Blue Bombers roster - 2022-2023

[gobombersgo]

Current roster:
                                                                                                                        Contract length               Salary
Zach Collaros -8                  QB   A   re-signed Oct 18 2022                                     2023   2024   2025              600 000                         
Dru Brown -6                      QB   A   signed Dec 30 2021                                        2023   
Dakota Prukop -12           QB   A   signed Feb 15 2022                                                 
                                               
Johnny Augustine -27          RB   N   re-signed Feb 3 2022                                      2023                                    91 000                               
Brady Oliveira -20               RB   N   re-signed Feb 7 2022                                      2023                                    92 000
Greg McCrae -29                 RB   A   signed May 6 2022                                          2023
Mike Miller -24                    FB   N   re-signed Jan 19 2023                                     2023                                             
Konner Burtenshaw -32       FB   N   signed May 7 2022                                          2023

Rasheed Bailey -88           WR   A   re-signed Feb 2 2022                                                                           
Greg Ellingson -2               WR   A    signed Feb 8 2022                                                                                165 000
Dalton Schoen -83               WR   A   signed Apr 7 2022                                           2023
Carlton Agudosi -86              WR   A   signed Apr 13 2022                                         2023
Janarion Grant -80                WR   A   signed Apr 13 2022                                               
Jaivon Heiligh                       WR   A   signed Dec 10 2022                                        2023
Tavaris Harrison                    WR   A   signed Dec 10 2022                                        2023
Drew Wolitarsky -82             WR   N   re-signed Jan 31 2022                                     2023
Nic Demski -10                  WR   N   re-signed Jan 11 2021                                                                           165 000
B O'Leary-Orange -84          WR   N    added to AR Nov 1 2021                                  2023                                 
Tim Knuettel                        WR   G   signed Dec 10 2022                                         2023
                                                           
Stanley Bryant -66                OL   A   re-signed Jan 5 2023                                        2023   
Jermarcus Hardrick -51         OL   A   re-signed Jan 11 2023                                       2023           
Drew Richmond -60              OL   A   added to AR Nov 12 2021                                   2023
Patrick Neufeld -53               OL   N   re-signed Nov 24 2022                                       2023                                                                               
Geoff Gray -68                     OL   N   re-signed Jan 17 2022                                        2023                                             
Chris Kolankowski -67           OL   N    re-signed Jan 10 2022                                       2023     
Liam Dobson -64                  OL   N   signed May 20 2022                                           2023
Tomoya Machino -69             OL   G   signed May 1 2022                                             2023     
Payton Muljo                        OL   A   signed Nov 22 2022                                            2023   2024
Michael Couture -59           OL   N   signed 2022

Marc Liegghio -13                 K   N   signed Jan 7 2021                                                 2023                                  74 500                                 
Mike Benson -40                 LS   N   re-signed Dec 15 2022                                           2023   2024                                                                                               
Jake Thomas -95             DT   N   re-signed Dec 12 2022                                             2023                                                   
Cameron Lawson -99       DT   N   traded for May 3 2022                                              2023                               
Cole Adamson                 DL  N   signed Dec 10 2022                                                   2023   2024   2025
Ricky Walker -96             DT   A    re-signed Dec 28 2021                                             2023
Willie Jefferson -5            DE   A    re-signed Nov 26 2022                                            2023                                 225 000
Jackson Jeffcoat -94         DE   A   re-signed Jan 16 2023                                              2023
Thiadric Hansen -3            DE   G   re-signed June 18 2022                                           2023
Casey Sayles -90             DL   A   signed Jan 8 2021                                                 
Keion Adams -54            DL   A   signed Sept 28 2022
DeJaun Cooper                         DE   A   signed Dec 10 2022                                          2023
                   
Adam Bighill -4                     LB   A   re-signed Nov 29 2022                                        2023   2024                               
Kyrie Wilson -19                   LB   A   re-signed Dec 16 2022                                         2023   2024                                                   
Malik Clements -0                LB   A   signed Mar 4 2022                                                2023                         
Jesse Briggs -34               LB   N   re-signed Jan 16 2022                                                                                                                         
Shayne Gauthier -44              LB   N   re-signed Jan 25 2023                                         2023                                                                 
T Gaskill-Cadwallader -47       LB   N   signed Jan 7 2021                                               2023
Cedrick Lavigne                     LB   N   signed Dec 10 2022                                             2023
Les Maruo -00                  LB   G   signed Dec 28 2021   
Brian Cole -41                        LB   A   signed July 13 2022                                            2023                                         
 
