Blue Bombers Add Defensive Back Lamont
WINNIPEG, MB., February 20, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive back Deandre Lamont.
Lamont (5-9, 185, Illinois State; born: November 12, 1998, in Baytown, TX.) signs with the Bombers after three seasons in the CFL (2023-2025), and a five-year collegiate career with Illinois State (2022), and Central Arkansas (2018-2021).
Lamont has made 39 career CFL starts over three seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks, recording 151 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, and four interceptions. In his breakout 2024 season, he started all 18 games and registered 86 tackles along with one interception.
Before the CFL, Lamont spent one season at Illinois State, appearing in 11 games and totaling 68 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and three pass breakups. He earned honourable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honours in 2022. Prior to that, he was named First Team All-Atlantic Sun Conference in 2021 following his final season at Central Arkansas. Over his collegiate career, Lamont recorded 221 total tackles, six interceptions, and two sacks.
Our DBs sucked last year.. hopefully we improve.
This seems like a sneaky good signing. Have a vet there so we don't end up totally screwed, but hope scouts find a gem who wins the position outright.
Great signing I know the name but can't remember specifics
I don't agree out DBs sucked last year
Our defence was good and the stats back that up
Yes got torched at times
We added McGhee earlier that was a Redblack. I suppose it doesn't hurt to have some veteran experience in TC. Either they win a role as a starter or they create depth on the PR.
He seems to be capable of playing inside or outside but I'd peg him more as depth for our inside DB's in case of injury.
Quote from: Blueforlife on February 21, 2026, 01:04:17 PMGreat signing I know the name but can't remember specifics
I don't agree out DBs sucked last year
Our defence was good and the stats back that up
Yes got torched at times
As someone who regularly defends our defence as a whole, CBs were absolutely torched for the first half of the year until we benched everyone who we started the year with. We chose not to bring any of our CBs back this year. Yes, they absolutely sucked.
He played all over the secondary in Ottawa. He's a good guy to bring to camp and could be a valuable piece depending on injuries. I think he did his best work at half, which, if we ever got an early injury to Holm or Nichols would allow us to have someone who's played the position jump in right away. Like the signing.
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on February 21, 2026, 07:17:03 AMOur DBs sucked last year.. hopefully we improve.
Blanket statement which includes a bunch of all star level DB's, be more specific in your criticism.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 21, 2026, 01:52:23 PMHe played all over the secondary in Ottawa. He's a good guy to bring to camp and could be a valuable piece depending on injuries. I think he did his best work at half, which, if we ever got an early injury to Holm or Nichols would allow us to have someone who's played the position jump in right away. Like the signing.
Yeah, that was what I was thinking. At times we had an extra player as a DI for in game issues. I think there is only a remote chance we have a DB/CB as a DI. Vaval probably becomes that in game injury depth. We've morphed into using LB's like Griffin as a DI instead.
OTOH, I'd like to see more depth on the DL. It's going to depend on how well the rookies from last year progress. Munier-Bailey as a global might be the " extra " piece used on the DL. The catch is he takes the spot of what might have been a Canadian DL.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 21, 2026, 01:29:19 PMWe added McGhee earlier that was a Redblack. I suppose it doesn't hurt to have some veteran experience in TC. Either they win a role as a starter or they create depth on the PR.
He seems to be capable of playing inside or outside but I'd peg him more as depth for our inside DB's in case of injury.
Lamont spent most of his time at safety, where he racked up a ton of Tackles as mentioned he gives us valuable insurance at multiple positions. At only 27 he has a good amount of cfl experience if hes needed
Quote from: Pete on February 21, 2026, 02:42:01 PMLamont spent most of his time at safety, where he racked up a ton of Tackles as mentioned he gives us valuable insurance at multiple positions. At only 27 he has a good amount of cfl experience if hes needed
If they do plan to move Allen to CB then he has a chance to compete for the role at safety I suppose. He is versatile, so that gives him several opportunities to make our roster in some fashion.
Coverage breakdowns and missed tackles is what stood out for me. Coverage in general wasn't that bad considering QBs had all day to throw. We also had a number of injuries in our secondary which meant a lot of moving parts. This signing probably means we are done with Bonds.
