Blue Bombers roster - 2023-2024

[J5V]

Very exciting!

[gobombersgo]

The CFL's 15 highest-paid running backs and fullbacks for the 2024 season
By John Hodge -May 8, 2024

1) RB Brady Oliveira, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $230,000

The league's reigning Most Outstanding Canadian garnered even more lucrative offers from other teams in free agency but elected to stay with his hometown club, receiving a $100,000 signing bonus to ink a two-year extension. Oliveira will also earn $80,000 in salary and $50,000 in non-football-related services to the team in 2024.

2) RB A.J. Ouellette, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $160,500
Maximum value: $165,500

3) RB Javon Leake, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $122,000
Maximum value: $133,000

4) RB Kevin Brown, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $118,000
Maximum value: $131,500

5) FB David Mackie, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $117,500
Maximum value: $131,000

6) RB Jeshrun Antwi, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $115,000
Maximum value: $130,000

7) RB Devonte Williams, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $115,000
Maximum value: $122,000

8 ) RB Dedrick Mills, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $108,300
Maximum value: $123,500

9) RB James Butler, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $107,800
Maximum value: $115,200

10) FB Marco Dubois, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $105,000
Maximum value: $123,500

11) FB Tanner Green, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $103,000
Maximum value: $119,000

12) RB Daniel Adeboboye, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $100,000
Maximum value: $120,500

13) FB Alexandre Gagné, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $100,000
Maximum value: $122,500

14) RB William Stanback, B.C. Lions (A)

Hard money: $99,800
Maximum value: $125,800

15) RB Ante Milanovic-Litre, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $97,800
Maximum value: $117,300

https://3downnation.com/2024/05/08/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-running-backs-and-fullbacks-for-the-2024-season/

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS

WINNIPEG, MB., May 8, 2024 –    The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Added to roster:
Global linebacker Fabian Weitz (6-0, 200, Cologne Centurions (European League of Football))
Global defensive back/linebacker Lucky Ogbevoen (6-2, 223, Tirol Raiders (ELF))
American linebacker Tre Thomas (6-1, 200, South Dakota)
American linebacker Dylan Moses (6-3, 240, Alabama)
American defensive back Bill Hackett (5-7, 180, Albany)
American defensive back CJ Siegel (6-0, 180, North Dakota)
American offensive lineman Chidi Okeke (6-6, 315, Tennessee State)
American linebacker John Petrishen (6-1, 225, Pittsburgh)

[gobombersgo]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign six players including LB John Petrishen
May 8, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed offensive lineman Chidi Okeke, linebackers John Petrishen, Tre Thomas, and Dylan Moses, defensive backs William Hackett and C.J. Siegel, and released defensive back Anthony Blue on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Chidi Okeke is six foot six and weighs 315 pounds. The 27-year-old from Anambra, Nigeria, signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2019. He also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Maulers, San Antonio Brahmas, and the D.C. Defenders. In 2023, Okeke played six games for the San Antonio Brahmas (XFL).

Collegiately, Okeke played one season at LSU in 2016 playing 10 games as a backup offensive lineman for the Tigers. Then, Okeke transferred to Tennessee State (2017-18) playing left tackle in 20 games for the Tigers. In 2018, Tennessee State's offense ranked 20th in the country in passing and ranked 31st in total offense. He was named First Team All-MVFC in 2018.

John Petrishen is six foot one and weighs 225 pounds. The 27-year-old from Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, was on the B.C. Lions practice squad in 2023, and was released by the Lions on May 3, 2024. Before B.C., Petrishen attended rookie minicamps for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders in 2023.

Collegiately, Petrishen played two seasons at Penn State (2017-18) with eight tackles (5 solo, 3 assists), and one tackle for loss in 17 games for the Nittany Lions.

Then, he transferred to the University of Pittsburgh (2019-21) with 88 tackles (35 solo, 53 assists), 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions for 35 yards, one touchdown, four pass breakups, and one blocked kick in 32 games for the Panthers. He was an All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2021.