Nick Taylor -9                   DB   A   re-signed Feb 7 2022                                             
Mercy Maston -7               DB   A   re-signed Feb 2 2022                                                 
Deatrick Nichols -1            DB   A   extended on Feb 14 2022                                           2023             
Winston Rose -30             DB   A   re-signed Dec 13 2022                                               2023                                                             
Demerio Houston -35       DB   A   signed Dec 28 2021                                                    2023
Brandon Alexander -37     DB   A    signed Feb 11 2022                                                   2023                             77 000
Jamal Parker -45             DB   A   signed May 15 2022                                                    2023
Nick Hallett -21                DB   N   re-signed Jan 3 2022                                                  2023                                                         
Noah Hallett -23              DB   N   signed Jan 7 2021                                                       2023
Redha Kramdi -17             DB   N   signed to AR Nov 2 2021                                            2023
Evan Holm -31                  DB   A   signed May 23 2022                                                   2023
Desmond Lawrence -46     DB   A   re-signed Dec 7 2022                                                 2023
Alden Darby -22                 DB  A   Traded Oct 4 2022
Karon Delince                    DB   A   signed Nov 22 2022                                                   2023   2024
Don Deuce Wallace            DB   A   signed Jan 13 2023                                                    2023   2024
Souleymane Karamoko       DB   G   signed Dec 10 2022                                                   2023

BOLD - pending free agent

Suspended List:
Tyrique McGhee                 DB   A    suspended Nov 22 2022
Zach Houghron                  DT   A    suspended Nov 22 2022
Tom Hackett                       P    A    suspended Nov 22 2022
Vance Barnes                     RB   A    suspended Nov 22 2022

Once a Bomber, always a Bomber:
American receiver Jaivon Heiligh- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
Global receiver Timothy Knuettel- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
Canadian receiver Luke McMillan- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
American offensive lineman Eric Lofton- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
American offensive lineman Tyler Witt- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
American linebacker DeJaun Cooper - released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
Global defensive back Souleymane Karamoko- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
Canadian defensive back Cedric Lavigne- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
American defensive back Donald Rutledge Jr.- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
American kicker Ali Mourtada- released from practice roster Nov 21 2022
Patrice Rene -39   DB   N   signed May 4 2022   released Dec 2 2022   
Malcolm Thompson -36 DB   A   signed Jan 3 2022    released Dec 2 2022
Tyrell Ford -25        DB   N   signed May 20 2022  released Jan 12 2023 to sign in NFL


Roster 2021-2022
http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=53775.0

Roster 2020-2021
https://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=52994.0

Roster 2019-2020
http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=52483.0

Roster 2018-2019
http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=51239.0       

Roster 2017-2018
http://forums.bluebombers.com/index.php?topic=49702.0

[gobombersgo]

Roster as of Nov 22 2022:

Current roster:
                                                                                                                         Contract length               Salary
Zach Collaros -8                  QB   A   re-signed Oct 18 2022                                   2023   2024   2025              600 000                         
Dru Brown -186             QB   A   signed Dec 30 2021                                             2023   
Dakota Prukop -12               QB   A   signed Feb 15 2022                                                 
         
                                                             
Johnny Augustine -27          RB   N   re-signed Feb 3 2022                                      2023                                    91 000                               
Brady Oliveira -20               RB   N   re-signed Feb 7 2022                                      2023                                    92 000
Mike Miller -24                    FB   N   re-signed Jan 13 2022                                             
Konner Burtenshaw -3632       FB   N   signed May 7 2022                                        2023

Rasheed Bailey -88             WR   A   re-signed Feb 2 2022                                                                           
Greg Ellingson -2               WR   A    signed Feb 8 2022                                                                                165 000
Dalton Schoen -83               WR   A   signed Apr 7 2022                                           2023
Carlton Agudosi -86              WR   A   signed Apr 13 2022                                         2023
Janarion Grant -80               WR   A   signed Apr 13 2022                                               
Drew Wolitarsky -82           WR   N   re-signed Jan 31 2022                                       2023
Nic Demski -10                  WR   N   re-signed Jan 11 2021                                                                           165 000
B O'Leary-Orange -84        WR   N    added to AR Nov 1 2021                                    2023                                 
                                                                     