Allen. 10 games. 26 DTs, 2 Ints. 6'1" 195. 1 year CFL
McGhee. 6 games. 22 DTs, 1 Int. 6'2" 195. 3 years CFL
Lamont. 12 games. 40 DTs, 1 Int. 5'9" 185. 3 years CFL.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 21, 2026, 01:55:17 PMBlanket statement which includes a bunch of all star level DB's, be more specific in your criticism.
agree our defense nor our DBs as a whole sucked last year, the numbers don't lie, some got torched yes, others were good to great, agree to discuss our DBs and their performance it requires mentioned specific players
Thanks to those that provided more info on Lamont, slowly coming back to me who he is, memory is good just need to be accessed slow and deep kinda like a C64 limited memory but deadly for it's day LOL
Ki dunno, he's an undersized DB who Ottawa chose not to re sign, Ottawa!!!, that should tell you something. He played there 3 years and I don't remember him at all. I certainly hope he's not in our starting lineup, and if so, we re in trouble.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 21, 2026, 08:17:47 PMThis signing probably means we are done with Bonds.
I still don't know. Kind of hard on Bonds, who had won the spot before he blew out his knee. Again, we usually go easy on year-long injury guys who get injured being our starter -- at least the first go-round. We gave Strev & Schoen 2nd (and 3rd) shots.
Bonds was still getting better, and you guys keep conflating the horrific play by Bridges in with Bonds.
Not like Parker/Houston did any better in the ESF....
Quote from: Tecno on February 23, 2026, 05:49:08 AMI still don't know. Kind of hard on Bonds, who had won the spot before he blew out his knee. Again, we usually go easy on year-long injury guys who get injured being our starter -- at least the first go-round. We gave Strev & Schoen 2nd (and 3rd) shots.
Bonds was still getting better, and you guys keep conflating the horrific play by Bridges in with Bonds.
Not like Parker/Houston did any better in the ESF....
Bonds was playing better than Bridges but he was not excelling either. Since we didn't really have an in house replacement he may have continued to progress. OTOH, he may have been replaced in the same way Bridges was replaced.
In fairness our secondary was exposed by opposition QB's having too much time to find open receivers due to lack or pressure.
So the jury is out. I'm not opposed to considering bringing him back when he's healthy. However I don't know when he'll be healthy and we certainly don't know how good or bad the replacement will be playing. Moxey has one CB spot locked down but the other one is an open question at the moment.
Quote from: Tecno on February 23, 2026, 05:49:08 AMI still don't know. Kind of hard on Bonds, who had won the spot before he blew out his knee. Again, we usually go easy on year-long injury guys who get injured being our starter -- at least the first go-round. We gave Strev & Schoen 2nd (and 3rd) shots.
Bonds was still getting better, and you guys keep conflating the horrific play by Bridges in with Bonds.
Not like Parker/Houston did any better in the ESF....
I think Bonds will receive a deferred opportunity once healthy as Parker did and as Schoen is likely to as well. If the secondary is performing well at that time and he can't get on as an injury replacement, he likely rides the season out on the PR and gets scooped up by another team as Marquise Bridges was by BC. I think it's well known throughout the league, Wpg. is good at finding DB's.
I don't know who you guys are?? I don't know to many people confusing Bridges and Bonds on this board.
Quote from: Pigskin on February 23, 2026, 07:26:05 PMI don't know who you guys are?? I don't know to many people confusing Bridges and Bonds on this board.
Bridges was released outright. Bonds was lost due to injury. The Lions did pick up Bridges after his release but every team needs depth at some point and players that have some experience often get another look see.
No different than us picking up McGhee or Lamont.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 23, 2026, 03:21:38 PMBonds was playing better than Bridges but he was not excelling either.
But he kept getting better. I think that's what Mafia look for in DBs when there aren't many other options. We've gone through this so many times before. For instance, Parker didn't look much better when he first started out for us. Heck, not even Ford looked good his first few games.
After my rewatch of the ESF, and calculating the trajectory Bonds was on before his injury, I think Bonds would have started, and done better than, Houston. It appeared to be mostly Houston getting burned by the deep 50/50's (though Parker screwed up too, just like the GC 3rd & 3).
We'll never know... but what I do think is that if Bonds can rehab 100% with little risk of "pulling a Schoen", I think he's back on at least our PR the same day. The only other sticking point is if we find the next D.Alford amongst the rookies.
