Blue Bombers roster - 2019-2020

[Blue In BC]

I really like what I read about Ringo.  A real bubble guy for the NFL, on the cusp with 4 different teams.  Leadership qualities as well.  He could really work out in the CFL.

Hmmm. He's built about the same as Richardson. 300 lbs and only 6'1".  That makes him a candidate as a DT or NT type defender.  In that sense he'd probably need to make the roster as a DI barring injury IMO.

Depends on how the ratio and DI's are determined. After adding Antigua and Awe as free agents might make an import DT difficult to get on the AR. My expectation is that the other 2 DI's will be a returner/receiver and a DB.

He could be added to the 1 game IR for depth possibly if he shows well. Coming from the NFL I'm not sure he'd accept a PR spot for long.

[gobombersgo]

Transactions

2020-06-29   WPG   RUSSELL, Alonzo   WR   A   Toledo   Add To   Active Roster
2020-06-29   WPG   DORLEANT, Makinton   DB   A   Northern Iowa   Add To   Active Roster

[ModAdmin]

Russell is another big receiver....6'4" and 218 lbs.

[the paw]

Hmmm. He's built about the same as Richardson. 300 lbs and only 6'1".  That makes him a candidate as a DT or NT type defender.  In that sense he'd probably need to make the roster as a DI barring injury IMO.

Depends on how the ratio and DI's are determined. After adding Antigua and Awe as free agents might make an import DT difficult to get on the AR. My expectation is that the other 2 DI's will be a returner/receiver and a DB.

He could be added to the 1 game IR for depth possibly if he shows well. Coming from the NFL I'm not sure he'd accept a PR spot for long.

If he shows well, that might be the incentive for the team to go NI at safety.  He might also simply win Richardson's job outright, although that's not likely in an abbreviated season (assuming we want to maintain that fantasy for a few more weeks).  DT is one of the positions that Walters treats like a bit of a commodity, he is willing to easily change guys to suit budget or other considerations.  It isn't a cornerstone position like MLB or boundary corner. 

But I agree, probably not a DI, Antiuqua is much more flexible. 

[Blue In BC]

If he shows well, that might be the incentive for the team to go NI at safety.  He might also simply win Richardson's job outright, although that's not likely in an abbreviated season (assuming we want to maintain that fantasy for a few more weeks).  DT is one of the positions that Walters treats like a bit of a commodity, he is willing to easily change guys to suit budget or other considerations.  It isn't a cornerstone position like MLB or boundary corner. 

But I agree, probably not a DI, Antiuqua is much more flexible. 

I'm still hoping we manage to determine a good NI at safety. Partly because it gives us ratio options on defense. Partly because it allows  Alexander to move back to DHB which is where IMO he would serve us better.

Alexander played very well at safety and that was where we needed him more at the end of 2020. Now that we don't have Sayles and Rose he might be needed to stabilize up front in a shortened season.

I like some of the rookie DB signings  but with a shortened TC/ pre -season and then season, we may need a veteran starting day 1.

Hallett or his brother might giving serious thought to at safety.

Richardson played exceptionally well at DT in his rookie season. He'd still be on an ELC so money would be a non issue. Whether he could beat him out immediately is a question.

Like I said I'd more expect an import DT to be kept around if they are really impressed. DI's spots are not easy to come by but PR or even 1 game IR for a few games is foreseeable.

In an income poor season if there is one I think 1 game IR will be kept smaller that normally?

I'm still not giving much hope to a 2020 season

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS ADD TWO TO ROSTER

WINNIPEG, MB., July 3, 2020 -The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American receiver Alonzo Russell and American defensive back Makinton Dorleant.

Russell (6-4, 220, Toledo, September 29, 1992 in Washington, DC) spent the 2019 season with the XFL's St. Louis BattleHawks, recording 15 catches for 161 yards and one touchdown in five games. Russell signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and spent that season on their practice roster. He has also spent time on the practice roster in Arizona, while seeing game action during his time with the New York Giants in 2018. During four seasons at Toledo, Russell recorded 202 receptions for 3,076 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Dorleant(5-11, 185, Northern Iowa, October 6, 1992 in Naples, FL) signed with Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2016, seeing action in four games. He spent time on the practice roster with Baltimore and Kansas City and was with the Oakland Raiders (injured reserve) in 2019. He played three seasons at Northern Iowa, recording 142 tackles, sic forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 52 games.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2020/07/03/blue-bombers-add-two-roster-2/


Bombers sign two former NFLers, receiver Alonzo Russell and DB Makinton Dorleant
By Justin Dunk -  July 3, 2020

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have added two former NFL players to the roster, receiver Alonzo Russell and defensive back Makinton Dorleant.

