We need a backup quarterback!

[Blueforlife]

If V.A. becomes available, which is most likely, Walters has to seriously consider going after him as a starter in a move reminiscent of how he replaced Nichols with Zach.  By doing so he would bring in a very capable QB who could ensure another 3-5 years of competitive play.

pass
We ride Zach to the end and buy a good QB once he is gone.  He will help develop our next stud.

[Blue In BC]

pass
We ride Zach to the end and buy a good QB once he is gone.  He will help develop our next stud.

Those two things probably don't happen at the same time. I think he plays in 2025 which IIRC is the end of his current contract.

Then we'll have to consider what we do and who might be available. There will many changes at the QB position across the CFL before then so hard to predict.

I don't know if Collaros wants to go into coaching and we may not have either the spot or funds to transition.

Pierce may have a HC opportunity at the end of 2024 or 2025 so that could open up a spot potentially.

All boils down to timing in series of events. Many OC's were QB's and have great success in that role.

If he becomes an OC post playing time he could be instrumental in developing our QB going forward.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Those two things probably don't happen at the same time. I think he plays in 2025 which IIRC is the end of his current contract.

Then we'll have to consider what we do and who might be available. There will many changes at the QB position across the CFL before then so hard to predict.

I don't know if Collaros wants to go into coaching and we may not have either the spot or funds to transition.

Pierce may have a HC opportunity at the end of 2024 or 2025 so that could open up a spot potentially.

All boils down to timing in series of events. Many OC's were QB's and have great success in that role.

If he becomes an OC post playing time he could be instrumental in developing our QB going forward.

Vernon Adams is currently the "bird in the bush" we know will be available soon, that's why it's worth contemplating before it happens,  Not often a top line QB becomes available, we know there will be a few clubs seriously interested, but not a  lot due to their current QB obligations, maybe Sask, Cgy. and Ham.

I don't care for him as a player, but I can see the value in acquiring him within the next 6 months, save some money off Zach's salary, and get 4-5 more years of competitive production.

[Blue In BC]

Vernon Adams is currently the "bird in the bush" we know will be available soon, that's why it's worth contemplating before it happens,  Not often a top line QB becomes available, we know there will be a few clubs seriously interested, but not a  lot due to their current QB obligations, maybe Sask, Cgy. and Ham.

I don't care for him as a player, but I can see the value in acquiring him within the next 6 months, save some money off Zach's salary, and get 4-5 more years of competitive production.

I understand the thought but don't agree the team will look into that option. There are so many reasons why not. Collaros doesn't have to take a pay cut. Neither does Adams.  Then there is the trade cost to acquire him.  Adams in Winnipeg is about the same SMS QB total for the team as staying in Vancouver.

It just doesn't make financial sense at the moment for the Lions. It wouldn't be for any other team that retains it's current # 1 QB.
 
I think going into 2026 when Collaros needs a new deal, there might be a transition towards being a # 2 QB at a lower salary. Whether that is to start the season as # 1 and transition towards # 2 or just an out right move to # 2 position.

It's the number # 3 QB that is the development QB. That could be T. Wilson or any of the other QB's that come to the CFL for TC as rookies. No idea that far into the future.

We don't know much about Wilson yet but he is athletic and has a strong arm. Maybe we get to see him at the end of the season when standings are set.

It's always nice to have a starting quality # 2 QB but that guy wants to start and wants # 1 money ( Brown ). You can't really spend $1M on a teams top 2 QB's.

[bunker]

Its tough to predict the future, since alot depends on Zach's health, and how well he plays in 2025. But given the way O'Shea talks about him, I think he would have to really fall off a cliff not to be resigned after 2025. That's especially the case if we put him in a position to succeed in 2025 with a good O-line and good offensive weapons, and he has a bounce back year. I think we already have the offensive weapons we need, but the O-line could be work in progress, especially if/when Bryant retires.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I understand the thought but don't agree the team will look into that option. There are so many reasons why not. Collaros doesn't have to take a pay cut. Neither does Adams.  Then there is the trade cost to acquire him.  Adams in Winnipeg is about the same SMS QB total for the team as staying in Vancouver.

-If Adams comes to Wpg. and Collaros goes elsewhere the cost savings would be $150-$200k assuming Adams is content with $350-400k.



It just doesn't make financial sense at the moment for the Lions. It wouldn't be for any other team that retains it's current # 1 QB.

-I'm talking off-season, I don't believe the Lions will be able to retain V.A. as a #2 due to his higher cost and his desire to be a starter. Vern can't wait any longer, he started late and it's now or never.


 
I think going into 2026 when Collaros needs a new deal, there might be a transition towards being a # 2 QB at a lower salary. Whether that is to start the season as # 1 and transition towards # 2 or just an out right move to # 2 position.

-I'd be very surprised if Zach continues his career beyond 2025, concussion issues and having a young family are destined to become his greater concern. Starting to see that tired Mike Reilly look in his eyes, wondering if he still enjoys the game.

Sorry for the formatting this doesn't work well without bolding my comments.

[Blue In BC]

Sorry for the formatting this doesn't work well without bolding my comments.

