Blue Bombers Forum

Obviously K. Wilson is still un-signed but that could change.

We've got a bunch of LB's going into their 2nd year with few reps on defence as starters.  I'm not sure what the current plan looks like but it's a congested roster spot.

Wouldn't be surprised if Wilson is back, but Ayers could earn his spot this year.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 24, 2026, 06:14:32 PMWouldn't be surprised if Wilson is back, but Ayers could earn his spot this year.

I probably should have asked who starts if Wilson isn't back. I didn't want to show any bias so I didn't vote. One of the Canadians might be a longer term plan but I'd be surprised if they we're even in the running at the beginning of the season.

This is such a hard question LOL, I need to think about it, why do we have to choose just one LOL

I don't really know, but voted Woodbey. I think if Wilson was slotted in for the spot, he would have been signed already. He may get signed at lower salary to compete at camp, but I don't think the spot will be gifted to him. The 2 Canadians got so few reps on D, I can't see them starting until they've had more defensive reps, which may occur this year. Griffin is great, but Woodbey seemed to be coming on in the second half of the season and had a higher trajectory. It think both Griffin and Woodbey will get lots of reps on D whoever it is.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 24, 2026, 07:42:00 PMThis is such a hard question LOL, I need to think about it, why do we have to choose just one LOL

That's what makes the question interesting.

Quote from: bunker on January 24, 2026, 07:46:30 PMI don't really know, but voted Woodbey. I think if Wilson was slotted in for the spot, he would have been signed already. He may get signed at lower salary to compete at camp, but I don't think the spot will be gifted to him. The 2 Canadians got so few reps on D, I can't see them starting until they've had more defensive reps, which may occur this year. Griffin is great, but Woodbey seemed to be coming on in the second half of the season and had a higher trajectory. It think both Griffin and Woodbey will get lots of reps on D whoever it is.

I think if they sign Wilson it will be with the expectation he'll start. Bring him to TC just to compete wouldn't seem right.

As mentioned the fact he hasn't been re-signed yet may be an indication he won't be. However, he could be re-signed at any time in theory.

With the log jam at LB, it would be seamless to let Wilson walk. Feels like Griffin or Woodbey as the WIL and first one off the bench when a DL comes off.

Hopefully the Canadians get more work this season, but neither they or Ayers has had the defensive snaps to win this battle if it is one. I say Woodbey wins it out of camp with Griffin staying in his role of the last couple of years.

CFL tackle leader Micah Awe.  ;D

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/23/b-c-lions-release-cfl-tackle-leader-micah-awe/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/01/23/b-c-lions-release-cfl-tackle-leader-micah-awe/)

Quote from: Jesse on January 24, 2026, 08:36:30 PMWith the log jam at LB, it would be seamless to let Wilson walk. Feels like Griffin or Woodbey as the WIL and first one off the bench when a DL comes off.

Hopefully the Canadians get more work this season, but neither they or Ayers has had the defensive snaps to win this battle if it is one. I say Woodbey wins it out of camp with Griffin staying in his role of the last couple of years.

I voted for Woodbey as the logical candidate, see Griffin as the best SAM on the team.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 24, 2026, 08:40:51 PMCFL tackle leader Micah Awe.  ;D

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/23/b-c-lions-release-cfl-tackle-leader-micah-awe/ (https://3downnation.com/2026/01/23/b-c-lions-release-cfl-tackle-leader-micah-awe/)

pass, we are too deep to go that route, but I suspect this was partially for laughs or dreams LOL

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 24, 2026, 08:31:34 PMThat's what makes the question interesting.

yeah it's well done my friend, was a complement, wait there is time limit...I never use those but it's a good idea.  I don't want to miss my window ;)

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 24, 2026, 09:21:17 PMI voted for Woodbey as the logical candidate, see Griffin as the best SAM on the team.

Griffin at SAM has been mentioned but most think Kramdi won't be moved to safety. That would also suggest Allen is moved to CB to replace Parker.

