https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/02/11/blue-bombers-re-sign-defensive-back-nick-hallett/
QuoteThe Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran defensive back Nick Hallett.
He had officially hit the Canadian Football League free agent market on Tuesday.
Hallett (5-11, 190; University of Toronto; born: November 11, 1993, in London, Ont.) returns to the Blue Bombers for a seventh season after originally being selected by the club in the seventh round, 61st overall, in the 2019 CFL Draft.
A valuable contributor on special teams for his entire career, Hallett has appeared in 100 regular-season games for the Blue Bombers including seven starts at safety. He is also a two-time Grey Cup champion as a member of the 2019 and 2021 squads.
Hallett appeared in 14 games in 2025, registering two defensive tackles, nine on special teams while adding a forced fumble. He led the Blue Bombers in special teams tackles in 2023 with 20, third in the CFL, and now has 80 in his career – sixth most in franchise history.
Didn't think he was going anywhere yet. Solid Vet Canadian, and one of the leaders on teams.
I'm keen on seeing more blocked kicks.
Great depth/special teams guy. Nice to have him back.
I like Hallett. It's just a question of where do we find roster space to add 2026 draft choices. Obviously injuries happen in TC and some draft choices end up on PR. However some will make the AR.
This may mean they are not satisfied with Ball or Kelly. I wouldn't expect 3 Canadian DB's on the AR just as a roster size limitation.
Well, with Gauthier gone, Hallett might now be the "oldster master yoda" guy for the ST / NAT D players. We know the Mafia system demands such a guy. Hallett seems nuts and doesn't seem to say much, but maybe in the locker room that's not true. Or maybe Mafia is getting him to morph & step up to be what they need.
And with Gauthier gone that frees up a spot.
STer-only NAT DPs could always be busts, as most are every season. And there's plenty of current AR/PR guys we owe no allegiance to who can be dropped (i.e. Ball et al). Let the best player earn his spot.
Gauthier could probably play for another couple of years. Football rosters always have to make these kinds of decisions. Succession choices caused by draft players that are younger, less expensive and appear to have more upside.
We drafted 3 lB's in 2025 so something had to give in theory. I don't know what the injury was for Novak or whether he could also get bumped by a new player this season. Regardless, we also have Cadwallader so we're pretty deep at the position.
Veteran leadership will be missed but we'll adjust.
It's not impossible that another team doesn't look to add him to their roster although he may have other plans.
He might even have a thought of a coaching career in his future? IDK, but always liked him for his effort on ST's.
Hallett kind of fell into the same category and his retention may mean that Kelly and Ball are not quite ready to take over his role.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 14, 2026, 03:32:26 PMGauthier could probably play for another couple of years. Football rosters always have to make these kinds of decisions. Succession choices caused by draft players that are younger, less expensive and appear to have more upside.
We drafted 3 lB's in 2025 so something had to give in theory. I don't know what the injury was for Novak or whether he could also get bumped by a new player this season. Regardless, we also have Cadwallader so we're pretty deep at the position.
Veteran leadership will be missed but we'll adjust.
It's not impossible that another team doesn't look to add him to their roster although he may have other plans.
He might even have a thought of a coaching career in his future? IDK, but always liked him for his effort on ST's.
Hallett kind of fell into the same category and his retention may mean that Kelly and Ball are not quite ready to take over his role.
Gauthier was working as a certified electrician for Haut Electric during his off-seasons, he's probably embedded in Wpg. enough to stay in the community.
The video below suggests the CFLPA may have helped with his career transition.
Shane has been given the call, "We're not going to offer a contract" by MOS. With all the young NAT LB's, its not a mystery why, he's a ST leader and a glue guy, but I guess he's just aged out...
Thanks, Shane, for the great plays, especially that GC saving chase down.
Sometimes you gotta shake things up. Gauthier was getting complacent and wasn't getting it done.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 14, 2026, 04:06:36 PMGauthier was working as a certified electrician for Haut Electric during his off-seasons, he's probably embedded in Wpg. enough to stay in the community.
The video below suggests the CFLPA may have helped with his career transition.
Gauthier's agent said Shayne still wants to pay.
https://3downnation.com/2026/02/14/winnipeg-blue-bombers-move-on-from-veteran-shayne-gauthier/
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on February 15, 2026, 06:43:50 AMSometimes you gotta shake things up. Gauthier was getting complacent and wasn't getting it done.
