Blue Bombers sign three to futures contracts

Started by ModAdmin, October 22, 2024, 05:16:05 PM

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ModAdmin

Blue Bombers sign three to futures contracts

WINNIPEG, MB., October 22, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has signed American quarterback Darren Grainger, American defensive end Brandon Wright and American defensive back Jordan Toles to futures deals as of the 2025 season.

Grainger (6-4, 225, Georgia State; born: July 21, 2000, in Conway, SC.) will return for the 2025 season after spending part of the 2024 season with the team.  Grainger spent a five-year collegiate career with Furman (2018-2019) and Georgia State (2021-2023). With Furman, Grainger appeared in 17 games, starting 12, throwing for 1,403 yards on 161 attempts for five touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns.

Wright (6-2, 250, Michigan State; born: Aug. 13, 2000, in Euclid, OH.) returns in 2025 after joining the club during this year's PR expansion window before being released. Wright spent a five-year collegiate career (2019-2023) with Michigan State. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons as a running back, Wright appeared in 12 games, rushing 24 times for 61 yards. For the 2021 season, Wright was converted to a defensive end to strengthen the pass rush. From 2021 to 2023, Wright would appear in 28 games, starting in seven of them, achieving 44 tackles, six tackle-for-losses, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one knockdown.

Toles (6-1, 216, Morgan State; born: May 13, 2001, in Baltimore, MD.) signs a futures contract with the Blue Bombers after spending a four-year collegiate career with LSU (2020-2021), and Morgan State (2022-2023). Toles signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in May 2024, but was released in July 2024.  With LSU, Toles recorded 16 tackles (8 solo, 8 assists) in 16 games.

After a transfer to Morgan State in 2022, Toles would achieve 114 tackles (67 solo, 47 assists), three tackle-for-losses, four interceptions (one touchdown), seven passes defended, a half sack, three forced fumbles (2 recoveries), and two blocked kicks in 20 games. The defensive back would also return six kicks for 107 yards and one touchdown.  In 2023, Toles was named First Team All-MEAC and played in the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl after the season.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

Throw Long Bannatyne

#1
Quote from: ModAdmin on October 22, 2024, 05:16:05 PMBlue Bombers sign three to futures contracts

WINNIPEG, MB., October 22, 2024 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has signed American quarterback Darren Grainger, American defensive end Brandon Wright and American defensive back Jordan Toles to futures deals as of the 2025 season.

Grainger (6-4, 225, Georgia State; born: July 21, 2000, in Conway, SC.) will return for the 2025 season after spending part of the 2024 season with the team.  Grainger spent a five-year collegiate career with Furman (2018-2019) and Georgia State (2021-2023). With Furman, Grainger appeared in 17 games, starting 12, throwing for 1,403 yards on 161 attempts for five touchdowns, while rushing for 353 yards and five touchdowns.

Wright (6-2, 250, Michigan State; born: Aug. 13, 2000, in Euclid, OH.) returns in 2025 after joining the club during this year's PR expansion window before being released. Wright spent a five-year collegiate career (2019-2023) with Michigan State. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons as a running back, Wright appeared in 12 games, rushing 24 times for 61 yards. For the 2021 season, Wright was converted to a defensive end to strengthen the pass rush. From 2021 to 2023, Wright would appear in 28 games, starting in seven of them, achieving 44 tackles, six tackle-for-losses, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one knockdown.

Toles (6-1, 216, Morgan State; born: May 13, 2001, in Baltimore, MD.) signs a futures contract with the Blue Bombers after spending a four-year collegiate career with LSU (2020-2021), and Morgan State (2022-2023). Toles signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in May 2024, but was released in July 2024.  With LSU, Toles recorded 16 tackles (8 solo, 8 assists) in 16 games.

After a transfer to Morgan State in 2022, Toles would achieve 114 tackles (67 solo, 47 assists), three tackle-for-losses, four interceptions (one touchdown), seven passes defended, a half sack, three forced fumbles (2 recoveries), and two blocked kicks in 20 games. The defensive back would also return six kicks for 107 yards and one touchdown.  In 2023, Toles was named First Team All-MEAC and played in the Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl after the season.

Bringing Grainger back for a 3rd time is interesting, maybe they're not seeing exactly what they want to see in Terry Wilson?  This off-season looks to be active for inter-league QB movement, hopefully Walters keeps his eyes on semi-experienced QB's that may come loose, easier than finding a new one and starting from scratch.

kkc60

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 22, 2024, 05:37:06 PMBringing Grainger back for a 3rd time is interesting, maybe they're not seeing exactly what they want to see in Terry Wilson?  This off-season looks to be active for inter-league QB movement, hopefully Walters keeps his eyes on semi-experienced QB's that may come loose, easier than finding a new one and starting from scratch.
I think it's more Grainger hasn't had many chances and the team wants to give him more

TecnoGenius

Could be they've soured on Strevie?  If Wilson is a solid #3, could change who our dev/#2 is (or vice versa).