Tre Thomas is six foot one and weighs 220 pounds. A native of Burnsville, Minnesota, Thomas played four seasons at South Dakota (2019-22) making 78 tackles (33 solo, 45 assists), six tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception for six yards, nine pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 30 games for the Coyotes.

Then, Thomas transferred to Idaho in 2023 making 81 tackles (36 solo, 45 assists), seven tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble in 12 games for the Vandals.

Dylan Moses is six foot three and weighs 240 pounds. The 25-year-old from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He was released by the Jaguars on April 11, 2022. Then, Moses signed with the Memphis Showboats on November 1, 2023, but was released on March 10, 2024.

Collegiately, Moses played three seasons at Alabama (2017-20) with 196 tackles (104 solo, 92 assists), 22 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions for 12 yards, six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles in 39 games for the Crimson Tide.

He is a two-time CFP National Champion (2017, 2020), a First Team All-SEC (2020), Second Team All-American (2018), Second Team All-SEC (2018), and Third Team All-American (2020).

William Hackett is five foot seven and weighs 180 pounds. A native of Trenton, New Jersey, Hackett played two seasons at Lackawanna College (2019, 2021) making 45 tackles (39 solo, 6 assists), 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception for 33 yards, 10 pass breakups, two fumble recovery, one blocked kick, one kick return for three yards, and one punt return for three yards in 19 games for the Falcons.

Then, Hackett transferred to the University of Albany (2022-23) making 86 tackles (64 solo, 22 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions for 117 yards, one touchdown, 12 pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries in 24 games for the Great Danes.

C.J. Siegel is six foot and weighs 180 pounds. A native of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Siegel played six seasons at North Dakota (2018-23) making 158 tackles (115 solo, 43 assists), 9.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, six interceptions for 201 yards, one touchdown, 35 pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two blocked kicks, and 23 kick returns for 592 yards in 55 games for the Fighting Hawks. He was named a two-time Second Team All-MVFC.

Anthony Blue is five foot eleven and weighs 175 pounds. The 26-year-old from Newton, South Carolina, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent on January 12, 2024. Before Winnipeg, Blue appeared in two games for the New Jersey Generals (USFL) in 2023 recording no stats.

Collegiately, Blue played five seasons at Newberry College (2018-21) making 182 tackles (123 solo, 59 assists), 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, 10 interceptions for 111 yards, one touchdown, 41 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 39 games for the Wolves. 

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-six-players-including-lb-john-petrishen/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-05-08    WPG    OLIVEIRA, Brady    RB    N    North Dakota    TRF TO INJURED VETERAN    Injured Veteran
2024-05-08    WPG    DEMSKI, Nic    WR    N    Manitoba    TRF TO INJURED VETERAN    Injured Veteran


Darrin Bauming  @DarrinBauming  May 8
Here's Winnipeg's 2024 training camp roster — rookie camp runs today through Friday, Saturday medicals, with Day 1 official on Sunday. #Bombers

[gobombersgo]

The CFL's 15 highest-paid receivers for the 2024 season
By John Hodge -May 9, 2024

1) Eugene Lewis, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $320,000
Maximum value: $320,000

2) Kenny Lawler, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $285,000
Maximum value: $285,000

The two-time West Division all-star renegotiated his contract early this off-season to lower his cap hit from $310,000 to $285,000, collecting a $150,000 signing bonus in the process. He will also earn a $115,000 base salary, $13,800 in housing money, and $7,200 in travel money this season in Bomberland.

3) Dalton Schoen, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $230,000

The two-time CFL all-star received a $105,000 signing bonus to remain in Winnipeg this season after garnering a lot of attention from around the league in free agency. Schoen will also make $76,200 in salary, $35,000 in non-football-related services to the team, and $13,800 in housing money.