Those changes would benefit the ratio in the sense it allows both Griffin and Woodbey on the AR. That was an issue I mentioned earlier. OTOH leaving Griffin in his previous role is a pretty good idea.

You can see the domino possibilities if Wilson is not brought back. I don't know if Allen is pencilled in at CB but it wouldn't automatically mean Kramdi moves to safety.

Releasing Parker suggests they had a plan but it's not obvious what that is yet. If healthy Bonds may be re-signed.

Houston, Lawson, Bonds are all potential free agents and we don't want to start to new CB's do we? Yikes. I don't want to start another poll but it's another unknown.

Kramdi ain't playing safety full stop

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 24, 2026, 11:46:36 PMKramdi ain't playing safety full stop

Kramdi at 189 is 31 lbs lighter than Griffin at 220, could use the extra muscle to chop down beefy RB's which also spares Nichols and Holm a lot of wear and tear.

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 25, 2026, 05:51:45 AMKramdi at 189 is 31 lbs lighter than Griffin at 220, could use the extra muscle to chop down beefy RB's which also spares Nichols and Holm a lot of wear and tear.

Most of the time we already have Griffin and Kramdi on the field at the same time.

From your list the only three "most" down starters would be Woodbey, Ayers and Shay.

Sometimes on second and long sets we'd go more hybrid but you still need a run stopper there most downs.

Quote from: Jesse on January 25, 2026, 01:03:39 PMMost of the time we already have Griffin and Kramdi on the field at the same time.

Yes until  Griffin was injured and then Woodbey looked as good or better. So that's a problem getting both on the field at the same time.

Wilson   6'1" 227  (33). 18 Games  49 DTs,  2 STs, 3 QS.
Woodbey  6'1" 234  (26).  8 Games  30 DTs,  1 ST.
Griffin  6'0" 220  (27). 13 Games  47 DTs,  8 STs, 1 QS
Ayres    6'2" 227  (27). 18 Games   4 DTs, 23 STs.

Shay     6'1" 225  (23). 18 Games          10 STs.
Smith    5'10 227  (23). 18 Games   3 DTs, 22 STs.

Shay and Smith did not play any WIL last season. So, I don't see them in the picture. I see Woodbey starting at WIL, with Ayres backing him up. 

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on January 25, 2026, 05:51:45 AMKramdi at 189 is 31 lbs lighter than Griffin at 220, could use the extra muscle to chop down beefy RB's which also spares Nichols and Holm a lot of wear and tear.

Everyone has their role and yes the beef is welcome but Kramdi as an LB is deadly good.  Safety in a pinch if a few guys go down.

Like Jesse said we had Griffin paired with Kramdi last year, thunder and lightning 2.0 lol

We don't know what our lineup will be but we will see a lot of rotation but I ain't taking Kramdi off the field much

Funny how things change, a small vocal bunch calling for Ayers to come off the AR last year, now he is tied as fan vote to start.  Key cog imo.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 25, 2026, 03:42:49 PMEveryone has their role and yes the beef is welcome but Kramdi as an LB is deadly good.  Safety in a pinch if a few guys go down.

Like Jesse said we had Griffin paired with Kramdi last year, thunder and lightning 2.0 lol

We don't know what our lineup will be but we will see a lot of rotation but I ain't taking Kramdi off the field much

Funny how things change, a small vocal bunch calling for Ayers to come off the AR last year, now he is tied as fan vote to start.  Key cog imo.

Ayers is a candidate by process of elimination and the fact he's going into his 3rd year. Woodbey has only played in 8 games. The Canadians didn't get any reps as far as I can tell. It's still a choice based on wanting Ayers to contribute more than just an ST player.  If he doesn't become a starter the vocal group will have the same view. I'd also say it wasn't a small vocal group.

