Bombers release Chris Kolankowski.
https://www.cfl.ca/2026/01/05/bombers-extend-tanner-schmekel-release-chris-kolankowski/
Quote from: Ridermania on January 05, 2026, 06:20:17 PMBombers release Chris Kolankowski.
https://www.cfl.ca/2026/01/05/bombers-extend-tanner-schmekel-release-chris-kolankowski/
Wow, bold move! The change has begun. Full credit to Kolankowski he's a great guy and did everything the team asked of him.
I can honestly say I'm surprised the balls this regime is showing to make significant changes to get better. The whole loyalty thing is going out the door after what was clearly a big wake-up call following the 2025 home Grey Cup Fail.
I have nothing against Kolankowski and he had some good years, but I'm impressed that we're not accepting mediocrity. It really gets me excited for summer!
Quote from: blue_or_die on January 05, 2026, 07:27:01 PMI can honestly say I'm surprised the balls this regime is showing to make significant changes to get better. The whole loyalty is going out the door after what was clearly a big wake-up call following the 2025 home Grey Cup Fail.
I have nothing against Kolankowski and he had some good years, but I'm impressed that we're not accepting mediocrity. It really gets me excited for summer!
They must be thinking someone can take over at Center, but it isn't likely to be Eli or an Import. Any Natl. Centers on the FA list?
Interesting move. Makes me wonder what the plan is at C.
Also nice to see Schmekel get re-signed.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 05, 2026, 08:12:48 PMThey must be thinking someone can take over at Center, but it isn't likely to be Eli or an Import. Any Natl. Centers on the FA list?
I'm not exactly surprised but have no idea who the replacement might be at the moment. Considering all the import OL being signed that might be an indication. Predicting possible Canadians that might fit the bill won't be known until we see who is available when free agency starts.
We have Vibert and the 8th round OL we drafted in 2025 that might be in the mix I suppose.
Doesn't the centre have to make protection calls?
I think theyNeed someone experienced for that, specially after last seasons pass protecting being not great.
Quote from: markf on January 05, 2026, 10:01:22 PMDoesn't the centre have to make protection calls?
I think theyNeed someone experienced for that, specially after last seasons pass protecting being not great.
Can't disagree with that thought but we'll see how this pans out.
Likely was due a bonus? I have mixed feelings, as long as we can stay as good or get better it's worth it, likely growing pains to get there but could be worth it. Happy about Schmekel. Thomas will tune him up!
I guess it's not a time to be gleeful but I'm definitely glad.
We were weak last year in the interior of our D and O line. This move is long overdue and with Thomas retiring it is good to see we are upgrading our major weaknesses from last years roster.
O-line needs to be better and he was the weakest link. Makes sense. Only question is why they didn't give him a chance to compete for the spot at camp, since we don't currently have a replacement who is better to my knowledge. Can Neufeld play centre? Can't recall him playing there in his career.
Quote from: markf on January 05, 2026, 10:01:22 PMDoesn't the centre have to make protection calls?
I think theyNeed someone experienced for that, specially after last seasons pass protecting being not great.
No reason a smart young IMP can't pick this stuff up. It's not exactly alien to what a NCAA/NFL C does.
A super great, super experienced NAT C is NOT going to come cheap. Not to mention, who is out there? The top teams have been snapping (hehe) them up the last couple of FAs.
The beauty of an IMP C is no one will snipe him from you. It's 100% unorthodox to use an IMP C. That's why I love the idea. There must be a ton of great NCAA C's just sitting around after not being NFL drafted, because they are 6'4 instead of 6'6.
This is our first real big pre-FA shakeup. And signals that we are "blowing some poop up".
This also signals we have reliable plans for C going forward. I bet we have our eye on a FA or prev DP or a potential '26 DP or a TC IMP guy. And our plan B is Eli.
In all the EOY pressers, guys were talking Neuf and Stan a ton, but no one ever mentioned Ko-man. It's like they knew he was on the outs. Heck, maybe Zach/Brady didn't just demand we keep some guys -- maybe they hinted we should release some guys!!
The only way this hurts us is if we blow it and field someone WORSE in week 1. Let's hope that doesn't happen.
Ko-man is a capable middle-of-the-line (hehe) C and will probably be snapped up (hehe#2) by OTT or similar. I will reiterate that he almost never sailed one over Zach's head. That's just as important as rush-blocking.