Stanley Bryant -66             OL   A   re-signed Jan 21 2022                                                                           190 000   
Jermarcus Hardrick -51      OL   A   re-signed Jan 6 2022                                                                             150 000           
Drew Richmond -60           OL   A   added to AR Nov 12 2021                                     2023
Patrick Neufeld -53            OL   N   re-signed Jan 11 2022                                                                                                                     
Michael Couture -59     OL   N   re-signed Jan 31 2022                                                                                 180 000
Geoff Gray -68                  OL   N   re-signed Jan 17 2022                                           2023                                             
Chris Kolankowski -67       OL   N    re-signed Jan 10 2022                                           2023     
Liam Dobson -64               OL   N   signed May 20 2022                                              2023
Tomoya Machino -69          OL   G   signed May 1 2022                                                2023                         

Marc Liegghio -13             K   N   signed Jan 7 2021                                                    2023                                 74 500                                 
Mike Benson -40              LS   N   re-signed Jan 24 2022                                                                                   
                 
Jake Thomas -95             DT   N   re-signed Jan 5 2022                                                   
Cameron Lawson -99       DT   N   traded for May 3 2022                                              2023                               
Ricky Walker -96             DT   A    re-signed Dec 28 2021                                             2023
Willie Jefferson -5            DE   A   re-signed Jan 7 2022                                                                             225 000
Jackson Jeffcoat -94        DE   A   re-signed Jan 7 2022                                                                              175 000
Thiadric Hansen -3          DE   G   re-signed June 18 2022                                             2023
Casey Sayles -90             DL   A   signed Jan 8 2021                                                 
Keion Adams -54            DL   A   signed Sept 28 2022
                     
Adam Bighill -4                 LB   A   re-signed Jan 20 2022                                                                           165 000                               
Kyrie Wilson -19               LB   A   re-signed Jan 13 2021                                                   
Malik Clements -540           LB   A   signed Mar 4 2022                                               2023                         
Jesse Briggs -34               LB   N   re-signed Jan 16 2022                                                                                                                         
Shayne Gauthier -44         LB   N   re-signed Jan 19 2022                                                                 
T Gaskill-Cadwallader -47  LB   N   signed Jan 7 2021                                                    2023
Les Maruo -5400      LB   G   signed Dec 28 2021   
Brian Cole -41                   LB   A   signed July 13 2022                                                 2023                                         

Nick Taylor -9                   DB   A   re-signed Feb 7 2022                                             
Mercy Maston -7               DB   A   re-signed Feb 2 2022                                                 
Deatrick Nichols -321  DB   A   extended on Feb 14 2022                                              2023             
Winston Rose -30             DB   A   re-signed Feb 1 2022                                                                                 125 000                                 
Demerio Houston -4835  DB   A   signed Dec 28 2021                                                   2023
Malcolm Thompson -36     DB   A   signed Jan 3 2022                                                      2023
Brandon Alexander -37     DB   A    signed Feb 11 2022                                                   2023                                77 000
Jamal Parker -45             DB   A   signed May 15 2022                                                    2023
Nick Hallett -21                DB   N   re-signed Jan 3 2022                                                  2023                                                         
Noah Hallett -23              DB   N   signed Jan 7 2021                                                       2023
Redha Kramdi -4317     DB   N   signed to AR Nov 2 2021                                             2023
Patrice Rene -639                DB   N   signed May 4 2022                                              2023
Tyrell Ford -25                  DB   N   signed May 20 2022                                                   2023
Evan Holm -31                  DB   A   signed May 23 2022                                                   2023
Desmond Lawrence -46 DB A  signed Oct 5 2022
Alden Darby -22                    DB  A   Traded Oct 4 2022

BOLD - pending free agent

[gobombersgo]

Willie Jefferson headlines Winnipeg Blue Bombers' free agent list
By John Hodge -November 22, 2022

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers fell just shy of completing a Grey Cup three-peat this past weekend, falling to the Toronto Argonauts by a score of 24-23. The club has a veteran roster that has remained mostly intact over the four years and the club's brass will be tasked with continuing that trend this off-season.

Though the list below might seem long, there are whispers that some players listed below may have already agreed to terms on contract extensions. Expect offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick and defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat to be back, while Willie Jefferson is reportedly working on an extension as well.

Below is every player who is currently slated to reach free agency for the Blue Bombers in February 2023.

Please note that "N" denotes nationals (ie. Canadians), "A" denotes Americans, and "G" denotes Globals.