I wouldn't read too much in that assessment just yet.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 25, 2026, 06:24:07 PMAyers is a candidate by process of elimination and the fact he's going into his 3rd year. Woodbey has only played in 8 games. The Canadians didn't get any reps as far as I can tell. It's still a choice based on wanting Ayers to contribute more than just an ST player.  If he doesn't become a starter the vocal group will have the same view. I'd also say it wasn't a small vocal group.

I wouldn't read too much in that assessment just yet.

I don't think Ayers has to start. As long as he can sub in when needed at one or more of the LB spots he will be around for a while. His 23 STs and the fact that MOS and MM love this guy will keep him in Winnipeg until he start demanding to much $$.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 25, 2026, 06:31:01 PMI don't think Ayers has to start. As long as he can sub in when needed at one or more of the LB spots he will be around for a while. His 23 STs and the fact that MOS and MM love this guy will keep him in Winnipeg until he start demanding to much $$.

The issue is whether he will sub in for anyone let alone start.  He has 15 DT's in 35 games and only 4 in 2025.  Woodbey has 30 DT's in 8 games.  Ayers is certainly good on ST's and an O'Shea favorite but I expect more from a DI than just as an ST player.

When Griffin was injured Woodbey was brought onto the roster to fill that role on defence. Ayers was not chosen to fill that role.

The conversation last season was that using a DI spot for an ST player prevented having another import DT in rotation. Nothing changes that math this year.

Quote from: Blueforlife on January 25, 2026, 03:42:49 PMEveryone has their role and yes the beef is welcome but Kramdi as an LB is deadly good.  Safety in a pinch if a few guys go down.

Like Jesse said we had Griffin paired with Kramdi last year, thunder and lightning 2.0 lol

We don't know what our lineup will be but we will see a lot of rotation but I ain't taking Kramdi off the field much

Funny how things change, a small vocal bunch calling for Ayers to come off the AR last year, now he is tied as fan vote to start.  Key cog imo.

Kramdi isn't a linebacker in a traditional sense. He's more like a slot corner. Sam is essentially a slightly more versatile defensive back across basically every system in the CFL these days.

Griffin is a good flex option on obvious passing downs at will but I'm not sure he's the best fit on first and ten which is what I think we're talking about.

Lastly, people voting for Ayers because they recognize the name. Most people don't even understand the role of our linebackers. Of the names on the list in order of likelihood it's probably: Woodbey, Shay, Ayers.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 25, 2026, 06:40:16 PMKramdi isn't a linebacker in a traditional sense. He's more like a slot corner. Sam is essentially a slightly more versatile defensive back across basically every system in the CFL these days.

Griffin is a good flex option on obvious passing downs at will but I'm not sure he's the best fit on first and ten which is what I think we're talking about.

Lastly, people voting for Ayers because they recognize the name. Most people don't even understand the role of our linebackers. Of the names on the list in order of likelihood it's probably: Woodbey, Shay, Ayers.

Agree all, point was Ayers earned his AR spot last year and I expect that to continue (teams and rotating on D a bit).  Don't agree people are just picking Ayers because they recognize the name.

Everyone is making some incredibly insightful points.

Can't we just keep and play em all lol

I believe this is as deep as we will ever be at LB but a few faces likely will have jobs elsewhere this season

Will be interesting to see if we draft any

A small group were vocal that we had too many LBs on the AR, I supported the roster decisions we did and I believe is a pillar of strength for our D and we will continue to dress many.

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on January 25, 2026, 06:40:16 PMKramdi isn't a linebacker in a traditional sense. He's more like a slot corner. Sam is essentially a slightly more versatile defensive back across basically every system in the CFL these days.

Griffin is a good flex option on obvious passing downs at will but I'm not sure he's the best fit on first and ten which is what I think we're talking about.

Lastly, people voting for Ayers because they recognize the name. Most people don't even understand the role of our linebackers. Of the names on the list in order of likelihood it's probably: Woodbey, Shay, Ayers.

I agree with your ranking. So far we've only added 1 import LB to the TC roster. He appears to be a MLB type. It's unfortunate our Canadians didn't get more reps last year to see where they'll fit in longer term.