Russell most recently played for the XFL's St. Louis BattleHawks, recording 15 catches for 161 yards and one touchdown in five games. The 27-year-old Washington, D.C. native had NFL stints with the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants, earning $310,335 USD.

The six-foot-four, 218-pound target can move for his size. He ran a 4.54 40-yard time at the 2016 NFL combine and posted a 30.5-inch vertical at his University of Toledo pro day. While with the Rockets, Russell notched 202 receptions for 3,076 yards (15.2 yards per catch) and 24 touchdowns during four NCAA seasons.

Dorleant played four games with the Green Bay Packers in 2016, making one tackle, and bounced from the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens to the Las Vegas Raiders. He spent the 2019 NFL season on the Raiders' injured reserve list. The 27-year-old has earned $593,750 USD from playing in the NFL.

After starting his NCAA career at the University of Maryland, Dorleant transferred to the University of Northern Iowa for the final three years of his eligibility. He played 52 games and made 142 tackles, defended 28 passes, forced six fumbles, recovered two fumbles and grabbed two interceptions. The five-foot-11, 182-pounder ran a 4.40 40-yard time at his UNI pro day and recorded a 39-inch vertical jump.

Russell and Dorleant are two intriguing talents who could boost the Bombers and push for roster spots if the opportunity to play football comes in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://3downnation.com/2020/07/03/bombers-sign-two-former-nflers-receiver-alonzo-russell-and-db-makinton-dorleant/


Blue Bombers sign former NFL defensive lineman Christian Ringo
By John Hodge -  July 1, 2020

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed former NFL defensive lineman Christian Ringo.

The 28-year-old was a sixth-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 2015 NFL draft. He spent two seasons with the team, recording two tackles and one forced fumble in eight games.

Ringo spent the 2017 season split between Green Bay, Cincinnati, and Detroit. He dressed for six games with the Lions, registering three tackles and two hits on the quarterback.

The University of Louisiana-Lafayette product rejoined the Bengals in 2018 where he put up 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in six contests. He was released by the club in August 2019 amid final training camp cuts.

At six-foot-one and 298 pounds, Ringo projects as an interior lineman in the CFL. Winnipeg lost Drake Nevis to Toronto in free agency, which means the Bombers need to improve its depth at defensive tackle.

Ringo brings size and experience, though he'll take time to adjust to the Canadian game. He may also provide insurance if the team decides to start two American defensive tackles as they have in recent years.

https://3downnation.com/2020/07/01/blue-bombers-sign-former-nfl-defensive-lineman-christian-ringo/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2020-07-10   WPG   WILLIAMS, Darrell    OL   A   South Florida   Transfer To   Retired

[Leroy Brown]

Haven't been following that closely, so wondering if you have had the "what if he goes down" discussion regarding Zach Collaros.

For the record, I do not feel there is anything from the past that will come back to be an issue but it is football and things happen. Would be nice to think they have the next man already on the roster but that could be wishful thinking. Anyone see Jon Jennings as a Bomber? Can always wish for the best comeback ever.

No football makes it all a moot point but it also makes Zach a free agent at the end of the year along with 75% of the other players in the league on one year deals.

It almost feels like working a job for thirty five years and then the job is over.

[ModAdmin]

Haven't been following that closely, so wondering if you have had the "what if he goes down" discussion regarding Zach Collaros.

For the record, I do not feel there is anything from the past that will come back to be an issue but it is football and things happen. Would be nice to think they have the next man already on the roster but that could be wishful thinking. Anyone see Jon Jennings as a Bomber? Can always wish for the best comeback ever.

No football makes it all a moot point but it also makes Zach a free agent at the end of the year along with 75% of the other players in the league on one year deals.

It almost feels like working a job for thirty five years and then the job is over.

Zach is currently on a two year deal....signed through 2021.

[gobombersgo]

Texada signed with the Bombers on May 4 2020

Bombers' DB Ranthony Texada opts out to pursue NFL or XFL employment
By 3Down Staff - August 25, 2020

Another fringe CFLer has decided to opt out of their contract and chase employment south of the border.

Newly signed Winnipeg Blue Bomber Ranthony Texada announced his intention to opt out on Twitter.

"With the 2020 CFL season being cancelled this year, I have decided to take a leap of faith and opt out of my contract to pursue NFL/XFL opportunities," tweeted Texada. "My body of work speaks for itself, and I believe I have what it takes to compete with the best!"

