Blue Bombers re-sign defensive back Michael Griffin II
WINNIPEG, MB. – January 20, 2026 –The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with American defensive back Michael Griffin II.
Griffin II was scheduled to become a free agent next month.
Griffin II (6-0, 220; South Dakota State; born: June 23, 1998, in Minneapolis, MN.) returns to the Blue Bombers in 2026 for his third season with the club and fourth in the Canadian Football League after initially signing with the Calgary Stampeders in 2023. He was first signed by the Blue Bombers on May 18, 2024.
A versatile defender, Griffin II is coming off a solid 2025 campaign in which he dressed for 13 games, including five starts, but was injured for the Eastern Semi-Final. He finished third on the team behind Tony Jones and Evan Holm in total defensive plays with 47 defensive tackles, eight more on special teams and a quarterback sack. He has now appeared in 28 games for the Blue Bombers over his first two seasons with the club.
Griffin II first game to the CFL in 2023 with the Stampeders, playing in 13 games after first signing as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in 2022. He played three seasons (2019-21) at South Dakota State, including 37 starts in 39 games and in 2019 was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team. He started his collegiate career at Southwest Minnesota State, playing two seasons there 92016-17).
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/18/blue-bombers-re-sign-defensive-back-michael-griffin-ii/
A key part of our future and I expect a big year. Wish it was for 2 or 3.
Another player I didn't expect back. He's a good player and I don't think we had to break the bank to keep him. I'm not sure where he fits in exactly after the emergence of Woodbey. All that said, injuries happen in TC and how we decide on how to use our ratio is a TBD. He is versatile and is very productive. Plays well on ST's too.
I thought he might look elsewhere for more of a full time role. However I'm happy to see him return.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 18, 2026, 05:02:30 PMAnother player I didn't expect back. He's a good player and I don't think we had to break the bank to keep him. I'm not sure where he fits in exactly after the emergence of Woodbey. All that said, injuries happen in TC and how we decide on how to use our ratio is a TBD. He is versatile and is very productive. Plays well on ST's too.
I thought he might look elsewhere for more of a full time role. However I'm happy to see him return.
Griffin had a very good 2025 13 games, 47 DTs, 8 STs, 1 QS. He's only 27 and has size, speed, and is good on D and teams. Didn't think he was going anywhere.
I like Griffin. An effective defensive player. Good signing.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 18, 2026, 07:28:23 PMGriffin had a very good 2025 13 games, 47 DTs, 8 STs, 1 QS. He's only 27 and has size, speed, and is good on D and teams. Didn't think he was going anywhere.
It was more about ratio, roster size and whether Woodbey pushed ahead of him.
Quote from: Pigskin on January 18, 2026, 07:28:23 PMGriffin had a very good 2025 13 games, 47 DTs, 8 STs, 1 QS. He's only 27 and has size, speed, and is good on D and teams. Didn't think he was going anywhere.
Great re-signing, he basically beat Kramdi's season numbers in 3 less games, probably deserves to start at SAM. What to do with Kramdi? Long-term, Safety is his best option, Allen looked good but so what, they need the ratio and defensive QB flexibility he can't provide and they surely paid Kramdi high dolla to play.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 18, 2026, 09:58:32 PMGreat re-signing, he basically beat Kramdi's season numbers in 3 less games, probably deserves to start at SAM. What to do with Kramdi? Long-term, Safety is his best option, Allen looked good but so what, they need the ratio and defensive QB flexibility he can't provide and they surely paid Kramdi high dolla to play.
You play Kramdi, every snap. Guy's been excellent.
I'm with Pigskin, Griffin was never going anywhere.
Ya no surprise. Good re-signing, assuming it's cheap. What are we thinking... ELC + $20k?
But surely we don't do this just for ST? And we are clearly starting Kramdi for the foreseeable future. How do we get Griffin on the field more? Maybe the idea of Kramdi to FS isn't impossible. Or maybe we get more ratio help somewhere else this season (don't see how...)?
