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The Extra Point => Blue Bomber & CFL Discussion Forum => Topic started by: 3rdand1.5 on October 04, 2022, 03:51:02 PM

Title: Darby
Post by: 3rdand1.5 on October 04, 2022, 03:51:02 PM
Twitter says we just acquired Darby back!!!
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: the paw on October 04, 2022, 04:11:04 PM
God I love Kyle Walters.  What a great trade to shore up the SAM spot. 

Darby was under-utilized by Hamilton, and we have two extra DEs on the practice roster to step up in Wilcots spot.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 04, 2022, 04:14:25 PM
Glad they got Darby back but giving up on Wilcots after his best performance of the year hurts.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 04:33:12 PM
Glad to get Darby back. I don't know if this means Rutledge is seriously injured or whether Darby will move to a DHB position. Either way it's good news even if he goes to free agency again in 2023. However he may now see staying in Winnipeg is a good idea.

Giving up Wilcots is no big deal IMO. A SAM or DHB is harder to fill.  IMO Darby must have fallen a bit out of favour in Hamilton. No idea why, but it must be a bit of an SMS dump. Wilcots might develop into a good DE but that's something that falls into a TBD for 2023.

Bombers get a starter and Ti Cats probably got a DI.

Count me as a bit surprised that the Ti Cats were willing to make this trade.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: ModAdmin on October 04, 2022, 04:35:50 PM
Blue Bombers acquire defensive back Alden Darby in trade with Hamilton

WINNIPEG, MB., October 4, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the acquisition of defensive back Alden Darby, Jr. in a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for defensive end Cedric Wilcots II.

Darby, Jr. (5-11, 194, Arizona State; born: June 22, 1992) returns to the Blue Bombers after being part of the 2021 Grey Cup championship team. He signed with the Ticats in free agency.

A veteran of 64 Canadian Football League games with Toronto, the Blue Bombers and Hamilton, Darby has appeared in 10 contests with the Tiger-Cats this season, registering 23 tackles, one sack and one interception.

This is the second time the Blue Bombers have traded for Darby, Jr. in as many years, acquiring him during training camp last year in a deal with the Argonauts for offensive lineman Terry Poole.

Darby, Jr. dressed for 11 games for the Blue Bombers including the Western Final and Grey Cup last year, all starts, and finished with 34 tackles.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: kkc60 on October 04, 2022, 04:54:25 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 04, 2022, 04:14:25 PM
Glad they got Darby back but giving up on Wilcots after his best performance of the year hurts.
i didn?t catch the game. what did he do? his stats show two tackles in ten games. I know stats don?t tell the full story but never really understood what they saw in him, especially compared to Mack or how much longer he would last with Adams here now
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 04:57:33 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on October 04, 2022, 04:54:25 PM
i didn?t catch the game. what did he do? his stats show two tackles in ten games. I know stats don?t tell the full story but never really understood what they saw in him, especially compared to Mack or how much longer he would last with Adams here now

I'm guessing Adams will be on the game roster this week and is seen as an upgrade. Wilcots did get a few pressures on Fajardo but I think he did more to work his way off the roster than keep on it.

That's a bit harsh but he did not impress me. Good luck to him in Hamilton. You never know how it will work out.

I still remember when Lemon was released ( wouldn't report IIRC to TC ) and thought " so what". Well look at him now. 11 seasons and 90 sacks later.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: GOLDMEMBER on October 04, 2022, 05:21:39 PM
Wow great move Wilcots was only ok. Now hopefully Rutledge can get back. If so secondary suddenly looks pretty good.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 04, 2022, 05:32:44 PM
Quote from: kkc60 on October 04, 2022, 04:54:25 PM
i didn?t catch the game. what did he do? his stats show two tackles in ten games. I know stats don?t tell the full story but never really understood what they saw in him, especially compared to Mack or how much longer he would last with Adams here now