Quote from: Tecno on February 24, 2026, 06:14:05 AMBut he kept getting better. I think that's what Mafia look for in DBs when there aren't many other options. We've gone through this so many times before. For instance, Parker didn't look much better when he first started out for us. Heck, not even Ford looked good his first few games.
After my rewatch of the ESF, and calculating the trajectory Bonds was on before his injury, I think Bonds would have started, and done better than, Houston. It appeared to be mostly Houston getting burned by the deep 50/50's (though Parker screwed up too, just like the GC 3rd & 3).
We'll never know... but what I do think is that if Bonds can rehab 100% with little risk of "pulling a Schoen", I think he's back on at least our PR the same day. The only other sticking point is if we find the next D.Alford amongst the rookies.
I don't totally disagree. As you mentioned it might depend on the success of the new CB. Any newer player getting injured can be that lost opportunity to continue.
If / when he's healthy it will be a timing issue of need for any team since he's a free agent. His SMS is not going to be excessive so that's in his favour.
We really don't know much about his injury or how limiting it will be going forward.
Yes, I'd bring him back but he might have to be prepared to stick on tthe PR.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 24, 2026, 01:14:16 PMI don't totally disagree. As you mentioned it might depend on the success of the new CB. Any newer player getting injured can be that lost opportunity to continue.
If / when he's healthy it will be a timing issue of need for any team since he's a free agent. His SMS is not going to be excessive so that's in his favour.
We really don't know much about his injury or how limiting it will be going forward.
Yes, I'd bring him back but he might have to be prepared to stick on tthe PR.
If I recall correctly Bonds did pretty well when he first arrived, can't help but think the D-line lack of pressure eventually makes even the best DB's look bad. Step one is not allowing an over reliance on Younger's 3 man front, I don't care how much they improved the the D-line personnel, sending 3 against 5 is a losing proposition in every case. The results are demoralizing to the entire team and with a smaller than average rotation along the D-line, the main players are exhausted or rendered inept by the end of the game. Sask. won the GC by exerting constant pressure from variable points on Alexander, that's how they beat him.
If 100% healthy I would bring Bonds back at the right price. I believe in him. He would need to continue his evolution and improvement and will have more competition than before imo.
Quote from: Blueforlife on February 24, 2026, 07:45:40 PMIf 100% healthy I would bring Bonds back at the right price. I believe in him. He would need to continue his evolution and improvement and will have more competition than before imo.
The team might be waiting for a medical evaluation. IIRC he might be added before TC if his re-hab went well. I don't think his SMS will be an issue at all.
If he can return early then his chances will be better. At the moment there is no clear player identified to take that spot. Lots of competition and perhaps Allen considered being moved to CB but nothing written in stone.
Still 2 months of getting ready / healthy. So adding him is not out of the question. OTOH the injury may have pushed him out of football all together.
Meh signing imo. Maybe he'll be better here, but really probably nothing more than good preseason depth. Could compete at safety, just not too sure he is an upgrade over Allen. Nice PR depth though if he cracks it.
Quote from: kkc60 on February 24, 2026, 08:46:03 PMMeh signing imo. Maybe he'll be better here, but really probably nothing more than good preseason depth. Could compete at safety, just not too sure he is an upgrade over Allen. Nice PR depth though if he cracks it.
We can't debate the fact he was the starting CB until he was injured. His 1st season was as a DI. Although there was some speculation that Allen might be moving to CB, we don't know if that is really the plan.
Some of the rookies look interesting and coaches might have some perception to who might end up on the AR. TC's are tough. Early injuries change the depth chart by the day and there isn't really a definitive starter just yet.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 24, 2026, 03:56:46 PMIf I recall correctly Bonds did pretty well when he first arrived, can't help but think the D-line lack of pressure eventually makes even the best DB's look bad. Step one is not allowing an over reliance on Younger's 3 man front, I don't care how much they improved the the D-line personnel, sending 3 against 5 is a losing proposition in every case.
Bonds in his first few starts was definitely picked on, but didn't do too bad. He was generally in the right place on deep shots, but couldn't get the batdown or disruption. Then he got a couple of near-INTs and teams started taking him more seriously.
A good DL will be able to get the QB flustered even bringing just 3, it just takes 2-3 sec longer. The idea when you bring 3 is you're guaranteeing the QB gets his magic 2.7s. The difference between a good 3 and our 2025 3 is that a good 3 will still break down the pocket and force the QB to move after 5-7s.