I'm not even sure who would be next up if T. Jones is injured.

Yes we did have too many LB's in 2025. It was at the expense of our DL and the lack of success the DL had.  Even if we get Vaughters and Woods back it's still an issue based on DI ratio issues.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 25, 2026, 07:43:28 PMI'm not even sure who would be next up if T. Jones is injured.

If in-game, and K.Wilson still here, then K.Wilson.  If Gauthier still here, Gauthier, maybe.  In a dire situation: Shay or Cadwall.

Nothing says we won't sign a decent MLB before week 1... We did in FA25 with J.Jones.

Quote from: Tecno on January 26, 2026, 01:54:40 AMIf in-game, and K.Wilson still here, then K.Wilson.  If Gauthier still here, Gauthier, maybe.  In a dire situation: Shay or Cadwall.

Nothing says we won't sign a decent MLB before week 1... We did in FA25 with J.Jones.

I don't think K. Wilson or Gauthier will be back. Yes we may find a rookie MLB type but then we have to get him on the roster as a DI. He'd have to replace someone.

An in game injury: depends on how much of the game remains and what impact the next man up causes. Ayers has been here the longest and I'd hope he can fill that need whether he starts at WIL or not. Being able to be an in game injury replacement would be an advantage.

That said he didn't seem to be a rotation player at either WIL or MLB.

Shay and Smith were both high draft picks. I think both of them are very talented.
They are going to get much better without many snaps on defense. If you decided to just start one of them and help them grow into that position, I wouldn't be opposed.
I remember that people weren't thrilled when Kramdi started, and it took him a little bit to make an impact, but now I'd say he's one of our most impactful players on defense!

Quote from: LXTSN on January 26, 2026, 03:38:09 PMShay and Smith were both high draft picks. I think both of them are very talented.
They are going to get much better without many snaps on defense. If you decided to just start one of them and help them grow into that position, I wouldn't be opposed.
I remember that people weren't thrilled when Kramdi started, and it took him a little bit to make an impact, but now I'd say he's one of our most impactful players on defense!

If Gauthier isn't re-signed it would be a good idea to get Shay or Smith some reps. I'd like to see that happen before it becomes a necessity if game situations allow.

Quote from: Pigskin on January 25, 2026, 03:34:35 PMWilson   6'1" 227  (33). 18 Games  49 DTs,  2 STs, 3 QS.
Woodbey  6'1" 234  (26).  8 Games  30 DTs,  1 ST.
Griffin  6'0" 220  (27). 13 Games  47 DTs,  8 STs, 1 QS
Ayres    6'2" 227  (27). 18 Games   4 DTs, 23 STs.

Shay     6'1" 225  (23). 18 Games          10 STs.
Smith    5'10 227  (23). 18 Games   3 DTs, 22 STs.

Shay and Smith did not play any WIL last season. So, I don't see them in the picture. I see Woodbey starting at WIL, with Ayres backing him up. 

Just because they didn't play will year 1, doesn't mean they won't get a chance I'm year two.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 26, 2026, 04:09:44 PMIf Gauthier isn't re-signed it would be a good idea to get Shay or Smith some reps. I'd like to see that happen before it becomes a necessity if game situations allow.

You don't even need to resign Gautier to even get all three Shay, Smith, Novak some reps.

Quote from: Tecno on January 26, 2026, 01:54:40 AMIf in-game, and K.Wilson still here, then K.Wilson.  If Gauthier still here, Gauthier, maybe.  In a dire situation: Shay or Cadwall.

Nothing says we won't sign a decent MLB before week 1... We did in FA25 with J.Jones.

I think the Jon Jones experiment proved they don't need to go to market to stock up on LB talent, the shelves are full. MLB has almost become interchangeable with WIL, most of these LB's weigh in around 225 lbs and a little over 6'-0", the exceptions being Tony Jones and Woodbey who are pushing 235 lbs, at that weight they're pretty much restricted to playing in the box. From this I deduce Woodbey is Jones official backup, with Shay getting some action on obvious passing downs.