4) Nic Demski, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $225,000
Maximum value: $225,000

The 30-year-old was named a West Division all-star for the third consecutive year in 2023 after eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. He received a $65,000 roster bonus on Jan. 1, $30,000 of which he forwent last season to help his hometown team against the salary cap. The rest of his earnings will be paid as a $140,000 salary and $20,000 in non-football-related services.

5) Alexander Hollins, B.C. Lions (A)

Hard money: $223,800
Maximum value: $234,800

6) Tim White, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $210,000
Maximum value: $235,300

7) Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $210,000
Maximum value: $210,000

8 ) Dominique Rhymes, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $194,000
Maximum value: $201,000

9) Jevon Cottoy, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $193,800
Maximum value: $198,800

10) Jaelon Acklin, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $190,000
Maximum value: $190,000

11) Reggie Begelton, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $184,000
Maximum value: $187,000

12) Dejon Brissett, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $175,000
Maximum value: $175,000

13) DaVaris Daniels, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $172,000
Maximum value: $172,000

14) Shawn Bane, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $165,500
Maximum value: $182,000
T-15) Kian Schaffer-Baker, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $165,000
Maximum value: $200,100

T-15) Kaion Julien-Grant, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $165,000
Maximum value: $171,000

https://3downnation.com/2024/05/09/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-receivers-for-the-2024-season/

[gobombersgo]

Transactions:

2024-05-09   WPG   ELLIS, Jabari   DL   A   South Carolina   ADD   Game Roster

[gobombersgo]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign defensive lineman Jabari Ellis
May 9, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed defensive lineman Jabari Ellis on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Jabari Ellis is six foot three and weighs 290 pounds. The 26-year-old from Vance, South Carolina, spent part of the 2023 season on the Montreal Alouettes practice squad before he was released on July 3, 2023.

In 2022, he played two games registering two tackles for Montreal. He signed with the Alouettes as a free agent on September 6, 2022. Before Montreal, Ellis signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022, but was released on July 26, 2022.

Collegiately, Ellis played two seasons at Georgia Military College (2016-17) with 36 tackles (27 solo, 9 assists), 13 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup in 21 games for the Bulldogs. Then, he transferred to South Carolina (2018-21) with 81 tackles (44 solo, 37 assists), 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two pass breakups in 35 games, of which 22 were starts for the Gamecocks.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/05/09/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-defensive-lineman-jabari-ellis/

[gobombersgo]

The CFL's 15 highest-paid offensive linemen for the 2024 season
By John Hodge -May 10, 2024

1) Drew Desjarlais, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $260,000
Maximum value: $266,000

2) Mark Korte, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $245,000
Maximum value: $254,000

3) Jermarcus Hardrick, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $230,500
Maximum value: $235,500

4) Ryan Hunter, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $209,000
Maximum value: $214,000

5) Brandon Revenberg, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $205,500
Maximum value: $216,000

6) Sukh Chungh, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $202,000
Maximum value: $202,000

7) David Beard, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $206,000

8 ) Peter Nicastro, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $195,000
Maximum value: $210,000

9) Sean McEwen, Calgary Stampeders (N)

Hard money: $190,000
Maximum value: $196,000

10) Logan Ferland, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $186,000
Maximum value: $194,000

11) Michael Couture, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $178,800
Maximum value: $195,800

12) Zack Williams, Calgary Stampeders (N)

Hard money: $172,000
Maximum value: $188,000

13) Brett Boyko, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $171,000
Maximum value: $185,000

14) Stanley Bryant, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $169,800
Maximum value: $176,300

The eight-time all-star and four-time Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman took a slight pay cut to return for a fourteenth season in the CFL and eighth season in Bomberland. The 38-year-old collected a $76,000 signing bonus as part of his new deal and will also earn $75,000 in salary, $13,800 in housing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $6,500 in all-star and awards incentives.