We saw that with the better DLs last year. They won't do it every time, but they'll do it at least half the time.
The problem is when our 3-man DL gets stopped for 3, then 6, then forever seconds. You can't have that. Hopefully Ceresna will be the key to stopping that. That is where the "neverending motor" aspect of a DL comes in.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 24, 2026, 08:12:22 PMThe team might be waiting for a medical evaluation. IIRC he might be added before TC if his re-hab went well. I don't think his SMS will be an issue at all.
IIRC he was injured around labor day? And it was ACL? If so, I would expect him back in the summer, not TC. After what we've seen with ACLs, we certainly don't want to rush him.
Quote from: kkc60 on February 24, 2026, 08:46:03 PMMeh signing imo. Maybe he'll be better here, but really probably nothing more than good preseason depth. Could compete at safety, just not too sure he is an upgrade over Allen. Nice PR depth though if he cracks it.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 24, 2026, 01:14:16 PMI don't totally disagree. As you mentioned it might depend on the success of the new CB. Any newer player getting injured can be that lost opportunity to continue.
If / when he's healthy it will be a timing issue of need for any team since he's a free agent. His SMS is not going to be excessive so that's in his favour.
We really don't know much about his injury or how limiting it will be going forward.
Yes, I'd bring him back but he might have to be prepared to stick on tthe PR.
With Bonds and Lamont along with a few others we already have a good indication that their ceiling will be a serviceable corner, am hoping that one of the new prospects such as McCrutchen comes thru (and are given the opportunity) ,
Quote from: Tecno on February 25, 2026, 01:16:50 AMIIRC he was injured around labor day? And it was ACL? If so, I would expect him back in the summer, not TC. After what we've seen with ACLs, we certainly don't want to rush him.
Originally I thought / suggested that I didn't expect Bond would be healthy until mid season. That said, that was just speculation on my part with limited info. All I'm saying now is the same thing in that I don't know with any certainty.
Perhaps just a hope he's healthy sooner and can be re-signed prior to TC.
Yes, Lamont and McGhee has some CFL experience and may be pencilled in with a slight edge going into TC but that can change very quickly.
Then there is the conversation about whether they have serious thoughts on Allen moving to CB.
It's just all conversation topics that will sort itself out in TC. I thought about starting a poll but there isn't really anything to hang a hat on in making a pic. lol
For what it's worth Lamont has played more games than J. Parker and started 39 of 41 games he's played in 3 seasons.
I wouldn't move Allen to corner, I would like us to develop him slowly. He could have a setback if we put him there and struggled. I could be wrong and in camp we will see who gets reps where. I am high on Allen.
Quote from: Pete on February 25, 2026, 03:00:03 PMWith Bonds and Lamont along with a few others we already have a good indication that their ceiling will be a serviceable corner, am hoping that one of the new prospects such as McCrutchen comes thru (and are given the opportunity) ,
Tell me more about McCrutchen, a new name to me!
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 24, 2026, 09:12:39 PMWe can't debate the fact he was the starting CB until he was injured. His 1st season was as a DI. Although there was some speculation that Allen might be moving to CB, we don't know if that is really the plan.
Some of the rookies look interesting and coaches might have some perception to who might end up on the AR. TC's are tough. Early injuries change the depth chart by the day and there isn't really a definitive starter just yet.
Moving Allen to CB would be like moving Bridges to CB which was like moving Chandler Fenner to CB which was like moving Roc Carmichael to CB. None of them worked out, because natural safeties (aka college and NFL ones) don't tend to have the foot work or man coverage capabilities a true CB does.
This experiment has literally never worked out, why would it now?
There are going to be real competitions for DB spots. Real competitions.
JY, being a DB himself, should have a good feel for how this should work out.
I think the pieces are there for a solid defensive backfield.
There are a couple highly rated DB's in the draft too...
Quote from: kkc60 on February 26, 2026, 04:03:40 PMMoving Allen to CB would be like moving Bridges to CB which was like moving Chandler Fenner to CB which was like moving Roc Carmichael to CB. None of them worked out, because natural safeties (aka college and NFL ones) don't tend to have the foot work or man coverage capabilities a true CB does.
This experiment has literally never worked out, why would it now?
