Desjarlais has been released by New Orleans...when hes ready to return to cfl we should do whatever is neccessary to sign him.A YOUNG strong oline member that we can build on not just now but in future. You know Sask will offer him big bucks is hes available
https://www.tsn.ca/drew-desjarlais-released-new-orleans-saints-practice-roster-winnipeg-blue-bombers-1.1851490
If he got a good signing bonus he may ride it out longer to see if any injuries open up
spots on other teams. Seems like bengals have a porous line still!
Bombers should kick the tires at least, but offensive line not in major need right now. Defence needs major help unless some of the injured players can return soon.
May not be immediate need but is definitely one for the next few years. Likely why we are seeing import olinemen being added to practice roster.
Even if he did decide to come back for the stretch drive he may try the nfl next season again. If he wants to sign longer term, then yes for future depth makes sense.
Sask is a sad mess right now. Think he has better options than that in the cfl. Maybe they offer him crazy money in desperation, but could be house cleaning coming there by end of year if not earlier.
Nice to see him back here!
Must. Get. Him. Back. Who cares if he goes again next year, he'd make an immediate impact for our final stretch.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 21, 2022, 03:45:55 AM
Must. Get. Him. Back. Who cares if he goes again next year, he'd make an immediate impact for our final stretch.
+1
It's the biggest and most important move we could make this season.
There's no other player who can come in and immediately make the positive impact that Drew can.
Do the Bombers have enough SMS left to make him a massive offer?
Quote from: Ridermania on September 21, 2022, 12:33:59 PM
Do the Bombers have enough SMS left to make him a massive offer?
It will be prorated this year, so it should not be an issue.
I would think there's should be enough room in the SMS for next year.
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on September 21, 2022, 12:49:46 PM
It will be prorated this year, so it should not be an issue.
I would think there's should be enough room in the SMS for next year.
Yes. He'd still have an NFL option for 2023 if he chooses to take that route again. We should be speaking with his agent to see what his thoughts are at the moment. Our OL has some aging veterans and I don't know if any will consider retirement after we win Grey Cup 2022. :)
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on September 21, 2022, 12:49:46 PM
It will be prorated this year, so it should not be an issue.
I would think there's should be enough room in the SMS for next year.
I agree that money will be available for next year as Bryant and Hardrick will retire, maybe even Neufeld?
Quote from: Ridermania on September 21, 2022, 02:24:00 PM
I agree that money will be available for next year as Bryant and Hardrick will retire, maybe even Neufeld?
I would even add Couture on that list. Not retiring but probably moving on.
BC has a shiny young QB and the Lions team are up and coming. The thought of winning a GC with your hometown team will be a great pull.
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on September 21, 2022, 02:47:46 PM
I would even add Couture on that list. Not retiring but probably moving on.
BC has a shiny young QB and the Lions team are up and coming. The thought of winning a GC with your hometown team will be a great pull.
If Rourke is in BC next year, he wouldn't be playing for $85K. BC will have to make some cap decisions.
Quote from: Ridermania on September 21, 2022, 02:24:00 PM
I agree that money will be available for next year as Bryant and Hardrick will retire, maybe even Neufeld?
I could see Bryant (36 years old) and possibly Neufeld (33 years old) but Hardrick still has more in him for sure!
If Desjarlais does sign here, he would start immediately. Which will then have us all argueing, who is out?
My line would look like this:
Bryant - Desjarlais - Couture - Neufeld - Hardrick (just like last year)
with Dobson and Grey as our 6th and 7th OL. We would need to keep 7 OL for the rest of the year. No question at that point.
Quote from: Pigskin on September 21, 2022, 02:52:01 PM
If Rourke is in BC next year, he wouldn't be playing for $85K. BC will have to make some cap decisions.
His existing contract though is not done until the end of 2023. He signed 3 years contract last year (2021).
I guess he can negotiate for an increase but how much leverage does he has coming from an injury / surgery.
Quote from: LXTSN on September 21, 2022, 02:55:50 PM
I could see Bryant (36 years old) and possibly Neufeld (33 years old) but Hardrick still has more in him for sure!
If Desjarlais does sign here, he would start immediately. Which will then have us all argueing, who is out?
My line would look like this:
Bryant - Desjarlais - Couture - Neufeld - Hardrick (just like last year)
with Dobson and Grey as our 6th and 7th OL. We would need to keep 7 OL for the rest of the year. No question at that point.