I don't know how accurate that is. He's typically been a depth/ST guy for this team. He'll be 34 next week and with all LB pieces coming in this off-season, he seems to have become expendable to this roster.
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on February 15, 2026, 03:38:58 PMI don't know how accurate that is. He's typically been a depth/ST guy for this team. He'll be 34 next week and with all LB pieces coming in this off-season, he seems to have become expendable to this roster.
Agree, we need to start playing some of our young LBs a little more.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 15, 2026, 03:48:44 PMAgree, we need to start playing some of our young LBs a little more.
We should see Shay take on some of the short yardage and goal line roles that Gauthier played.
Quote from: gobombersgo on February 15, 2026, 10:22:18 AMGauthier's agent said Shayne still wants to pay.
https://3downnation.com/2026/02/14/winnipeg-blue-bombers-move-on-from-veteran-shayne-gauthier/
No doubt he will get a paycheck, and it will be more than he makes as an electrician.
Obby, Harris, Biggie... all got paychecks after the Bombers moved on, but none recaptured past glory, and Shayne, bless his heart, doesn't have much past "glory".
No doubting his heart, his football knowledge, and his ability/desire to make those special ST plays, chasing down players he shouldn't be able to. But its a numbers game, and we just have too many good, young, NAT LB's on the roster, even with SG44's space open, we're still going to lose a player who was a decent draft pick after camp.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 15, 2026, 04:50:09 PMNo doubt he will get a paycheck, and it will be more than he makes as an electrician.
Obby, Harris, Biggie... all got paychecks after the Bombers moved on, but none recaptured past glory, and Shayne, bless his heart, doesn't have much past "glory".
No doubting his heart, his football knowledge, and his ability/desire to make those special ST plays, chasing down players he shouldn't be able to. But its a numbers game, and we just have too many good, young, NAT LB's on the roster, even with SG44's space open, we're still going to lose a player who was a decent draft pick after camp.
I seriously doubt another team is going to sign him at 34 yrs. old to play ST only, he'd create the same problem for them that he has for the Bombers, blocking younger Natl. talent from developing by taking a spot on the roster. It's kind of amazing how many of these older guys choose not to recognize the end of their playing careers.
His earnings may not be as high as an employee, but once he becomes an electrical contractor the sky is the limit.
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on February 15, 2026, 06:43:50 AMSometimes you gotta shake things up. Gauthier was getting complacent and wasn't getting it done.
I wouldn't say that's true. It's more that he was finally getting way too old for that role (same as Mike Miller was). Especially when you're competing against 2-4 new DP young bucks every season.
Case in point: Gauthier was the reason for the failure of Patterson's first SY attempt at the GL in the '25 ESF. He did the ol' Biggie leap over the top of the pile. Gauthier had enough beef on him to stop it... does Shay or Ball? Hallett certainly doesn't!
Actually that's a great question: if you need beef, who's becomes our new "beefy NAT LBer" for that role?? Cadwall, I guess?
Gauthier should make a pitch to MTL to be a coach in some way. They really love their Francophones over there.
Quote from: Tecno on February 15, 2026, 06:56:31 PMI wouldn't say that's true. It's more that he was finally getting way too old for that role (same as Mike Miller was). Especially when you're competing against 2-4 new DP young bucks every season.
Case in point: Gauthier was the reason for the failure of Patterson's first SY attempt at the GL in the '25 ESF. He did the ol' Biggie leap over the top of the pile. Gauthier had enough beef on him to stop it... does Shay or Ball? Hallett certainly doesn't!
Actually that's a great question: if you need beef, who's becomes our new "beefy NAT LBer" for that role?? Cadwall, I guess?
Gauthier should make a pitch to MTL to be a coach in some way. They really love their Francophones over there.
(https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYmJybDFldHVoNXl2cnEzamY4dmg0bXFzYW00N252dGo1eHB4bDZyYiZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/TwbhOUKffnesE/giphy.gif)
Quote from: Tecno on February 15, 2026, 06:56:31 PMI wouldn't say that's true. It's more that he was finally getting way too old for that role (same as Mike Miller was). Especially when you're competing against 2-4 new DP young bucks every season.
Case in point: Gauthier was the reason for the failure of Patterson's first SY attempt at the GL in the '25 ESF. He did the ol' Biggie leap over the top of the pile. Gauthier had enough beef on him to stop it... does Shay or Ball? Hallett certainly doesn't!