Assuming we re-sign Stan & Neuf, I think every other OL position should be a massive TC fight. I don't want any favorites / shoeins. I also don't want any position set in stone that it "must be NAT".
I'm still all for 3 IMP OL.
I think we should strategize the entire team around a grand plan and ratio tricks like SSK did last season. Can't just play normal ball and do normal signings. Need to out-smart the ratio via scheme. This demands KW+MOS and coords/positional coaches all sit in a room and come up with a new grand paradigm. And this has to be done BEFORE we start signing FAs and making DPs. I have a hunch it's already done...
I don't want to see just another "normal CFL team with tweaks" in '26. I want some big brain overarching madness.
Oh ya, and decide if we're continuing with the "no pass rush" paradigm or not. That will dictate how we handle the DL and DB personnel choices.
Blue Bombers re-sign veteran defensive lineman Tanner Schmekel
WINNIPEG, MB., January 5, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Canadian defensive tackle Tanner Schmekel
He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.
Schmekel (6-1, 286; University of Regina; born: July 22, 1999, in Regina, SK.) returns in 2026 for his fourth year with the Blue Bombers and after a 2025 campaign that was cut short due to injury and limited to just four games.
Schmekel was having arguably his best start to his young pro career last year before the injury with a pair of tackles and a sack in those four contests, with his season ending in Saskatchewan in the annual Labour Day Classic.
He has now suited up for 26 regular-season games for the club since he was selected in the fourth round, 35thoverall, in the 2023 CFL Draft. Schmekel was a 2022 U Sports First-Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star.
The club has also released National offensive lineman Chris Kolankowski.
Schmekel is going into year 4? Wow. Didn't know he existed until late '24.
I guess we'll give him a 1 year to prove he's worth keeping. He might get heavier rotation with Fatboi promoted. I guess the plan is a lot of Lawson + Schmekel. Still need a legit monster IMP DT, though.
He must have the right MOS attitude to keep getting chances. That's always a good thing.
I like Schmekel as a mauler. He just crashes and bashes his way through the line of scrimmage and you need a guy like that. Will also say for as wild as he was in his early years, last year before he got hurt he looked a tad more polished. It's always going to be a pretty straight forward game for him but I think he's a good resign for us and if things break right for him, I wouldn't be surprised if he has a pretty good year out there in 2026.
He could be a good backup for Lawson, but he is coming off a season ending injury.
26 games in three years, 9 DTs, 2 QS.
The team needs a left guard. They need to replace Stanley and Neuf. They don't appear to have much in the backup positions.
They were duped into playing who? At fullback? Non productive. Lining up as a fullback or a tight end would provide defenses abnormal coverage responsibilities for the defence, and of course better blocking...Zac should be in here demanding this. Or get Ford here to run around and give def coord nightmares.
They need a real burner at WR, who can play.
Then we have a real chance. That goes without saying, they need DNs who can cover and tackle. There are literally hundreds of college kids coming out
Happy Christmas Eve? For the Ukrainian friends?
Quote from: DM83 on January 06, 2026, 02:21:15 PMThe team needs a left guard. They need to replace Stanley and Neuf. They don't appear to have much in the backup positions.
They were duped into playing who? At fullback? Non productive. Lining up as a fullback or a tight end would provide defenses abnormal coverage responsibilities for the defence, and of course better blocking...Zac should be in here demanding this. Or get Ford here to run around and give def coord nightmares.
They need a real burner at WR, who can play.
Then we have a real chance. That goes without saying, they need DNs who can cover and tackle. There are literally hundreds of college kids coming out
Happy Christmas Eve? For the Ukrainian friends?
Ukrainian Christmas is on the same day as ours now.
Quote from: DM83 on January 06, 2026, 02:21:15 PMHappy Christmas Eve? For the Ukrainian friends?
(https://y.yarn.co/a258dadd-aadd-400f-bc7e-a24b1a133e5d_text.gif)
The true Christmas. ;)
I have no issue with slotting Eli in at C. Depending on what he signed for, that is probably the plan. He's marinated long enough.
In college, he was considered an NFL draftable C. He had some life issues, and took time off, but ended up here.
Can anyone remember the name of that big DT from the Rifles that attended TC last year? Wouldn't mind seeing more of him as he showed a lot of raw grit and explosiveness in pre-season games.