Quarterback
Dakota Prukop (A)

Running back
None

Fullback
Mike Miller (N) - re-signed Jan 19 2023 for 1 year

Receiver
Rasheed Bailey (A)
Nic Demski (N) re-signed Feb 5 2023 for 3 years
Greg Ellingson (A)
Janarion Grant (A) - re-signed Feb 3 2023 for 1 year

Offensive line
Stanley Bryant (A) - re-signed Jan 5 2023 for 1 year
Michael Couture (N)
Jermarcus Hardrick (A) - re-signed Jan 11 2023 for 1 year
Patrick Neufeld (N) - re-signed Nov 24 2022 for 1 year

Defensive line
Keion Adams (A)
Jackson Jeffcoat (A) - re-signed Jan 16 2023 for 1 year
Willie Jefferson (A) - re-signed Nov 26 2022 for 1 year
Casey Sayles (A)
Jake Thomas (N) - re-signed Dec 12 2022 for 1 year

Linebacker
Adam Bighill (A) - re-signed Nov 29 2022 for 2 years
Jesse Briggs (N) - re-signed Feb 13 2023 for 1 year
Shayne Gauthier (N) - re-signed Jan 25 2023 for 1 year
Les Maruo (G)
Kyrie Wilson (A) - re-signed Dec 16 2022 for 2 years

Defensive back
Alden Darby (A) re-signed Feb 5 2023 for 1 year
Desmond Lawrence (A) - re-signed Dec 7 2022 for 1 year
Mercy Maston (A)
Winston Rose (A) - re-signed Dec 13 2022 for 1 year
Nick Taylor (A)

Kicker
None

Long snapper
Mike Benson (N) - re-signed Dec 15 2022 for 2 years

A number of players finished the season on the practice roster, including
American receiver Jaivon Heiligh
Global receiver Timothy Knuettel
American receiver Greg McCrae
Canadian receiver Luke McMillan
American offensive lineman Eric Lofton
American offensive lineman Tyler Witt
American linebacker DeJaun Cooper
Global defensive back Souleymane Karamoko
Canadian defensive back Cedric Lavigne
American defensive back Donald Rutledge Jr.
American kicker Ali Mourtada
As such, they are currently free agents.

https://3downnation.com/2022/11/22/willie-jefferson-headlines-winnipeg-blue-bombers-free-agent-list/

OFFICIAL 2023 FREE AGENT TRACKER
https://www.cfl.ca/fa23#BOMBERS

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2022-11-22   WPG   MCGHEE, Tyrique   DB   A   Georgia   Add To   Suspended
2022-11-22   WPG   HOUGHRON, Zach   DT   A   Wilfrid Laurier   Add To   Suspended
2022-11-22   WPG   HACKETT, Tom   P   N   Utah   Add To   Suspended
2022-11-22   WPG   BARNES, Vance   RB   A   Northern State   Add To   Suspended

(Players signed for 2023)
2022-11-22   WPG   WOLITARSKY, Drew   WR   N   Minnesota   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   WALKER, Ricky   DL   A   Virginia Tech   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   THOMPSON, Malcolm   DB   N   Wilfrid Laurier   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   SCHOEN, Dalton   WR   A   Kansas State   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   RICHMOND, Drew   OL   A   USC   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   RENE, Patrice   DB   N   North Carolina   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   PARKER, Jamal   DB   A   Kent State   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   OLIVEIRA, Brady   RB   N   North Dakota   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   O'LEARY-ORANGE, Brendon   WR   N   Nevada   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   NICHOLS, Deatrick   DB   A   South Florida   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   MCCRAE, Greg   RB   A   Central Florida   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   MACHINO, Tomoya   OL   N      Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   LIEGGHIO, Marc   K   N   Western University   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   LAWSON, Cameron   DL   N   Queen's   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   KRAMDI, Redha   LB   N   Montreal   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   KOLANKOWSKI, Chris   OL   N   York   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   HOUSTON, Demerio   DB   N   Southern   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   HOLM, Evan   DB   A   North Dakota   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   HANSEN, Thiadric   DL   A      Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   HALLETT, Nick   DB   N   Toronto   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   HALLETT, Noah   DB   N   McMaster   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   GRAY, Geoff   OL   N   Manitoba   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   GASKILL-CADWALLADER, Tanner   LB   N   Wilfrid Laurier   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   FORD, Tyrell   DB   N   Waterloo   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   DOBSON, Liam   OL   N   Maine   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   COLLAROS, Zach   QB   A   Cincinnati   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   COLE, Brian   LB   A   Mississippi State   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   CLEMENTS, Malik   LB   N   Cincinnati   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   BURTENSHAW, Konner   RB   N   Queen's   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   BROWN, Dru   QB   A   Oklahoma State   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   AUGUSTINE, Johnny   RB   N   Guelph   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   ALEXANDER, Brandon   DB   A   Central Florida   Add To   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   AGUDOSI, Carlton   WR   A   Rutgers   Add To   Active Roster