Actually that's a great question: if you need beef, who's becomes our new "beefy NAT LBer" for that role?? Cadwall, I guess?
Gauthier should make a pitch to MTL to be a coach in some way. They really love their Francophones over there.
Gauthier 218, Cad 216, Shay 225, Smith 227, Novak 225.
Bighill 232, Jones 235, Knox 233, Wilson 227.
Gauthier was a steady depth player that was good against the run. I'm with Techno, just aged out. I am proud of what he did here. He added physically when needed.
A classic 'good for a Canadian' player that the CFL (and some fans) find so thrilling. Yes, yes, I know, "but he's good at special teams".
Gauthier: 9 years, 123 games, 64 DTs, 78 STs, 2 Sack, 2 FF. Solid, reliable player. The man was smart. He got his journeymen electrical ticket before he finishing his football career. Nice trade to move on to at $45-$50 per hr.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 15, 2026, 09:53:51 PMGauthier: 9 years, 123 games, 64 DTs, 78 STs, 2 Sack, 2 FF. Solid, reliable player. The man was smart. He got his journeymen electrical ticket before he finishing his football career. Nice trade to move on to at $45-$50 per hr.
All of that is true. So is the fact that if there wasn't a ratio his stats would be 0 for 0 for 0.
Gauthier is what makes this league great. It's why our Canadian content is critical. Some fans simply don't respect or see the impact the league has on this great country and vice versa. Young athletes all across this great country having dreams of playing pro ball and we provide an excellent option, inspiring generations to play sports and never give up regardless if they are the next star that might get a chance to be drafted by the NFL to be a star or play teams at home (and everything in between). It's not easy to make this league and Gauthier's longevity isn't common and should be celebrated. Some want to see our ratio changed and league to merge with American rules, that would not only take the heart out CFL, it would also eliminate a uniqueness like no other pro sports league on the planet. Role players matter and are the glue of the room. They help win championships and hats off to Gauthier, he earned everything that he accomplished.
Canadian culture is critical to keep the CFL great. Our values have influenced this great league and years ago we celebrated and encouraged diversity in sport. Ones impact goes well beyond the football field. The work our CFL players do in the community is as important and wins and losses imo.
Players like this that stick around long term are critical to creating and maintaining the winning culture that we so desperately need when MOS came on the scene. I really liked Briggs but have much respect for Gauthier. They were an incredible combo for years here as backups / ST / starting at times and at the right price to boot! Hallett is another example of this in the making. Not everyone is a star in any sports team. The diversity of the room is your strength as you balance being competitive while keeping under the cap.
Very happy to know he has a good career lined up. We need more leaders in the trades. Heck I even know someone what would hire him.
I love cheering for the Canadians in this league, from PR players to star QBs. The talent level doesn't matter, it's how all the pieces of the puzzle fit. Forest through the trees and we are growing just fine.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 15, 2026, 08:41:18 PMGauthier 218, Cad 216, Shay 225, Smith 227, Novak 225.
You left out the equally important part:
Gauthier 218 5'10
Cadwall 216 5'11
Shay 225 6'1
Smith 227 5'10
Novak 225 6'1
Because Shay & Novak are so tall they look lankier.
Smith seems to be the new best choice for that beef, but his name means nothing to me (yet) as he was basically never on D. Cadwall is like a Gauthier clone, and since he's been here the longest is probably going to get Gauthier's role.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 15, 2026, 09:31:59 PMA classic 'good for a Canadian' player that the CFL (and some fans) find so thrilling.
That run down in that playoff game that many keep mentioning was pretty thrilling! Might be the best play of that game, and certainly the only one people are still talking about.
Dude was a) smart enough to spot it first, b) independent enough to do the right thing rather than just go with what everyone else was doing, c) fast enough to catch up, d) wise enough to take an impossible field-long correct angle to make the tackle, e) nimble enough to avoid the several blockers who were there at the end.
That was special,
and thrilling. All the IMPS that were on that play were stuck there with their fingers in their noses wondering where da ball went.
Quote from: Tecno on February 16, 2026, 02:55:51 AMThat run down in that playoff game that many keep mentioning was pretty thrilling! Might be the best play of that game, and certainly the only one people are still talking about.