The five-foot-10, 185-pound Texada was most recently with the New York Guardians of the XFL, where he registered 16 tackles and one sack in five games. The Smyrna, GA native spent part of the 2019 season with the Ottawa Redblacks, but did not dress for a regular season game, most notably intercepting Montreal's Canadian quarterback Hugo Richard in the pre-season. He ranks eighth in Big 12 history in pass knockdowns with 30 after his career at Texas Christian University.

While it's not surprising to see a non-veteran player like Texada opt out, given he likely doesn't qualify for the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy assistance for players, he is the first to specifically mention the XFL in his decision. That could spell trouble for the CFL, if the league now owned by a group led by former Stampeder Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finds a way to play in the spring.

https://3downnation.com/2020/08/25/bombers-db-ranthony-texada-opts-out-to-pursue-nfl-or-xfl-employment/

[gobombersgo]

BOMBERS RELEASE FIVE PLAYERS TO PURSUE NFL OPPORTUNITIES

WINNIPEG, MB., August 26, 2020 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced today the following five players have opted out of their Canadian Football League contracts with the club to pursue opportunities in the National Football League.

- David Kenney, defensive end, Illinois State
- Makinton Dorleant, defensive back, Northern Iowa
- Malcolm Lewis, wide receiver, Miami
- Deontez Alexander, wide receiver, Franklin
- Ranthony Texada, defensive back, Texas Christian

The moves come as per the recent agreement between the CFL and the CFL Players' Association following the cancellation of the 2020 season.

By opting out the players are not eligible to sign with any other CFL team during the term of their CFL contracts.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2020/08/26/bombers-release-5-players-pursue-nfl-opportunities/

Bombers release five players due to opt outs
By 3Down Staff - August 26, 2020

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released five players who have opted out of their Canadian Football League contracts to pursue opportunities in the National Football League.

- David Kenney, defensive end, Illinois State
- Makinton Dorleant, defensive back, Northern Iowa
- Malcolm Lewis, wide receiver, Miami
- Deontez Alexander, wide receiver, Franklin
- Ranthony Texada, defensive back, Texas Christian

Texada's decision to opt out was reported on Tuesday. He is the only player released with any CFL experience. None of those opting out have played in a regular season game in Canada.

Of the remaining players, Dorleant is the most notable and played four games for the Green Bay Packers in 2016 before off-season stints with the Chiefs, Ravens and Raiders. Lewis spent two years on the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins. While Alexander spent the 2018 and 2019 pre-season with the Detroit Lions. Kenney was released from Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp in 2019, but had not played organized football before that since 2015.

Players with varying degrees of NFL stints in the past are hoping it happens in the near future.

https://3downnation.com/2020/08/26/bombers-release-five-players-due-to-opt-outs/

[gobombersgo]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers  @Wpg_BlueBombers
Thiadric Hansen and Kenny Lawler have been released from their @CFL contracts to pursue @NFL opportunities.

[gobombersgo]

TRACKING PLAYERS WHO HAVE EXERCISED OPT-OUTS

TORONTO - With the cancellation of the CFL season now just over a week old, a number of players have elected to use the time to try their luck south of the border.

Earlier this week the CFL and CFLPA agreed on a seven-day window where players could opt out of their current CFL contracts in an attempt to find a spot on NFL rosters.

Some of the more notable opt-outs surround players on expiring contracts include Argos pivot McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Edmonton receiver Ricky Collins Jr.

There are a small number of players, such as Riders OL Dakoda Shepley, who are on multi-year contracts and would have their rights retained by the team that released them.

Below is a summary of those that have officially filed for the opt-out to date:

https://www.cfl.ca/2020/08/26/tracking-cflers-exercised-opt-outs/

[TBURGESS]

How is MBT notable? He lost his job the day Toronto signed Nichols, especially now that Nichols has a whole year to recover from his injury.

[gobombersgo]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers   @Wpg_BlueBombers
Defensive back Isaiah Johnson and wide receiver Travin Dural have been released from their @CFL contracts to pursue @NFL opportunities.

Transactions:
2020-08-27   WPG   DURAL, Travin   WR   N   Louisiana State   Delete From Active   Free Agent
2020-08-27   WPG   JOHNSON, Isaiah   DB   N   South Carolina   Delete From Active   Free Agent
2020-08-27   WPG   HANSEN, Thiadric   LB   A      Delete From Active   Free Agent
2020-08-27   WPG   LAWLER, Kenny   WR   A   California   Delete From Active   Free Agent

HANSEN HOPES TO SHARPEN SKILLS IN POLAND
By Ed Tait

https://www.bluebombers.com/2020/08/27/hansen-hopes-sharpen-skills-poland/