The Bombers don't do the greatest job of bringing along local football talent, they pluck the stars off the tree once they've been developed elsewhere but they seem to let the rest of the crop whither in the field after quickly rejecting them, if they succeed at all it's elsewhere. It seems like Sask. does a much better job of raising a healthy crop of football players and giving them a longer timeframe to develop. Maybe it comes down to having a better provincial football organization and more ways to bring them along.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 06, 2026, 04:37:29 PMI have no issue with slotting Eli in at C. Depending on what he signed for, that is probably the plan. He's marinated long enough.
In college, he was considered an NFL draftable C. He had some life issues, and took time off, but ended up here.
I think Eli is down to 287 lbs. Kola struggled at 305 lbs, happy to see him get the chance but not sure he's equipped to do the job.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 06, 2026, 05:27:25 PMI think Eli is down to 287 lbs. Kola struggled at 305 lbs, happy to see him get the chance but not sure he's equipped to do the job.
I'll take what's behind door number three please.
I hope Eli gets some competition sent his way (not just Vibert). This team needs to invest some serious $$ in Canadian OL. An interior of Neufeld, Eli and Wallace would he the worst interior 3 OL in the CFL.
Quote from: kkc60 on January 06, 2026, 07:39:18 PMI hope Eli gets some competition sent his way (not just Vibert). This team needs to invest some serious $$ in Canadian OL. An interior of Neufeld, Eli and Wallace would he the worst interior 3 OL in the CFL.
I seem to remember in the past old guards and tackles moving to Center to extend their careers, from that I assumed it was the easiest position to play on the O-line, but that was before snapping the ball in shotgun became the norm.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 06, 2026, 04:37:29 PMI have no issue with slotting Eli in at C. Depending on what he signed for, that is probably the plan. He's marinated long enough.
In college, he was considered an NFL draftable C. He had some life issues, and took time off, but ended up here.
Taking a guy who couldn't beat out the worst starting centre in the league the last 3 years, and promoting him once that centre has been released is not a recipe for success. I hope that's not the plan.
Sean McEwen has been a very good C, is Canadian and a potential free agent. I do like the go with an American at C idea.
Quote from: bunker on January 06, 2026, 10:37:11 PMTaking a guy who couldn't beat out the worst starting centre in the league the last 3 years, and promoting him once that centre has been released is not a recipe for success. I hope that's not the plan.
That's harsh on Ko-man. No way he was league worst. I put him in the middle of the pack. You want bad -- look to that HAM guy that threw every snap over BLM's head for the last quarter of the season.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 06, 2026, 04:37:29 PMI have no issue with slotting Eli in at C. Depending on what he signed for, that is probably the plan. He's marinated long enough.
But he's way too small. We thought Ko-man got pushed around! There are many DTs heavier than Eli! Heck, maybe even some DEs!
Love the guy, and he has great heart and clearly FIFO, but he's best used as a TE/jumbo and C backup.
SURELY Mafia has a real plan for C. I think the whole OL gets a huge shakeup and there will be a ton of legit fights in TC.
Quote from: Tecno on January 07, 2026, 08:33:24 AMBut he's way too small. We thought Ko-man got pushed around! There are many DTs heavier than Eli! Heck, maybe even some DEs!
Love the guy, and he has great heart and clearly FIFO, but he's best used as a TE/jumbo and C backup.
SURELY Mafia has a real plan for C. I think the whole OL gets a huge shakeup and there will be a ton of legit fights in TC.
He can still put on weight, it's only January. When he first got to the Bombers he wasn't this small.
Quote from: Tecno on January 07, 2026, 08:31:27 AMThat's harsh on Ko-man. No way he was league worst. I put him in the middle of the pack. You want bad -- look to that HAM guy that threw every snap over BLM's head for the last quarter of the season.
Well if you're right I guess we'll see him get picked up by another CFL team shortly. I'm not holding my breath.
Quote from: bunker on January 07, 2026, 03:03:20 PMWell if you're right I guess we'll see him get picked up by another CFL team shortly. I'm not holding my breath.
Easy to generalize Kola as the worst, but hard to know as most couldn't identify the starting center of each team out of a 5 man lineup. His age becomes a factor at 33 and he wouldn't be an effective 6th man, so his best hope maybe injury replacement if he stays in shape. Could also see him packing it in and starting his second career.
