Blue Bombers re-sign veteran linebacker Tanner Cadwallader
WINNIPEG, MB., January 8, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Canadian linebacker Tanner Cadwallader.
He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.
Cadwallader (5-11, 216; Wilfrid Laurier University; born: June 24, 1997, in Georgetown, ON.) returns in 2026 for his sixth year with the Blue Bombers and following another season in which he was a steady presence on special teams, recording 14 tackles on the kick cover units – third most on the club after Michael Ayers (23) and Jaylen Smith (22).
Cadwallader, now 28, was selected by the Blue Bombers in the 7th round, 64th overall, in the 2020 Canadian Football League Draft and has not missed a single game since his rookie season in 2021 -- suiting up for all 86 regular-season games and every playoff contest over that span.
He has finished second or third in special teams tackles for the club in each year from 2022-25 and his career total of 68 currently ranks 12th in club history – just four shy of moving into the Top 10.
Amazing, I wonder how much cake? I see him as a Bomber lifer. Good development trend.
I really like Cadwallader. He's an excellent ST player. I wonder if he'll have any progression to more snaps on defence this year. Two year deal was another good situation. I hate those 1 year deals!!.
Since we drafted 3 LB's in 2025 I'm wondering if there is a " spot " left for Gauthier in 2026. Gauthier is still an asset but how many Canadian LB's can you squeeze onto a roster? I'm curious how much Cadwallader will earn but don't expect it to be unreasonable.
It might depend on the status of the injury to Novak and when he can return. However I do have Gauthier not on my list to re-sign at the moment. But keep in mind this is not a performance issue, it's a change in succession with younger ELC players versus a veteran, older player that is not on an ELC.
I wouldn't be upset to see him return but I've made the case on why I feel that way.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 04:30:11 PMI really like Cadwallader. He's an excellent ST player. I wonder if he'll have any progression to more snaps on defence this year. Two year deal was another good situation. I hate those 1 year deals!!.
Since we drafted 3 LB's in 2025 I'm wondering if there is a " spot " left for Gauthier in 2026. Gauthier is still an asset but how many Canadian LB's can you squeeze onto a roster? I'm curious how much Cadwallader will earn but don't expect it to be unreasonable.
It might depend on the status of the injury to Novak and when he can return. However I do have Gauthier not on my list to re-sign at the moment. But keep in mind this is not a performance issue, it's a change in succession with younger ELC players versus a veteran, older player that is not on an ELC.
I wouldn't be upset to see him return but I've made the case on why I feel that way.
Love Caddie, but from the lineup in front of him at LB, he looks to be a career ST player and has probably accepted his fate. Plays like a wildman, sprints on and off the field and waits for his next chance to reek havoc.
Can't find the footage of him being double teamed on a kickoff last season, I think it was against the Stamps, 2 players took turns repeatedly knocking him to the ground but he refused to stay down.
After 51 CFL games, I don't see his role changing much. He's a lifetime ST player. But, a good signing.
Always liked this guy. Just a good ST tackler.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 08, 2026, 06:49:09 PMAfter 51 CFL games, I don't see his role changing much. He's a lifetime ST player. But, a good signing.
???? He's played 86 games. Gauthier didn't record a DT until his 5th season. It is likely his role is ST's but I could see him added in one of those 3rd and goal situations we saw Gauthier fill. That or garbage time. Every snap a starter doesn't play in garbage time is one less play where an injury could be sustained.
He is virtually the same body type as Gauthier but possibly a little more athletic.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 09:38:07 PM???? He's played 86 games. Gauthier didn't record a DT until his 5th season. It is likely his role is ST's but I could see him added in one of those 3rd and goal situations we saw Gauthier fill. That or garbage time. Every snap a starter doesn't play in garbage time is one less play where an injury could be sustained.
He is virtually the same body type as Gauthier but possibly a little more athletic.
I'd swear Gauthier was much bigger, certainly looks like a heavier build, there's good reason he's playing 3rd and goal situations.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 04:30:11 PMhow many Canadian LB's can you squeeze onto a roster?