Yup. I'm OK with that.
Walby loves him.....good enough for me! Sign him if at all possible!
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on September 21, 2022, 02:56:16 PM
His existing contract though is not done until the end of 2023. He signed 3 years contract last year (2021).
I guess he can negotiate for an increase but how much leverage does he has coming from an injury / surgery.
IIRC, a Canadian player ELC contract cannot be re-negotiated. That was discussed earlier. It's possible a change could be made to CBA but I wouldn't count on it. That opens a window for any 1st year player doing the same thing in year 2 or year 3 when they've had a good season.
Quote from: LXTSN on September 21, 2022, 02:55:50 PM
I could see Bryant (36 years old) and possibly Neufeld (33 years old) but Hardrick still has more in him for sure!
If Desjarlais does sign here, he would start immediately. Which will then have us all argueing, who is out?
My line would look like this:
Bryant - Desjarlais - Couture - Neufeld - Hardrick (just like last year)
with Dobson and Grey as our 6th and 7th OL. We would need to keep 7 OL for the rest of the year. No question at that point.
No one's arguing that. You put him right back where he was last year and put our all star line-up back together.
Kolankowski and Dobson are our only OL under contract for 2023 at the moment as far as our unofficial roster suggests. Bryant and Hardrick had been re-signing 1 year contracts for several seasons recently.
I'm going to stand on the opposite side of the fence on this one, if "Johnny-come-lately" wants his old job back, he's has to sign on for 2 more years. Desjarlais has worked out for 7 NFL teams this past year and has been in 2 camps, can't see his chances improving if he tries that route again next year.
It's the younger players that will be displaced not the 4 vets, guys that have been pushing the plough all season long and have done a decent job, they are the future of the O-line. Gray has been with the team since 2018, he's bided his time, paid his dues and earned a starting position, he will be bumped down as well as Kowana and Dobson, that can't feel good. I don't want to see a situation like Rose coming back displacing Jones who then goes off and signs with another team in F.A., maybe being displaced wasn't the reason but it's disrespectful in the least.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 21, 2022, 05:49:35 PM
I'm going to stand on the opposite side of the fence on this one, if "Johnny-come-lately" wants his old job back, he's has to sign on for 2 more years. Desjarlais has worked out for 7 NFL teams this past year and has been in 2 camps, can't see his chances improving if he tries that route again next year.
It's the younger players that will be displaced not the 4 vets, guys that have been pushing the plough all season long and have done a decent job, they are the future of the O-line. Gray has been with the team since 2018, he's bided his time, paid his dues and earned a starting position, he will be bumped down as well as Kowana and Dobson, that can't feel good. I don't want to see a situation like Rose coming back displacing Jones who then goes off and signs with another team in F.A., maybe being displaced wasn't the reason but it's disrespectful in the least.
Well, even if he signs for two years, he'll still get his NFL window.
If we're going to snub players for taking their NFL shot - we're not going to have a very talented roster.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 21, 2022, 05:49:35 PM
I'm going to stand on the opposite side of the fence on this one, if "Johnny-come-lately" wants his old job back, he's has to sign on for 2 more years. Desjarlais has worked out for 7 NFL teams this past year and has been in 2 camps, can't see his chances improving if he tries that route again next year.
It's the younger players that will be displaced not the 4 vets, guys that have been pushing the plough all season long and have done a decent job, they are the future of the O-line. Gray has been with the team since 2018, he's bided his time, paid his dues and earned a starting position, he will be bumped down as well as Kowana and Dobson, that can't feel good. I don't want to see a situation like Rose coming back displacing Jones who then goes off and signs with another team in F.A., maybe being displaced wasn't the reason but it's disrespectful in the least.
We don't know if Jones ever intended to re-sign in Winnipeg. It may have been a monetary decision.
In the same way, Gray is tentatively going to reach free agency in 2023 and we might get outbid for his services. That may be true whether we re-sign Desjarlais or not.
Quote from: Jesse on September 21, 2022, 06:38:39 PM
Well, even if he signs for two years, he'll still get his NFL window.
If we're going to snub players for taking their NFL shot - we're not going to have a very talented roster.