I've tried to detail the facts why trading Collaros would be very difficult. SMS, age and injury history on top of all that. Can never say never but I don't see a path for a team trading for a  QB that turns 37 next August along with the other issues. Note that he was knocked out at least one game last year and I think missed parts of 3 this year.

That's a lot on the table.

[J5V]

I've tried to detail the facts why trading Collaros would be very difficult. SMS, age and injury history on top of all that. Can never say never but I don't see a path for a team trading for a  QB that turns 37 next August along with the other issues. Note that he was knocked out at least one game last year and I think missed parts of 3 this year.

That's a lot on the table.

How many QBs have not missed time this year? Injuries that I'm aware of: VA for BC, Trey Ford for Edm, TH for Sask, ZC for us, CF for Montreal, DB for Ottawa ... who did I miss? I think Meier for Cgy, Dukes for T.O., and BLM for Hamilton are the only clean ones.

[TecnoGenius]

How many QBs have not missed time this year?

Just Maier.  Last man standing.  Both BLM and Dukes have had games off from being pulled, so you can't really include them.

Surprisingly, Zach has been one of the healthier QBs.  His misses were mostly "precautionary".

[TecnoGenius]

I think we already have the offensive weapons we need, but the O-line could be work in progress, especially if/when Bryant retires.

If you're Big Stan, assuming he never had some heart thing, no way he retires before the big 2025 season!  He spends 147 years here and he's going to miss that one?  No way!

After the home GC win in '25, who knows.  Worry about it then!

[TecnoGenius]

I don't care for him as a player, but I can see the value in acquiring him within the next 6 months, save some money off Zach's salary, and get 4-5 more years of competitive production.

I don't like VAJ.  Never have.

I don't think VAJ wins anyone a cup.  He just doesn't have the missing factor.  For some reason Cody found it deep inside, but I don't think VAJ does.  Maybe it's the fact he's always worked up and always having to do breathing exercises on the sidelines just to not go postal.  He's like the ADHD/ADD of QBs.  It's like the opposite of a MOS/WFC locker room guy.

So I don't think we make a play for him unless he's literally the last option, and I don't think KW would ever let us get into the situation of having to settle for the last QB in FA.

Plus, VAJ took a huge discount to be the #1 in BC and to help the team win a cup with a better surrounding cast.  He's wants to be a Lion Lifer, and gave selflessly and now got royally shafted.  I don't think he'll be generous ever again, not for a non-BC team.  As such VAJ will be doing the Henoc mercenary tour and easily get $600k.

Oh ya, and VAJ is no spring chicken either, and has his own injury history.  He's a tiny little guy.

[DM83]

Techno you made a lot of good points.  VAJ is a prima Donna. He plays like a wanna be starter. But keeps getting benched.  You are correct noting his he's so hard done by routine every third game.   I mean who could be  proud of a guy who "does"  almost every game, only to be able to miraculously recover.

He will be in  Hamilton next year, I predict.  They are stupid enough to bring him in.

[Blue In BC]

How many QBs have not missed time this year? Injuries that I'm aware of: VA for BC, Trey Ford for Edm, TH for Sask, ZC for us, CF for Montreal, DB for Ottawa ... who did I miss? I think Meier for Cgy, Dukes for T.O., and BLM for Hamilton are the only clean ones.

I think nearly every QB has missed at least part of a game this season. Not all of them were due to head/neck/shoulder/concussion protocol and were removed by the spotter. He's also had a history of concussions so it's not quite the same.

It's just part of the profile for Collaros when you consider trading for him added to the high SMS and other factors. Even if we wanted to trade him I don't think it would be likely. That's all I'm saying. The topic is about our back up QB and I don't see a trade out there before trade dead line.

The reality is that I don't think it's even on the mind of O'Shea.

[Blueforlife]

Techno you made a lot of good points.  VAJ is a prima Donna. He plays like a wanna be starter. But keeps getting benched.  You are correct noting his he's so hard done by routine every third game.   I mean who could be  proud of a guy who "does"  almost every game, only to be able to miraculously recover.

He will be in  Hamilton next year, I predict.  They are stupid enough to bring him in.

Imo the name calling is uncalled for.

VAJ is a good QB imo.  That said in the future (few years), I wouldn't want him here unless there was no better option.  I would also be interested at a low ball price.

I think VAJ could win a cup on the right team / situation.  50/50 chance in his career imo.

[theaardvark]

We have a very solid QB room.  I don't think they would have kept Wilson if he didn't have potential to develop.  When teh PR expands, I expect at least one new QB prospect to get a look, maybe even a couple, to prep for next years training camp to give Wilson a challenge.

Picking over other teams scrap heaps is one thing, plucking solid prospects is another.  Ottawa grabbing Dru from us is a version of the later.  Us picking up VA, Masoli, or even Dolegala would be more the former.

If Bo comes into good form this year, and revitalizes his career to the point of sticking around a few more, I'd be OK with going after Palmer. Or chasing Paterson or Alexander.  If they are coming off their ELC's. Or Ford if they are done with him in EE, re-uniting him with his brother would be a fun dynamic.