I don't often notice when Griffin is on the field... has anyone noticed how he is against the run? Sometimes smaller Kramdi has some trouble. I'd really like to see better run stop by our LBers.
Quote from: Tecno on January 18, 2026, 10:52:37 PMYa no surprise. Good re-signing, assuming it's cheap. What are we thinking... ELC + $20k?
But surely we don't do this just for ST? And we are clearly starting Kramdi for the foreseeable future. How do we get Griffin on the field more? Maybe the idea of Kramdi to FS isn't impossible. Or maybe we get more ratio help somewhere else this season (don't see how...)?
I don't often notice when Griffin is on the field... has anyone noticed how he is against the run? Sometimes smaller Kramdi has some trouble. I'd really like to see better run stop by our LBers.
He's third on the team in defensive plays. He's on the field as much as anyone.
People just can't seem to get their heads around the fact that the depth chart doesn't accurately reflect our defence.
Quote from: Tecno on January 18, 2026, 10:52:37 PMYa no surprise. Good re-signing, assuming it's cheap. What are we thinking... ELC + $20k?
But surely we don't do this just for ST? And we are clearly starting Kramdi for the foreseeable future. How do we get Griffin on the field more? Maybe the idea of Kramdi to FS isn't impossible. Or maybe we get more ratio help somewhere else this season (don't see how...)?
I don't often notice when Griffin is on the field... has anyone noticed how he is against the run? Sometimes smaller Kramdi has some trouble. I'd really like to see better run stop by our LBers.
Our DI's in 2025 were Castillo, Vaval and 2 of Woodbey, Ayers and Griffin. One of them was just the extra import starting 8 Canadians allowed.
Nothing wrong with that.
However I point out what that combination didn't allow was another import DL. Maybe Muenier-Bailey makes the AR but he's an outside guy. I'm hoping we find a way to add another import DT on the AR.
It also suggests Vaval might be the in game DB in a dual role when necessary ( assuming we don't lose him ). It might be Griffin depending on which spot has an injury.
Nothing is set in stone before the final roster declaration. Injuries, just hiding someone on 1 game IR or even PR still in play.
So it's really how do we get everybody on the AR etc. I think the guesstimate of about $100K would be reasonable.
At this point I'm not sure what we're doing at WIL which includes a Canadian or possible Woodbey taking that on. That would change the math for the ratio letting Griffin on the roster.
I'm thinking we may move on from Wilson but OTOH we could just as easily re-sign him tomorrow. He's reliable.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 18, 2026, 10:11:51 PMYou play Kramdi, every snap. Guy's been excellent.
I'm with Pigskin, Griffin was never going anywhere.
The question is where? If Kramdi is playing SAM Griffin is on the sidelines, unless Younger intends to make use of 6 DB's and a short D-line, or a 4 LB set to get them both on the field at the same time. Perhaps injury will sort out any over abundance as it usually does.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 02:00:16 AMThe question is where? If Kramdi is playing SAM Griffin is on the sidelines, unless Younger intends to make use of 6 DB's and a short D-line, or a 4 LB set to get them both on the field at the same time. Perhaps injury will sort out any over abundance as it usually does.
We have shown the ability to let most guys play (rotation/different looks). Griffin won't be an every down guy. But you are right, injuries will allow more playing time.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 02:00:16 AMThe question is where? If Kramdi is playing SAM Griffin is on the sidelines, unless Younger intends to make use of 6 DB's and a short D-line, or a 4 LB set to get them both on the field at the same time. Perhaps injury will sort out any over abundance as it usually does.
We've been using 7 DBs for the last two years.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 19, 2026, 11:47:57 AMWe have shown the ability to let most guys play (rotation/different looks). Griffin won't be an every down guy. But you are right, injuries will allow more playing time.