They seem to be doing alright. These NFL options are over-hyped IMO, very few CFL players get these opportunities and only a handful league-wide cash in year to year, even on the bottom rung. Strev and Alford accomplished it, Desjarlais has not. I will give Schoen a free-pass to return next season, if he decides to pursue his NFL option, so there are exceptions. ;D
I will have to ask him, but I think GG told me he signed a 2-year extension in January 2022.
Woli82, Kolski, and GG, all signed 2-year extension in January. Also add Bo20 and JA27 and BA37.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 21, 2022, 06:45:03 PM
We don't know if Jones ever intended to re-sign in Winnipeg. It may have been a monetary decision.
In the same way, Gray is tentatively going to reach free agency in 2023 and we might get outbid for his services. That may be true whether we re-sign Desjarlais or not.
Can't really see Gray ever playing elsewhere, he's a Wpg. boy, played at UofM and probably has ties to an engineering firm and a Wpg. girl already. Being a Bomber, winning Grey Cups, he's living the dream.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 21, 2022, 07:16:10 PM
Can't really see Gray ever playing elsewhere, he's a Wpg. boy, played at UofM and probably has ties to an engineering firm and a Wpg. girl already. Being a Bomber, winning Grey Cups, he's living the dream.
Same as ND10.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 21, 2022, 05:49:35 PM
I'm going to stand on the opposite side of the fence on this one, if "Johnny-come-lately" wants his old job back, he's has to sign on for 2 more years. Desjarlais has worked out for 7 NFL teams this past year and has been in 2 camps, can't see his chances improving if he tries that route again next year.
It's the younger players that will be displaced not the 4 vets, guys that have been pushing the plough all season long and have done a decent job, they are the future of the O-line. Gray has been with the team since 2018, he's bided his time, paid his dues and earned a starting position, he will be bumped down as well as Kowana and Dobson, that can't feel good.
I don't really care about next year. The "window closing" people are right, let's get that 3rd cup, or at minimum make it to the cup,
this year.
Desjar > Gray > Dobson. No argument. Gray/Dobson will understand because I would a) dress them both for the playoffs, meaning they get the $$ cheque regardless; b) explain Desjar likely makes another NFL run next year so they are back to their 2022 roles.
Dobson is green and is probably happy just to be dressed and even seeing the field regularly. Gray might have higher expectations, but if he gets the game cheques, he can understand he's 1-2 years behind Desjar in seniority. He strikes me as very much a team player, not a "me" player. Gray's future role here is virtually guaranteed, should he continue to want it. He very well may be our future Walby (NAT OT).
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 21, 2022, 07:56:59 PM
I don't really care about next year. The "window closing" people are right, let's get that 3rd cup, or at minimum make it to the cup, this year.
Desjar > Gray > Dobson. No argument. Gray/Dobson will understand because I would a) dress them both for the playoffs, meaning they get the $$ cheque regardless; b) explain Desjar likely makes another NFL run next year so they are back to their 2022 roles.
Dobson is green and is probably happy just to be dressed and even seeing the field regularly. Gray might have higher expectations, but if he gets the game cheques, he can understand he's 1-2 years behind Desjar in seniority. He strikes me as very much a team player, not a "me" player. Gray's future role here is virtually guaranteed, should he continue to want it. He very well may be our future Walby (NAT OT).
Gray has one year seniority with the Bombers on Dejarlais, and is 2 years older... Gray projects forward as a huge OG, or a possible OT. Dejarlais is OG only.
Dobson is a rook, and also is an OG.
Do any of our Oline have NFL potential? Possibly. XFL/USFL? Sure. Will they chase those dreams? Who knows. But having more NAT Oline than we can dress is optimal if you might lose one or more...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 21, 2022, 07:56:59 PM
I don't really care about next year. The "window closing" people are right, let's get that 3rd cup, or at minimum make it to the cup, this year.
Desjar > Gray > Dobson. No argument. Gray/Dobson will understand because I would a) dress them both for the playoffs, meaning they get the $$ cheque regardless; b) explain Desjar likely makes another NFL run next year so they are back to their 2022 roles.
Dobson is green and is probably happy just to be dressed and even seeing the field regularly. Gray might have higher expectations, but if he gets the game cheques, he can understand he's 1-2 years behind Desjar in seniority. He strikes me as very much a team player, not a "me" player. Gray's future role here is virtually guaranteed, should he continue to want it. He very well may be our future Walby (NAT OT).