LOL, this is a MOS-led team. The answer is "a lot". MOS might select an all-LB D if it wouldn't get him fired!
Told y'all in his 2nd year he was one to watch! Remember the way Biggie in his prime would just pounce on a guy like a lion (no pun intended)? No dancing, just pounce. Ya, so that's Cadwall.
He had some mega ST hits in '25. What was that one near the GL, I think on a missed FG return? Impressive, and super fun to watch.
He has not progressed as much on D as I was hoping, but he's basically last on the chart. But I don't see why you ditch the kid until the next (similar) big thing gets drafted. He was probably quite budget. Like a Thomas Miles, but much more impactful.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 08, 2026, 09:38:07 PM???? He's played 86 games. Gauthier didn't record a DT until his 5th season. It is likely his role is ST's but I could see him added in one of those 3rd and goal situations we saw Gauthier fill. That or garbage time. Every snap a starter doesn't play in garbage time is one less play where an injury could be sustained.
He is virtually the same body type as Gauthier but possibly a little more athletic.
I think you guys are saying the same thing. ST players still get defensive snaps here and there. Gauthier started games but was never "a starter".
Quote from: Tecno on January 09, 2026, 09:32:11 AMLOL, this is a MOS-led team. The answer is "a lot". MOS might select an all-LB D if it wouldn't get him fired!
The problem is little Canadian depth on offence at receiver in particular. Roster size and ratio are factors. I just can't see having 5 Canadian LB's just to play on ST's.
I guess if we could find 5 nat rec's or RBs who could fill ST spots, they'd be signed... unfortunately most of the ST spots fit LB's.
Johnny Augustine, Mike Miller, were stalwart ST players on the O side. It happens, sure.
With the ratio needing to be met, and much of that ratio being ST guys, I am not surprised with the roster skewing NAT LB heavy.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 09, 2026, 01:03:10 PMThe problem is little Canadian depth on offence at receiver in particular. Roster size and ratio are factors. I just can't see having 5 Canadian LB's just to play on ST's.
Noah Hallett or Jake Kelly might be sacrificed to keep the Natl. LB ratio pumped up on ST. Pretty sure Gauthier won't be renewed, and he's already begun his second career as an electrician.
(https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/da1b82e3-135a-4f43-81fc-d74432b4a550/blob-7e45430.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0.31%25,w:99.39%25,h:100%25/rs=w:2480,h:1865,cg:true)
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2026, 06:09:42 PMNoah Hallett or Jake Kelly might be sacrificed to keep the Natl. LB ratio pumped up on ST. Pretty sure Gauthier won't be renewed, and he's already begun his second career as an electrician.
(https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/da1b82e3-135a-4f43-81fc-d74432b4a550/blob-7e45430.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0.31%25,w:99.39%25,h:100%25/rs=w:2480,h:1865,cg:true)
Hallett is another good ST player that I think doesn't get re-signed. Room has to be made to add 3 or 4 new draft choices to the roster. Last year we added 3 LB's, 1 DB, 1 receiver and 1 OL.
Now all of them have gained some experience as well going into their 2nd season. So younger succession and on ELC's.
I'd expect to add another OL and receiver in this year's draft. Focus probably falls onto both OL and DL though. That said, more of the 2026 draft choices may end up on the PR for awhile.
We have a couple of young Canadians that did well on teams last season.
Ayers 23 STs.
Smith 22
Cad 14
Ball 9
Shay 9
Smith was outstanding.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 09, 2026, 07:59:04 PMWe have a couple of young Canadians that did well on teams last season.
Ayers 23 STs.
Smith 22
Cad 14
Ball 9
Shay 9
Smith was outstanding.
Ayers is not CDN.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2026, 08:00:31 PMAyers is not CDN.
Yes I know that. Cad. isn't a young CND either. I think you missed the point.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 09, 2026, 08:35:18 PMYes I know that. Cad. isn't a young CND either. I think you missed the point.
Yes I did, not even sure of the category anymore!
Quote from: Jesse on January 09, 2026, 10:51:26 AMI think you guys are saying the same thing. ST players still get defensive snaps here and there. Gauthier started games but was never "a starter".