IIRC it was mentioned that Allen spent a lot of time at CB during TC. That may have been due to the fact Parker was pencilled in to start at safety, or they thought Allen might have a chance at CB.
His NFL profile doesn't suggest he has good tackling skills, speed or ability to even make a roster but here he is.
I don't know we can say moving an NFL safety to CB has NEVER worked out. We've seen players that can play anywhere in the secondary.
D> Lamont's draft profile mention his ability to play anywhere in the secondary. He's done that in the CFL.
Quote from: theaardvark on February 26, 2026, 04:13:42 PMThere are going to be real competitions for DB spots. Real competitions.
JY, being a DB himself, should have a good feel for how this should work out.
I think the pieces are there for a solid defensive backfield.
There are a couple highly rated DB's in the draft too...
Not so much, 4 spots are already assigned to Holm, Nichols, Kramdi and Moxey, the only true opening is the leftover CB spot and perhaps a rigorous debate about who plays Safety.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 26, 2026, 04:33:28 PMNot so much, 4 spots are already assigned to Holm, Nichols, Kramdi and Moxey, the only true opening is the leftover CB spot and perhaps a rigorous debate about who plays Safety.
Kramdi is the SAM and not part of the 5 in the secondary. So Holm Nichols and Moxey have 3 of 5 spots locked up.
One CB is wide open although we have a couple of CFL players with some experience. Allen at safety or even making the 2026 roster is not certain but he has an initial edge. I thought he was improving but he's still a player that isn't guaranteed to win his spot.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 26, 2026, 04:33:28 PMNot so much, 4 spots are already assigned to Holm, Nichols, Kramdi and Moxey, the only true opening is the leftover CB spot and perhaps a rigorous debate about who plays Safety.
And Lamont is probably penciled in at the other side already.
Quote from: Jesse on February 26, 2026, 05:21:24 PMAnd Lamont is probably penciled in at the other side already.
Richie Hall built his secondary on a shoestring budget, SMS has gone up but this secondary is closer to max budget.
Quote from: Jesse on February 26, 2026, 05:21:24 PMAnd Lamont is probably penciled in at the other side already.
Most likely he's got the initial edge to win that spot. OTOH we've signed about 11 new DB's but which are capable of playing CB in the CFL is a TBD.
Will be a really fun spot to watch and see what happens.
Anyone want to take a stab at their current pecking order?
Quote from: kkc60 on February 26, 2026, 04:03:40 PMMoving Allen to CB would be like moving Bridges to CB which was like moving Chandler Fenner to CB which was like moving Roc Carmichael to CB.
Wow, good memory. I had completely forgotten about Fenner. As for the other guy, we don't mention his name around here. PTSD!
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on February 26, 2026, 04:33:28 PMNot so much, 4 spots are already assigned to Holm, Nichols, Kramdi and Moxey, the only true opening is the leftover CB spot and perhaps a rigorous debate about who plays Safety.
Ya, but Moxey isn't a 100% sure deal. He has to FIFO and show effort at practice and capacity to learn the system. There's no auto-shoe-in just because he's $175k -- see D.Mitchell. If you get in MOS's dog house you could find yourself on the PR.
Also, ya, Moxey will probably get it, but we need to spot the next-man-up in TC because a season never goes by where a DB isn't injured. We want the next guy to be basically as good as the starters.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 26, 2026, 04:30:44 PMIIRC it was mentioned that Allen spent a lot of time at CB during TC. That may have been due to the fact Parker was pencilled in to start at safety, or they thought Allen might have a chance at CB.
His NFL profile doesn't suggest he has good tackling skills, speed or ability to even make a roster but here he is.
I don't know we can say moving an NFL safety to CB has NEVER worked out. We've seen players that can play anywhere in the secondary.
D> Lamont's draft profile mention his ability to play anywhere in the secondary. He's done that in the CFL.
Maybe in TC but I don't believe he saw any reps at corner in a preseason game. Safeties practice with the DBs, so sure he maybe got some practice reps.
His NFL profile explains why he isn't in the NFL. Makes sense since he is in the CFL.
Sure *hypothetically* it could work. But trying something 4 times with no success usually serves as a good barometer for what will happen that fifth time. We have a plethora of natural corners coming into TC, why waste our time trying to move a solid safety to corner?
As for Lamont, maybe he is the exception. Or maybe he also fits better at safety just like all those other guys.
