Before last season a couple people suggestioned he could be replaced. Not a chance will retire a Bomber. Excellent ball player in the role he plays. Hope we get Briggs signed, excellent balance rotating these two run vs. Pass.
I still think that is true for both Gauthier and Briggs. Changes happen every season and room has to be made for draft choices making the AR. Both still have some value but both are role players on the downside of their careers.
Gauthier did come off his best season but Briggs came off possibly his worst. That said he might still be re-signed as well.
As much as you like, teams cannot keep everybody forever. Note that I also said that Miller and Benson could have been casualties for 2023 but both were re-signed. They both can still play at a high level but where and when do you draw the line on players 30 and older?
None of these players are going to be high SMS guys but each will earn more than a rookie draft choice. SMS is cumulative across the roster.
As O'Shea said, some hard decisions are going to be needed. While that's easier to do with imports but it does also apply to Canadians. Popularity is not the main criteria.