Blue Bombers sign quarterback Taylor Elgersma
WINNIPEG, MB., April 16, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma.
Elgersma (6-5, 227, Wilfrid Laurier University; born: March 27, 2002, in London, Ont.) joins the club after being selected in the second round, 18th overall, of the 2025 CFL Canadian Draft.
He was most recently with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL but did not see any action due to work visa issues.
Following the CFL Draft last spring, Elgersma was signed by the Green Bay Packers on May 12, 2025, attended training camp and appeared in three NFL preseason games, completing 16-of-23 passes for 166 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
He was released by the Packers after training camp and then had NFL looks from the New York Giants, San Franciso 49ers, Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins before joining the Stallions.
Elgersma's days at Wilfrid Laurier were capped by a 2024 season in which he captured the Hec Crighton Trophy as the top player in U Sports football after throwing for 4,252 yards and 35 touchdowns against 11 interceptions for the Golden Hawks. He then became the first quarterback from a Canadian university to participate in the Senior Bowl.
Elgersma was a U Sports First Team All-Canadian in 2024 and a Second Team All-Canadian in 2023.
Anyone know how much?
So awesome. Great situation, we can now hopefully slowly pass the torch from Zach!
Quote from: Blueforlife on April 17, 2026, 12:05:33 AMAnyone know how much?
So awesome. Great situation, we can now hopefully slowly pass the torch from Zach!
Not very much, I believe the amount paid to draft picks is a set amount.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 17, 2026, 12:08:53 AMNot very much, I believe the amount paid to draft picks is a set amount.
Yeah what is it two years at a set salary?
Quote from: Blueforlife on April 17, 2026, 12:09:38 AMYeah what is it two years at a set salary?
I think so, max salary $85k?
So after everyone's handwringing, he didn't miss any time at all.
I hope everyone gives him a chance to develop now.
Very happy for this news.
Rookie camp just got extra spicy.
Since he is signed, guessing he's getting the playbook, and will have time to get up to speed.
Whether it's a two or three year deal, he still has the option window, so there was that in his favour.
I like him again. ;D
It's a 3 year deal for a set amount based on draft level. Essentially not a large amount above the $75K usual ELC. I think teams are limited on the max level.
Regardless. He'll be here for TC. Maybe he surprised and / or some or all of the rookies don't show well. If he wins a spot on the AR then great. Just a guess but I think he ends up on the PR, possibly 1 game IR to protect him from leaving. Yes he still has the option window after year 1.
Let the battle begin.
Good to see he finally came to his senses, but I am thinking his visa issues couldn't be resolved so he had no other football option
Quote from: dd on April 17, 2026, 01:39:46 AMGood to see he finally came to his senses, but I am thinking his visa issues couldn't be resolved so he had no other football option
Just like Liam Dobson. Doesn't matter what brings them up here. He's here now.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 17, 2026, 01:21:35 AMIt's a 3 year deal for a set amount based on draft level. Essentially not a large amount above the $75K usual ELC. I think teams are limited on the max level.
Regardless. He'll be here for TC. Maybe he surprised and / or some or all of the rookies don't show well. If he wins a spot on the AR then great. Just a guess but I think he ends up on the PR, possibly 1 game IR to protect him from leaving. Yes he still has the option window after year 1.
Let the battle begin.
6'5, he's going to be a beast on SY, no?
I think he gets QB3 just from a ratio standpoint. Wilson battles Perkins for QB2, with Thorne as a dark horse, PR if Perkins wins, cut if Perkins loses (Perkins to the PR). I can't see Wilson on the PR or QB3...
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 01:56:31 AM6'5, he's going to be a beast on SY, no?
I think he gets QB3 just from a ratio standpoint. Wilson battles Perkins for QB2, with Thorne as a dark horse, PR if Perkins wins, cut if Perkins loses (Perkins to the PR). I can't see Wilson on the PR or QB3...
It's very bad if you're Terry Wilson's clipboard.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 01:56:31 AM6'5, he's going to be a beast on SY, no?
I think he gets QB3 just from a ratio standpoint. Wilson battles Perkins for QB2, with Thorne as a dark horse, PR if Perkins wins, cut if Perkins loses (Perkins to the PR). I can't see Wilson on the PR or QB3...
He doesn't help the ratio unless he starts. QB's have their own category. I suppose if he goes in for short yardage he might impact the ratio on that play. However, short yardage is just that. No need to add another import receiver or OL, which we probably don't have on the AR.