That's not the issue. The issue is the make up of the imports on the roster. It's been suggested we might go to a 3 import OL. While I'm not convinced that happens, if it does, we need to remove one of the imports from defence.
If we decide to add another import DT, then we have to make a similar choice.
It's possible we go with a Canadian at WIL instead of Wilson. That would allow adding that import DT. Or we slide Woodbey over to WIL which adds another spot. Woobey could also be bumped back to PR with Griffin healthy. I'm not expecting that result but yes it's a possibility. I don't think both were on the roster at the same time. Ayers is in the mix as a starter.
Based on the current roster those seem to be the choices I can come up with at the moment.
Most posters agree we need to improve and / or move away from using a 3 man DL as often. All 3 of the import DL are currently potential free agents. Still waiting to see who we re-sign etc.
Both Woodbey and Ayers were listed at both WIL and SAM. Depth charts aren't written in stone so it's just a question of how this might change in 2026..
I'm all for having very solid players coming into camp, the more the merrier. Plus, we will have some rookies trying to steal spots.
I/R, P/R will get a workout this year.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 19, 2026, 03:18:03 PMI'm all for having very solid players coming into camp, the more the merrier. Plus, we will have some rookies trying to steal spots.
I/R, P/R will get a workout this year.
I think we'll be back to the normal use of the 1 game IR this year. Of course there are always some legit short term injuries especially coming out of TC.
Players like Griffin are not going to get significant signing bonus but might get something. There is no problem with that. He is a good player.
A player like Woodbey might be more willing to get bumped back to PR if Griffin wins a spot on the AR. OTOH we might be able to roster both. Lots of possibilities and I mentioned a few.
I have a perception of what I'd like to see but that changes every time another player is signed. lol
We won't see anything that specifically improves the roster until free agency once we see the + and - to the roster.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 19, 2026, 01:19:44 PMThat's not the issue. The issue is the make up of the imports on the roster. It's been suggested we might go to a 3 import OL. While I'm not convinced that happens, if it does, we need to remove one of the imports from defence.
If we decide to add another import DT, then we have to make a similar choice.
It's possible we go with a Canadian at WIL instead of Wilson. That would allow adding that import DT. Or we slide Woodbey over to WIL which adds another spot. Woobey could also be bumped back to PR with Griffin healthy. I'm not expecting that result but yes it's a possibility. I don't think both were on the roster at the same time. Ayers is in the mix as a starter.
Based on the current roster those seem to be the choices I can come up with at the moment.
Most posters agree we need to improve and / or move away from using a 3 man DL as often. All 3 of the import DL are currently potential free agents. Still waiting to see who we re-sign etc.
Both Woodbey and Ayers were listed at both WIL and SAM. Depth charts aren't written in stone so it's just a question of how this might change in 2026..
3 man front will continue to be used and has been across the league for a few years
Mixing up schemes is key, having the horses to execute that flexibility is key imo. Just because most posters don't like 3 man fronts doesn't mean they won't continue. I believe some have been overly critical in this regard. Our DL must get more pressure, that's for sure but I think it will come with some new faces, old faces stepping up and schemes. I like the flexibility that a 3 man front provides. It's a passing league.
I would start Wlison again but rotate him more.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 19, 2026, 03:30:45 PM3 man front will continue to be used and has been across the league for a few years
Mixing up schemes is key, having the horses to execute that flexibility is key imo
Of course it will be used. The suggestion is that it needs to be used less or the front 3 talent needs to be improved.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 19, 2026, 03:40:05 PMOf course it will be used. The suggestion is that it needs to be used less or the front 3 talent needs to be improved.
Talent improved, yes if we can. But I wouldn't break the bank here.
You post too fast, you know I need time to edit 5x lol.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 19, 2026, 03:41:54 PMTalent improved, yes if we can. But I wouldn't break the bank here.
You post too fast, you know I need time to edit 5x lol.