He played much more aggressively than he has in the past and was getting after Fajardo well despite all the holding in that game.  Perhaps he knew he was being showcased and there were players already lining up to take his spot, but by far that was his best effort.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Lincoln Locomotive on October 04, 2022, 06:45:04 PM
Darby was reported to be a healthy scratch in the last 3 TiCat games?   What's up with that....anyone?   He does come when we need help in the secondary and I'm hoping Jeffcoat is healing quickly!
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: theaardvark on October 04, 2022, 07:03:01 PM
Guessing Darby was made redundant by K Kelly in Ham... on an ELC and performing well... 2 picks against us...
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: bwiser on October 04, 2022, 07:45:49 PM
Rutledge practiced today and Parker was not practicing today. Darby may not have to wait long to get into the starting lineup. O'Shea confirmed today that Taylor is out for the season.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: DM83 on October 04, 2022, 07:51:49 PM
Darby was one of the boys, so it seemed, here.  He was a great fit. and the defence was better with him.

I think this would be a good year imitate an NHL contender and trade for pieces that would improve our roster.

I am still suggesting another American burner at receiver, just to clear, threaten defences for our other guys.
Maybe a CDN O lineman
A CDN D tackle in case of injury.

None are a must, but like insurance even for he five games left.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pete on October 04, 2022, 08:06:12 PM
I would think the main need is for a linebacker. not sure how long clements is out but is sure taking a while, and Bighill could use some recovery time.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: pjrocksmb on October 04, 2022, 08:31:16 PM
Good trade, agree an LB would be a nice to have but we might be ok.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 08:48:24 PM
Quote from: bwiser on October 04, 2022, 07:45:49 PM
Rutledge practiced today and Parker was not practicing today. Darby may not have to wait long to get into the starting lineup. O'Shea confirmed today that Taylor is out for the season.

Ironic. Rutledge was the one nicked in the last game, not Parker specifically. Might be just a need to rest due to bumps and bruises? Not surprised Taylor is finished for 2022 but why isn't he on the 6 game IR?
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: pjrocksmb on October 04, 2022, 09:01:47 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 08:48:24 PM
Ironic. Rutledge was the one nicked in the last game, not Parker specifically. Might be just a need to rest due to bumps and bruises? Not surprised Taylor is finished for 2022 but why isn't he on the 6 game IR?
Sure hope Parker is ok.  Too bad about Taylor.  Agree weird no 6 game.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Jockitch on October 04, 2022, 09:02:30 PM
Walters waits to confirm team health & performance issues, springs into action and a darn decent ball player is now back in Blue.  
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pigskin on October 04, 2022, 09:05:18 PM
Really like this deal. He knows our D, he can play DB or LB. And we trade a player that has done nothing in 9 games with us. This is a great deal for the bombers.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: pjrocksmb on October 04, 2022, 09:34:14 PM
Where is he better suited? Lb or db?
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: TecnoGenius on October 04, 2022, 10:18:36 PM
Winning move by KW.  Even if HAM doesn't want Darby, do they really want to hand us back a piece of our TiCat-killing D if they think they'll see us in the GC??  Surely HAM believes they have a chance.

Did HAM desperately need a DE or something?  Is Howsare injured again?  Doesn't make sense from a HAM perspective unless they think they have no shot.

For us, this hints that:
a) Jeffcoat isn't out long term;
b) Rutledge may be out a few games (even if practising)

If you're thinking Darby at DB: has he ever started at HB/CB in the CFL before??

Wilcots showed promise but as for "pieces needed for the GC", Darby is way more important than Wilcots.  How does KW pull off these deals??
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 10:22:27 PM
Quote from: pjrocksmb on October 04, 2022, 09:34:14 PM
Where is he better suited? Lb or db?

If Rutledge is playing I would think Darby would play at DHB.

The problem is that Rutledge was nicked so we can't be sure he can / should play this week. Even though he practised today. He wasn't even mentioned on the daily IR report.

