Remaining Blue Bomber Free Agents as of January 9, 2023

[Blue In BC]

We can't buy our whole team in FA.

The scouts have to earn their checks too.

True enough and aside from the DL we're really looking for depth players. I'd say we were unsuccessful in 2022 finding that depth on the DL and are starting from scratch. Even Adams may not be returning although I didn't think he was doing doing badly.

[theaardvark]

We have a huge number of returning starters, and only a few depth positions to fill.  our scouts should be more than capable of plugging any holes.

Prukop I can see wanting to try to get a starting role in USFL/XFL.  He has enough talent to, and its probably better pay.  Here, he's 3rd on the DC, and short yardage... so not a lot of chance to start and showcase his talent.

With Hansen under contract, I'm not sure if Mauro gets a deal, or if they draft a P/K for backup instead of Mortada.  Even make a G our primary punter to allow Leggs to concentrate between the posts. 

We are going to lose some talent, but most of which we have either signed or developed better quality players. Hate to see Bailey and Ellingson go, but there are only so many spots and so much $SMS to spend.

Sankey is an interesting variable.  Not sure how many more years we can rely on Bighill playing at his level, Sankey would secure that spot for quite a while... but we can't see how we can have both...

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

True enough and aside from the DL we're really looking for depth players. I'd say we were unsuccessful in 2022 finding that depth on the DL and are starting from scratch. Even Adams may not be returning although I didn't think he was doing doing badly.

Can't remain status quo with the D-line, they dropped off last season and look to drop off even further with the loss of Sayles.  They have to make some improvements in that department whether it comes from signing a vet. or new blood revealing itself in T.C..  Hopefully Walters has a plan.

Edit: According to the Ed Tait article published today, Ricky Walker is likely to become a starter to replace Sayles.

[ModAdmin]

Kyle Walters is holding a media conference tomorrow February 14th at 12:30 pm CT regarding the Blue Bombers and Free Agency.

[Pigskin]

Kyle Walters is holding a media conference tomorrow February 14th at 12:30 pm CT regarding the Blue Bombers and Free Agency.

I wish he was holding this conference today to tells us were we are at with a couple of players.

[RyGuy13]

Bombers have re-signed NAT LB Jesse Briggs.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Bombers have re-signed NAT LB Jesse Briggs.

So far no retirements.

[Pigskin]

Bombers have re-signed NAT LB Jesse Briggs.

JB had a tough year. 12 games 3DTs, 4 STs. compared to 2021 where he played in 13 games, 24 DTs, 5 STs, 1TD, 1 FF.

[TecnoGenius]

The KW comment on Bailey in the roster thread indicates we are offering Bailey a deal and it's just that he hasn't taken / negotiated what he wants yet.  I'm happy we made an offer, as I think we're better with him.

But I think Bailey's heart might not be in it here anymore because he never seems to get "promoted" or "recognized" (my words, not anyone else's) as he feels he should.  I get it, he's always kind of the forgotten IMP.

Lawler goes off to insane $$ and then comes back here for insane $$.  Schoen blows up all records in his rookie year and leapfrogs Bailey.  Ellingson was clearly Zach's darling before his '22 injury.  Even the 5th-read guys like Agudosi and McCrae were making splashes some games.

Then there was the buzz in mid/late '22 about Bailey having a hissy fit.  (True or not.)

So Bailey might want out to try for greener appreciation and recognition pastures with other teams.  Whether he finds it or not remains to be seen.

The thing is, I think Bailey is great and a very important part of the O.  He plays a style none of the other (current) guys do, and he certainly has talent.  But it may be hard to recognize your limits and your place in the scheme when you see all these others guys who didn't "put in the time" like you did pole vault over you so quickly.

Could Bailey do more if Buck/Zach gave him more looks?  Almost certainly.  Just like D.Adams did when he went to OTT to be their #2-ish receiver.  Bailey could go and be a solid #2 on another team (maybe OTT too), and he might prefer that recognition instead of staying here... especially if the $$ is the same or better.

[Pete]

Bailey does play an inportant role on thie team , the problem is its not the role he sees himself in. Rather than a solid support reciever your right he wants to be at least a number 2. My issue with him in that role is that he just doesnt get open enough. You very rarely see him create any seperation from the db. Most of his memorable catches tend to be where Zac throws him open low and away.

[ModAdmin]

Farhan Lalji
@FarhanLaljiTSN

It appears that receivers Dalton Schoen & Kian Schaffer Baker will not be signing NFL deals. I suppose that could change in the next 12 hours, when the NFL window closes, but at this point they?re expected to back with #Bombers & #Riders respectively in 2023. @cflontsn

[Pigskin]

Well with Les signed, it's down to Bailey and Purkop. Mr. Walter's still hammering out deals with only a few hours left before FA begins.

[Sec223]

I was expecting/hoping for a few more tweaks to the aging roster. Still might happen however.

[DM83]

Les be honest.  Bailey is kind of forgettable as an American,  at receiver, the. Guy has to be a difference maker.  Bailey is a great blocker and team guy in the other things a football player on the field should be.

As noted, he isn?t the first option, and has anyone seen him run a pattern to get himself open?  He?s more a zone guy, and a limited one at that. 

In short, as many of his peers realize, if it?s a contract year, you need to post big stats, in case your own team doesn?t respect you.  You need to make yourself known with other teams.

I would suspect if he leaves, he will go elsewhere and have a similar role, with a lousier team.  If it was a sandlot game, would anyone pick him? Or would he be a next to last guy picked..

He should sign here, at least he has a role, and a solid organization.

[Blue In BC]

Les be honest.  Bailey is kind of forgettable as an American,  at receiver, the. Guy has to be a difference maker.  Bailey is a great blocker and team guy in the other things a football player on the field should be.

As noted, he isn?t the first option, and has anyone seen him run a pattern to get himself open?  He?s more a zone guy, and a limited one at that. 

In short, as many of his peers realize, if it?s a contract year, you need to post big stats, in case your own team doesn?t respect you.  You need to make yourself known with other teams.

I would suspect if he leaves, he will go elsewhere and have a similar role, with a lousier team.  If it was a sandlot game, would anyone pick him? Or would he be a next to last guy picked..

He should sign here, at least he has a role, and a solid organization.

Bailey was the 2nd most targeted receiver in Winnipeg. caught 63 of 95 passes thrown his way for 729 yards. 9 TD's and is hardly forgettable.