Dude was a) smart enough to spot it first, b) independent enough to do the right thing rather than just go with what everyone else was doing, c) fast enough to catch up, d) wise enough to take an impossible field-long correct angle to make the tackle, e) nimble enough to avoid the several blockers who were there at the end.
That was special, and thrilling. All the IMPS that were on that play were stuck there with their fingers in their noses wondering where da ball went.
Agreed he was capable on special teams. Said that from the beginning.
Quote from: Tecno on February 16, 2026, 02:55:51 AMThat run down in that playoff game that many keep mentioning was pretty thrilling! Might be the best play of that game, and certainly the only one people are still talking about.
Dude was a) smart enough to spot it first, b) independent enough to do the right thing rather than just go with what everyone else was doing, c) fast enough to catch up, d) wise enough to take an impossible field-long correct angle to make the tackle, e) nimble enough to avoid the several blockers who were there at the end.
That was special, and thrilling. All the IMPS that were on that play were stuck there with their fingers in their noses wondering where da ball went.
Sums up my feelings exactly and you are so on point here it hurts. Canadian depth players that make plays like this are gold baby. Watching Jake get a few sacks, fumble recoveries and FF over the years was exciting. Always awesome when the role players step up. So valuable and entertaining to watch at times. Yes the stars do it more often but I will never count out the talent this great country provides to the league. Many have often said that the quality of the players in the CFL is very high and we see that from players from all over the world. It's what makes both our country and league great. Looking forward to another season of banter with you. It would appear over time we agree more often than not and I really enjoy your take and content you provide. I try to make a point with my essays and you do it better in a great quick summary. Your deep dives are fun.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 16, 2026, 12:46:02 PMAgreed he was capable on special teams. Said that from the beginning.
And after my ESF rewatch he was like a mega-beast possessed on ST! He was in on most tackles, and the main/co-tackler in a handful.
Whoever our main replacement is for Gauthier's role, I hope he's up to the task. Can't go back to the insouciant ST coverage we've had at times in the past.
(& thanks PJ)
Quote from: Tecno on February 17, 2026, 06:32:50 AMAnd after my ESF rewatch he was like a mega-beast possessed on ST! He was in on most tackles, and the main/co-tackler in a handful.
Whoever our main replacement is for Gauthier's role, I hope he's up to the task. Can't go back to the insouciant ST coverage we've had at times in the past.
(& thanks PJ)
Gold star for using insouciant. Bonus star for using it in a paragraph about a francophone.
Quote from: Tecno on February 17, 2026, 06:32:50 AMAnd after my ESF rewatch he was like a mega-beast possessed on ST! He was in on most tackles, and the main/co-tackler in a handful.
Whoever our main replacement is for Gauthier's role, I hope he's up to the task. Can't go back to the insouciant ST coverage we've had at times in the past.
(& thanks PJ)
I can see Ayers taking Gauthier's role. I know the passports don't match, but we've built NAT depth elsewhere, including Neild. So he could have been the reason we walked from Gauthier.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 17, 2026, 05:55:56 PMI can see Ayers taking Gauthier's role. I know the passports don't match, but we've built NAT depth elsewhere, including Neild. So he could have been the reason we walked from Gauthier.
The problem with that thought is a certain expectation that we move to a 3 import OL and 3 Canadian starters at receiver.
Obviously we may do one or the other, both or neither.
I don't think Ayers being the next Gauthier has anything to do with the above. The number of import LB's is already a significant depth luxury that will have it's own solution.
What that will be is just an interesting conversation at the moment.
I find it tougher and tougher to stomach wasting a DI on Ayers... or any IMP who is "ST-mostly" (K/P/RET excluded). You simply have to bring more to the table, and Ayers still doesn't see many/any reps on D.
At least with Griffin you sub him in at times for special sets and spelling. That makes sense. As would any DI on the DL where you want heavy rotation.
DIs are simply too valuable to "waste" on "just" ST coverage guys. To make the point clearer: if we ditch Ayers we could keep Kyrie as a DI who actually comes in on D, sharing WILL with JSK. Not saying that's preferred or likely, but it shows the trade-offs we're facing.
Quote from: Tecno on February 17, 2026, 09:27:00 PMI find it tougher and tougher to stomach wasting a DI on Ayers... or any IMP who is "ST-mostly" (K/P/RET excluded). You simply have to bring more to the table, and Ayers still doesn't see many/any reps on D.