I give the Bombers a 50% chance of repeating this year, there are a few teams good enough to knock them off the pedestal on any given night. More important to me is they continue along as league competitors and never slip back towards the bottom as the Riders and Ti-Cats have this season. Hopefully with the current team management in place, they never miss the playoffs again.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 21, 2022, 08:23:35 PM
Gray has one year seniority with the Bombers on Dejarlais, and is 2 years older... Gray projects forward as a huge OG, or a possible OT. Dejarlais is OG only.
Dobson is a rook, and also is an OG.
Do any of our Oline have NFL potential? Possibly. XFL/USFL? Sure. Will they chase those dreams? Who knows. But having more NAT Oline than we can dress is optimal if you might lose one or more...
Desjarlais started at OG in year 1. Gray did not. He's an upgrade simple as that.
Players can be moved to 1 game IR and still will collect pay checks including play off or Grey Cup appearance. So that's a non issue.
Quote from: theaardvark on September 21, 2022, 08:23:35 PM
Gray has one year seniority with the Bombers on Dejarlais, and is 2 years older... Gray projects forward as a huge OG, or a possible OT. Dejarlais is OG only.
Yes, you are right. My brain went fzzzz again on that one. Desjar was the one who came in raw green and near instantly took Gray's heir-apparent spot. Well, then instead of understanding it's seniority, Gray will be fine with the demotion vs Desjar because it's already happened before :D :D ;D ;D
Again, if they dress and are paid playoff $$, does a team-first guy really care if he's not actually on the field?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 21, 2022, 08:41:15 PM
Yes, you are right. My brain went fzzzz again on that one. Desjar was the one who came in raw green and near instantly took Gray's heir-apparent spot. Well, then instead of understanding it's seniority, Gray will be fine with the demotion vs Desjar because it's already happened before :D :D ;D ;D
Again, if they dress and are paid playoff $$, does a team-first guy really care if he's not actually on the field?
Every player wants to play. Nobody can tell which players will be healthy at the end of the season. Desjarlais could sign in Winnipeg tomorrow and suffer an injury in practice. Or he could play 10 years without ever missing a game.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 21, 2022, 08:39:14 PM
Desjarlais started at OG in year 1. Gray did not. He's an upgrade simple as that.
Players can be moved to 1 game IR and still will collect pay checks including play off or Grey Cup appearance. So that's a non issue.
If you're Chris Jones. I like to think WPG plays the IR "by the books"; well, at least as much as any team can. Pretty sure IR players don't get their name etched on the trophy though? Dress but not start is the way to go. I think we dressed 2 OL backups for the playoffs anyhow?? Or did we roll the dice with just 1?
Not coming back to CFL this year as per TSN
We kinda figured that just Naylor has to point out the obvious.
Quote from: pjrocksmb on September 25, 2022, 03:38:10 AM
Not coming back to CFL this year as per TSN
He could end up in the USFL spring league for some extra cash. That would allow him to continue trying to latch on in the NFL and do that before either the next NFL or CFL seasons. OTOH he could get injured if he plays in the USFL and louse up all his options.
Wouldn't Desjar instantly get Neufled-ish money if he returned to the CFL? Plus good film? Why screw around with the "fake" leagues in the states? Come here and win a cup, then head back south. Not rocket science.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 26, 2022, 01:35:08 AM
Wouldn't Desjar instantly get Neufled-ish money if he returned to the CFL? Plus good film? Why screw around with the "fake" leagues in the states? Come here and win a cup, then head back south. Not rocket science.
Hoping to get picked up by an NFL club
I can tell you that Gray most likely will not go anywhere. If he does there is a very good chance that he would probably retire. He always said football is only a stepping stone and secondary to his engineering degree. He has a Winnipeg girl and they are building a new home outside Winnipeg.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 26, 2022, 01:35:08 AM
Wouldn't Desjar instantly get Neufled-ish money if he returned to the CFL? Plus good film? Why screw around with the "fake" leagues in the states? Come here and win a cup, then head back south. Not rocket science.
Yes he would but NFL teams might be watching the " fake " leagues in the states more closely. His goal is the NFL. The downside of playing elsewhere is the risk of injury which could eliminate him from an NFL opportunity.
I am harsh on Gray. However, as he has played he has gotten better, seemingly quicker, better footwork/speed, and better quicker positional blocks.
