clercius was looking very good and I can't see him being bumped from any combination starting. There is also the issue of receivers being able to block.
Bombers added Logan as a returner and he can fill in at receiver if in game injury happens. Cobb might make the AR as depth.
So I'm not sure how we even get Sterns on the AR unless there is a TC injury. That's not a knock on him, but a roster issue.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 07, 2025, 04:10:38 PMWe're only starting two. Demski isn't coming off unless he's missing a leg. Clercius was looking very good and I can't see him being bumped from any combination starting. There is also the issue of receivers being able to block.
Bombers added Logan as a returner and he can fill in at receiver if in game injury happens. Cobb might make the AR as depth.
So I'm not sure how we even get Sterns on the AR unless there is a TC injury. That's not a knock on him, but a roster issue.
Likely the same situation as with the LB's, of Mitchell, White, Sterns and Wheatfall, 2 make the roster and 2 are shown the door or offered a PR spot. Not sure if they'll keep Gavin Cobb on the roster or on the PR but decent chance he assumes Augustine's role on ST as the second returner and as a backup Natl. receiver.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 07, 2025, 04:28:01 PMLikely the same situation as with the LB's, of Mitchell, White, Sterns and Wheatfall, 2 make the roster and 2 are shown the door or offered a PR spot. Not sure if they'll keep Gavin Cobb on the roster or on the PR but decent chance he assumes Augustine's role on ST as the second returner and as a backup Natl. receiver.
Exactly. There is some question about whether Schoen will be ready day 1 so that could delay the decision for awhile.
The initial thought would be that Sterns and Wheatfall will be fighting to win out over Mitchell of Sterns. Of that Sterns would be the most hard pressed to beat out anyone.
After that we might have an expectation that Wilson might be back early. Although in theory he can now do a Ford and take the entire CFL season off going to multiple NFL camps.
There might be the next stud rookie receiver found in TC. So lots of possibilities.
With the moves Walters has made with REC's, I don't think he's planning on a return of Wilson anytime soon.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 07, 2025, 06:38:52 PMWith the moves Walters has made with REC's, I don't think he's planning on a return of Wilson anytime soon.
You have to plan for the team you have regardless of what might be coming back.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 07, 2025, 06:38:52 PMWith the moves Walters has made with REC's, I don't think he's planning on a return of Wilson anytime soon.
I think Pokey has the ability to become the most dangerous receiver in the league one day if used properly. He needs to be paired up with a QB that can hit him in flight, rather than forcing him to come back to the ball and present a stationary target like Zach prefers. There are a number of QB's in the league that can do this better than Zach, hopefully Terry Wilson is one. Pokey's ability to catch balls on the fly and evade single tacklers at high speed is special.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 07, 2025, 01:21:59 PMReceiving group is going to be interesting this year. Assuming we still go with two Canadians the chart
I don't see us ever moving away from 2 NAT starting REC until Demski retires. Demski's the freebie as he's basically a top IMP REC with a NAT passport. Plus, we'll possibly need the ratio help with Ford gone and if we want to start 3 IMP OL.
I see no reason not to stick with Clercius in Woli's spot, unless some other NAT displaces him.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on February 08, 2025, 01:40:10 AMI see no reason not to stick with Clercius in Woli's spot, unless some other NAT displaces him.
It's hard to accept that Woli's going to be playing elsewhere. I never saw that coming.
Quote from: J5V on February 08, 2025, 01:51:29 AMIt's hard to accept that Woli's going to be playing elsewhere. I never saw that coming.
Ya, it's tough for me too. I'm sentimental (I'd make a horrible GM). And for what, to save from $115k down to $80k ELC for 1 year? Seems rather silly now that we got a spare $400k kicking around.
The Mafia thought was maybe he was going to be tub-bound now until retirement... but the quick signing by another team kind of puts that to rest? Mafia could still be proven right if Woli spends 3/4 of 2025 in the tub...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on February 08, 2025, 02:23:47 AMYa, it's tough for me too. I'm sentimental (I'd make a horrible GM). And for what, to save from $115k down to $80k ELC for 1 year? Seems rather silly now that we got a spare $400k kicking around.
The Mafia thought was maybe he was going to be tub-bound now until retirement... but the quick signing by another team kind of puts that to rest? Mafia could still be proven right if Woli spends 3/4 of 2025 in the tub...
We don't know his health, and other teams have signed players and found out they weren't healthy. Ask Pinball.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 08, 2025, 04:49:05 AMWe don't know his health, and other teams have signed players and found out they weren't healthy. Ask Pinball.
My avatar enters the chat
Quote from: theaardvark on February 08, 2025, 04:49:05 AMWe don't know his health, and other teams have signed players and found out they weren't healthy. Ask Pinball.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 08, 2025, 04:49:05 AMWe don't know his health, and other teams have signed players and found out they weren't healthy. Ask Pinball.
I think it was more about wanting Clercius to be the go to guy. Similar to moving on from Harris to BO. You don't pay a starter salary to a backup esp if they don't play ST.
Quote from: Pete on February 08, 2025, 02:31:34 PMI think it was more about wanting Clercius to be the go to guy. Similar to moving on from Harris to BO. You don't pay a starter salary to a backup esp if they don't play ST.
Sadly true, it's hard to lose a glue guy like Woli though, Clercius can't replace that component.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 08, 2025, 03:17:34 PMSadly true, it's hard to lose a glue guy like Woli though, Clercius can't replace that component.
