Blue Bombers Transactions - January 15, 2026
WINNIPEG, MB., January 15, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has released American running back/returner Peyton Logan.
Tough business. Never seemed healthy last year at any point.
Forgot about him. Too bad it didn't work out. Could be the end.
He must have been decent. Didn't show much in Winnipeg.
I was curious why we signed him in the first place. He didn't show much in the other cities he played in.
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on January 17, 2026, 06:14:48 AMI was curious why we signed him in the first place. He didn't show much in the other cities he played in.
He only ever played for Calgary, and was a good returner there. There were a few signings that made no sense last offseason, this one actually did. Our return game was embarrassing two seasons ago, Logan was brought in to fix it.
Argos signed him today.
Quote from: gobombersgo on January 19, 2026, 06:22:51 PMArgos signed him today.
So, if Toronto signed Logan, might that mean they can't get a hold of Grant?
We'd better get Vaval under contract soon, before Grant hits FA. I'd rather have Vaval than Grant, but I definite want to have at least one of them.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 19, 2026, 06:38:28 PMSo, if Toronto signed Logan, might that mean they can't get a hold of Grant?
We'd better get Vaval under contract soon, before Grant hits FA. I'd rather have Vaval than Grant, but I definite want to have at least one of them.
Speaking of Vaval, Tait tweeted today that he will be back with the Bombers (under contract for 2 more seasons).
Quote from: gobombersgo on January 19, 2026, 06:42:08 PMSpeaking of Vaval, Tait tweeted today that he will be back with the Bombers (under contract for 2 more seasons).
He still has 11 days to sign an NFL deal. But that is good news, if Tait is saying there's no NFL interest...
Quote from: gobombersgo on January 19, 2026, 06:42:08 PMSpeaking of Vaval, Tait tweeted today that he will be back with the Bombers (under contract for 2 more seasons).
He would have been under contract for 2026. Does this mean he's signing a new deal for an extra season and more $$$$? That would be good news.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 19, 2026, 07:06:54 PMHe would have been under contract for 2026. Does this mean he's signing a new deal for an extra season and more $$$$? That would be good news.
Economically challenging to throw away ELC savings on a new contract anytime a rookie overperforms in their first season, as often enough they don't match their output in their second season. No harm making them wait till after their second season to better define their true value.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 19, 2026, 07:06:54 PMHe would have been under contract for 2026. Does this mean he's signing a new deal for an extra season and more $$$$? That would be good news.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 07:35:18 PMEconomically challenging to throw away ELC savings on a new contract anytime a rookie overperforms in their first season, as often enough they don't match their output in their second season. No harm making them wait till after their second season to better define their true value.
I don't don't we've ever talked about this or if it's a new thing in the CBA, but rookies have been entering the league on 3 year deals. I don't think Vaval had to re-up.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 08:00:00 PMI don't don't we've ever talked about this or if it's a new thing in the CBA, but rookies have been entering the league on 3 year deals. I don't think Vaval had to re-up.
He doesn't, and neither did Pokey, they are still under contract within the CFL. I'm not against revising their contracts if they sign for extended years but they could also be held to their ELC contract terms, like Schoen was.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 08:40:37 PMHe doesn't, and neither did Pokey, they are still under contract within the CFL. I'm not against revising their contracts if they sign for extended years but they could also be held to their ELC contract terms, like Schoen was.
Pokey did sign an extension though; whereas I don't think Vaval did. I think he was just on a 3 year deal.
Either way, great to see him back and avoiding the need to find a returner ( barring injury ). We'll still be looking for the back up as a skill set for a DB or receiver.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 19, 2026, 08:49:11 PMEither way, great to see him back and avoiding the need to find a returner ( barring injury ). We'll still be looking for the back up as a skill set for a DB or receiver.
3DN article, basically gives the same info. as Ed Tait who was probably the source.
https://3downnation.com/2026/01/19/trey-vaval-to-remain-with-winnipeg-blue-bombers-despite-nfl-workout-tour/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/01/19/trey-vaval-to-remain-with-winnipeg-blue-bombers-despite-nfl-workout-tour/)
Okay, Castillo signed, now I like to see us sign our best DL from last season, Vaughters.
I count 18 potential free agents remaining. 8 were starters: Vaughters, Jefferson, Houston, K. Wilson, Wheatfall, Sterns, Bryant and Woods.
I expect re-signing notices to accelerate as we get closer to the tampering window. That's still a lot of decisions to be made.
Players that are probably not coming back. Makonzo, Lofton, Case, Mitchell, Strev, Schoen, and Lawson. K. Wilson sitting on the fence.