AS noted before I love O line getting downfield and picking off tiny Linebackers and the other pile-jumpers. Pleasently proud of our line doing such.
Quote from: Blue In BC on September 26, 2022, 01:02:43 PM
Yes he would but NFL teams might be watching the " fake " leagues in the states more closely. His goal is the NFL. The downside of playing elsewhere is the risk of injury which could eliminate him from an NFL opportunity.
Are they though? It's pretty clear NFL watches CFL like a hawk, always taking the superstars and giants away. How many instances are there of AAF/XFL players being upgraded to NFL?
If anything, it's the CFL watching the "fake" leagues and picking some players to upgrade to the CFL! ;D
Oh ya, I think the CFL also has better production values and camera people than the fake leagues. That helps when it comes to film for the aspiring players.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on September 26, 2022, 08:52:15 PM
Are they though? It's pretty clear NFL watches CFL like a hawk, always taking the superstars and giants away. How many instances are there of AAF/XFL players being upgraded to NFL?
If anything, it's the CFL watching the "fake" leagues and picking some players to upgrade to the CFL! ;D
Oh ya, I think the CFL also has better production values and camera people than the fake leagues. That helps when it comes to film for the aspiring players.
Lots of XFL players were signed at the conclusion of their season. I would expect the same holds true for the USFL. The CFL only loses about a dozen or so and many of those don't make it past TC.
I think the XFL and the USFL gives a chance for those with NFL dreams.
So, does the CFL, but in Canada, usually taking former NFL guys or the occassional awesome youngster to showcase their talent, and send film around.
The CFL is better quality than both those league down south. Plus those leagues are not meant to be long term. Up in Canada, lifestyle, reasonable money, and job opportunities are more doable. The NFL is more results and business oriented. There is always someone or some four guys waiting to jump into a injured players spot.
I would suggest if a veteran NFL guy gets cut, the CFL could be a more viable option, to continue playing. Big fish in a small pond type thing. Oh well it's fun for Canadian Fans watching very talented athletes.
Quote from: DM83 on September 27, 2022, 02:50:14 PM
I think the XFL and the USFL gives a chance for those with NFL dreams.
So, does the CFL, but in Canada, usually taking former NFL guys or the occassional awesome youngster to showcase their talent, and send film around.
The CFL is better quality than both those league down south. Plus those leagues are not meant to be long term. Up in Canada, lifestyle, reasonable money, and job opportunities are more doable. The NFL is more results and business oriented. There is always someone or some four guys waiting to jump into a injured players spot.
I would suggest if a veteran NFL guy gets cut, the CFL could be a more viable option, to continue playing. Big fish in a small pond type thing. Oh well it's fun for Canadian Fans watching very talented athletes.
The spring leagues are paying more on ELC's in US $$$ for a shorter season in their home country.
Quote from: DM83 on September 27, 2022, 02:50:14 PM
I think the XFL and the USFL gives a chance for those with NFL dreams.
So, does the CFL, but in Canada, usually taking former NFL guys or the occassional awesome youngster to showcase their talent, and send film around.
The CFL is better quality than both those league down south. Plus those leagues are not meant to be long term. Up in Canada, lifestyle, reasonable money, and job opportunities are more doable. The NFL is more results and business oriented. There is always someone or some four guys waiting to jump into a injured players spot.
I would suggest if a veteran NFL guy gets cut, the CFL could be a more viable option, to continue playing. Big fish in a small pond type thing. Oh well it's fun for Canadian Fans watching very talented athletes.
Plus the loonie is getting killed by the green back. $1.39 exchange rate! These Americans are doing well up here!
Unrealistic to compare USFL and XFL.
Both leagues provide opportunities for the young guys, and maybe some journeymen older guys looking to get on a roster to complete their qualifications for their pension. And I was hoping for some of those QBs to do well, so that could happen.
Sadly, those older QBs have had their shot. Its fun to watch their experience. They just need a chance. again..lol. I would think the older guys, after all that work would try the CFL for some guaranteed money.
The Looney better rebound. I like to spend some of my disposeable income checking out some NBA and the one NFL game this year. Bucs at Cards on Xmas Day. and dont want to know the difference.
If the guys come up to Canada, I am sure that dollar difference is looked at.
What does Strevelor need, and what is his pension going to be?