2022-11-22   WPG   MULJO, Payton   OL   A   Northern Michigan   Add From Active 2023   Active Roster
2022-11-22   WPG   DELINCE, Karon   DB   A   East Tennessee State   Add From Active 2023   Active Roster

2022-11-21   WPG   WILSON, Kyrie   LB   A   Fresno State   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   THOMPSON, Malcolm   DB   N   Wilfrid Laurier   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   TAYLOR, Nicholas   DB   N   Florida International   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   RICHMOND, Drew   OL   A   USC   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   RENE, Patrice   DB   N   North Carolina   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   MCCRAE, Greg   RB   A   Central Florida   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   MASTON, Mercy   DB   A   Boise State   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   MACHINO, Tomoya   OL   N      Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   KRAMDI, Redha   LB   N   Montreal   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   HOUSTON, Demerio   DB   N   Southern   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   HANSEN, Thiadric   DL   A      Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   HALLETT, Noah   DB   N   McMaster   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   AGUDOSI, Carlton   WR   A   Rutgers   Add From Injured   Active Roster
2022-11-21   WPG   ADAMS, Keion   DL   A   Western Michigan   Add From Injured   Active Roster

This transactions list includes players that are signed for 2023.

The players that ended the season on injured lists were transferred to the active roster. A number of these players are pending free agents however.

A couple of new players are signed for 2023 - American olineman Payton Muljo and American Defensive back Karon Delince. Muljo was on the Bombers' practice roster from Sept 24 to Oct 14th.

3DownNation incorrectly listed Greg McCrae as finishing the season on the practice roster and thus a free agent. He was in fact on the injured list and is signed for 2023.

Tyrigue McGhee, Zach Houghron, Tom Hackett and Vance Barnes are suspended by the Bombers and cant be signed by another team unless released/traded.

[buckzumhoff]

Should be able to resign them all.  Lots of good receivers and defensibe backs. And we had injuries mainly at linebacker and defensive backs . alot of players played were not starters. And we have good receivers like agodosi. . we should be good . alot of injuries in special teams prob more than most teams

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS EXTEND CONTRACT OF CFL ALL-STAR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN PAT NEUFELD

WINNIPEG, MB., November 24, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension with CFL all-star offensive lineman Pat Neufeld.

Neufeld (6-6, 307, Saskatchewan; born: December 26, 1988, in Regina, SK) returns to the Blue Bombers for what will be his 12th Canadian Football League season and ninth with Winnipeg. A versatile lineman who has made starts at both guard and tackle over his career in Winnipeg, Neufeld is coming off his second-consecutive all-star season, having been named to both the West Division and CFL All-Star teams in 2021 and 2022.

Neufeld appeared in 17 regular season games this year at right guard as well as in both the Western Final and Grey Cup, helping the Blue Bombers offence finish second in points, sacks surrendered and rushing yards and first in touchdowns, while running back Brady Oliveira posted the first 1,000-yard rushing season of his career.

Neufeld was originally selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the fifth round of the 2010 CFL Draft and was acquired by the Bombers in a trade in 2013 for DE Alex Hall and a second-round pick in the 2014 draft.

He has appeared in 136 regular season games including 99 with the Blue Bombers, and last year was named the winner of the Cal Murphy Heart of a Legend Award presented to the player who has shown 'outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the Canadian Football League and the community.'

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/11/24/blue-bombers-extend-contract-of-cfl-all-star-offensive-lineman-pat-neufeld/

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS: NOVEMBER 25, 2022

WINNIPEG, MB., November 25, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American defensive back Karon Delince.