At the moment I expect we'll re-sign, Vaughters, Jefferson and Woods. Hopefully with some lower contracts overall. IMO it's more about the ability to have another import DT as a DI as I've mentioned.
I don't know whether any of that happens. None of those 3 are re-signed yet, but things are speeding up across the CFL as teams make announcements.
There is some thought that the 2 rookie's that made the AR for the last game might be fighting for a starting spot. But both are DE's not DT's and we still have to figure out how to " add " someone.
Might we be moving to more of a SAM at WIL for certain packages?
Especially going with a 3 man front, making the 4th LB that tweener?
Could that be a possibility?
We seem to be loading up the tweener LB/DB's.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 19, 2026, 04:21:57 PMMight we be moving to more of a SAM at WIL for certain packages?
Especially going with a 3 man front, making the 4th LB that tweener?
Could that be a possibility?
We seem to be loading up the tweener LB/DB's.
Younger's been using 6-7 DBs for 2 years now?
3 DL, Wilson and Jones, the rest are in the secondary. Griffin and Woodbey being the tweener guys you are talking about are nothing new. They're the Younger D we've been seeing this whole time.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 04:28:43 PMYounger's been using 6-7 DBs for 2 years now?
3 DL, Wilson and Jones, the rest are in the secondary. Griffin and Woodbey being the tweener guys you are talking about are nothing new. They're the Younger D we've been seeing this whole time.
Yes, those guys are pretty good cover guys. OTOH, they are typically " heavier " than a SAM or secondary player. So there is a trade off in being able to defend running plays and still cover intermediate routes.
I don't want or expect to see Woodbey or Griffin covering Lawler 35 yards downfield.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 04:28:43 PMYounger's been using 6-7 DBs for 2 years now?
3 DL, Wilson and Jones, the rest are in the secondary. Griffin and Woodbey being the tweener guys you are talking about are nothing new. They're the Younger D we've been seeing this whole time.
This is something I haven't noticed.
Where would the extra two db line up to have seven in the secondary?
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 04:28:43 PMYounger's been using 6-7 DBs for 2 years now?
3 DL, Wilson and Jones, the rest are in the secondary. Griffin and Woodbey being the tweener guys you are talking about are nothing new. They're the Younger D we've been seeing this whole time.
Well I'm hoping O'Shea puts more restrictions on Younger this season as the DB heavy schemes he's come to rely on have been unable to contain the league's smartest QB's, Alexander and Harris figured it out quickly and Rourke, Kelly, BLM and VA will eventually catch on watching game film. Time to get back to basics and stop trying to re-invent the wheel, a new scheme can only take a team so far, but it eventually comes up short.
Improving DE personnel won't change anything as long as they're constantly outnumbered, no D-line is going to perform well when they're outnumbered by 2-3 extra bodies. Willie and Vaughters are not the problem, they just require more assistance, that help can come from a 4th LB if need be but it has to be a consistent feature that disrupts the QB's sense of safety.
Having a 6'5 4.4 40 guy that can come off the edge on a blitz sounds juicy...
Quote from: theaardvark on January 19, 2026, 06:42:08 PMHaving a 6'5 4.4 40 guy that can come off the edge on a blitz sounds juicy...
He doesn't have to gain weight to do that if he's on the AR as a DB. Getting him to add weight and convert to a DE is an interesting thought but 1% chance of that.
Quote from: markf on January 19, 2026, 05:17:22 PMThis is something I haven't noticed.
Where would the extra two db line up to have seven in the secondary?
There's no particular place. And it's not the same 7 guys. They don't line up like it's on a paper depth chart, they're covering zones all over the field.
But just do the math.. if you only see 3 DL, how many guys are back there?
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 07:14:48 PMThere's no particular place. And it's not the same 7 guys. They don't line up like it's on a paper depth chart, they're covering zones all over the field.
But just do the math.. if you only see 3 DL, how many guys are back there?