There was some info that Parker didn't practice and he's not mentioned on the daily IR report either.

IF ( and it's a big if ) Rutledge and Parker can both play, I would think there is a good chance Darby could start in front of Holm. Holm would become a DI and Hassell would get bumped to PR?

Maybe if anyone is attending practises this week they can see who is with the # 1 defence and where they are lining up?

Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 10:25:00 PM
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 04, 2022, 10:18:36 PM
Winning move by KW.  Even if HAM doesn't want Darby, do they really want to hand us back a piece of our TiCat-killing D if they think they'll see us in the GC??  Surely HAM believes they have a chance.

Did HAM desperately need a DE or something?  Is Howsare injured again?  Doesn't make sense from a HAM perspective unless they think they have no shot.

For us, this hints that:
a) Jeffcoat isn't out long term;
b) Rutledge may be out a few games (even if practising)

If you're thinking Darby at DB: has he ever started at HB/CB in the CFL before??

Wilcots showed promise but as for "pieces needed for the GC", Darby is way more important than Wilcots.  How does KW pull off these deals??


IIRC Darby has played multiple positions in the secondary. Swiss army knife kind of player. To play SAM you have to have cover skills and he showed that last year.

He also knows our defence and most of the players. Easy fit.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: TecnoGenius on October 04, 2022, 10:31:28 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 04, 2022, 10:25:00 PM
He also knows our defence and most of the players. Easy fit.

Yes, it's almost like I woke up today to hear this news and it turns out I'm still asleep, dreaming.  You really couldn't ask for a better trade.  And from a team still vying for a GC... I'm actually shocked.  I bet KW would have given up Wilcots and a 3rd rounder had HAM played hardball.  Stupid HAM!
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: BLUEBOMBER on October 04, 2022, 10:34:41 PM
Looks like our defense was a major concern after the Hamilton game...
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: M.O.A.B. on October 04, 2022, 10:43:44 PM
Quote from: BLUEBOMBER on October 04, 2022, 10:34:41 PM
Looks like our defense was a major concern after the Hamilton game...

It wasnt after the Riders game though
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: buckzumhoff on October 04, 2022, 11:00:07 PM
Good trade for the bombers
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pete on October 04, 2022, 11:13:00 PM
The fact the Cats had Ciante Evans coming back off the the injured list may have had something to do with it.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 04, 2022, 11:20:50 PM
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 04, 2022, 10:18:36 PM
Winning move by KW.  Even if HAM doesn't want Darby, do they really want to hand us back a piece of our TiCat-killing D if they think they'll see us in the GC??  Surely HAM believes they have a chance.

Did HAM desperately need a DE or something?  Is Howsare injured again?  Doesn't make sense from a HAM perspective unless they think they have no shot.

For us, this hints that:
a) Jeffcoat isn't out long term;
b) Rutledge may be out a few games (even if practising)

If you're thinking Darby at DB: has he ever started at HB/CB in the CFL before??

Wilcots showed promise but as for "pieces needed for the GC", Darby is way more important than Wilcots.  How does KW pull off these deals??


Howsare is on their 6 game but they currently have 7 D-linemen on their roster, so not sure why they acquired another one.  Most likely Wilcots goes directly to their PR, if he can impress them they may bring him back next year.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: the paw on October 04, 2022, 11:58:44 PM
Quote from: DM83 on October 04, 2022, 07:51:49 PM


I am still suggesting another American burner at receiver, just to clear, threaten defences for our other guys.
Maybe a CDN O lineman
A CDN D tackle in case of injury.

None are a must, but like insurance even for he five games left.

They have Harrison and Helligh as import receivers on the PR, and Ellingson on the IR.   They just added Jakub Szott, a CDN OL from Ottaw to the PR.