As for Ayers, he played a fair bit of WIL in 2024 while Kyrie was injured, and played well enough to make more tenured Brian Cole expendable.

Bombers re-signed Wilson. This signing typifies what's wrong with this team
We have young guys  Woodbey Ayers and possibly even Shay who could step in, instead we're going to give most of the reps to an aging vet. 
  We're getting the old gang together for once last kick at the can. Maybe Thomas will even re-suit up

Quote from: Pete on January 27, 2026, 02:11:51 PMBombers re-signed Wilson. This signing typifies what's wrong with this team
We have young guys  Woodbey Ayers and possibly even Shay who could step in, instead we're going to give most of the reps to an aging vet. 
  We're getting the old gang together for once last kick at the can. Maybe Thomas will even re-suit up

Thomas has already retired and has taken on a coaching role with the organization.

Wilson getting re-signed isn't the end of the world.

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 27, 2026, 02:22:35 PMThomas has already retired and has taken on a coaching role with the organization.

Wilson getting re-signed isn't the end of the world.

Nope its just another indicator how this team refuses to develop younger talent and continues to trend down

Quote from: blue_gold_84 on January 27, 2026, 02:22:35 PMThomas has already retired and has taken on a coaching role with the organization.

Wilson getting re-signed isn't the end of the world.

no but it's dumb because we already have potential replacements and have bigger needs elsewhere. If MOS could actually show he can cut "his guys" or if there was no salary cap then sure, no harm no foul. But right now bringing back Wilson is a waste of resources

Quote from: kkc60 on January 27, 2026, 03:09:09 PMno but it's dumb because we already have potential replacements and have bigger needs elsewhere. If MOS could actually show he can cut "his guys" or if there was no salary cap then sure, no harm no foul. But right now bringing back Wilson is a waste of resources

Yup. I don't get it either. Again, it's not that Wilson is a bad player. Barring injury, someone is not going to make the AR. They might be bumped to the PR or develop a fake 1 game IR injury.

Quote from: Pete on January 27, 2026, 02:49:15 PMNope its just another indicator how this team refuses to develop younger talent and continues to trend down

How do you develop younger talent without giving them someone to beat out?

No downside to this.  If he's the best WIL coming out of camp, he gets a paycheque.  If a young guy can beat him out, he may end up on a couch waiting for an injury call.

He gets a chance to win a spot, young guys get a seasoned vet to learn from and try to beat.

Quote from: Pete on January 27, 2026, 02:49:15 PMNope its just another indicator how this team refuses to develop younger talent and continues to trend down

You seem to make a lot of bold claims and baseless assumptions on here, but without any evidence.

How does this signing hinder developmental players from developing?

Quote from: kkc60 on January 27, 2026, 03:09:09 PMno but it's dumb because we already have potential replacements and have bigger needs elsewhere. If MOS could actually show he can cut "his guys" or if there was no salary cap then sure, no harm no foul. But right now bringing back Wilson is a waste of resources

"Potential replacements" doesn't really inspire confidence unless they're ready to take on the role of starter; that has to be demonstrated first. Wilson's a proven veteran who can act as a stopgap and a mentor while the replacements develop within the system.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 03:21:47 PMYup. I don't get it either. Again, it's not that Wilson is a bad player. Barring injury, someone is not going to make the AR. They might be bumped to the PR or develop a fake 1 game IR injury.

Wilson played every game last year and had his best year to date.  Literally the opposite of signing someone past their best before date.

He definitely has the inside track for WIL, but hopefully he WIL get some competition.

Quote from: theaardvark on January 27, 2026, 05:07:56 PMWilson played every game last year and had his best year to date.  Literally the opposite of signing someone past their best before date.

He definitely has the inside track for WIL, but hopefully he WIL get some competition.

I never suggested he was past his prime and suggested he's a good player. The question is always when is the best time to move on from a veteran player? Is there a succession plan and how does that fit into the equation.