15) Peter Godber, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $165,000
Maximum value: $171,000

https://3downnation.com/2024/05/10/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-offensive-linemen-for-the-2024-season/

[gobombersgo]

I compared the training camp roster handout vs the roster on the Bombers' website and 4 players are missing on the handout. There is no mention they are no longer on the team:

WR 72 Braxton Burmeister

DT 92 Kenneth Randall

DB 13 James Campbell

DB 46 Montrae Braswell

(there is a 13 on defence but its Bill Hackett)

Also, Winnipeg Rifles runningback Kaiden Banfield is participating in camp. He's number 30.

[gobombersgo]

The CFL's 15 highest-paid defensive linemen for the 2024 season
By John Hodge -May 11, 2024

1) Folarin Orimolade, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $240,000

2) Jake Ceresna, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $210,000
Maximum value: $222,500

3) Mike Rose, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $206,000

4) Willie Jefferson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $200,000

The six-time all-star got a $100,000 signing bonus to return for a fifth season in Bomberland after recording 11 sacks in 2023, his highest total since 2019. The 33-year-old native of Beaumont, Texas will also make $78,200 in salary, $13,800 in housing, and an $8,000 travel allowance.

5) Casey Sayles, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $183,000
Maximum value: $183,000

6) Dewayne Hendrix, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $181,000
Maximum value: $195,000

7) Brandon Barlow, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $180,900
Maximum value: $204,900

8 ) Mustafa Johnson, Montreal Alouettes (A)

Hard money: $180,000
Maximum value: $180,000

9) Anthony Lanier II, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $176,000
Maximum value: $181,000

10) James Vaughters, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $171,000
Maximum value: $177,000

11) Lorenzo Mauldin IV, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $170,000
Maximum value: $179,000

12) Robbie Smith, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $165,000
Maximum value: $175,000

13) Bryce Carter, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $165,000
Maximum value: $174,000

14) Cleyon Laing, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $154,500
Maximum value: $177,000

15) Cameron Lawson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $135,000
Maximum value: $141,000

The former second-round pick was productive in a rotational role this past season as he made five sacks and one interception despite starting only one game. The Queen's University product got a $25,000 signing bonus to extend his stay in Bomberland through 2025 and will also make $91,200 in salary, $13,800 in housing, and $5,000 in non-football-related services to the club.

https://3downnation.com/2024/05/11/the-cfls-15-highest-paid-defensive-linemen-for-the-2024-season/

[gobombersgo]

BLUE BOMBERS TRANSACTIONS
MAY 11, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has signed American defensive tackle Jabari Ellis.

Ellis (6-3, 290, South Carolina; born: August 10, 1998, in Vance, SC.) signs with the Blue Bombers after a six-year collegiate career with Georgia Military College (2016-2017) and South Carolina (2018-2021). Ellis appeared in 35 Division 1 games, starting 22 of them, recording 81 total tackles and three sacks. The defensive tackle started all 13 games he appeared in during his senior season (2021), posting 41 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Ellis appeared in two games for the Montreal Alouettes in 2022 and had one tackle in each game.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/11/blue-bombers-transactions-20/

[gobombersgo]

Bomber roster before main camp:

Zach Collaros -8    QB  A
Terry Wilson -3    QB  A 
Eric Barriere -12  QB  A
Chris Streveler -17  QB  A 

Johnny Augustine -27  RB  N                     
Brady Oliveira -20  RB  N 
Jonathan Rosery -32  RB/WR  N
Ronnie Brown -25  RB  A 
Chris Smith -24  RB  A

