Blue Bombers sign kicker Sergio Castillo, punter Jamieson Sheahan to contract extensions
WINNIPEG, MB., January 19, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has re-signed veteran kicker Sergio Castillo (two years) and punter Jamieson Sheahan (one year). Both players were scheduled to become a free agents in February.
Castillo (5-9, 202; West Texas A&M; born: November 1, 1990, in La Joya, TX) returns to the club in 2026 after serving as the club's placekicker for the past three seasons (2023-25) as well as stints in 2015 and 2021.
Castillo has now appeared in 61 games over his three periods with the Blue Bombers and is coming off a 2025 season in which he connected on 85.7 percent of his field goal attempts (48-of-56) and 93 percent of his converts (40-of-43).
His 48 made field goals last season ranked as fourth most in a season in franchise history behind Justin Medlock (60 in 2016 and 56 in 2017) and his own mark of 51 in 2024.
He also broke his own record for longest field goal in team history with a 63-yarder in a loss in Calgary in August, a kick that tied the mark for the longest in Canadian Football League history.
One of the most popular Blue Bombers in the locker room and in the community, Castillo also moved into sixth place in all-time franchise scoring in 2025. His 184 points last season now gives him 639 as a Blue Bomber.
He was a CFL All-Star in 2019 and the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Special Teams player in 2023 and 2024.
Castillo has appeared in 113 CFL games over nine seasons, including his time with Ottawa (2016), Hamilton (2017), B.C. (2019) and Edmonton (2022).
Sheahan (5-11, 197, University of California; born: May 17, 1997, in Bendigo, Australia) returns in 2026 for his fourth season in the Canadian Football League and fourth with the Blue Bombers. He has been the club's punter in every game over that span. In addition, working with long-snapper Ian Leroux, Sheahan is the holder on field goals and converts for placekicker Sergio Castillo.
Sheahan finished 2025 with a punting average of 47.8 yards on 94 punts and a net (minus the opponent's return) of 38.4 yards. His 47.8-yard average was the second highest in Blue Bombers history to Jon Ryan's 50.6 average in 2005. In the battle for field position, he kicked just two singles in 2025 while placing nine punts inside the opponent's 10-yard line.
Sheahan was selected eighth overall by the Blue Bombers in the CFL's 2023 Global Draft and earned the punting chores in training camp in a season in which he was named the club's Most Outstanding Rookie Player.
A product of Bendigo, Australia, Sheahan began playing Aussie rules football with the Essendon Bombers in the Australian Football League. He earned a scholarship to the University of California through ProKick Australia and has two degrees, including a master's of education.
:)
Sergio is great!
Sheehan is very hit and miss.
Good stuff overall.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on January 19, 2026, 03:55:12 PMSergio is great!
Sheehan is very hit and miss.
Good stuff overall.
I won't be surprised if we draft another K or P in this year's draft. Nearly half of the 18 players drafted fall into that category. If we find one with promise he'll end up on the PR initially.
Sheehan seemed to becoming more consistent and it was only has 2nd season. So not directly concerned but I wouldn't mind seeing a Canadian Punter drafted in later rounds too.
OK, Walters has earned his salary this year. The rest will be bonus.
Sergio for 2? Great (must be some guaranteed money in year 2)
Sheahan is a hoot to have on the team, his kicking can be quite an adventure, but its so unpredictable that it is very effective, and will only get better with time.
So, our ST trio is back intact. Miller must be happy about that.
Castillo is money. With Sheahan I suppose you get continuity on FG holding, but his punting leaves much to be desired for me. Yes he can kick the ball with sixteen different spins on it, but his hangtime always seems to be about two seconds at most.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 19, 2026, 04:09:55 PMOK, Walters has earned his salary this year. The rest will be bonus.
I mean, he's re-signing players we already had (many at very top end salaries). He hasn't earned his salary until he does something that improves the team.
Not to say he won't do that come FA time, but so far we're just paying significantly more for the same players.
I like both signings.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 04:19:03 PMI mean, he's re-signing players we already had (many at very top end salaries). He hasn't earned his salary until he does something that improves the team.
Not to say he won't do that come FA time, but so far we're just paying significantly more for the same players.