Though my guess (and desire) is we give Strevie another shot at his 2019 role.

Too bad we didn't get any garbage season to see more of Wilson at the helm.  Now we have to pray we don't see him at the helm at all until next PS!
Never go full Rider!

Jesse

I'm still shocked we didn't see more with Strevie in the first half of the year. A bit of a tragic irony that he got hurt in the game where it finally looked like they were going to start utilizing his potential skill set.

Probably going to be a lot of QB movement around the league this off season; we'll see how the musical chairs sort out.
My wife is amazing!

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Jesse on October 24, 2024, 11:27:59 AMI'm still shocked we didn't see more with Strevie in the first half of the year. A bit of a tragic irony that he got hurt in the game where it finally looked like they were going to start utilizing his potential skill set.

Probably going to be a lot of QB movement around the league this off season; we'll see how the musical chairs sort out.

Streveler was only on a one year contract, I honestly don't see any reason to bring him back for another go as he's shown he's the same QB he was in 2018-19 before his NFl adventure. He fits as a temporary fill guy but does not qualify as the starting QB of the future, so I don't see the point in taking another look at him when time is quickly running out to find a replacement for Zach.   

theaardvark

Bringing Grainger back is not an indictment of the current players, but saying that they have seen enough that he has potential, and maybe needs to work on a few specific items that will take an off season to change, and they will look at him again in the spring.  These deas cost nothing, and if something better comes along before, they can be nulified.  But signing him means we have options for spring.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Jesse

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 24, 2024, 05:09:55 PMStreveler was only on a one year contract, I honestly don't see any reason to bring him back for another go as he's shown he's the same QB he was in 2018-19 before his NFl adventure. He fits as a temporary fill guy but does not qualify as the starting QB of the future, so I don't see the point in taking another look at him when time is quickly running out to find a replacement for Zach.   

The point would be the same as bringing him in this year. If the team seems him as a guy to help us win in 2025, it doesn't matter who Zach's replacement after that is.

But they didn't use him like I expected this year, so perhaps they don't see him that way after all.
My wife is amazing!

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2024, 12:36:35 AMThe point would be the same as bringing him in this year. If the team seems him as a guy to help us win in 2025, it doesn't matter who Zach's replacement after that is.

But they didn't use him like I expected this year, so perhaps they don't see him that way after all.

Same here, very disappointed in what they did with him but he started an entire game and he didn't look like anything more than a 3rd down specialist struggling with the opportunity to show more. 

Jesse

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 25, 2024, 03:42:16 PMSame here, very disappointed in what they did with him but he started an entire game and he didn't look like anything more than a 3rd down specialist struggling with the opportunity to show more. 

I never wanted him starting any games for us. That looked exactly the way I thought it would.

I DID expect them to keep him on the field in a hurry up offence after third down sneaks and to try some offensive shenanigans with 2 QBs. But his role was less than that of Prukop.
My wife is amazing!

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Jesse on October 25, 2024, 04:44:41 PMI never wanted him starting any games for us. That looked exactly the way I thought it would.

I DID expect them to keep him on the field in a hurry up offence after third down sneaks and to try some offensive shenanigans with 2 QBs. But his role was less than that of Prukop.

Honestly I would be happy if they re-acquired Prukop in the off-season and reverted to the QB plan they employed last season, with serious development time invested in #2.

DM83

Stress career is over.  He will be lucky to walk without a limp.  Procup seems like a likely first down better.

Lots if back ups available.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 25, 2024, 07:08:57 PMHonestly I would be happy if they re-acquired Prukop in the off-season and reverted to the QB plan they employed last season, with serious development time invested in #2.

I too would have been fine sticking with Prukop strictly as SY.  But I think it was all about SMS.  If Wilson can be nearly as good as Prukop (which he has been so far!) then he's the keeper and Prukop is expendable because Prukop will always earn more than ELC.  Even if it's only $30k more than ELC, that's 30k less to spend on some other talent.
Never go full Rider!

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 26, 2024, 01:38:19 AMI too would have been fine sticking with Prukop strictly as SY.  But I think it was all about SMS.  If Wilson can be nearly as good as Prukop (which he has been so far!) then he's the keeper and Prukop is expendable because Prukop will always earn more than ELC.  Even if it's only $30k more than ELC, that's 30k less to spend on some other talent.