At least with Griffin you sub him in at times for special sets and spelling. That makes sense. As would any DI on the DL where you want heavy rotation.
DIs are simply too valuable to "waste" on "just" ST coverage guys. To make the point clearer: if we ditch Ayers we could keep Kyrie as a DI who actually comes in on D, sharing WILL with JSK. Not saying that's preferred or likely, but it shows the trade-offs we're facing.
I agree. I like Ayers, and after his rookie season thought he could have a role in the defense (STer to defensive player pipeline) but it seems he's kind of stagnated as a STer. Moving him to DE seemed to be purely a depth chart move since we only really carried two ends into any game. While his STs work has been great, between Griffin, Wilson, JSK and Woodbey that's four guys with more flexibility than Ayers who can also all contribute on STs.
Ayers would be the world's most appreciated Canadian special teamer. He's like a half dozen of our Canadian teamers but better.
But because he's American he'll never really be secure in that role, he'll always make way less money then those other guys and will assuredly have a much shorter career if he can't start anywhere.
Fun! Good for the game, obviously.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 18, 2026, 04:55:51 PMFun! Good for the game, obviously.
Ugh. Well, first, Ayers' special team ability isn't really much better than our best NAT STers have been over the years. He's not much better than Gauthier, or M.Miller. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Cadwall starts having Ayers/Gauthier numbers if Ayers (and Guathier) are gone. A lot of those stats are dependent on where you are in the coverage formation.
Second, I like the ratio for 2 reasons:
1) I don't want to be UFL-lite, where we're all just competing for the same IMPs. I've watched the other leagues, basically all the ones that have popped up over the last 10 years, and they are all total butt.
2) I'm a brain guy, and the brain stuff is what draws me to football. Having a ratio (and all that entails) at minimum doubles the complexity of what a GM has to do and think about every year. Often the winner of the GC is the head office that navigated the NAT situation the best (DPs, retention, O/D ratio balancing, NAT backup balancing). I love this aspect of the CFL.
Imagine a new IMP GM being asked to come up north and lead a team... they'd be like "I have to consider/deal with WHAT? That will take months of effort!". And that's a good thing.
Quote from: Tecno on February 18, 2026, 09:52:24 PMUgh. Well, first, Ayers' special team ability isn't really much better than our best NAT STers have been over the years. He's not much better than Gauthier, or M.Miller. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Cadwall starts having Ayers/Gauthier numbers if Ayers (and Guathier) are gone. A lot of those stats are dependent on where you are in the coverage formation.
Yeah, American or not, it's up to Ayers to force his way into the defensive reps in order to secure a starting spot.
I can't see Cad ever getting Gauthier type reps.
5 years, 86 games, 6 DTs, 68 STs, 2 FF.
9 games last season he didn't record a DT or ST.
Love his hustle and the way he plays the game. Probably a life time Bomber. But, he's 5 years deep into his career and he has never taken on Gauthiers role when he's been injured.
Cadwallader. 1 DT, 14 STs, 1 FF. 5'11" 216.
Smith: 3 DTs, 22 STs. 5'10" 227.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 18, 2026, 10:54:46 PMI can't see Cad ever getting Gauthier type reps.
5 years, 86 games, 6 DTs, 68 STs, 2 FF.
9 games last season he didn't record a DT or ST.
Love his hustle and the way he plays the game. Probably a life time Bomber. But, he's 5 years deep into his career and he has never taken on Gauthiers role when he's been injured.
Cadwallader. 1 DT, 14 STs, 1 FF. 5'11" 216.
Smith: 3 DTs, 22 STs. 5'10" 227.
I love Cadwallader but can't ever recall him getting reps at LB. Gauthier was the toughest hombre, made his limited appearances at LB on SY sneaks or goal-line stands in the absence of Biggie.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 18, 2026, 10:54:46 PMI can't see Cad ever getting Gauthier type reps.
I meant purely on ST plays, as that's what we were talking about re: Ayers. Someone will have to fill the Gauthier void. Maybe like you point out that's Smith, not Cadwall. So be it. Strange I always notice a Cadwall tackle, but never ever notice Smith. Maybe he isn't as brutal and showy as Cadwall? Dunno.
As for what NAT can get some decent D reps... that's a whole other discussion. I think everyone hopes that guy's name is Shay.