Exactly. How's he earning his money by giving raises to existing players on a 4th place team? :D
I'm happy with who we've resigned, but he'll earn his money by finding some way to improve the team in free agency.
Condell was a good add compared to Hogan as well, but no sane GM would have run back Hogan after what our offence did last year.
Quote from: Stretch on January 19, 2026, 04:16:29 PMCastillo is money. With Sheahan I suppose you get continuity on FG holding, but his punting leaves much to be desired for me. Yes he can kick the ball with sixteen different spins on it, but his hangtime always seems to be about two seconds at most.
Thos 16 different punt spins might come in handy for keeping the ball out of the endzone once they change the rules and push the goalposts back out of reach of FG's.
Quote from: bunker on January 19, 2026, 05:23:07 PMExactly. How's he earning his money by giving raises to existing players on a 4th place team? :D
I'm happy with who we've resigned, but he'll earn his money by finding some way to improve the team in free agency.
Condell was a good add compared to Hogan as well, but no sane GM would have run back Hogan after what our offence did last year.
Players were bound to get raises as the SMS increased by over 412k last season.
So Walters has been spending left over money from 2025 as well as the increased amounts for 2026.
Quote from: gobombersgo on January 19, 2026, 06:08:50 PMPlayers were bound to get raises as the SMS increased by over 412k last season.
So Walters has been spending left over money from 2025 as well as the increased amounts for 2026.
I know all that. Does not change the fact that resigning existing players alone is not going to do it for us, as much as I like the signings. We were a fourth place team. This is particularly so since its possible some of the players resigned or already signed may take a half step back due to aging (Collaros, Nichols, Neufeld, Demski). My point is that we need some new blood that elevates our talent level, and need to avoid signings like Logan, J. Jones, and Mitchell. Walters did not exactly distinguish himself in free agency last year. He needs to do better this year, that's where he will truly earn his money.
Very important signings and both are rock solid.
Some called for us to move on from Sheahan last year and he proved the doubters wrong. People need to realize that the strongest leg doesn't always = the best punter. He had a good year and is very consistent and versatile imo.
I am very happy about this. I also would like to see us develop Canadians for these positions.
Love the Castillo signing. He's reliable from short, and a real weapon in terms of being able to hit fairly consistently from 50+.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 04:19:03 PMI mean, he's re-signing players we already had (many at very top end salaries). He hasn't earned his salary until he does something that improves the team.
Not to say he won't do that come FA time, but so far we're just paying significantly more for the same players.
You realize players don't HAVE to stay here,especially with our climate etc, so him getting them to agree on a term is earning his salary.
Quote from: Jesse on January 19, 2026, 04:19:03 PMI mean, he's re-signing players we already had (many at very top end salaries). He hasn't earned his salary until he does something that improves the team.
Not to say he won't do that come FA time, but so far we're just paying significantly more for the same players.
true enough there has also been a few free agents released from other teams that i would have liked to see him taken a run at ie Sayles and Hendrix, there arent a lot of defensive tackles available
Kyle has done a great job for a long time. Patience, there is more coming. While we struggled last year, that doesn't mean resigning our studs doesn't make us good. We will find a few gems before camp and likely will do the same during. Trust the mafia. They know what they are doing.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 03:59:39 AMKyle has done a great job for a long time. Patience, there is more coming. While we struggled last year, that doesn't mean resigning our studs doesn't make us good. We will find a few gems before camp and likely will do the same during. Trust the mafia. They know what they are doing.
You know the quote " what have you done for me lately "? In the last 4 seasons we've lost 3 Grey Cups and didn't make it to the game last year.
You might be able to argue that was still a successful run for the most part. OTOH, there was a clear decline season to season in that time frame. Our roster has aged and we're waiting to see what changes are made in free agency.
I don't think too many of the posters will be taking an optimistic approach until we see what the changes bring to the roster.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 03:59:39 AMKyle has done a great job for a long time. Patience, there is more coming. While we struggled last year, that doesn't mean resigning our studs doesn't make us good. We will find a few gems before camp and likely will do the same during. Trust the mafia. They know what they are doing.