They are already two deep at CDN DT, and if they ran into injury problems, would just use Gauthier and Briggs at WIL for the ratio. 
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: dd on October 05, 2022, 12:07:29 AM
I don't know if we need a burner American reciever....Demski and Shoen seem to get open regularly for TD strikes on post/corner patterns. I'll take that over a guy who can run fast but can't catch a cold.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: dd on October 05, 2022, 12:52:48 AM
Quote from: Pigskin on October 04, 2022, 09:05:18 PM
Really like this deal. He knows our D, he can play DB or LB. And we trade a player that has done nothing in 9 games with us. This is a great deal for the bombers.
Agree 100%. This is prudent roster management at its best.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 01:21:10 AM
Quote from: DM83 on October 04, 2022, 07:51:49 PM
Darby was one of the boys, so it seemed, here.  He was a great fit. and the defence was better with him.

I think this would be a good year imitate an NHL contender and trade for pieces that would improve our roster.

I am still suggesting another American burner at receiver, just to clear, threaten defences for our other guys.
Maybe a CDN O lineman
A CDN D tackle in case of injury.

None are a must, but like insurance even for he five games left.

we need a run-stopper at DT to make life easier to our LBs. Imo, biggest disappoinment this year is the middle of the DL. they are not affected by injury yet their performance are less to be desired.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: pjrocksmb on October 05, 2022, 02:32:59 AM
Quote from: the paw on October 04, 2022, 11:58:44 PM
They have Harrison and Helligh as import receivers on the PR, and Ellingson on the IR.   They just added Jakub Szott, a CDN OL from Ottaw to the PR.

They are already two deep at CDN DT, and if they ran into injury problems, would just use Gauthier and Briggs at WIL for the ratio. 
Agree all

Quote from: dd on October 05, 2022, 12:07:29 AM
I don't know if we need a burner American reciever....Demski and Shoen seem to get open regularly for TD strikes on post/corner patterns. I'll take that over a guy who can run fast but can't catch a cold.
Agree our receivers are fine and can go deep
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Sir Blue and Gold on October 05, 2022, 04:05:18 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 01:21:10 AM
we need a run-stopper at DT to make life easier to our LBs. Imo, biggest disappoinment this year is the middle of the DL. they are not affected by injury yet their performance are less to be desired.

Every time the Gauthier/Briggs combo starts the defensive line suddenly looks worse against the run.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 04:57:26 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 01:21:10 AM
we need a run-stopper at DT to make life easier to our LBs. Imo, biggest disappoinment this year is the middle of the DL. they are not affected by injury yet their performance are less to be desired.

Not sure if you missed it, but Sayles was a DNP...
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Jockitch on October 05, 2022, 05:06:25 PM
definitely need the run stopper
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Slingin Sammy on October 05, 2022, 05:26:15 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 01:21:10 AM
we need a run-stopper at DT to make life easier to our LBs. Imo, biggest disappoinment this year is the middle of the DL. they are not affected by injury yet their performance are less to be desired.

I've been feeling the same way.  Our middle depth was lacklustre last year when Richardson was out; there was noticeable improvement when Richardson was in the line-up last year.  I think Sayles is a good D Lineman; but he hasn't demonstrated that he's a run stopping/plug up the middle kind of D Tackle in the same way Richardson was or even Drake Nevis was (Richardson's predecessor); but we don't seem to have anyone who fits that mold on our roster.  As the weather gets colder and more teams rely on the running game, I suppose we'll have to scheme to ensure teams aren't ripping off huge runs against us between the tackles.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 04:57:26 PM
Not sure if you missed it, but Sayles was a DNP...

Not injured but a vet-day.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 06:13:11 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 05:33:13 PM
Not injured but a vet-day.