I would like to see us take a run at Shemar Bridges in FA, he could replace Wheatfall. But, I think it wouldn't matter who we have at receive if we don't improve our OL.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 20, 2026, 02:51:26 PMPlayers that are probably not coming back. Makonzo, Lofton, Case, Mitchell, Strev, Schoen, and Lawson. K. Wilson sitting on the fence.
Same as my list / thoughts but I also include Gauthier, Hallett and Bonds not returning.
OTOH we just re-signed Kornelson to a 1 year deal.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 20, 2026, 03:03:28 PMI would like to see us take a run at Shemar Bridges in FA, he could replace Wheatfall. But, I think it wouldn't matter who we have at receive if we don't improve our OL.
The catch is does Bridges make it to the tampering window and get multiple offers for how much SMS. The 2nd part of that is do we wait to re-sign Wheatfall hoping to land an up grade in free agency? Wheatfall had nearly twice the output of receptions and yardage, so I'm not sure Bridges is an upgrade.
At the moment I expect Wheatfall and Sterns to be re-signed but neither are exactly locks either.
On one hand it's not so much who we re-sign now but who we don't re-sign going into free agency. We can still re-sign our players during free agency or replace them with new choices.
It's a risk analysis question and we don't know what we don't know. lol
By my count the total number of remaining potential free agents across the CFL is 165 and 34 of those are receivers.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 20, 2026, 03:18:42 PMThe catch is does Bridges make it to the tampering window and get multiple offers for how much SMS. The 2nd part of that is do we wait to re-sign Wheatfall hoping to land an up grade in free agency? Wheatfall had nearly twice the output of receptions and yardage, so I'm not sure Bridges is an upgrade.
At the moment I expect Wheatfall and Sterns to be re-signed but neither are exactly locks either.
On one hand it's not so much who we re-sign now but who we don't re-sign going into free agency. We can still re-sign our players during free agency or replace them with new choices.
It's a risk analysis question and we don't know what we don't know. lol
By my count the total number of remaining potential free agents across the CFL is 165 and 34 of those are receivers.
I don't understand why they realease some players like Devin Adams and Kolankowski early to give them a head start on FA, while they let others rot on the vine and probably won't bother to make them offers. Thinking Kyrie Wilson, Shayne Gauthier and a few others may experience the Jackson Jeffcoat cold shoulder, which would be on par treatment for long term veterans.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2026, 07:52:26 PMI don't understand why they realease some players like Devin Adams and Kolankowski early to give them a head start on FA, while they let others rot on the vine and probably won't bother to make them offers. Thinking Kyrie Wilson, Shayne Gauthier and a few others may experience the Jackson Jeffcoat cold shoulder, which would be on par treatment for long term veterans.
It might not be that simple. They may have decided to move on from some players early. In other cases contracts offered may still be re-negotiated which could include lower numbers and reduced role.
I don't think it's an issue of cold shoulder and we don't know what conversations they've had we the currently un-signed.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2026, 07:52:26 PMI don't understand why they realease some players like Devin Adams and Kolankowski early to give them a head start on FA, while they let others rot on the vine and probably won't bother to make them offers. Thinking Kyrie Wilson, Shayne Gauthier and a few others may experience the Jackson Jeffcoat cold shoulder, which would be on par treatment for long term veterans.
The standard practice is obviously for players to go to FA. Teams have probably given them their best offers or told them not to expect an offer and life goes on.
Certain players, on a case by case basis, are probably told early that they are no longer in the teams plans and ask for their release. I don't think there's any standard practice to who they will or will not release early. It's simply something that comes up under certain circumstances.
Quote from: Jesse on January 20, 2026, 09:45:20 PMThe standard practice is obviously for players to go to FA. Teams have probably given them their best offers or told them not to expect an offer and life goes on.
Certain players, on a case by case basis, are probably told early that they are no longer in the teams plans and ask for their release. I don't think there's any standard practice to who they will or will not release early. It's simply something that comes up under certain circumstances.
Good point, both Kola and Adams signed with other teams shortly after their release, maybe their agents knew they had serious interest and encouraged them to ask for early release so they could sign before FA opened. Other un-signed players just drift into FA hoping for something good to happen.
Neuf suggesting Eli is next man up at Center.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 20, 2026, 11:08:39 PM
Neuf suggesting Eli is next man up at Center.
It does sound like it, although he said he was looking forward to him taking that next step at camp and competing there, so maybe they bring in someone else?
Neufeld seems quite smart and well spoken, could see him getting into coaching when he's done.
Hmmmm. 10 days to free agency tampering window opening. We still have a lot of potential free agents. I'm a little surprised about a few players not yet signed or announced. There is still time but there may also be a willingness to let some players test the marketplace.