Quote from: bunker on January 06, 2026, 10:37:11 PMTaking a guy who couldn't beat out the worst starting centre in the league the last 3 years, and promoting him once that centre has been released is not a recipe for success. I hope that's not the plan.
We don't know how close they were to equal, and we know that MOS needs a clear difference to make a move from an extablished vet.
This might be Miller/Walters' way of taking K-Man out of the starting roster.
I guess we'll find out based on what kind of shape Eli is in this spring.
It's a natural assumption to make but I really think more than likely we're going in a new direction and the player that will start is currently not known to us.
I think you're going to see, out of necessity, tons of new faces on both sides of the line. We kind of have no choice. We flatlined totally on defense and we were probably the worst we've been since 2018 on the offensive line last year. CFL rosters aren't big enough to have younger guys pushing from behind so new faces it must be. Won't be the last.
Quote from: CrazyCanuck89 on January 07, 2026, 01:51:41 PMHe can still put on weight, it's only January.
He could have done that each of these other seasons, too. There's only so much extra "pack it on" weight a hoggie can do before it starts to affect his other performance metrics. Maybe 30 lb? That would still make him fairly light for a hoggie.
He seems to be a good enough run blocker, but I've never been impressed by his pass-pro.
Doh. I was just continuing my watch of the GC 2025 Saturday show (the all-afternoon one) and they had Ko-man on it late in the first 4 hour show, in an interview with the UofW rec center panel. They said he lives in WPG now and everyone's chumming around like he's going to continue in WPG.
I wonder how much of a shock the release caused Ko-man. He'll have to uproot his life and (probably) move now.
Quote from: Tecno on January 11, 2026, 05:01:33 PMDoh. I was just continuing my watch of the GC 2025 Saturday show (the all-afternoon one) and they had Ko-man on it late in the first 4 hour show, in an interview with the UofW rec center panel. They said he lives in WPG now and everyone's chumming around like he's going to continue in WPG.
I wonder how much of a shock the release caused Ko-man. He'll have to uproot his life and (probably) move now.
Yep, I think Kolankowski just had his second baby too. Tough job but a good GM exists as a bit of an outsider and never becomes part of the team in spirit, he has to remain neutral to circumstance and see players as no more than assets on a chart. I think that's reason #1 MOS will never become a GM as he loves his players too much, I imagine that was the source of a lot of disagreements with Walters back in the early days.
Releasing Kman early gives him a chance to get other offers, not sure what the market out there is for OC's, he might get a career extender like Obby did as a 6th man.
Or he can transition to his post game career.
If he's settled in Winnipeg he must have some side gig, maybe he'll consider moving to that full time.
Perhaps it also sends a message to other free agents that we have an opening at center, making those currently unsigned less likely to accept a lowball offer from current team, i.e. McEwan or Woodmansey
Quote from: Pete on January 11, 2026, 07:34:46 PMPerhaps it also sends a message to other free agents that we have an opening at center, making those currently unsigned less likely to accept a lowball offer from current team, i.e. McEwan or Woodmansey
Unless Kman had a bonus due, no reason to release him without having his replacement lined up. I think we have out C under contract...
Quote from: theaardvark on January 11, 2026, 11:07:36 PMUnless Kman had a bonus due, no reason to release him without having his replacement lined up. I think we have out C under contract...
He was going to be an FA. So, he didn't have a bonus coming.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 12, 2026, 03:59:26 AMHe was going to be an FA. So, he didn't have a bonus coming.
So, the decision had been made to move on from him. Walters/MOS aren't ones that move on without a plan in place, though, so I fully expect to see Eli getting the C spot going into camp, it being his to lose.
We don't tend to buy FA Oline, can't remember ever signing a FA Olineman to start. We've lost a lot of starting Oline to higher bidders, and while some of those stung a bit, no way we could have matched, we'd have a million dollar Oline now.
Not saying we can't sign a FA OC, just saying anyone worth signing will be expensive, and I'm not sure they are in the budget.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 11, 2026, 05:31:04 PMYep, I think Kolankowski just had his second baby too. Tough job but a good GM exists as a bit of an outsider and never becomes part of the team in spirit, he has to remain neutral to circumstance and see players as no more than assets on a chart. I think that's reason #1 MOS will never become a GM as he loves his players too much, I imagine that was the source of a lot of disagreements with Walters back in the early days.