Ya, the only guy who really came close was Briggs. Dude got a ton of reps on D and even started a hefty number of games when injuries hit.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 09, 2026, 07:00:27 PMHallett is another good ST player that I think doesn't get re-signed.
You mean Nick? I think he gets precedence above Ball. Ball is younger, but he hasn't proven squat yet. The difference maker would be if they think Ball can actually be good on D. Nick has proven he's a very meh FS, and will get picked on if in.
But yes, will have to let 1-2 NATs walk for the new DPs.
I favor keeping Nick because his body type is vastly different to Cadwall. He's the speed guy, also with super good fast twitch. No one else is making those far edge FG rushes happen.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 09, 2026, 06:09:42 PMNoah Hallett or Jake Kelly might be sacrificed to keep the Natl. LB ratio pumped up on ST. Pretty sure Gauthier won't be renewed, and he's already begun his second career as an electrician.
Noah is gonzo. Pretty sure he's already been sent packing. Virtually no chance we pick him up again.
We can live without Gauthier, though he was already being kept on as the "old man" wise-teacher role. Who becomes the next Obi Wan? Not sure there really is one currently! So maybe Gauthier stays...
Kelly: I've never really gotten a bead on that guy. He never stands out to me but gets the most D reps probably? Gets picked on. Doesn't stand out on ST much, though maybe his role dictates that. Not super fast... is he smart? Maybe HE'S the next Obi Wan if Gauthier is cut.
Quote from: Tecno on January 10, 2026, 11:52:05 AMYou mean Nick? I think he gets precedence above Ball. Ball is younger, but he hasn't proven squat yet. The difference maker would be if they think Ball can actually be good on D. Nick has proven he's a very meh FS, and will get picked on if in.
But yes, will have to let 1-2 NATs walk for the new DPs.
I favor keeping Nick because his body type is vastly different to Cadwall. He's the speed guy, also with super good fast twitch. No one else is making those far edge FG rushes happen.
Noah is gonzo. Pretty sure he's already been sent packing. Virtually no chance we pick him up again.
We can live without Gauthier, though he was already being kept on as the "old man" wise-teacher role. Who becomes the next Obi Wan? Not sure there really is one currently! So maybe Gauthier stays...
Kelly: I've never really gotten a bead on that guy. He never stands out to me but gets the most D reps probably? Gets picked on. Doesn't stand out on ST much, though maybe his role dictates that. Not super fast... is he smart? Maybe HE'S the next Obi Wan if Gauthier is cut.
Hallett doesn't get reps on defence anymore. In that sense I think Kelly has passed him on the depth chart.
Quote from: Tecno on January 10, 2026, 11:52:05 AMYou mean Nick? I think he gets precedence above Ball. Ball is younger, but he hasn't proven squat yet. The difference maker would be if they think Ball can actually be good on D. Nick has proven he's a very meh FS, and will get picked on if in.
But yes, will have to let 1-2 NATs walk for the new DPs.
I favor keeping Nick because his body type is vastly different to Cadwall. He's the speed guy, also with super good fast twitch. No one else is making those far edge FG rushes happen.
Noah is gonzo. Pretty sure he's already been sent packing. Virtually no chance we pick him up again.
We can live without Gauthier, though he was already being kept on as the "old man" wise-teacher role. Who becomes the next Obi Wan? Not sure there really is one currently! So maybe Gauthier stays...
Kelly: I've never really gotten a bead on that guy. He never stands out to me but gets the most D reps probably? Gets picked on. Doesn't stand out on ST much, though maybe his role dictates that. Not super fast... is he smart? Maybe HE'S the next Obi Wan if Gauthier is cut.
Sorry I meant Nick, it's a given that all Hallett talk now refers to Nick.
Does Mike Miller treasure vets the way MOS does? Does he favour guys he played with, or does he use that knowledge in deciding whether they stay or go?