Wilson is not a bad player, but like we've said before, he never developed into the impact player that he showed the promise of becoming before his injury trouble.

Now, at 33 years old, it made sense to allow some of our several younger players that we've invested in to take over that role.

I think it's fairly clear that Wilson is going to arrive at camp and be the Day 1 starter even if he doesn't practice throughout TC. We've seen that to be the case with many returning vets on this team. So posters saying that the young guys can beat him out simply aren't discussing the situation in good faith, imo.

This move doesn't hurt the team or make it worse than last year, but removes some of the potential for upside that fans were hoping would mean an improvement from the last two years. Both in terms of play and salary cap usage.

Now, all that said. The defense played well last year and it's still on the offensive side of the ball to make real changes.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 03:21:47 PMYup. I don't get it either. Again, it's not that Wilson is a bad player. Barring injury, someone is not going to make the AR. They might be bumped to the PR or develop a fake 1 game IR injury.

Then you're not listening to all the pressers, looking at what they are telling you point blank, and also reading between the lines.

Anyone who understands MOS & Mafia is not surprised by W.Wilson re-upping.  This is the "keep the old vet around to be the unit mentor / vet / wise man".  We do this for most every unit; certainly at least 2 guys on each side of the ball.

In the worst case Wilson gets injured and goes 6-G and mentors from the sideline.  I see zero problem with this.  It's better than letting Biggie take off to help mentor CGY (who went from zero to hero-kicking-our-butts in 1 year).

And we all know it was very budget.  No downside.

Quote from: Tecno on January 27, 2026, 05:42:50 PMThen you're not listening to all the pressers, looking at what they are telling you point blank, and also reading between the lines.

Anyone who understands MOS & Mafia is not surprised by W.Wilson re-upping.  This is the "keep the old vet around to be the unit mentor / vet / wise man".  We do this for most every unit; certainly at least 2 guys on each side of the ball.

In the worst case Wilson gets injured and goes 6-G and mentors from the sideline.  I see zero problem with this.  It's better than letting Biggie take off to help mentor CGY (who went from zero to hero-kicking-our-butts in 1 year).

And we all know it was very budget.  No downside.

Many have mentioned O'Shea roster management and sticking with some players that should be moved on from.

Of course there is a downside. He may play nearly every down in 2026 and the others don't get a chance to progress.

I've repeatedly said or questions which other LB won't make the roster due to an excess of players and ratio and roster constraints.

Barring injury I'd expect Woodbey to be pushed to the PR or released. Griffin has the lock at the moment.

Similarly to Wilson, we can't expect O'Shea to move on from Ayers either.

Pick your poison. Do you expect fair competition?

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 07:44:15 PMOf course there is a downside. He may play nearly every down in 2026 and the others don't get a chance to progress.

Meh.  Getting the new kids reps at the expense of your best guy out there winning the snaps right now is a tough sell.  We tried that with Kelly and he got burned nearly every snap.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 07:44:15 PMI've repeatedly said or questions which other LB won't make the roster due to an excess of players and ratio and roster constraints.

There's also the aspect of good known quantity vs hoping for an emerging star.  Kyrie will do his job well (see his '25 stats) but he may not make the "play the ball" hunch move that will get him a splash stat or win the game by himself.  Is that a bad thing?

For every 4 guys we give chances to (like Kelly) we'll maybe find one Ty Ford, Kramdi, or Holm.  Said another way: Kyrie gives you more chances to win now, not the hope of winning "better"/more later.  What do we value more?  Who we start will answer that question.

Quote from: Blue In BC on January 27, 2026, 07:44:15 PMPick your poison. Do you expect fair competition?

Of course not.

But remember what we did with Biggie when we acquired T.Jones.  We started using Jones more.  We started keeping Biggie on IR for way longer than normal.  We had Jones take more snaps even with Biggie was dressed.  Then we just let Biggie walk in FA.

That could very well be what happens with WILL.  More a natural progression than a cliff.