Last year free agent results or lack of might make an argument that his effectiveness isnt what it was. This free agency might determine that
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 20, 2026, 03:25:23 PMYou know the quote " what have you done for me lately "? In the last 4 seasons we've lost 3 Grey Cups and didn't make it to the game last year.
You might be able to argue that was still a successful run for the most part. OTOH, there was a clear decline season to season in that time frame. Our roster has aged and we're waiting to see what changes are made in free agency.
I don't think too many of the posters will be taking an optimistic approach until we see what the changes bring to the roster.
Winning 2 GC's, making it to the GC 5 out of 6 years, it's been an OK run...
Tough crowd.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2026, 04:42:31 PMWinning 2 GC's, making it to the GC 5 out of 6 years, it's been an OK run...
Tough crowd.
Which part of lately did you miss?
Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2026, 04:42:31 PMWinning 2 GC's, making it to the GC 5 out of 6 years, it's been an OK run...
Tough crowd.
That's just sports fandom. And recency bias plays a role, IMO.
Since 2019: 72 wins, 32 losses, 5 division championships, 2 Grey Cup championships (effectively erasing 29 years of failure and disappointment). I can't think of another team in this league that's done better.
We've got witness immense success as fans of this franchise under the current regime but also numerous players put their names in the history books of the WFC. It's been a run for the ages.
With that said, however, I think most would agree that last season's failure stings much more than 2022, 2023, and 2024 simply due to the fact that the WFC hosted the GC and didn't really do enough to get there. A strong start was quickly erased and they never had the horses to push for that sixth GC appearance on home field.
"What have you done for me lately?" becomes pretty glaring due to that most recent failure. And now those in charge have to do whatever they can in their power to get this team back on track and hopefully rid us of the bitter aftertaste of 2025's failure.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 20, 2026, 05:26:55 PMThat's just sports fandom. And recency bias plays a role, IMO.
Since 2019: 72 wins, 32 losses, 5 division championships, 2 Grey Cup championships (effectively erasing 29 years of failure and disappointment). I can't think of another team in this league that's done better.
We've got witness immense success as fans of this franchise under the current regime but also numerous players put their names in the history books of the WFC. It's been a run for the ages.
With that said, however, I think most would agree that last season's failure stings much more than 2022, 2023, and 2024 simply due to the fact that the WFC hosted the GC and didn't really do enough to get there. A strong start was quickly erased and they never had the horses to push for that sixth GC appearance on home field.
"What have you done for me lately?" becomes pretty glaring due to that most recent failure. And now those in charge have to do whatever they can in their power to get this team back on track and hopefully rid us of the bitter aftertaste of 2025's failure.
Context also comes into play. We're in the period of the off season approaching free agency. We're discussing what moves to make to make our team better in 2026. And while we loved all those Grey Cup appearances, it's just not relevant to the conversation in this moment.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 20, 2026, 05:03:47 PMWhich part of lately did you miss?
Sure, lately. One year of struggle after unexpectedly losing some key contributors, and others struggling.
It wasn't for lack of effort on Walters part that the team didn't get the expected cup at home. Which was my point.
And as for results, we still had a winning season and made the playoffs, and had a chance to get into the Eastern Final.
So, while compared to the previous 5 years, disappointing. Compared to the 10 years+ previous to that, quite happy.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2026, 05:41:20 PMSure, lately. One year of struggle after unexpectedly losing some key contributors, and others struggling.
It wasn't for lack of effort on Walters part that the team didn't get the expected cup at home. Which was my point.
And as for results, we still had a winning season and made the playoffs, and had a chance to get into the Eastern Final.
So, while compared to the previous 5 years, disappointing. Compared to the 10 years+ previous to that, quite happy.
I mentioned the problems over the last 4 years. Last year was just reaching the bottom of the glass. The problems were the continuation of known issues.
The previous 10 years are not relevant. It's about where we are now and why.
The past does matter imo. The reason why we have been great is from our continuity in management, coaches, culture and vets. I'm with Ards and BG84 on this one. Before we had our mini dynasty run we struggled for many reasons, one of which was the revolving door with management and coaches. The stability this club has brought us over a decade has been amazing. We took our lumps last year and we need to rebound from that. Kyle has been good more often than not and I expect that to continue. It's all about improving our OL and DL this year. Do that and the rest will fall into place imo. Free agency working out better and finding gems in camp is key this year. I believe we will be an above average team this year and slightly better than last. Our OL will take time to gel and if we find the right people our vets could see this through. I think our D will be great and O will be average with ups and down (early). ST will shine. Coaches will be good. Our new OC will take a few lumps but be better than last. I believe our kickers will continue to bring us much consistency and will be 100% reliable.