I was expecting one of Perkins or Thorne to end up as the # 3 QB. Elgersma has to beat out one of those 2 and Wilson. Those are steep odds for day 1, but if they park him on 1 game IR, he might catch up and pass somebody.
Chances are it's bad news for Wilson unless he wins the spot at # 2.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 17, 2026, 02:31:30 AMIt's very bad if you're Terry Wilson's clipboard.
I had very little expectation of Wilson being around, with or without Elgersma.
Awesome news BB camp just got even more interesting. Can't wait for rookie camp to begin.
Yes, It's was going get done sooner or later. I glad he's going to be here for the start of TC.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 17, 2026, 01:19:15 AMI like him again. ;D
LOL, ya, the best thing about this news is it puts an end to the interminable debate and speculation. Hooray!
And now all the bad-mouthing stops and we welcome him and love him. Until he steps on the field and Brohm the bed... well, we all hope that isn't what happens, eh? We want the next Rourke -- but BETTER than Rourke!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 17, 2026, 02:31:30 AMIt's very bad if you're Terry Wilson's clipboard.
I don't know. Maybe very bad if you're Wilson. But possibly great news for
Wilson's clipboard, as it may get a whole lot of lovin' every single game if it's Elgersma that gets all of his reps!
(And let's not get ahead of ourselves... Kelly, Rourke, Alexander all took at least a year to get up to CFL speed.)
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 17, 2026, 02:45:07 AMHe doesn't help the ratio unless he starts. QB's have their own category. I suppose if he goes in for short yardage he might impact the ratio on that play.
Ya, no ratio help essentially. UNLESS you had a jumbo hoggie who was an IMP. Then he could come on for extra beef. But even that is a stretch as it's easier to just take off an IMP REC on the end of the line who isn't affecting the play anyhow.
Oh ya, unless Zach goes out and Elgersma comes in as #2. THEN you can swap out a NAT REC for IMP, right?? Or does that only count if the NAT QB is the *starter*.
Quote from: Jesse on April 17, 2026, 12:39:33 AMI hope everyone gives him a chance to develop now.
Tru dat. Temper expectations and have patience.
Glad the kid finally signed with the Bombers.
Hope Zach teaches him well this year.
Good news for CFL fans.
Quote from: Tecno on April 17, 2026, 05:18:48 AMYa, no ratio help essentially. UNLESS you had a jumbo hoggie who was an IMP. Then he could come on for extra beef. But even that is a stretch as it's easier to just take off an IMP REC on the end of the line who isn't affecting the play anyhow.
Oh ya, unless Zach goes out and Elgersma comes in as #2. THEN you can swap out a NAT REC for IMP, right?? Or does that only count if the NAT QB is the *starter*.
Teams declare how many Canadians are starters on both sides of the ball. I don't think it matters what position they play and can be interchanged in different formations.
It's unlikely we'll have an import DI on the OL or receiver on offence.
If Elgersma is # 2 and needs to play due to a Collaros injury ( in game ) we'd just be starting 1 more Canadian than declared.
Regardless for a long term injury the number of imports is fixed even if you have a Canadian QB. You don't get to add another import to the roster is you lose an American QB.
Quote from: Pigskin on April 17, 2026, 04:07:29 AMYes, It's was going get done sooner or later. I glad he's going to be here for the start of TC.
Much more than start of TC or Rookie camp, having the playbook now, and having Condell able to talk with him means he hits the ground running.
Every day is a bonus when you are joining a new team/system/league.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 17, 2026, 01:30:52 PMTeams declare how many Canadians are starters on both sides of the ball. I don't think it matters what position they play and can be interchanged in different formations.
It's unlikely we'll have an import DI on the OL or receiver on offence.
If Elgersma is # 2 and needs to play due to a Collaros injury ( in game ) we'd just be starting 1 more Canadian than declared.
Regardless for a long term injury the number of imports is fixed even if you have a Canadian QB. You don't get to add another import to the roster is you lose an American QB.
If he does play in place of an injured Zach, you could bring in an additional IMP hoggie, or an IMP RB or even another IMP Rec, any of which might help Elgersma out. You wouldn't be playing with an additional NAT instead of swapping out a starting NAT for an IMP, if you have IMPs on the roster that are better than the NAT starter.