Quote from: Tecno on February 27, 2026, 01:25:55 AMWow, good memory. I had completely forgotten about Fenner. As for the other guy, we don't mention his name around here. PTSD!
It's easy to remember the guys who consistently got dusted deep, that's the real PTSD ;)
Quote from: Tecno on February 27, 2026, 01:28:19 AMYa, but Moxey isn't a 100% sure deal. He has to FIFO and show effort at practice and capacity to learn the system. There's no auto-shoe-in just because he's $175k -- see D.Mitchell. If you get in MOS's dog house you could find yourself on the PR.
Also, ya, Moxey will probably get it, but we need to spot the next-man-up in TC because a season never goes by where a DB isn't injured. We want the next guy to be basically as good as the starters.
Moxey has a longer and more consistent record of playing well. He's the starter barring injury. If we find the next Juran Bolden in TC he'll be the other CB.
Quote from: kkc60 on February 27, 2026, 04:19:18 PMMaybe in TC but I don't believe he saw any reps at corner in a preseason game. Safeties practice with the DBs, so sure he maybe got some practice reps.
His NFL profile explains why he isn't in the NFL. Makes sense since he is in the CFL.
Sure *hypothetically* it could work. But trying something 4 times with no success usually serves as a good barometer for what will happen that fifth time. We have a plethora of natural corners coming into TC, why waste our time trying to move a solid safety to corner?
As for Lamont, maybe he is the exception. Or maybe he also fits better at safety just like all those other guys.
Allen was a decent Safety but it wasn't like he was an allstar in his first season like Taylor Loffler, so he could be potentially upgraded and replaced or breakout in his second season. Seems to have great mobility and looked good in coverage, but doesn't add much of a physical presence and had a tendency to get confused at times trying to cover multiple receivers. At Safety it often seems the smartest player wins the job.
I was also okay with Cam Allen. But, I would be happy if the Bombers could find a Canadian safety. The Bomber dropped the ball last season Not drafting Jackson Findlay 6'2" 207. Findlay started in week 16 for BC and recorded 21 DTs, 5 ST, 4 Int. This year Bell and Elab are two DBs in the top 20 of the CFL draft. Both are 6'1" 205, and have excellent speed. I could see us going OL,DB,DL with our first three picks if either Bell or ELad are there at 13.
Not crazy about drafting Canadian defensive backs. There is a forever pipeline great American DBs.
Over the last handful of years we've asked more from our safety than most teams. If we were mostly just keeping them high like some systems I think a Canadian is fine there but maybe just cause we were spoiled with Alexander for awhile we've asked them to be much more versatile. Makes it tough. If we see a guy who could actually develop into that, sure, but I wouldn't bet on it.
I'd draft OL/DL with the top two picks first and then maybe a receiver given the depth we need there.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on February 27, 2026, 11:06:02 PMNot crazy about drafting Canadian defensive backs. There is a forever pipeline great American DBs.
Over the last handful of years we've asked more from our safety than most teams. If we were mostly just keeping them high like some systems I think a Canadian is fine there but maybe just cause we were spoiled with Alexander for awhile we've asked them to be much more versatile. Makes it tough. If we see a guy who could actually develop into that, sure, but I wouldn't bet on it.
I'd draft OL/DL with the top two picks first and then maybe a receiver given the depth we need there.
Yes and no. Safety is no longer a ratio dominant Canadian but if you find a good one, then it could be. Findlay for example could be that for BC.
I'd expect a safety could more likely start earlier in his career than an OL for example. I'd also expect his SMS would never reach that of a top Canadian OL as a counter comment.
You mentioned there are lots of imports available to play safety but that's even more true about import OL.
We don't need another Canadian starter and it could be suggested we need another OL ( soon ) capable of becoming a starter. We can see that it the conversations about moving to a 3 import OL.
OTOH, if you find that excellent Canadian safety then you have another way tor roster import OL.
The top draft candidates seem to be OL heavy but it's not yet clear how many will be lost to NFL opportunities or for how long. NFL is more likely to draft a Canadian OL than a Canadian safety since that's not a direct position in the NFL.
So yes draft an OL with 1st pick. After that get the best bang for the $$ for the next 2 picks. Not interested in taking a flyer on someone we won't see in 2026. Use the 4th pick for that maybe.