Why not? Woli was young too, once.
Quote from: Jesse on February 08, 2025, 03:34:20 PMWhy not? Woli was young too, once.
It's in the personality, they're either born with it or not, introvert vs. extrovert.
Don't know anything about Clercius but he seems like a guy that doesn't talk much in the dressing room beyond his bubble. If he graduates into a spokesperson that represents and promotes the team, great.
lol. Ok.
I think most 1st. year players are pretty quite. Well, maybe not Devin Adams. #94 has a personality, and he had a lot of fun at practice.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 08, 2025, 03:47:58 PMIt's in the personality, they're either born with it or not, introvert vs. extrovert.
Don't know anything about Clercius but he seems like a guy that doesn't talk much in the dressing room beyond his bubble. If he graduates into a spokesperson that represents and promotes the team, great.
What the heck are you talking about? What is your point? Clercius does not have a personality? Do you have first hand knowledge? Get real.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on February 09, 2025, 02:34:21 AMWhat the heck are you talking about? What is your point? Clercius does not have a personality? Do you have first hand knowledge? Get real.
I'm not sure we know yet on Clercius, but if you watch all the pressers (like I do) eventually tidbits leak out from MOS and players about personalities and guys' roles in the locker room. I've learned a ton of stuff above players that way over the years.
MOS is the best for this saying stuff like "player X mostly keeps to himself, real quiet", etc.
It's one aspect I love about our pressers and Tait articles, BTW.
Back to Clercius, I don't know what TLB was going off of for his comment, but maybe he heard something I didn't. Or maybe he's just guessing his character based on what he's seen so far. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and guesses.
One thing's for sure, the longer Clercius is here on the AR, the more personal details will leak out.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on February 09, 2025, 05:58:55 AMI'm not sure we know yet on Clercius, but if you watch all the pressers (like I do) eventually tidbits leak out from MOS and players about personalities and guys' roles in the locker room. I've learned a ton of stuff above players that way over the years.
MOS is the best for this saying stuff like "player X mostly keeps to himself, real quiet", etc.
It's one aspect I love about our pressers and Tait articles, BTW.
Back to Clercius, I don't know what TLB was going off of for his comment, but maybe he heard something I didn't. Or maybe he's just guessing his character based on what he's seen so far. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and guesses.
One thing's for sure, the longer Clercius is here on the AR, the more personal details will leak out.
I'm mostly lamenting the loss of Woli who was the ultimate glue guy, he was a Bomber for 7 seasons and reportedly loved by his coaches, teammates and very close to Zach, Ted Goveia even raved about his character upon signing him with the Ti-Cats. Being a writer and a local musician he held a high level of exposure in his time in Wpg., don't know if another Bomber ever embraced the community to the extent Drew did.
What do we know about Clercius? Relatively nothing, hasn't done any interviews or Bomber podcasts, maybe he connects well with teammates and the fanbase and becomes a team leader in coming years, or maybe he engages little, packs his bags and leaves Wpg. at the first opportunity like Ford did. Who knows?
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 09, 2025, 08:36:13 PMI'm mostly lamenting the loss of Woli who was the ultimate glue guy, he was a Bomber for 7 seasons and reportedly loved by his coaches, teammates and very close to Zach, Ted Goveia even raved about his character upon signing him with the Ti-Cats. Being a writer and a local musician he held a high level of exposure in his time in Wpg., don't know if another Bomber ever embraced the community to the extent Drew did.
What do we know about Clercius? Relatively nothing, hasn't done any interviews or Bomber podcasts, maybe he connects well with teammates and the fanbase and becomes a team leader in coming years, or maybe he engages little, packs his bags and leaves Wpg. at the first opportunity like Ford did. Who knows?
Yes, Drew was a true team player. I remember when he got injured last year instead of sitting on the injury bench, Drew was out on the field helping the young receivers.
Wolitarski was the ultimate glue guy, for sure. Apparently. his guitar playing was popular in the room, his friendship with many of the team, including Streveler, was strong. And with only a $12k roster bonus and a $100k contract on top of that, doesn't seem a huge $SMS problem.
Will Clercius be a better player compared to Woli coming off injury? I think we've seen enough to be confident in that, plus Clercius does play teams.
It may seem cruel to release him ahead of a small roster bonus, but if you know you are going to most likely move on before camp breaks, isn't it better to rip the bandaid off early, and let him get on with things, including signing on elsewhere?
Goveia knows what he's getting, and made that choice. His receiver room is nothing like ours. He doesn't have a Demski or a Clercius. BOO might not even be back, now, although he'd be a good backup for Woli.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 09, 2025, 09:13:37 PMWolitarski was the ultimate glue guy, for sure. Apparently. his guitar playing was popular in the room, his friendship with many of the team, including Streveler, was strong. And with only a $12k roster bonus and a $100k contract on top of that, doesn't seem a huge $SMS problem.
Will Clercius be a better player compared to Woli coming off injury? I think we've seen enough to be confident in that, plus Clercius does play teams.
It may seem cruel to release him ahead of a small roster bonus, but if you know you are going to most likely move on before camp breaks, isn't it better to rip the bandaid off early, and let him get on with things, including signing on elsewhere?
Goveia knows what he's getting, and made that choice. His receiver room is nothing like ours. He doesn't have a Demski or a Clercius. BOO might not even be back, now, although he'd be a good backup for Woli.
Clercius may have played on the return team, but he doesn't play on the cover team.