Quote from: theaardvark on April 17, 2026, 04:07:04 PMIf he does play in place of an injured Zach, you could bring in an additional IMP hoggie, or an IMP RB or even another IMP Rec, any of which might help Elgersma out. You wouldn't be playing with an additional NAT instead of swapping out a starting NAT for an IMP, if you have IMPs on the roster that are better than the NAT starter.
You wouldn't have those imports on the AR as DI's for an in game injury. I pointed that out already. You might have one on the 1 game IR or PR if there is a longer injury issue and if Elgersma moves to a # 1 role.
Regardless the number of imports ( QB's not in the equation ) on the AR doesn't change. Imports on the AR are already starting except for those DI's which are used a lot in rotation.
Name a team that rosters an import OL as a DI? Doesn't happen.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 17, 2026, 05:19:04 PMYou wouldn't have those imports on the AR as DI's for an in game injury. I pointed that out already. You might have one on the 1 game IR or PR if there is a longer injury issue and if Elgersma moves to a # 1 role.
Regardless the number of imports ( QB's not in the equation ) on the AR doesn't change. Imports on the AR are already starting except for those DI's which are used a lot in rotation.
Name a team that rosters an import OL as a DI? Doesn't happen.
That's a lot of thinking going into a probable non-issue, save the ratio planning for his 2nd year when he becomes more of a viable option to start games.
Hoping to see a change in QB management with Condell in charge, give Elgersma his own package and let him sink or swim to help determine whether he becomes the QB of the future.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 17, 2026, 05:19:04 PMYou wouldn't have those imports on the AR as DI's for an in game injury.
Mostly true (for us). But not always.
In the recent past we've had McCrae types (Cooley(?) too, was that his name?) as backup RB slash gadget REC.
Other teams, of course, roster DI RECs and RBs all the time. Many put a top-15 REC as DI and use them as DNA (25 snaps). White was used that way more often than not the last 2 years in HAM.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 17, 2026, 05:19:04 PMName a team that rosters an import OL as a DI? Doesn't happen.
Could have sworn we had 1-2 games the last 1-2 seasons where we started an IMP as backup hoggie? (Usually when too many NAT hoggies were IR'd.) Other than that, yes it's uber-rare.
I was impressed with how Taylor Elgersma conducted himself in his media availability today. He was very careful not to give the answers that a couple of media members were hoping to capture.
Summary of media availability from Ed Tait
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/04/17/elgersma-media-session-5-takeaways/ (https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/04/17/elgersma-media-session-5-takeaways/)
It has been a long time since the Blue Bombers have rostered a Canadian QB and even longer since one accomplished anything in a game. Here is a list of the last time it happened : Canadian QB for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers edition.
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dgxksy7v0hp2as3l9d4n4/WBB-CA-QB.jpg?rlkey=scgm77utzkk9j48w1mzuxdqpa&st=lvq4juho&raw=1)
Quote from: Tecno on April 18, 2026, 04:05:50 AMMostly true (for us). But not always.
In the recent past we've had McCrae types (Cooley(?) too, was that his name?) as backup RB slash gadget REC.
Other teams, of course, roster DI RECs and RBs all the time. Many put a top-15 REC as DI and use them as DNA (25 snaps). White was used that way more often than not the last 2 years in HAM.
Could have sworn we had 1-2 games the last 1-2 seasons where we started an IMP as backup hoggie? (Usually when too many NAT hoggies were IR'd.) Other than that, yes it's uber-rare.
IIRC McCrae was also the returner at the time. Cooley came on the AR when Oliveria was injured but that meant we needed to remove another import off the roster to fit him in. Can't remember whether we had more than 7 Canadians starting ( probably did ). Regardless, an import comes on and an import comes off.
Generally, aside from a returner as a DI, the Bombers have seldom had an offensive DI on offence.
A DNA doesn't increase the number of imports allowed. It just allows him to rotate with a Canadian for limited snaps.
To qualify to be a Designated Nationalized American, an American player must be with the same CFL team for three consecutive seasons or have spent five total years in the CFL.
Article content
These American players can replace National players for up to 25 snaps in a single game. (It was originally 49 per cent of plays, but the league changed the rule to make 25 the limit). The designated Nationalized Americans usually won't start the game — he will typically be listed as a backup on the depth chart — but can come into the game after the first play on offence or defence.
An import on the roster is generally starting or a role specific DI. Castillo and Vaval will be 2 of ours this year. DI's will rotate with other imports: Griffith, Woodbey, or be an ST specialist mostly : Ayers.