Maybe the key to long term success is to find spots no one wants a NAT, and draft/trade for a top NAT for that position? Does such a thing exist?
The problem with allstar, top-5, ratio-busting NATs at non-OL positions is they usually cost too much to retain after ELC. Like Ty Ford.
You want a guy that is superb but won't draw FA interest so you can keep him at modest (or cheap) money. Like Kramdi??
So does Kramdi work because no one else wants to start a NAT SAM? Although not like Kramdi is super cheap with his latest contract. But still far below Ty Ford. Or is that if a player flashed Ford-level talent he'll pull top dollar no matter the position?
I don't know the answer. Keep in mind I'm talking super talent guys here. So Fatboi (and probably Lawson) don't count. But maybe DT is a possible answer? Did Ted Laurent and other high-end NAT DTs ever demand big coin? Or were they limited?
FS is another spot, though Loffler did leave for a big-ish payday for the time. And Dequoy was set to probably earn $200k if he left MTL.
Thoughts?
Look at the other top paid Canadian DB's in 2025:
1. Dequoy @ $161K safety
2. T.Campbell @ $163K CB
3. Kramdi @ $151K SAM
4. Metchie @ $145K safety
5. Katsantois @ $147K safety
There were many import OL paid more than any of those players. Obviously all of these number went up but top OL are in a higher bracket.
That's why I suggested drafting a Canadian DB would be better for the SMS whether he gets retained after his ELC or not compared to a Canadian OL.
The draft rankings show 3 in the top 20 but IDK whether they play CB's, DB's, safeties or SAM.
Quote from: Blue In BC on February 28, 2026, 01:35:59 PMLook at the other top paid Canadian DB's in 2025:
1. Dequoy @ $161K safety
2. T.Campbell @ $163K CB
3. Kramdi @ $151K SAM
4. Metchie @ $145K safety
5. Katsantois @ $147K safety
There were many import OL paid more than any of those players. Obviously all of these number went up but top OL are in a higher bracket.
That's why I suggested drafting a Canadian DB would be better for the SMS whether he gets retained after his ELC or not compared to a Canadian OL.
The draft rankings show 3 in the top 20 but IDK whether they play CB's, DB's, safeties or SAM.
looks like teams are starting to think that way
2025 .3036
1. Dequoy @ $161K safety Allen 275
2. T.Campbell @ $163K CB Ford 236
3. Kramdi @ $151K SAM Kasantois 205
4. Metchie @ $145K safety Campbell 200
5. Katsantois @ $147K safety Kramdi 185
Cdn starters are not cheap but your right still better than paying 300k for a Woodmansey
Quote from: Pete on February 28, 2026, 04:54:51 PMlooks like teams are starting to think that way
1. Dequoy @ $161K safety Allen 275
2. T.Campbell @ $163K CB Ford 236
3. Kramdi @ $151K SAM Kasantois 205
4. Metchie @ $145K safety Campbell 200
5. Katsantois @ $147K safety Kramdi 185
Cdn starters are not cheap but your right still better than paying 300k for a Woodmansey
Yet they tell us 7 out of 9 teams are losing money??? Spending more usually fixes that problem.
Quote from: Pete on February 28, 2026, 04:54:51 PMlooks like teams are starting to think that way
2025 .3036
1. Dequoy @ $161K safety Allen 275
2. T.Campbell @ $163K CB Ford 236
3. Kramdi @ $151K SAM Kasantois 205
4. Metchie @ $145K safety Campbell 200
5. Katsantois @ $147K safety Kramdi 185
Cdn starters are not cheap but your right still better than paying 300k for a Woodmansey
It's relative to the position though. 300k for Woodmansey when we handed out 260k to Broxton. 185k for Kramdi vs. 175k for Holm.
Just draft the best players you can. The draft is enough of a crapshoot without trying to deal with positional value.
Quote from: Jesse on February 28, 2026, 06:31:42 PMJust draft the best players you can. The draft is enough of a crapshoot without trying to deal with positional value.
Ya, that might be the answer in the end. There may not be any "cheapest NAT position" for allstar-level players.
Maybe REC turns out to be the winning spot, only because NAT RECs are more numerous, and law of supply/demand. Maybe having NAT players who are really good, but just short of allstar, is the key. Kramdi would fall into that category, as would Woli.
I agree with Jesse draft best available player