Dalton Schoen -83    WR  A
Drew Wolitarsky -82    WR  N 
Nic Demski -10    WR  N 
Kenny Lawler -89    WR  A 
Jeremy Murphy -87    WR  N 
Ravi Alston -81      WR  A
Bryce Mitchell -78    WR  A 
Ontaria Wilson -86    WR  A
Ronnie Blackmon -15  WR  A 
Tyler Adams -74    WR  A
Kody Case -2    WR  A
Keric Wheatfall -79  WR  A
Braxton Burmeister -72  WR  A
Peter Afful -88  WR  A 
Oliver Martin -70  WR  A 
Keytaon Thompson -71  WR  A
Aron Cruickshank -76  WR  A
K.J. Hill - 9  WR  A 
Josh Johnson -84  WR  A
Jaylen Hall -0  WR  A
Isaiah Coulter -73  WR  A 
Myron Mitchell-29  WR  A 
Kevens Clercius -77  WR  N 
AK Gassama -36  WR  N

Stanley Bryant -66    OL  A 
Micah Vanterpool -68  OL  A 
Chris Ivy -58  OL  A
Eric Lofton -55  OL  A
Kendall Randolph -69  OL  A 
Larnel Coleman -62  OL  A 
Khalil Keith -60  OL  A
Chidi Okeke -52  OL  A
Patrick Neufeld -53  OL  N
Chris Kolankowski -67  OL  N 
Liam Dobson -64  OL  N 
Asotui Eli -65  OL  N 
Gabe Wallace -61  OL  N
Ethan Kalra -59  OL  N
Michael Vlahogiannis -57  OL  N 

Jose Borregales -49  K  A
Sergio Castillo -14  K  A 
Jamieson Sheahan -18    P  G 
Dante Mastrogiuseppe -79  P  N 
Mike Benson -40    LS  N
Ian Leroux -26  LS  N 
                                                                                 
Jake Thomas -95    DT  N                                       
Cameron Lawson -99    DT  N 
Willie Jefferson -5    DE  A 
TyJaun Garbutt -9    DE  A
Celestin Haba  -45    DE  A
Miles Fox  -90    DT  A 
Jamal Woods 91  DT  A
Ali Fayad -52  DE  A 
Jordan Lewis -93  DE  A 
John Waggoner -94  DL  A 
Kenny Randall -92  DT  A 
Chauncey Rivers -56  DL  A
Anthony Bennett -98    DE  N 
Collin Kornelson -97    DT  N 
Tanner Scmekel -96    DT  N
David Green -59  DT  A 
Rick D'Abreu -58  DE  A 
Kyle Samson -57  DT  N 
Owen Hubert -54  DE  N 
Jabari Ellis  DT  A

Adam Bighill -4    LB  A 
Kyrie Wilson -19    LB  A
Shayne Gauthier -44    LB  N 
T Gaskill-Cadwallader -47    LB  N 
Brian Cole -41    LB  A 
Marcus Hillman -36  LB  A
Jared Beeksma -43  LB  N 
Max Charbonneau -39  LB  N
Michael Ayers -49  LB  A 
Jeremiah Gemmel -48  LB  A 
Juan Lua -32  LB/DB  A
Fabian Weitz -50  LB  G 
Lucky Ogbevoen -51  LB/DB  G 
Tre Thomas -27  LB  A 
Dylan Moses -00  LB  A 
John Petrishen -55  LB  A 
                           
Deatrick Nichols -1    DB  A 
Brandon Alexander -37    DB  A 
Jamal Parker -7      DB  A
Nick Hallett -21    DB  N
Redha Kramdi -6    DB  N 
Evan Holm -31    DB  A
Souleymane Karamoko -42    DB  G 
Jake Kelly -16  DB  N 
Tyrique McGhee -22  DB  A 
Bret MacDougall -25  DB  N
Nico McCarthy -33  DB  N
Noah Hallett -23  DB  N
Tyrell Ford -30  DB  N 
Marquise Bridges -29  DB  A 
Travon Fuller -35  DB  A
Raleigh Texada -38  DB  A
James Campbell -13  DB  A 
Anthony Witherstone -34  DB  A
Terrell Bonds -24  DB  A 
Montrae Braswell -46  DB  A 
Isaiah Norman -15  DB  A 
Patrick Rogers -3  DB  A 
Demetries Ford -2  DB  A
Bill Hackett -13  DB  A 
CJ Siegel -12  DB  A

Canadian QB Internship Program
Jackson Tachinski, University of Manitoba - 13

Winnipeg Rifles
Kaiden Banfield -30 RB

[gobombersgo]

By my count there be at least 12 cuts announced this morning to get down to the 85 roster limit (plus non-counters).