This applies more to long time Bombers like Bryant, Jefferson for example.
It will be interesting to see what does happen before Feb 1. We won't see what other CFL players get offers from the Bombers unless a given player accepts their offer.
Too bad we don't get earlier transparency of who gets offers even if we don't know the amount of the offers.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2026, 05:19:31 PMHmmmm. 10 days to free agency tampering window opening. We still have a lot of potential free agents. I'm a little surprised about a few players not yet signed or announced. There is still time but there may also be a willingness to let some players test the marketplace.
It will be interesting to see what does happen before Feb 1. We won't see what other CFL players get offers from the Bombers unless a given player accepts their offer.
Too bad we don't get earlier transparency of who gets offers even if we don't know the amount of the offers.
At this point there's a pretty good chance any un-signed players are hedging their bets against a reduced offer the Bombers may have sent their agents vs. what they may receive in FA, especially in the case of older players like Stanley, Willie and Kyrie. It might come down to players swallowing thier pride in order to continue playing. Stan has been great but no other team is going to invest money in a player pushing 40.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2026, 05:39:05 PMAt this point there's a pretty good chance any un-signed players are hedging their bets against a reduced offer the Bombers may have sent their agents vs. what they may receive in FA, especially in the case of older players like Stanley, Willie and Kyrie. It might come down to players swallowing thier pride in order to continue playing. Stan has been great but no other team is going to invest money in a player pushing 40.
Could be. I did think Bryant would be re-signed this week. The others not as certain but that's a lot of possible turnover at the moment.
The two Im watching are Houston, and Vaughters, perhaps even Stern
Houston settled down our secondary and Vaughters would give us some depth
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2026, 07:55:07 PMCould be. I did think Bryant would be re-signed this week. The others not as certain but that's a lot of possible turnover at the moment.
Stanley Bryant is 39, both Vanterpool and Randolph are 27, is one more year of Stan worth losing either? I think not, treat them well and they could be starters for another 4-5 years with salaries well below $200k.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 22, 2026, 12:06:13 AMStanley Bryant is 39, both Vanterpool and Randolph are 27, is one more year of Stan worth losing either? I think not, treat them well and they could be starters for another 4-5 years with salaries well below $200k.
We aren't sure either can play LT as well as Bryant. Considering the higher than normal signings of import OL, I'm not sure what the plans are at the moment.
The issue of age and SMS can't be ignored though. This could be the year they decide to move on.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 22, 2026, 01:45:21 PMWe aren't sure either can play LT as well as Bryant. Considering the higher than normal signings of import OL, I'm not sure what the plans are at the moment.
The issue of age and SMS can't be ignored though. This could be the year they decide to move on.
Counted 8 new import players signed so far to compete for O-line jobs in TC this season so nothing is a given except minimum 2 spots for Natl's, Wallace and Neuf for sure. Hoping for a free and fair competition that awards the winners might be expecting too much, depending on who all is in the room when they make the final decision.
Was I imagining things, or did I hear a Bombers official say that Eli is their plan at OC?
Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2026, 05:16:53 PMWas I imagining things, or did I hear a Bombers official say that Eli is their plan at OC?
Neuf suggested it was a likely possibility, don't think the team said anything.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 08:00:00 PMI don't don't we've ever talked about this or if it's a new thing in the CBA, but rookies have been entering the league on 3 year deals. I don't think Vaval had to re-up.
I've never heard that before. I haven't seen a sign that's true before. ELCs all seem to go to FA or get a $ bump (if they are any good) between year 2 and year 3. (Excluding re-negs of course).
Why would an ELC IMP sign for 3 years at ELC (really tiny pay) when you'd think they'd want to quickly prove their worth and get paid before year 3. If that were the case teams would have a mega big advantage over the players.
My impression is there is a league-mandated 2 year ELC for IMPs (unless teams re-neg higher, which is rare).
I'm open (and happy) to being proven wrong if someone can prove otherwise.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 21, 2026, 05:39:05 PMStan has been great but no other team is going to invest money in a player pushing 40.
They don't have to "invest", they just need to want a league-top LT for 1 year. 100% guaranteed Stan can get a job on another team at similar-to-WPG pay on day 1 of FA if we let him walk. At the very worst a basement dweller like TOR/OTT will snap him up.
Quote from: Tecno on January 26, 2026, 01:25:32 AMThey don't have to "invest", they just need to want a league-top LT for 1 year. 100% guaranteed Stan can get a job on another team at similar-to-WPG pay on day 1 of FA if we let him walk. At the very worst a basement dweller like TOR/OTT will snap him up.