Delince (5-9, 160, East Tennessee State, June 8, 1995 in Phenix City, AL) joins the Blue Bombers after a five-year college career with the East Tennessee State. Delince became an integral part of the Buccaneers' defense by his sophomore season, starting each game. During his college tenure, Delince appeared in 52 games totaling 170 tackles, 26 pass breakups, and two interceptions. In 2019, Delince was named to the Phil Steele Magazine Preseason Second Team All-SoCon.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/11/25/blue-bombers-transactions-november-25-2022/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2022-11-25   WPG   NEUFELD, Patrick   OL   N   Saskatchewan   Add To   Active Roster

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS EXTEND CONTRACT OF DEFENSIVE END WILLIE JEFFERSON

WINNIPEG, MB., November 26, 2022 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms with all-star defensive end Willie Jefferson on a one-year contract extension. Jefferson was a pending free agent in February.

Jefferson (6-7, 242, Stephen F. Austin; born: January 31, 1991, in Beaumont, TX) returns in 2023 for what will be his fourth season with the Blue Bombers and ninth in the Canadian Football League.

The Blue Bombers' Most Outstanding Defensive player in 2022, Jefferson was also named a West Division All-Star after leading the club in quarterback sacks with seven, adding 33 tackles, one interception for a touchdown, two forced fumbles, and 10 pass knockdowns.

During the 2022 season, Jefferson also became the first player in CFL history to record 50 sacks and 50 pass knockdowns. In his three years with the Blue Bombers, he has recorded 26 sacks, four interceptions, two touchdowns and 36 knockdowns - including the 16 he posted in 2019, a league record for defensive linemen.

Jefferson is a four-time CFL All-Star who was also honoured as the CFL?s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2019. Jefferson first came to the CFL with Edmonton in 2014, signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016 before joining the Blue Bombers in 2019. He has appeared in 126 CFL games in his career, including the last 50 with the Blue Bombers.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2022/11/26/blue-bombers-extend-contract-of-defensive-end-willie-jefferson/

[Blue In BC]

In rough numbers I counted 27 players that might just be coming off or on the last year of their 1st ELC. The minimum ELC changes in 2023 by + $7K-$9K? I forgot the exact amount of the increase but that will " spend " some of the SMS, probably over and above the increase in the total SMS. We already know that the Globals and Hansen in particular will get raises due to restrictions being lifted. Hansen will be able to negotiate free market value.

Whether those players are still with the team in 2023 is somewhat less relevant in regard to the SMS. If they leave or are released, they will probably be replaced mostly by new players on ELC's.

How much does the 2023 SMS increase?

[Pete]

In rough numbers I counted 27 players that might just be coming off or on the last year of their 1st ELC. The minimum ELC changes in 2023 by + $7K-$9K? I forgot the exact amount of the increase but that will " spend " some of the SMS, probably over and above the increase in the total SMS. We already know that the Globals and Hansen in particular will get raises due to restrictions being lifted. Hansen will be able to negotiate free market value.

Whether those players are still with the team in 2023 is somewhat less relevant in regard to the SMS. If they leave or are released, they will probably be replaced mostly by new players on ELC's.

How much does the 2023 SMS increase?

The increase is  160.000

[Pigskin]

Machino and Hansen are signed for 2023. Maruo is a STs player I would like to keep.

[theaardvark]

Machino and Hansen are signed for 2023. Maruo is a STs player I would like to keep.

Limited Global spots... and we really need a Global Punter... Mauro contributed, as did Machino, and Hansen is not going anywhere, but not sure we can keep all three and a punter. 

[Pigskin]

Limited Global spots... and we really need a Global Punter... Mauro contributed, as did Machino, and Hansen is not going anywhere, but not sure we can keep all three and a punter. 

Why a Global punter?

[Blue In BC]

Why a Global punter?

A global player is a bit of a free spot on the roster if you have one that shows value. Conversely an import kicker is a DI and there are only 4 allowed.

If we could find a kicker, punter or dual role global it would be a decent tool to split duties and back up the primary player ( Canadian ). Not many teams have a 2nd global on the roster that adds a significant value but IMO 2 on the AR becomes closer to the mandate going forward.

A 2nd Global effectively replaces a Canadian on the roster but he can only replace an import on the field during the game. It's a little like having extra DI's.

Now if we can find a receiver, LB, DL or DB that would be as good as a choice at import, that would be great as well.

I'm not ruling out an OL per se like Machino but teams tend to have Canadian OL back up depth. Teams also have numerous import OL on the PR. So I see the value as less probable for that position.

Mauro contributed at LB and on ST in particular.

Depth of the pool is a significant issue as shown by the 2022 draft on only 3 rounds. How many of those players actually made rosters including PR's? We drafted 2 punters that didn't come to TC and there may have been some others from other teams that also balked.

So the reality is a team has to try and draft the best available at any position.