It would be 14 needed however Oliveira and Brady are on the injured veterans list it.

The 4 below should be included as it looks like none of them showed up to rookie camp:

WR 72 Braxton Burmeister

DT 92 Kenneth Randall

DB 13 James Campbell

DB 46 Montrae Braswell

DE 52 Ali Fayad and OL 69 Kendall Randolph might get cut if their injuries are considered to be long term.

[gobombersgo]

Blue Bombers Transactions (1st Training Camp Cuts)

WINNIPEG, MB., May 12, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions:

Released from roster:

American defensive lineman Ali Fayad
American defensive lineman Jordan Lewis
American defensive lineman David Green
American offensive lineman Kendall Randolph
American receiver Bryce Mitchell
American receiver Keytaon Thompson
American kicker Jose Borregales
Canadian defensive lineman Anthony Bennett

Transferred to suspended list:

American defensive back James Campbell
American defensive back Montrae Braswell
American receiver Braxton Burmeister
American defensive lineman Kenny Randall


Winnipeg Blue Bombers release eight players
May 12, 2024

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers released wide receivers Bryce Mitchell and Keytaon Thompson, offensive lineman Kendall Randolph, defensive linemen Ali Fayad, Jordan Lewis, David Green, and Anthony Bennett, and placekicker Jose Borregales.

The Blue Bombers also placed wide receiver Braxton Burmeister, defensive lineman Kenny Randall, and defensive backs James Campbell and Montrae Braswell on the suspended list.

Bryce Mitchell is six foot three and weighs 210 pounds. The 25-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on November 28, 2023.

Collegiately, Mitchell played five years at Toledo (2017-21) with 70 catches for 1,297 yards, 11 touchdowns, 1 carry for 12 yards, 10 kick returns for 277 yards, and 2 punt returns for 7 yards in 52 games for the Rockets.

Keytaon Thompson is six foot three and weighs 218 pounds. The 25-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and was with the Orlando Guardians (XFL) before the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL). Then, Thompson signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on January 30, 2024.

Collegiately, Thompson played three seasons at Mississippi State (2017-19) with one catch for eight yards, 98 carries for 671 yards, 10 touchdowns, and completed 50 of 105 passes (48%) for 846 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in 19 games for the Bulldogs.

Then, Thompson transferred to Virginia (2020-22) with 82 carries for 506 yards, eight touchdowns, 138 catches for 1,667 yards, four touchdowns, and completed 2 of 8 passes (25%) for -4 yards in 29 games for the Cavaliers.

Kendall Randolph is six foot four and weighs 300 pounds. The 26-year-old from Madison, Alabama, signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, and played three preseason games. Then, Randolph signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 21, 2024.

Collegiately, Randolph played four seasons at Alabama (2019-22) after sitting out his first two seasons in 2017 and 2018 with the Crimson Tide. He played 53 games playing guard, tackle, and tight end positions making one tackle (1 solo). In 2022, Randolph helped open holes for 317 rushing yards while providing time for 555 yards of total offense and did not allow a sack.

In 2020, he started six games as a tight end while serving as a backup left tackle to Alex Leatherwood. Randolph played 13 games earning 313 combined snaps at tackle and tight end as the Crimson Tide won the CFP National Championship over Ohio State.

Ali Fayad is six foot two and weighs 250 pounds. The 25-year-old from Dearborn, Michigan, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

Next, Fayad signed with the Toronto Argonauts as a free agent on September 2, 2022. Fayad made five tackles and one sack in four games for the Toronto Argonauts in 2022 winning the 109th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Then, Fayad signed with the Philadelphia Stars on March 4, 2023. He made 13 tackles (4 solo, 9 assists), and one sack in six games. Fayad signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on January 17, 2024.