It says Knee/DNP
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 06:27:24 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 06:13:11 PM
It says Knee/DNP


My point is no one on of DTs (specially the starters) were out because of injury. Not practicing for a day or two is different from being out of the game.
I dont really pay too much attention on that list. You have to take some of those with grain of salt.
For example, Miller has been on the IR list every single week (in the past) with an ankle injury. But did he actually missed a game?
Would you ever know who practiced or not on Bomber's closed practices?
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 05, 2022, 07:07:53 PM
Quote from: Slingin Sammy on October 05, 2022, 05:26:15 PM
I've been feeling the same way.  Our middle depth was lacklustre last year when Richardson was out; there was noticeable improvement when Richardson was in the line-up last year.  I think Sayles is a good D Lineman; but he hasn't demonstrated that he's a run stopping/plug up the middle kind of D Tackle in the same way Richardson was or even Drake Nevis was (Richardson's predecessor); but we don't seem to have anyone who fits that mold on our roster.  As the weather gets colder and more teams rely on the running game, I suppose we'll have to scheme to ensure teams aren't ripping off huge runs against us between the tackles.

Honestly I think it all starts with the pressure the DE's can create, when they fall off the interior guys who are extremely consistent fall off as well.  With the injuries to Jeffocat and the loss of Hansen, Willy hasn't had much help creating havoc for much of this season and the DT's feed on the Jeff's scraps.  I expect they'll bring in some Stove/Nevis type NT's to next year's camp  but they'll probably be new to the league like Poop Johnson was when they brought him in.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pigskin on October 05, 2022, 07:28:59 PM
So, Rutledge isn't injured, so Darby has been brought in to replace him. Which DB does he replace. If Parker is healthy, I would say it going to be Holm.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pigskin on October 05, 2022, 07:30:48 PM
Sounds like ZC8 is pretty happy with the Bombers picking up Darby.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: blue_gold_84 on October 05, 2022, 08:18:06 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 06:13:11 PM
It says Knee/DNP

FWIW, he was a full participant at practice today.

Quote from: Pigskin on October 05, 2022, 07:30:48 PM
Sounds like ZC8 is pretty happy with the Bombers picking up Darby.

He's a huge addition to the defense.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 05, 2022, 08:28:09 PM
Quote from: Pigskin on October 05, 2022, 07:28:59 PM
So, Rutledge isn't injured, so Darby has been brought in to replace him. Which DB does he replace. If Parker is healthy, I would say it going to be Holm.

Replacing Holm as the starter seems most probable. I think Holm sticks as a DI and Hassell gets bumped to the PR. Both may have futures with the team but Darby is the " now " talent to add into a starting role.

Title: Re: Darby
Post by: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 08:30:28 PM
Holm is in for Taylor... guessing Darby competes for that spot...
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: M.O.A.B. on October 05, 2022, 08:33:17 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 05, 2022, 08:28:09 PM
Replacing Holm as the starter seems most probable. I think Holm sticks as a DI and Hassell gets bumped to the PR. Both may have futures with the team but Darby is the " now " talent to add into a starting role.


Agree. Darby will be a starter either field-side HB or SAM depending if they want to try Rutledge in field-side HB.
He doesn't need to compete. He's proven.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: TecnoGenius on October 05, 2022, 10:06:48 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 05, 2022, 07:07:53 PM
but they'll probably be new to the league like Poop Johnson was when they brought him in.

Whatever happened to Poop?  He got released and just fell off the radar.  I'm still not sure some sort of falling out didn't occur.

Too bad, as we could really use a Poop push about now.  Maybe find another constipated guy?
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 10:31:12 PM
Its really odd, Darby seems to love being back, loving being "home" with his "family"... why did he ever sign in Ham?   
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: pjrocksmb on October 05, 2022, 10:50:39 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 10:31:12 PM
Its really odd, Darby seems to love being back, loving being "home" with his "family"... why did he ever sign in Ham?  
Mo money mo problems
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pigskin on October 05, 2022, 11:23:25 PM
Looks like Darby will wear #48 and will not play against EE.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 06, 2022, 01:12:08 AM
Quote from: Pigskin on October 05, 2022, 11:23:25 PM
Looks like Darby will wear #48 and will not play against EE.