I saw a quote from OSH after his re-signing where he was asked about his relationship with KW, and he said something along the lines of "we don't scream at each other as much any more."
Quote from: theaardvark on January 12, 2026, 03:19:16 PMSo, the decision had been made to move on from him. Walters/MOS aren't ones that move on without a plan in place, though, so I fully expect to see Eli getting the C spot going into camp, it being his to lose.
We don't tend to buy FA Oline, can't remember ever signing a FA Olineman to start. We've lost a lot of starting Oline to higher bidders, and while some of those stung a bit, no way we could have matched, we'd have a million dollar Oline now.
Not saying we can't sign a FA OC, just saying anyone worth signing will be expensive, and I'm not sure they are in the budget.
Stan Bryant and worth every penny we've ever paid him. Centre is an important cog on the LO, and I woudn't be adverse to spending $$ to get an above average one
Clearly Kolankowski wasn't getting it done...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-kKSP1X0AAnMxu?format=jpg&name=large)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 13, 2026, 06:58:07 PM(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-kKSP1X0AAnMxu?format=jpg&name=large)
Interesting. Troubles signing Woodmansey?
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 13, 2026, 07:14:22 PMInteresting. Troubles signing Woodmansey?
Poor shotgun snapper, might be why they made this move.
Woodmansey is a free agent, maybe over to the Bombers???
Thoughts.
Quote from: Ridermania on January 13, 2026, 08:50:32 PMWoodmansey is a free agent, maybe over to the Bombers???
Thoughts.
Bigger and younger. Kolski 6'1, 305 (33). Woodmansey, 6'4" 310, (28).
Quote from: Ridermania on January 13, 2026, 08:50:32 PMWoodmansey is a free agent, maybe over to the Bombers???
Thoughts.
If the Ticats don't want him and picked up Koko, why wou1d we pickup the centre they dumped??
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 13, 2026, 06:58:07 PM(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-kKSP1X0AAnMxu?format=jpg&name=large)
Wish him well there. Wasn't a great blocker here, but gave it his all. He's from the area around Hamilton. Maybe he wanted to be closer to home? Must be better than I thought he was if Ticats wanted to give him a look.
Quote from: bunker on January 13, 2026, 11:09:38 PMWish him well there. Wasn't a great blocker here, but gave it his all. He's from the area around Hamilton. Maybe he wanted to be closer to home? Must be better than I thought he was if Ticats wanted to give him a look.
Multiple people have talked about how poor Hammy's snapping was from the centre postion. That's something that Kola did well. A vet like Bo might appreciate the consistency. If they OL is strong around him, he'll still do well.
Quote from: Ridermania on January 13, 2026, 08:50:32 PMWoodmansey is a free agent, maybe over to the Bombers???
Thoughts.
Could be he's asking for too much Woodmansey was #15 on top paid O-linemen list last season with Dobson above him at #9 and Revenberg at #5, the Ti-Cats had a lot of cash tied up in their O-line and needed to find some savings. Kolo probably signed for around $120k with no bonuses just to keep his career rolling.
15) Coulter Woodmansey, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)
Hard money: $170,500
Maximum value: $183,700
The University of Guelph product got a $15,000 offseason roster bonus on Feb. 1 ahead of his fifth season with the Tiger-Cats. Woodmansey will also make $131,700 in base salary, $13,800 in housing money, and $10,000 in marketing money this year, plus an additional $250 each time he plays more than half of Hamilton's offensive snaps in a game.
To put in perspective Stanley is the only Bomber on that list, he shows up at #14 exactly the same salary as Woodmansey.
Hard money: $170,700
Maximum value: $183,700
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 13, 2026, 11:45:29 PMKolo probably signed for around $120k with no bonuses just to keep his career rolling.
No way Ko-man took $120k. I bet Eli is earning over $100k, and he's never started squat. For $120k maybe
we keep Ko-man around as a NAT backup!
I doubt he took much of a discount from what he was getting here.
Quote from: bunker on January 13, 2026, 11:09:38 PMMust be better than I thought he was if Ticats wanted to give him a look.
Clearly HAM hasn't totally given up on being Bombers-Lite/Redux.