DNA is essentially another useless category. What import on our roster is going to sub for a Canadian that isn't already a primary starter?
The best thing about the timing is that he'll have an entire season to learn from Collaros, whose style is not that dissimilar to his own. He has a better arm now hopefully he can augment that by learning how to move about to avoid the rush as his footspeed isn't any better than Zac's. He's definitely a pocket passer.
The biggest factor in most qbs is the ability to read defenses hopefully learning from Zac will help
Here's a quotation from an article and interview in 3down nation about and with Taylor Elgersma
"Opinions differ as to whether that incompletion was the result of an ill-advised throw or a wise gamble in the pursuit of greatness, but
the reality is that Elgersma faces boo-birds in Winnipeg before ever setting foot on the field at Princess Auto Stadium."
I don't normally care about what sports writers publish, but I find this annoying.
Theirs is no chance, ZERO percent chance that Elgersma will be booed by the fans when he makes his first appearance at the stadium.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on April 18, 2026, 04:52:37 AMI was impressed with how Taylor Elgersma conducted himself in his media availability today. He was very careful not to give the answers that a couple of media members were hoping to capture.
Great interview, at least he's well spoken.
Training camp and pre-season just got a whole lot more interesting.
Quote from: markf on April 18, 2026, 10:22:24 PMHere's a quotation from an article and interview in 3down nation about and with Taylor Elgersma
"Opinions differ as to whether that incompletion was the result of an ill-advised throw or a wise gamble in the pursuit of greatness, but
the reality is that Elgersma faces boo-birds in Winnipeg before ever setting foot on the field at Princess Auto Stadium."
I don't normally care about what sports writers publish, but I find this annoying.
Theirs is no chance, ZERO percent chance that Elgersma will be booed by the fans when he makes his first appearance at the stadium.
yeah 3 down at times write articles to support their personal point of views, I haven't seen one post that is unhappy that Elgersma signed. even from those that were critical of how he went about it with the nfl tour.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 18, 2026, 12:57:35 PMIIRC McCrae was also the returner at the time.
Don't think so? Wasn't Grant already here at the time? McCrae may have been backup or co-returner. We've alternated returners before (even in same game) when we didn't have a clear winner or someone needed a spell.
When I think McCrae, I think "gadget RB/REC" and special-scheme REC like that great EZ catch he made that one time. If he returned sometimes, that was gravy.
Oh ya, we also wasted a whole season DI'ing The Seal! Doubt we'll ever see that weirdness again!
If Elgersma becomes our SY this season (which is a distinct possibility) we're gonna need a shorter name to yell out. "El-gers-ma" just won't cut it. Nickname ideas? Streveler had Strevy. Zach has, ... Zach.
Has to be 2 syllables or less. The last name doesn't lend itself to anything, really. Maybe have to use the first. Taytay? ;D ;D ;D ;) :o :o :P
In 2023 McRae played 11 games. Punt returns 21/203 yards. Kick returns 12/231 yards. Rushing 23/146. Receiving 15/182.
Quote from: Pigskin on April 19, 2026, 04:53:34 AMIn 2023 McRae played 11 games. Punt returns 21/203 yards. Kick returns 12/231 yards. Rushing 23/146. Receiving 15/182.
Awesome, so all-round swiss army knife guy. No wonder he made the AR even though "we don't do that". Now... did he have a co-returner at the time? I don't know why, but I don't recall him being our full-time full-season returner. Or is this the "dark season" after Grant left for TOR? I think we were still finding our way at that time.
And was it then we ditched McCrae in favor of The Seal? Yikes, talk about a mistake. McCrae was getting things done. Seal did almost nothing, and did even catch that one target he had?
Quote from: Tecno on April 19, 2026, 02:37:01 AMDon't think so? Wasn't Grant already here at the time? McCrae may have been backup or co-returner. We've alternated returners before (even in same game) when we didn't have a clear winner or someone needed a spell.
When I think McCrae, I think "gadget RB/REC" and special-scheme REC like that great EZ catch he made that one time. If he returned sometimes, that was gravy.
Oh ya, we also wasted a whole season DI'ing The Seal! Doubt we'll ever see that weirdness again!
I think he came on the roster due to an injury to Grant. Either way we seem to load up the defence with our DI's. On offence it's the kicker and returner. Now that Laval is the returner he's also somewhat of a potential back up in the secondary.