Quote from: theaardvark on January 20, 2026, 05:41:20 PMSure, lately. One year of struggle after unexpectedly losing some key contributors, and others struggling.
It wasn't for lack of effort on Walters part that the team didn't get the expected cup at home. Which was my point.
And as for results, we still had a winning season and made the playoffs, and had a chance to get into the Eastern Final.
So, while compared to the previous 5 years, disappointing. Compared to the 10 years+ previous to that, quite happy.
my issue is that while Walters/O'Shea seem content to field a strong team, in recent years I haven't seen enough of that Attitude of what will it take to bring the Grey cup back home.
That hunger is evident in Saskatchewan and BC and I believe Hamilton will be a big player in free agency, but I just don't see it here lately.
we have gotten into that we need to maintain . If we think that our dline is an issue then who do we go after even if its an overpay. Do what it takes!
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 08:02:46 PMThe past does matter imo. The reason why we have been great is from our continuity in management, coaches, culture and vets. I'm with Ards and BG84 on this one. Before we had our mini dynasty run we struggled for many reasons, one of which was the revolving door with management and coaches. The stability this club has brought us over a decade has been amazing. We took our lumps last year and we need to rebound from that. Kyle has been good more often than not and I expect that to continue. It's all about improving our OL and DL this year. Do that and the rest will fall into place imo. Free agency working out better and finding gems in camp is key this year. I believe we will be an above average team this year and slightly better than last. Our OL will take time to gel and if we find the right people our vets could see this through. I think our D will be great and O will be average with ups and down (early). ST will shine. Coaches will be good. Our new OC will take a few lumps but be better than last. I believe our kickers will continue to bring us much consistency and will be 100% reliable.
The past matters in a weighted scale over time. At the moment we have 5 starters on defence not re-signed. Two starters on defence were released.
You can be as optimistic as you want but there is no way to know one way or the other what our 2026 roster will look like. I'd call that blind faith.
Free agency will be telling. What it is telling us will be a TBD.
Quote from: Pete on January 20, 2026, 09:02:57 PMmy issue is that while Walters/O'Shea seem content to field a strong team, in recent years I haven't seen enough of that Attitude of what will it take to bring the Grey cup back home.
That hunger is evident in Saskatchewan and BC and I believe Hamilton will be a big player in free agency, but I just don't see it here lately.
we have gotten into that we need to maintain . If we think that our dline is an issue then who do we go after even if its an overpay. Do what it takes!
Yes, the other teams in the west seem to have improved. We need to catch and pass them which is possible.
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 20, 2026, 09:06:53 PMThe past matters in a weighted scale over time. At the moment we have 5 starters on defence not re-signed. Two starters on defence were released.
You can be as optimistic as you want but there is no way to know one way or the other what our 2026 roster will look like. I'd call that blind faith.
Free agency will be telling. What it is telling us will be a TBD.
Nothing I have posted is about blind faith. There is no reason to bring that up imo. Might want to read what I posted again. Nobody knows what this season will look like, we come on here to voice our opinions and make educated guesses. I am cautiously optimistic and that is allowed.
I liked the part about the weighted scale.
Quote from: Pete on January 20, 2026, 09:02:57 PMmy issue is that while Walters/O'Shea seem content to field a strong team, in recent years I haven't seen enough of that Attitude of what will it take to bring the Grey cup back home.
That hunger is evident in Saskatchewan and BC and I believe Hamilton will be a big player in free agency, but I just don't see it here lately.
we have gotten into that we need to maintain . If we think that our dline is an issue then who do we go after even if its an overpay. Do what it takes!
Improve the OL and DL yes, overpaying, hard no imo.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 11:08:18 PMNothing I have posted is about blind faith. There is no reason to bring that up imo. Might want to read what I posted again. Nobody knows what this season will look like, we come on here to voice our opinions and make educated guesses. I am cautiously optimistic and that is allowed.