And I'm pretty sure my ranking of Ko-man as middle-of-the-pack is more accurate than the guesses that he was bottom-of-the-barrel.
Quote from: dd on January 13, 2026, 10:43:37 PMIf the Ticats don't want him and picked up Koko, why wou1d we pickup the centre they dumped??
Because until he started snapping balls 5' over Bo's head he was pretty darned good and known as a pretty high tier C.
There was 1-2 games BLM was getting VERY mad at him. Like livid, on field, on camera. That may have sealed his fate in HAM.
I don't recall him having snapping problems in prior years, so maybe it was just a short-term problem.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 12, 2026, 03:19:16 PMSo, the decision had been made to move on from him. Walters/MOS aren't ones that move on without a plan in place, though, so I fully expect to see Eli getting the C spot going into camp, it being his to lose.
You're gung-ho on Eli, but I still am hesitant to think that's the plan. The only reason I can possibly see to let Ko-man walk and start Eli is if you wanted to SAVE money on OL this season. Which is weird, because my prediction is we need to SPEND MORE on OL.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 12, 2026, 03:19:16 PMWe don't tend to buy FA Oline, can't remember ever signing a FA Olineman to start.
You probably already know, but that's just a since-2018 (or so) thing. Before that, Mafia was big-time into FA'ing OL.
Nothing says we can't go back to being a FA OL buyer. The years of always being in the cup has destroyed our OL draft quality.
Quote from: Pete on January 11, 2026, 07:34:46 PMPerhaps it also sends a message to other free agents that we have an opening at center, making those currently unsigned less likely to accept a lowball offer from current team, i.e. McEwan or Woodmansey
This is a very good, and outside the box, point. Love it.
I think Woodmansey played mostly guard in college, and also played right guard his first 3 years in the league. He only converted to centre 2 years ago, which may explain some of the problems he's having with snapping. Don't know if that's coachable or not, but you'd think it is. Money may also be an obstacle to the bombers picking him up though, based on what he was making last year.
Solution to bad snapping if we get Woodmansey for C... Zach takes every ball under center.
:D :D :D
Quote from: Tecno on January 14, 2026, 01:20:07 AMThis is a very good, and outside the box, point. Love it.
In this case, don't think it's that outside the box. It's true. A bonus was probably the primary reason for the release timing but a very real result is it has an impact on pending free agent centres. No doubt.
Quote from: Tecno on January 14, 2026, 01:03:49 AMNo way Ko-man took $120k. I bet Eli is earning over $100k, and he's never started squat. For $120k maybe we keep Ko-man around as a NAT backup!
I doubt he took much of a discount from what he was getting here.
Bomber O-line has never been the highest paid but they're well grounded in the reality of the football business which seems to be a big part of Bomber culture. Led by Stan and Neuf they choose stability and a long playing career over asking for max dollars and the life of a football nomad who moves from team to team every few years chasing the highest dollar, but never establishes much of a fanbase, reputation or deeper roots. As most are already married with children, that's probably the wisest decision they could ever make.
Imagine a FA hot shot stepping into the locker room with the team awareness that he's being paid much more than HOFer prospect Stanley Bryant, that might not go over so well, and to this point that scenario has been avoided.
Coulter Woodmansey would be a good add at guard.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 14, 2026, 02:27:21 AMBomber O-line has never been the highest paid but they're well grounded in the reality of the football business which seems to be a big part of Bomber culture. Led by Stan and Neuf they choose stability and a long playing career over asking for max dollars and the life of a football nomad who moves from team to team every few years chasing the highest dollar, but never establishes much of a fanbase, reputation or deeper roots. As most are already married with children, that's probably the wisest decision they could ever make.
Imagine a FA hot shot stepping into the locker room with the team awareness that he's being paid much more than HOFer prospect Stanley Bryant, that might not go over so well, and to this point that scenario has been avoided.
Meh, I'm better Stanley was the highest paid American OL in the league most years.
Quote from: Jesse on January 14, 2026, 10:37:43 AMMeh, I'm better Stanley was the highest paid American OL in the league most years.
He was for a number of years.
Quote from: Jesse on January 14, 2026, 10:37:43 AMMeh, I'm better Stanley was the highest paid American OL in the league most years.