Good NAT ST players don't get a premium over draft picks for the most part, and experience/leadership is something that is of value in this dynamic. Unless these guys get offers elsewhere, they should have a shot at another year, but will have to out hustle the younger guys.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 10, 2026, 04:57:29 PMDoes Mike Miller treasure vets the way MOS does? Does he favour guys he played with, or does he use that knowledge in deciding whether they stay or go?
Good NAT ST players don't get a premium over draft picks for the most part, and experience/leadership is something that is of value in this dynamic. Unless these guys get offers elsewhere, they should have a shot at another year, but will have to out hustle the younger guys.
The harsh reality is they have to clear space for the newly drafted CDN's to give them the opportunity to develop, to determine if they are capable of becoming starters or not. Gauthier could probably play another 2 years as is but to do so he takes up a younger players roster spot.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 10, 2026, 01:11:26 PMHallett doesn't get reps on defence anymore. In that sense I think Kelly has passed him on the depth chart.
It's a conundrum. I think Hallett is better on ST. But yes, Kelly seems preferred for D. That said, when Kelly is in OC's just throw every ball his way on the expanded zone we often run. He was a big liability whenever he was on field.
If you can only keep one, who do you pick? Me? I like the blocked FGs and punts... And who says we don't cut Ball instead? Or even Shay(!). And who says the non-1RDPs will be any good anyhow.
Quote from: Tecno on January 11, 2026, 09:23:48 AMIt's a conundrum. I think Hallett is better on ST. But yes, Kelly seems preferred for D. That said, when Kelly is in OC's just throw every ball his way on the expanded zone we often run. He was a big liability whenever he was on field.
If you can only keep one, who do you pick? Me? I like the blocked FGs and punts... And who says we don't cut Ball instead? Or even Shay(!). And who says the non-1RDPs will be any good anyhow.
All fair questions with no obvious answer. We could decide to let Ball sit on the PR until we have an injury. It's just another harder decision that might be decided by SMS. How much does Hallett earn?
It's not really hard. None of them are very good if "good" is defined as a starting calibre player on defense. Kelly started a summer game in Calgary and it was a disaster. Hallett isn't good enough to be a regular starter and never will be. Ball has been surprisingly good compared to his draft round but odds are he's a distant depth piece. None would be on the roster if not for the rules.
I was surprised to see that Jake isn't a FA, as he's going into his 4th year.
Kelly has excellent speed, but has had some injury problems. Depending on who we draft, he might be packing his bags as I believe Ball has looked better Jake.
31 games over 3 years. 8 DTs, 12 STs, 1 FF.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 11, 2026, 03:29:32 PMIt's not really hard. None of them are very good if "good" is defined as a starting calibre player on defense.
In this case, no, good is not defined as "maybe can start eventually". You know that... every team has the ratio-filling ST-only players. Often at least 2, and more likely 4-5.
By definition, only (usually) 4 non-OL NATs are good enough to start... and even then, you often have a Hurl or JFG.
So "good" basically means "better than the up & coming competition".
Yes, it's a ratio thing, and I'm fine with that. However, it's also a SMS thing because to pay the big stars there has to be a lot of guys on/near ELC.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 11, 2026, 04:37:15 PMI was surprised to see Jake isn't a FA, as he's going into his 4th year.
Kelly has excellent speed, but has had some injury problems. Depending on who we draft, he might be packing his bags as I believe Ball has looked better Jake.
31 games over 3 years. 8 DTs, 12 STs, 1 FF.
Seems Kelly could be following the Jeremy Murphy trajectory into the after-life, 3 years attempting to establish his football career, then out the door. Kelly is 6 years younger than Hallett, might come down to who O'Shea likes best, but they're both riding the bubble.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 11, 2026, 05:15:10 PMSeems Kelly could be following the Jeremy Murphy trajectory into the after-life, 3 years attempting to establish his football career, then out the door. Kelly is 6 years younger than Hallett, might come down to who O'Shea likes best, but they're both riding the bubble.
