Bomber LB's

Blue In BC · September 30, 2024, 09:04:07 PM

Bighill, Wilson, Cole and Gauthier are all potential free agents going into 2025

I can see the chance that none of these LB's returns in 2025. Injury history, age and SMS.

Gauthier is still playing at a reasonable level as a back up and on ST's. His SMS is probably not that much. If we do lose / choose to not extend Bighill or Wilson, his experience / leadership might keep him around.

Some balked at the idea of keeping Bighill as a DI. While I understand, where do you draw the line on the downside of a career measured against succession and SMS value. I can see the argument from both sides. The intent / question about the Nationalized American rule wasn't answered. Having the experience at depth has it's value.

Jones is a potential free agent as well but I expect we try to re-sign him. It's going to depend on his new " ask " on a contract and where that puts him against other's that might reach free agency.

Blueforlife · September 30, 2024, 09:11:23 PM

Gauthier comes back imo
Cole I don't know, seams to have got bumped
I hope Biggie can recover but that's a tough road ahead
Jones no brainer to sign, yes will cost a bit

Blue In BC · September 30, 2024, 09:33:34 PM

Balancing experience against cost is never a dull conversation. The draft and where we find spots for newbies is part of the equation for a veteran like Gauthier.

I think Bighill has a greater chance of returning but in a lesser role and possible progression towards coaching if he's interested. That step might be necessary to get Jones to re-sign in Winnipeg.

Throw Long Bannatyne · September 30, 2024, 10:05:03 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on September 30, 2024, 09:33:34 PMBalancing experience against cost is never a dull conversation. The draft and where we find spots for newbies is part of the equation for a veteran like Gauthier.

I think Bighill has a greater chance of returning but in a lesser role and possible progression towards coaching if he's interested. That step might be necessary to get Jones to re-sign in Winnipeg.

Kind of depends if they're going to let a bunch of their own FA's walk as they did last season or if that was a one time thing. They'll never force anyone to retire but they could let them go to the open market for salary or age reasons.

Gauthier is currently 32
Wilson is currently 31
Cole is currently 27
Bighill is currently 35
Jones is currently 29
Ayers is currently 25

I could see Wilson and Gauthier not being renewed, as they already have younger and cheaper replacements in house. Hard to see much evidence, but perhaps Charbonneau is the direct replacement for Gauthier.

Jesse · September 30, 2024, 10:07:16 PM

I fully expect Bighill to re-sign with us; just with the caveat that he'll be on the IR for at least half the year. If he's able to return at some point, wonderful; if not, he's a pseudo-coach for the year.

Jones fully fits the mold of a Blue Bomber - he's not going anywhere.

I can see Cole being brought back. I still think he's on the upswing.

Wilson has those lingering injury concerns; but as long as Cole is in the wings, we have some security. I might want to see Ayers take this position next year though.

Gauthier could hang around fulfilling his same role. I don't think anyone is forcing him out.

I can see everyone being back.

Pigskin · September 30, 2024, 10:58:26 PM

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on September 30, 2024, 10:05:03 PMKind of depends if they're going to let a bunch of their own FA's walk as they did last season or if that was a one time thing. They'll never force anyone to retire but they could let them go to the open market for salary or age reasons.

Gauthier is currently 32
Wilson is currently 31
Cole is currently 27
Bighill is currently 35
Jones is currently 29
Ayers is currently 25

I could see Wilson and Gauthier not being renewed, as they already have younger and cheaper replacements in house. Hard to see much evidence, but perhaps Charbonneau is the direct replacement for Gauthier.

The group of Ayers, Jones, Kramdi, have been very good. Griffin and Cole are excellent teams players, and have been good as backup LBs. I haven't seen enough out of Charbonneau to replace Guathier yet. Or do we try and draft a stud MLB like Ryder Varga.

RebusRankin · October 01, 2024, 01:55:09 AM

Bighill is 36 in a few weeks and has three different periods that he's missed time this year. Injuries last season too. Decline in production the past two season. Expensive. Better the club moves on.

Wilson has had injury issues the past three seasons. Older. Again time to move on.

BLUEBOMBER · October 01, 2024, 03:46:40 AM

I think Bighill's days are probably numbered. He gets injured so often that for his own his, it's probably time for him to move on.

TecnoGenius · October 01, 2024, 08:34:57 AM

Biggie comes back if:

1. he wants to (vs retire)
2. he gets no bonus (to shield our SMS hit when he gets 6GIR'd)
3. wants reasonable pay
4. can be incentive-laden pay

I can't see Mafia "dissing" him like they (reportedly and one-sidedly) did other recent departing players. That means Mafia has to give him a call to at least discuss options. From all accounts Biggie has always remained the consummate team player, pro, and general stand-up guy. That goes a long way with MOS.