Maybe the 2 years he won the MOL award when his salary peaked out just over $200k, since that time he's accepted numerous cuts. Not sure a player like Willie will be as willing to accept playing at a discount.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 14, 2026, 04:40:20 PMMaybe the 2 years he won the MOL award when his salary peaked out just over $200k, since that time he's accepted numerous cuts. Not sure a player like Willie will be as willing to accept playing at a discount.
.
We snipped Stan away from Calgary in FA. Except for the last couple of years, I'm sure he was at or near the top of the pay scale his entire time here.
He certainly wasn't "setting the tone" by accepting less than top end deals like TLB was saying.
CFL transaction wire shows that Kola was picked up byt the TiCats today.
OShea said as much in his presser, we couldnt just stay with the status quo and accept the same results as last year, the oline has to improve and its just too bad...Kolankowski you are the weakest link.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 12, 2026, 03:19:16 PMSo, the decision had been made to move on from him. Walters/MOS aren't ones that move on without a plan in place, though, so I fully expect to see Eli getting the C spot going into camp, it being his to lose.
We don't tend to buy FA Oline, can't remember ever signing a FA Olineman to start. We've lost a lot of starting Oline to higher bidders, and while some of those stung a bit, no way we could have matched, we'd have a million dollar Oline now.
Not saying we can't sign a FA OC, just saying anyone worth signing will be expensive, and I'm not sure they are in the budget.
Interesting, Eli's college dimensions were 6'-4" 315 lbs, he is now listed at 6'-3" 287 lbs, a drop off of 28 lbs and 1". Confirms what I suspected, when Eli first came to the Bombers his jersey fit him like a moomoo, now he's a scratch golfer.
Quote from: Pete on January 15, 2026, 05:39:56 PMOShea said as much in his presser, we couldnt just stay with the status quo and accept the same results as last year, the oline has to improve and its just too bad...Kolankowski you are the weakest link.
I would say
a weak link. Not the weakest... At best he's tied for weakest with our revolving RT and LG spots.
Quote from: Tecno on January 15, 2026, 07:28:14 PMI would say a weak link. Not the weakest... At best he's tied for weakest with our revolving RT and LG spots.
Only one guy was released.
Was it ever confirmed or denied if Kolankowski was due a bonus?
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 15, 2026, 08:04:54 PMWas it ever confirmed or denied if Kolankowski was due a bonus?
He was a pending FA. So, I would say no.
Quote from: Jesse on January 15, 2026, 07:57:21 PMOnly one guy was released.
One guy released... so far...
We'll see who remains after camp!
Also, costs almost nothing to keep nobody IMP OL around. Ko-man as a vet NAT is much more coin.
Neufeld next, time to rebuild the OL seriously
Quote from: kkc60 on January 16, 2026, 04:32:33 PMNeufeld next, time to rebuild the OL seriously
Not this FA. Zach & Brady would rebel. Zach/Brady/Stan/Neuf are a package deal. Only if Neuf has a REALLY bad '26 will the other 3 look the other way.
Quote from: Tecno on January 17, 2026, 05:05:04 AMNot this FA. Zach & Brady would rebel. Zach/Brady/Stan/Neuf are a package deal. Only if Neuf has a REALLY bad '26 will the other 3 look the other way.
...they are certainly not a package deal. That makes no sense. Oliveira just signed a three year contract. It's almost certainly guaranteed that none of the other three are still here when it ends.
Quote from: Tecno on January 17, 2026, 05:05:04 AMNot this FA. Zach & Brady would rebel. Zach/Brady/Stan/Neuf are a package deal. Only if Neuf has a REALLY bad '26 will the other 3 look the other way.
I hope not, unless Zach wants to get killed and Brady wants to have an even worse year. This is professional football, teammates change.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 17, 2026, 12:32:22 PM...they are certainly not a package deal. That makes no sense. Oliveira just signed a three year contract. It's almost certainly guaranteed that none of the other three are still here when it ends.
Reading comprehension. I said for '26. '27 may be a different can of worms if Neuf / Stan continue downhill. But as of right now the 4 Amigos are pretty much a unit if you go by all the chatter from Brady & Zach.
I only see Neuf/Stan not being re-signed if they put in too big an ask because they know they have pull. I think/hope it won't come to that. If anything they should both take a cut: or take a non-raise as a "cut" due to inflation.