You're including the SAM as a DB instead of a LB which is fair.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 07:24:18 PMYou're including the SAM as a DB instead of a LB which is fair.
Yes.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 05:17:34 PMWell I'm hoping O'Shea puts more restrictions on Younger this season as the DB heavy schemes he's come to rely on have been unable to contain the league's smartest QB's, Alexander and Harris figured it out quickly and Rourke, Kelly, BLM and VA will eventually catch on watching game film. Time to get back to basics and stop trying to re-invent the wheel, a new scheme can only take a team so far, but it eventually comes up short.
Improving DE personnel won't change anything as long as they're constantly outnumbered, no D-line is going to perform well when they're outnumbered by 2-3 extra bodies. Willie and Vaughters are not the problem, they just require more assistance, that help can come from a 4th LB if need be but it has to be a consistent feature that disrupts the QB's sense of safety.
I hope MOS lets Younger cook on his own and allows him to continue to implement a pretty good defensive game plan.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 19, 2026, 05:17:34 PMWell I'm hoping O'Shea puts more restrictions on Younger this season as the DB heavy schemes he's come to rely on have been unable to contain the league's smartest QB's, Alexander and Harris figured it out quickly
Keep in mind Younger clearly has the blessing of Hall to continue with the max-coverage schemes. Heck, they probably all originated in the brain of Hall.
As for the good slingers defeating the scheme, like in the ESF, how exactly DID they destroy it in the ESF? Are we playing a dense zone and then 1-2 guys go deep on the same final-defense deep DB or pick a seam and use that to get a step on that last guy? Aren't we combining zone & man to cover those deep routes?? Was it just mistakes by our DBs, not scheme?
And what will be our counter to that, assuming we stick with max cover.
Quote from: Tecno on January 27, 2026, 11:47:11 PMKeep in mind Younger clearly has the blessing of Hall to continue with the max-coverage schemes. Heck, they probably all originated in the brain of Hall.
As for the good slingers defeating the scheme, like in the ESF, how exactly DID they destroy it in the ESF? Are we playing a dense zone and then 1-2 guys go deep on the same final-defense deep DB or pick a seam and use that to get a step on that last guy? Aren't we combining zone & man to cover those deep routes?? Was it just mistakes by our DBs, not scheme?
And what will be our counter to that, assuming we stick with max cover.
Re-watched the ESF for the first time last night and it was ugly, neither the offence or the defence looked like they should be on the same field with the Als, it was a horrendous wake up call. Parker, Houston and Allen all gave up easy completions on too loose coverage and Younger's D looked impotent, especially with the 3 man rush. Didn't do much better against the run, giving up 133 yds. with a 7.4 yd average to Scott, Bombers abundant LB talent did not excel. That game alone should warrant a massive shake up in defensive game plannning, it's hard to push all the blame on the personnel.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 28, 2026, 05:27:46 PMRe-watched the ESF for the first time last night and it was ugly, neither the offence or the defence looked like they should be on the same field with the Als, it was a horrendous wake up call. Parker, Houston and Allen all gave up easy completions on too loose coverage and Younger's D looked impotent, especially with the 3 man rush. Didn't do much better against the run, giving up 133 yds. with a 7.4 yd average to Scott, Bombers abundant LB talent did not excel. That game alone should warrant a massive shake up in defensive game plannning, it's hard to push all the blame on the personnel.
Chicken or egg question. The lack of pressure from the front 7 hung the secondary out to dry. Coaching strategy, talent on the field all played a part in what we saw all year. I can't dispute that the talent was good enough. Parker has been released and Houston has not been re-signed. However if we don't upgrade the DL it's moot to a large degree. Neither Vaughters or Wood have been re-signed either, so it's a double edged sword.
I think one of the issues with the defense is the personnel is great vs quick passes (extra DBs does that), but if QBs can take a smoke break in the pocket then it doesn't matter.
Yeah, career ascending. Chance to play. If he does good NFL beckons