Makes no sense. At worst he could be the DI for the 1st week.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pigskin on October 06, 2022, 03:01:49 AM
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 06, 2022, 01:12:08 AM
Makes no sense. At worst he could be the DI for the 1st week.

Only telling you what was reporting on the news tonight.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: M.O.A.B. on October 06, 2022, 12:38:26 PM
IIRC, Darby was supposed to sign back with the Argos but Hammy gave him more $$$
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Lincoln Locomotive on October 06, 2022, 02:56:22 PM
Quote from: M.O.A.B. on October 06, 2022, 12:38:26 PM
IIRC, Darby was supposed to sign back with the Argos but Hammy gave him more $$$
Odd that he never seemed to fit in and was a healthy scratch in the TiCat's last 3 games?    He will definitely be an asset with valuable experience in our system from last season.   In hindsight, he's probably thinking he should have stayed put, however the lure of bigger $$ is hard to resist.    I don't blame the players for pursuing more cash as their football careers are so short.....however I'm happy to have him back....again!
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 06, 2022, 03:13:43 PM
Quote from: Lincoln Locomotive on October 06, 2022, 02:56:22 PM
Odd that he never seemed to fit in and was a healthy scratch in the TiCat's last 3 games?    He will definitely be an asset with valuable experience in our system from last season.   In hindsight, he's probably thinking he should have stayed put, however the lure of bigger $$ is hard to resist.    I don't blame the players for pursuing more cash as their football careers are so short.....however I'm happy to have him back....again!

I don't know how much the Bombers offered him to return or how much more he got signing in Hamilton. At the time we expected Maston back and SMS is a tough balancing act.

Hindsight is great but I'm happy to have him returning. For Darby he probably earns more play off money as well. So it's a win win situation.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Waffler on October 06, 2022, 03:22:10 PM
Quote from: theaardvark on October 05, 2022, 10:31:12 PM
Its really odd, Darby seems to love being back, loving being "home" with his "family"... why did he ever sign in Ham?   

He must have figured he'd be in the Grey Cup either way. That would have been a decent assumption in the off season.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 06, 2022, 04:18:01 PM
Quote from: Blue In BC on October 06, 2022, 03:13:43 PM
I don't know how much the Bombers offered him to return or how much more he got signing in Hamilton. At the time we expected Maston back and SMS is a tough balancing act.

Hindsight is great but I'm happy to have him returning. For Darby he probably earns more play off money as well. So it's a win win situation.

Word has it Walters did not make Darby an offer in F.A., deciding instead to go with Maston at the SAM position.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Blue In BC on October 06, 2022, 04:37:05 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 06, 2022, 04:18:01 PM
Word has it Walters did not make Darby an offer in F.A., deciding instead to go with Maston at the SAM position.

Could well be. Like I said, it's a tough choice when assessing the overall SMS and what we want versus what we can afford. Knowing Alexander was not going to be available, I'm a little surprised that we didn't consider Darby starting the season at safety. Switching the ratio to use Hallett was not necessary per se.

Either way, I understand the why the team choose that direction. You don't get to keep everybody. Similar to the issue of not keeping Mike Jones.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: blue_gold_84 on October 06, 2022, 04:48:21 PM
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 06, 2022, 04:18:01 PM
Word has it Walters did not make Darby an offer in F.A., deciding instead to go with Maston at the SAM position.

He probably knew Darby would get a solid raise in the FA market (all-star and championship season). I can't imagine there was SMS room to try and retain Darby.
Title: Re: Darby
Post by: Pigskin on October 06, 2022, 06:22:45 PM
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on October 06, 2022, 04:48:21 PM
He probably knew Darby would get a solid raise in the FA market (all-star and championship season). I can't imagine there was SMS room to try and retain Darby.

I agree, you can only re-sign so many All-stars each year.