The final roster will have several options but I don't expect a gadget player like McCrae this year as long as Vaval is healthy.
Quote from: Tecno on April 19, 2026, 07:45:41 AMAwesome, so all-round swiss army knife guy. No wonder he made the AR even though "we don't do that". Now... did he have a co-returner at the time? I don't know why, but I don't recall him being our full-time full-season returner. Or is this the "dark season" after Grant left for TOR? I think we were still finding our way at that time.
And was it then we ditched McCrae in favor of The Seal? Yikes, talk about a mistake. McCrae was getting things done. Seal did almost nothing, and did even catch that one target he had?
Grant only played 8 games that season due to injury?. We always have another player that might see return duty if conditions require ( wind / rain ) or we have an in game injury.
Last year we signed Logan that might have been the sort of player you suggest. Laval beat him out as a returner and a back up DB. Due to injury Vaval did play some DB in 2025.
In that sense he wasn't quite the Swiss army knife as a McCrae type. The choice becomes does someone else do less things but at a higher level for what he does?
I can't dispute that some players do a long list of things well but rosters are more specialized. Those players are harder to find I guess.
Two of our DI's are Castillo and Vaval. Pretty tough to find a spot for a utility knife that isn't a Canadian. Even Ayers might be hard pressed to land on the AR and he's very good at what he does.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 19, 2026, 01:48:08 PMGrant only played 8 games that season due to injury?. We always have another player that might see return duty if conditions require ( wind / rain ) or we have an in game injury.
Last year we signed Logan that might have been the sort of player you suggest. Laval beat him out as a returner and a back up DB. Due to injury Vaval did play some DB in 2025.
In that sense he wasn't quite the Swiss army knife as a McCrae type. The choice becomes does someone else do less things but at a higher level for what he does?
I can't dispute that some players do a long list of things well but rosters are more specialized. Those players are harder to find I guess.
Two of our DI's are Castillo and Vaval. Pretty tough to find a spot for a utility knife that isn't a Canadian. Even Ayers might be hard pressed to land on the AR and he's very good at what he does.
We had three players return kicks and punts in 2023.
Punts: Grant 37, Parker 24, McCrae 21. Kickoffs: Grant 19, McCrae 11, Parker 5.
Boy this thread got sidetracked early
Quote from: Pigskin on April 19, 2026, 03:14:40 PMWe had three players return kicks and punts in 2023.
Punts: Grant 37, Parker 24, McCrae 21. Kickoffs: Grant 19, McCrae 11, Parker 5.
That must have been the year Grant was injured on an offensive play, they really never found their Speedy B that could be used as a tactical offensive weapon. Hopefully they don't try to do that with Vaval, he would get killed.
Back to Elgersma, good interview, sounds like he's coming here to play. Hope he gets the #3 job and develops from there. He's got the physical attributes. Good to see he's finally here, excited for him
This is some big news, IMO. A good opportunity for him and the team.
Looking forward to seeing him at TC!
I'll just point out that Heisman candidate QB Diego Pavia went undrafted. Bombers own his rights via Neg List.
Quote from: VictorRomano on April 26, 2026, 01:03:09 AMI'll just point out that Heisman candidate QB Diego Pavia went undrafted. Bombers own his rights via Neg List.
If anyone was ever an automatic FO as opposed to FI, it's Pavia.
Quote from: Jesse on April 26, 2026, 02:00:02 AMIf anyone was ever an automatic FO as opposed to FI, it's Pavia.
What do you mean by the FO?
Quote from: Jesse on April 26, 2026, 02:00:02 AMIf anyone was ever an automatic FO as opposed to FI, it's Pavia.
I don't follow US ball at all. What crazy thing did Pavia do...
Quote from: Tecno on April 26, 2026, 05:51:09 AMI don't follow US ball at all. What crazy thing did Pavia do...
Yes, that's the question. I understood the FO but not why it was said in regard to him. I'm not disputing it but the organization did put him on the neg list.
Quote from: Jesse on April 26, 2026, 02:00:02 AMIf anyone was ever an automatic FO as opposed to FI, it's Pavia.
If there was a real, serious problem, I'm certain Walters would have dropped him from the Neg List. The fact he has not says something....
Quote from: Tecno on April 26, 2026, 05:51:09 AMI don't follow US ball at all. What crazy thing did Pavia do...
Huge ego,seems like a complete jerk, a few months ago said he was modelling himself after Johnny Manziel.