Hiring a vet for one last season is always bad strategy, one that the Riders practiced for many years while they were stuck in the mud spinning their wheels.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 22, 2026, 12:06:13 AMStanley Bryant is 39, both Vanterpool and Randolph are 27, is one more year of Stan worth losing either? I think not, treat them well and they could be starters for another 4-5 years with salaries well below $200k.
Vanterpool has only played 6 games. If he was the future at LT then I don't think they would have signed Bryant. Vanterpool might not accept a bump back to the PR so it's possible he doesn't survive TC.
Randolph played fairly well but I don't think he's a lock depending on who is available at free agency.
There a few players I will be watching closely at TC. Poncius 6'8" 320 (A) OL and Uwubanmwen 6'4" 300 (N) OL. Vibert 6'3" 313 (N) has a year under his belt.
Hodges 6'2" 240 (A) MLB. Banks 6'4" 220 (A) WR.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 26, 2026, 10:21:42 PMVanterpool has only played 6 games. If he was the future at LT then I don't think they would have signed Bryant. Vanterpool might not accept a bump back to the PR so it's possible he doesn't survive TC.
Randolph played fairly well but I don't think he's a lock depending on who is available at free agency.
Pretty sure they intend to move to 3 Import O-line this season, my best guess is 2 OT's and a Center, with Neuf and Wallace filling the Guard spots.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 26, 2026, 11:51:22 PMPretty sure they intend to move to 3 Import O-line this season, my best guess is 2 OT's and a Center, with Neuf and Wallace filling the Guard spots.
If they do that, which import will they need to remove from the roster? Even if they go 3 import OL, Vanterpool has no experience at center.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 26, 2026, 11:51:22 PMPretty sure they intend to move to 3 Import O-line this season, my best guess is 2 OT's and a Center, with Neuf and Wallace filling the Guard spots.
Are any of the Imports coming to camp OC's? They all look like OT's to me...
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 12:10:16 AMIf they do that, which import will they need to remove from the roster? Even if they go 3 import OL, Vanterpool has no experience at center.
Ahh who knows, I'm looking at it as a positional solution and not delving that deep, ratio flips could occur at LB or receiver. There are many ways to skin a cat.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 27, 2026, 01:28:55 AMAhh who knows, I'm looking at it as a positional solution and not delving that deep, ratio flips could occur at LB or receiver. There are many ways to skin a cat.
Unfortunately it's part of the equation. Number of imports are limited regardless of how many Canadians are starters.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 12:10:16 AMIf they do that, which import will they need to remove from the roster? Even if they go 3 import OL, Vanterpool has no experience at center.
It's the off season. The roster hasn't even been set yet. Many imports from last season won't be on the roster.
Quote from: Jesse on January 27, 2026, 10:43:46 AMIt's the off season. The roster hasn't even been set yet. Many imports from last season won't be on the roster.
That's not the point and you should know that. It's a matter of where we choose or chose to use our DI's. The imports involved are under contract and I listed 2 locked in stone. Castillo and Vaval. Ayers is probably # 3 of 4 and he's on the roster.
Changing to a 3 man OL is a fundamental change in our ratio. I don't dispute we may choose that route but it's not an invisible easy choice.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 12:57:33 PMThat's not the point and you should know that. It's a matter of where we choose or chose to use our DI's. The imports involved are under contract and I listed 2 locked in stone. Castillo and Vaval. Ayers is probably # 3 of 4 and he's on the roster.
Changing to a 3 man OL is a fundamental change in our ratio. I don't dispute we may choose that route but it's not an invisible easy choice.
Like you said in your first point, it's a roster spot, not a ratio concern. We regularly start more Canadians than the minimum. It's literally just replacing a back of roster spot with a NI over and I.
Quote from: Jesse on January 27, 2026, 03:04:53 PMLike you said in your first point, it's a roster spot, not a ratio concern. We regularly start more Canadians than the minimum. It's literally just replacing a back of roster spot with a NI over and I.
That's not correct and has zero to do with how many Canadians we start. The number of imports is restricted. You can't add another import without removing one from the AR.
When we start 8 Canadians we have 1 import that is neither a DI or a starter. Then we have 4 DI's in the normal sense.
Our roster has not used an import OL as either the " extra " or a DI. All those imports were on defence. So if you add an import OL that is an addition to what we have done and would require someone to be removed.
It also reduces the flexibility we had previously on defence where that " extra " non starting defensive player could rotate for a Canadian and still maintain 7 starters. We only need to declare 1 Canadian on defence to maintain that rule.
Now that we've re-signed K. Wilson that increases the issue with Ayers, Griffin and Woodbey.