I liked the part about the weighted scale.Improve the OL and DL yes, overpaying, hard no imo.
You said we'll have a better than average team and better than last year. When we have 18 potential free agents remaining that is blind faith. You think our D will be great when we don't know who will on the roster. There is nothing yet to base that on.
That's more than an opinion. It's sunshine, lollipops and roses. An opinion has to be based on data. If and when we sign Lawler ( he's not a free agent but an example ) ( or a similar talent ), it could be said our receiving group has improved and our offence will be improved overall.
That's the difference between blind faith and substantive data.
Those changes might happen in free agency. However I can't suggest our defence will be better when still have 5 potential free agents.
Quote from: Blueforlife on January 20, 2026, 11:08:18 PMNothing I have posted is about blind faith. There is no reason to bring that up imo. Might want to read what I posted again. Nobody knows what this season will look like, we come on here to voice our opinions and make educated guesses. I am cautiously optimistic and that is allowed.
I liked the part about the weighted scale.Improve the OL and DL yes, overpaying, hard no imo.
If we try to improve these areas thru free agency, it will be an overpay in relation to the rest of the team. Its just the nature of the beast
A quality starter will have several teams bidding for them
We tried the bargain route/ hidden gems ly
Quote from: Blue In BC on January 21, 2026, 12:16:33 AMYou said we'll have a better than average team and better than last year. When we have 18 potential free agents remaining that is blind faith. You think our D will be great when we don't know who will on the roster. There is nothing yet to base that on.
That's more than an opinion. It's sunshine, lollipops and roses. An opinion has to be based on data. If and when we sign Lawler ( he's not a free agent but an example ) ( or a similar talent ), it could be said our receiving group has improved and our offence will be improved overall.
That's the difference between blind faith and substantive data.
Those changes might happen in free agency. However I can't suggest our defence will be better when still have 5 potential free agents.
Nothing I have posted is blind faith. Our D has been good for about a decade, I expect that trend to continue. We have a good core and a great coach. Signings will come, patience grasshopper. I have clearly stated my opinion based on my knowledge, facts and data. Just because you don't agree doesn't mean that its it's sunshine, lollipops and roses. Nobody knows how the season will turn out and nobody is right or wrong here, just fans making predictions. Let's talk ball. I am not expecting a great team, never said that. I think we improve on last year and our strength will be teams and our D. Like I said, free agency and finding a few gems in camp will be key. We are allowed to have early opinions and predictions on here (I am well aware that it's early season and we have a lot of work to do). Let's leave this alone, no value in continuing the back and forth. The Lawler example is really obvious, we all understand that point and was a very simple concept.
I trust our core vets, management and coaches. I see us bringing in more talent that will improve the ball club. Hopefully the scouts do a good job as there was turnover in this group last year.
Quote from: Pete on January 21, 2026, 12:37:47 AMIf we try to improve these areas thru free agency, it will be an overpay in relation to the rest of the team. Its just the nature of the beast
A quality starter will have several teams bidding for them
We tried the bargain route/ hidden gems ly
That could be true but might not be. We could sign players at value or find some deals and hidden gems. Camp could bring surprises. Overpaying isn't the only way to he successful and we have shown that over the years by being patient and financially responsible. We will likely do a combo or Overpaying, fair deals and get a few pleasant surprises.
I like the way this club approaches free agency and resigning key players. Been making progress and it will all come together. We will lose a few good players and miss out on a few of the best available. That's good business and can sometimes help you longer term.
Thats really my point, we've been focused on good business, rather than what it will take to get that cup.
Not saying we should pull an edmonton and go hard on every free agent, but one or two could certainly help
Quote from: Pete on January 21, 2026, 08:01:27 PMThats really my point, we've been focused on good business, rather than what it will take to get that cup.
Not saying we should pull an edmonton and go hard on every free agent, but one or two could certainly help
Somewhere between Hervey's excesses and Kyle's "moneyball" bargain basement offseason last year, there is a happy medium.
The number of rookie signings seems to be higher than normal, and lots of interesting candidates as well. Are our scouts getting theri pipeline and prospects filled up? We've had a lot of turnover in management, have we reached stability?