" The Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback (Pavia) took to social media to blast the people who voted against him in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race.
"(Expletive) all the voters," he wrote on his Instagram Story."
Heisman he Lost to the guy who was the first pick in the NFL draft the other day.
Quote from: markf on April 26, 2026, 02:54:17 PMHuge ego,seems like a complete jerk, a few months ago said he was modelling himself after Johnny Manziel.
" The Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback (Pavia) took to social media to blast the people who voted against him in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race.
"(Expletive) all the voters," he wrote on his Instagram Story."
Heisman he Lost to the guy who was the first pick in the NFL draft the other day.
Ok, so he's got a big ego and is full of himself. That's not uncommon with QB's. Regardless that's not red line for me. Does he " play well " with his team mates and can he perform on the field?
An organization can restrict his access / commentary to the media.
Quote from: markf on April 26, 2026, 02:54:17 PMHuge ego,seems like a complete jerk, a few months ago said he was modelling himself after Johnny Manziel.
" The Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback (Pavia) took to social media to blast the people who voted against him in the 2025 Heisman Trophy race.
"(Expletive) all the voters," he wrote on his Instagram Story."
Heisman he Lost to the guy who was the first pick in the NFL draft the other day.
This is part of it but in the NFL measurables trump behavior
While Vanderbilt officially listed Pavia at 6-foot, his combine measurement came in at a significantly smaller 5-9 7/8 inches. ... In the modern era, the two smallest quarterbacks drafted were 5-10 1/8 inches.
In other words a perfect CFL candidate.
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 26, 2026, 03:15:39 PMOk, so he's got a big ego and is full of himself. That's not uncommon with QB's. Regardless that's not red line for me. Does he " play well " with his team mates and can he perform on the field?
An organization can restrict his access / commentary to the media.
It's the Heisman runner up and he hasn't even been offered a FA deal after the draft. Teams don't want the headache and I'm inclined to agree.
Quote from: Jesse on April 26, 2026, 07:59:23 PMIt's the Heisman runner up and he hasn't even been offered a FA deal after the draft. Teams don't want the headache and I'm inclined to agree.
it strikes me as a no win situation, if he doesn't do well or becomes an issue then he doesn't help us. If he proves that he can fit in then likely he gets an nfl shot.
If were looking for a stop gap for just this year then maybe. To me he looks like the type of player the ufl is made for.
He might however have some trade value ie ottawa needs a shot in the arm, maybe flip each others 1st rd picks for his rights.
Quote from: Pete on April 26, 2026, 08:21:59 PMit strikes me as a no win situation, if he doesn't do well or becomes an issue then he doesn't help us. If he proves that he can fit in then likely he gets an nfl shot.
If were looking for a stop gap for just this year then maybe. To me he looks like the type of player the ufl is made for
He's not a typical size NFL QB. Almost no chance a 1st year QB lights it up and gets an NFL offer. We bring in QB's all the time and most don't last past an appearance in TC.
He's not even signed here yet so lots of thought about nothing at the moment. IIRC we have 12 QB's on the neg list.
We have literally no one who's done anything behind Collaros who will probably hurt his neck on the next big wind gust.
Pavia may or may not fit in but deciding for him makes no sense. If he wants to come, bring him in yesterday and be incredibly thankful someone as talented as him wants to give it a try here. Bad coaches need more help with culture filtering than good ones. Three quarters of O'Shea's job is to get elite athletes to buy in. Time to earn some money.
The CFL is full of guys who had questionable college careers... Umm.. Willie J?
After a quick check of our neg list, it looks like only Gronowski got a UDFA opportunity so far.
Hard to say whether we'd be checking with any of them to bring to TC at this point. Bombers have 5 on the AR for TC at the moment.
OTOH, if they perceive one on the neg list is a higher ceiling than Thorne or Wilson, a change could be made.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Could CFL be next for Diego Pavia after NFL draft snub?
by John Hodge
April 26, 2026
Photo: Brendan Ross/Vanderbilt
It doesn't seem unrealistic that Heisman Trophy finalist Diego Pavia could end up in the CFL in the relatively near future.
The highly-touted collegiate quarterback went unselected in the recent 2026 NFL Draft and has yet to sign a free-agent contract with one of the league's 32 teams. Though it's not unfeasible for undrafted free agents to sign more than a day after the draft is over, most agreements occur within hours of the draft's conclusion.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 26, 2026, 08:28:11 PMWe have literally no one who's done anything behind Collaros who will probably hurt his neck on the next big wind gust.