Nick has been very healthy for most of his career. Missed 4 games last year due to an eye injury. Just a very steady player that knows our system well. 100 games in 6 years, 42 DTs, 80 STs, 1 Sack, 1 Int, 1 TD, 1 FF. 2 Grey Cups. I think Miller keeps Hallett before Kelly.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 11, 2026, 05:32:16 PMNick has been very healthy for most of his career. Missed 4 games last year due to an eye injury. Just a very steady player that knows our system well. 100 games in 6 years, 42 DTs, 80 STs, 1 Sack, 1 Int, 1 TD, 1 FF. 2 Grey Cups. I think Miller keeps Hallett before Kelly.
First he has to decide to re-sign Hallett. If he does than Kelly or Ball could be the odd one out. Ball is more likely to accept a PR spot ( if necessary ). That leaves Kelly as possible trade bate for a lower draft pick.
The other factor is what does management feel about the 3 Canadian LB's drafted last season. They also play ST's and look to have more upside than the DB choices.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2026, 06:08:32 PMFirst he has to decide to re-sign Hallett. If he does than Kelly or Ball could be the odd one out. Ball is more likely to accept a PR spot ( if necessary ). That leaves Kelly as possible trade bate for a lower draft pick.
The other factor is what does management feel about the 3 Canadian LB's drafted last season. They also play ST's and look to have more upside than the DB choices.
kelly is signed Hallet is not, also Kelly isnt good enough that anyone would trade for him. If we do decide to go in another direction he would be released (unless we were making a bigger trade and throwing him in)
Quote from: Pete on January 11, 2026, 07:38:16 PMQuote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2026, 06:08:32 PMFirst he has to decide to re-sign Hallett. If he does than Kelly or Ball could be the odd one out. Ball is more likely to accept a PR spot ( if necessary ). That leaves Kelly as possible trade bate for a lower draft pick.
The other factor is what does management feel about the 3 Canadian LB's drafted last season. They also play ST's and look to have more upside than the DB choices.
kelly is signed Hallet is not, also Kelly isnt good enough that anyone would trade for him. If we do decide to go in another direction he would be released (unless we were making a bigger trade and throwing him in)
I wouldn't say he has no trade value but a 6th or 7th round pick is not out of the question.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2026, 08:20:10 PMI wouldn't say he has no trade value but a 6th or 7th round pick is not out of the question.
Guy's like Kelly are dime a dozen. The kid has done little to nothing in his first three years.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 11, 2026, 09:35:22 PMGuy's like Kelly are dime a dozen. The kid has done little to nothing in his first three years.
He's only played in 31 games out of 54 in his 3 years. Injuries have not helped but as I said he was getting some reps on defence. We need a better pass rush to help all of the secondary.
I wouldn't write him off just yet and he is still under contract. The decision on Hallett may not be a choice between the 2. We'll see I guess. If we move on from more than 2 Canadian DB's I'm ok with a change there.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 12, 2026, 01:47:07 PMHe's only played in 31 games out of 54 in his 3 years. Injuries have not helped but as I said he was getting some reps on defence. We need a better pass rush to help all of the secondary.
I wouldn't write him off just yet and he is still under contract. The decision on Hallett may not be a choice between the 2. We'll see I guess. If we move on from more than 2 Canadian DB's I'm ok with a change there.
Kelly can't replace Kramdi, so his only chance of DB reps is as the 2nd Safety when they go with the 3 man front or as an injury replacement for Cam Allen. If he is a great athlete and has a positive attitude towards a career as ST player, MOS probably keeps him around. That being said they had Kerfalla Exumé twice and twice allowed him to leave during FA, the fact they renewed Kelly after his ELC shows more affinity.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 11, 2026, 09:35:22 PMGuy's like Kelly are dime a dozen. The kid has done little to nothing in his first three years.
My beef with Kelly is nothing about him stands out. The only time you know he's out on D is when he's screwing up. On ST he may get some stats but you never notice him! He doesn't make the impressive pounce of Cadwall. He doesn't have the speed/accel of Hallett to block a kick.
He's just sort of there and sort of ok. At least Hallett has some specialities!
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 11, 2026, 06:08:32 PMThe other factor is what does management feel about the 3 Canadian LB's drafted last season. They also play ST's and look to have more upside than the DB choices.
Shay needs to pan out. It will be a huge disappointment if he's a bust.