Biggie may be ROH-worthy.

TecnoGenius · October 01, 2024, 08:40:13 AM

Jones @MLB or WILL is priority. I assume we only gave him a rest-of-season contract. We should sign him to a 2Y like yesterday.

Gauthier is still all over the place making plays on ST and D, and his versatility and brains are always touted. Hasn't been on the IR much/at all this season. Re-sign.

Kyrie may get the Jeffcoat treatment. We'll see if he can make it back for GC.

Cole might be the odd man out, but he sure is working his butt off to prove his value. Did you see him in the last game? He was all over the place faster than you can say Cole -- on ST and D.

My worry remains: who's the brains of the operation when Biggie is out? Jones doesn't strike me as that type. Ayers I don't know enough about yet. Gauthier has it, but he's not every-down. No idea on Cole.

Maybe BA37 can direct everything from FS? Who knows what they're doing out there the last 2 weeks, but it worked.

Pigskin · October 01, 2024, 03:02:05 PM

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 01, 2024, 08:40:13 AMJones @MLB or WILL is priority. I assume we only gave him a rest-of-season contract. We should sign him to a 2Y like yesterday.

Gauthier is still all over the place making plays on ST and D, and his versatility and brains are always touted. Hasn't been on the IR much/at all this season. Re-sign.

Kyrie may get the Jeffcoat treatment. We'll see if he can make it back for GC.

Cole might be the odd man out, but he sure is working his butt off to prove his value. Did you see him in the last game? He was all over the place faster than you can say Cole -- on ST and D.

My worry remains: who's the brains of the operation when Biggie is out? Jones doesn't strike me as that type. Ayers I don't know enough about yet. Gauthier has it, but he's not every-down. No idea on Cole.

Maybe BA37 can direct everything from FS? Who knows what they're doing out there the last 2 weeks, but it worked.

Problem is Gauthier isn't making plays all over the field. 15 games, 5 DTs, 10 STs. Healthy yes, playing like 2022, NO.

Sir Blue and Gold · October 01, 2024, 03:07:47 PM

The 2025 starting linebackers: Ayers, Jones, Kramdi with Cole and Gauthier as depth and a new find or two from scouting seems reasonable and arguably better than this year's combo to start the season.

Blue In BC · October 01, 2024, 03:21:37 PM

Griffin has been very good and is getting a lot of reps on defence. I think both he and Ayers have passed Cole on the depth chart. However, Cole has been above average in his role.

Griffin is probably on a 1 year deal as well but I'd like to see him returning in 2025.

Competition in TC with a few new players will answer a few questions. Early injuries in TC usually has an impact with a few 1 game IR situations.

Pigskin · October 01, 2024, 03:52:07 PM

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 01, 2024, 03:21:37 PMGriffin has been very good and is getting a lot of reps on defence. I think both he and Ayers have passed Cole on the depth chart. However, Cole has been above average in his role.

Griffin is probably on a 1 year deal as well but I'd like to see him returning in 2025.

Competition in TC with a few new players will answer a few questions. Early injuries in TC usually has an impact with a few 1 game IR situations.

Yes, I would like to see Griffin in the mix. Good size and excellent speed. 19 DTs as a backup LB, and 15 STs which is second on the team.

LXTSN · October 01, 2024, 04:09:10 PM

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 01, 2024, 08:40:13 AMJones @MLB or WILL is priority. I assume we only gave him a rest-of-season contract. We should sign him to a 2Y like yesterday.

Gauthier is still all over the place making plays on ST and D, and his versatility and brains are always touted. Hasn't been on the IR much/at all this season. Re-sign.

Kyrie may get the Jeffcoat treatment. We'll see if he can make it back for GC.

Cole might be the odd man out, but he sure is working his butt off to prove his value. Did you see him in the last game? He was all over the place faster than you can say Cole -- on ST and D.

My worry remains: who's the brains of the operation when Biggie is out? Jones doesn't strike me as that type. Ayers I don't know enough about yet. Gauthier has it, but he's not every-down. No idea on Cole.

Maybe BA37 can direct everything from FS? Who knows what they're doing out there the last 2 weeks, but it worked.

Without biggie Jones has done great! I think with the help of veterans at each of the other defensive positions, this will be a non-issue. We have Nichols, Alexander, and Willie all helping out. Plus I do think Jones is a very smart linebacker.