Collegiately, Fayad played five seasons at Western Michigan (2017-21) with 164 tackles (98 solo, 66 assists), 56.5 tackles for loss, 33.5 sacks, three pass breakups, 11 forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in 55 games for the Broncos.

In his final season, Fayad made 40 tackles, 13 sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 13 games. He was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-MAC.

Jordan Lewis is six foot two and weighs 220 pounds. The 24-year-old from Ocala, Florida, had 15 tackles (10 solo, 5 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass breakup, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in ten games for the Jaguars.

He signed with the New Jersey Generals (USFL) on August 4, 2023, but the Generals were not included in the USFL and XFL merger that formed the United Football League. The Blue Bombers signed Lewis on February 5, 2024.

Lewis played four seasons at Southern University (2019-22) with 98 tackles (64 solo, 34 assists), 42 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, one interception for 95 yards, three touchdowns, two pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 37 games for the Jaguars.

In the 2021 season, Lewis had a big season with 29 tackles (16 solo, 13 assists), ten tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in nine games.

He won the Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS player, along with the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, College Football Hall of Fame Mel Blount Defensive Player of the Year, AFCA First Team All-American, Boxtorow Defensive Player of the Year, and Athlon Sports Spring FCS All American. In addition, he was named Second Team All-SWAC in 2019.

David Green is six foot one and weighs 285 pounds. The 24-year-old from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, made 33 tackles (8 solo, 25 assists), three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 12 games for the Pittsburgh Panthers in 2023. The Blue Bombers signed Green on May 2, 2024.

Collegiately, Green played five seasons at Pittsburgh (2019-23) making 92 tackles (34 solo, 58 assists), 13.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 60 games for the Panthers.

At Central Catholic High School, Green was named to the Pennsylvania Football Writers All-Class 6A, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Fabulous 22", Pittsburgh Tribune-Review "Terrific 25", and All-Northern Seven Conference. As a three-year starter, Green helped lead Central Catholic to a three-year mark of 39-6 (.867), including two WPIAL championships and a PIAA title.

Anthony Bennett is six foot three and weighs 230 pounds. The 27-year-old from Weston, Florida, made eight tackles and three tackles on special teams in 18 games for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2023. The Blue Bombers signed Bennett on May 5, 2023.

Bennett played two seasons at the University of Regina (2021-22) with 63 tackles (39 solo, 24 assists), 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one interception for 28 yards, one touchdown, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 14 games.

In 2022, Bennett made 38 tackles (22 solo, 16 assists), 12.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one interception for 28 yards, one touchdown, one pass breakup, and one fumble recovery in nine games. He was named U SPORTS First-Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star in 2022.

Jose Borregales is five foot ten and weighs 206 pounds. The 26-year-old from Caracas, Venezuela, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2021.

Then, Borregales was drafted by the Orlando Guardians (XFL) in the first round (5th pick) of Phase 5 of the 2023 XFL Draft. In 2023, Borregales converted six of nine field goals (67%) with a long of 52 yards in ten games for the Orlando Guardians (XFL) in 2023. The Blue Bombers signed Borregales on January 22, 2024.

Collegiately, Borregales played four seasons at Florida International University (2016-19) making 50 of 66 field goals (75.8%) with a long of 53 yards, making 131 of 134 extra points, 78 kickoffs for 4,695 yards (60.2 AVG), and 40 touchbacks in 39 games for the Panthers. He was a two-time All-Conference USA Honorable Mention.

Then, he transferred to Miami in 2020 made 20 of 22 field goals (91%) with a long of 57 yards, and made 37 of 37 extra points (100%) in 11 games for the Hurricanes. He was named First Team All-ACC in 2020.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2024/05/12/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-eight-players/