Pavia may or may not fit in but deciding for him makes no sense. If he wants to come, bring him in yesterday and be incredibly thankful someone as talented as him wants to give it a try here. Bad coaches need more help with culture filtering than good ones. Three quarters of O'Shea's job is to get elite athletes to buy in. Time to earn some money.
The CFL is full of guys who had questionable college careers... Umm.. Willie J?
Not really a matter of deciding for him, but just a combination of his opinion of himself, the amount of money he likely made as a college athlete, and the existence of the UFL as an alternate option.
He just doesn't seem like a CFL fit. But obviously, when neg listers become available and they agree to come up North, you sign them up and let the chips fall where they may.
That said, he got a mini-camp invite with the Ravens.
Quote from: Waffler on April 26, 2026, 05:30:37 PMThis is part of it but in the NFL measurables trump behavior
While Vanderbilt officially listed Pavia at 6-foot, his combine measurement came in at a significantly smaller 5-9 7/8 inches. ... In the modern era, the two smallest quarterbacks drafted were 5-10 1/8 inches.
In other words a perfect CFL candidate.
I would definitely try and bring him to camp to see what he can do, unless bomber brass is certain MVP Perkins is a shoe in for #2
https://www.on3.com/college/vanderbilt-commodores/news/diego-pavia-reveals-why-he-urinated-on-new-mexico-logo-during-time-at-new-mexico-state/
To me, this guy gives off Chad Kelly vibes... or to be fair, maybe Chad Kelly lite.
Quote from: Jesse on April 26, 2026, 10:44:38 PMNot really a matter of deciding for him, but just a combination of his opinion of himself, the amount of money he likely made as a college athlete, and the existence of the UFL as an alternate option.
He just doesn't seem like a CFL fit. But obviously, when neg listers become available and they agree to come up North, you sign them up and let the chips fall where they may.
That said, he got a mini-camp invite with the Ravens.
The UFL just hit the half way mark of their season. Not much of an alternative option. Not really a comparison to Chad Kelly and what he was accused.
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on April 26, 2026, 08:28:11 PMWe have literally no one who's done anything behind Collaros who will probably hurt his neck on the next big wind gust.
LOL. Maybe. Though I'm inclined to believe whenever they say "neck" it's cover for "concussion".
That said, if there are neck issues, they should be putting QBs through the same training F1 drivers get. They have some of the strongest necks in the world: taking 3-5G's lateral several times every 90 seconds for 2 hours without rest. With heavy helmets on. Maybe the fitness regimen those guys do would help Zach.
Ravens are bringing pava in for a look
Quote from: Blue In BC on April 26, 2026, 11:26:56 PMThe UFL just hit the half way mark of their season. Not much of an alternative option. Not really a comparison to Chad Kelly and what he was accused.
We just waited a year for Elgersma and he's Canadian. I don't think anyone expects him to come to mini-camp this season.
Quote from: markf on April 27, 2026, 02:48:39 PMRavens are bringing pava in for a look
we should do the same!!
Quote from: Jesse on April 27, 2026, 04:10:13 PMWe just waited a year for Elgersma and he's Canadian. I don't think anyone expects him to come to mini-camp this season.
Why not? He's a rookie and probably has nothing better to do, the sooner he gets with the program the better.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 27, 2026, 11:52:27 PMWhy not? He's a rookie and probably has nothing better to do, the sooner he gets with the program the better.
It's pretty rare to see any QB come up directly from college, much less one with his name recognition.
Quote from: Jesse on April 28, 2026, 12:26:19 AMIt's pretty rare to see any QB come up directly from college, much less one with his name recognition.
Rookie camp is for rookies, most likely QB's Thorne and Perkins will attend, maybe even Wilson. Elgersma would be wise to do the same if he wants to compete.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on April 28, 2026, 03:06:38 AMRookie camp is for rookies, most likely QB's Thorne and Perkins will attend, maybe even Wilson. Elgersma would be wise to do the same if he wants to compete.
Now I see the misunderstanding.
Elgersma is coming to camp. We were talking about Pavia.
Quote from: Jesse on April 28, 2026, 10:29:53 AMNow I see the misunderstanding.
Elgersma is coming to camp. We were talking about Pavia.
Oh right, sorry about that.
Ravens signed Diego Pava.