Prukop could be the #3 short yardage guy for all of eternity, if Wilson can't prove he's a sufficient #2 with the potential to be #1 next season, move on and bring in someone who can.

ModAdmin

Next year the Bombers will be looking for the heir-apparent to Zach Collaros.  Not suggesting that Zach will be gone after 2025 but that the Bombers have to be prepared for the future beyond Zach.  The back up competition, IMHO, will be important and fierce next year because there is no guarantee Zach will want to play beyond next year.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

Sir Blue and Gold

Quarterback talent is the most important position to get right. You never stop bringing in and evaluating talent. Even if you love Terry Wilson you keep looking because you never know. Wilson could get hurt working out in the off season. Grainger could drive a chip truck this off season and become an all star. On and on it goes.

Blue In BC

I for one am not sure Streveler will be back in 2024. IMO he's not the future but he is a good short yardage QB and could be used in ways he wasn't in 2024.

Whether he is able and willing to return at a favourable SMS as a # 3 QB are just questions at the moment. If he does return it's also a question of when that might even be possible.

So yes we need to continue to look for new talent at several positions. There has been some discussion about some possible free agent QB's that might fit the bill but will the SMS fit on our roster?

I wouldn't specifically want to bring in an older veteran QB as our # 2 but it's not outside the possibilities either.

QB's like Ford or Alexander will be looking for $$$$$ and chances to start.
Take no prisoners

dd

Where is ford or Alexander to start?? Calgary will be looking to upgrade at Qb and they'll go after VA before ford or Alexander. Not sure if Edmonton stays with MBT but can't see them starting Alexander over MBT.

I can see teams signing ford or Alexander as their #2—I would hope we d sign Alexander as our #2 and let him develop along ZC and BP tutoring.

Blue In BC

Quote from: dd on October 26, 2024, 05:28:08 PMWhere is ford or Alexander to start?? Calgary will be looking to upgrade at Qb and they'll go after VA before ford or Alexander. Not sure if Edmonton stays with MBT but can't see them starting Alexander over MBT.

I can see teams signing ford or Alexander as their #2—I would hope we d sign Alexander as our #2 and let him develop along ZC and BP tutoring.

Where VAJ gets traded to is the 1st question. Calgary, Edmonton and Hamilton are all possibilities. I'm expecting to see Harris and Masoli retire or get released in order to free up some SMS room and build towards the future.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Maier find a new home as a possible # 2 if he takes a # 2 QB salary.

Even Harris might be jettisoned in Regina. His playoff performance might be the deciding factor but he'll be 39 before TC starts.
Take no prisoners

TBURGESS

If VAJ wins a playoff game or two, would the Lions try to trade Rourke instead? Would any team take on his current contract? 

I don't see Ford isn't staying in Edmonton. They jerked him around too much already.

Alexander might be best off to stay in Montreal assuming he doesn't get a starting job and I don't think he will.

Maier would be a safe choice if you want a backup, but I think he's proven he'll never be a good starting QB.

Masoli should retire.

Edmonton & Calgary will be looking for new starting QB's.

Winnipeg, Hamilton, & Regina all have old QB's who could be done at any moment. Ford and Alexander would be great choices for the heir apparent role.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers - 2019 Grey Cup Champs.

Blue In BC

Quote from: TBURGESS on October 26, 2024, 05:59:32 PMIf VAJ wins a playoff game or two, would the Lions try to trade Rourke instead? Would any team take on his current contract?

I don't see Ford isn't staying in Edmonton. They jerked him around too much already.

Alexander might be best off to stay in Montreal assuming he doesn't get a starting job and I don't think he will.

Maier would be a safe choice if you want a backup, but I think he's proven he'll never be a good starting QB.

Masoli should retire.

Edmonton & Calgary will be looking for new starting QB's.

Winnipeg, Hamilton, & Regina all have old QB's who could be done at any moment. Ford and Alexander would be great choices for the heir apparent role.

It's an interesting question about what the Lions will do. How VAJ does in the playoffs might be a deciding factor. He's got a smaller contract than Rourke.

I don't see another team being willing to take on Rourke's contract and give up talent to get him. He might be forced into a trade deal that agrees to a new contract for less money. Even the Lions might be forced to re-negotiate with him.
Take no prisoners

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: TBURGESS on October 26, 2024, 05:59:32 PMIf VAJ wins a playoff game or two, would the Lions try to trade Rourke instead? Would any team take on his current contract?

I don't see Ford isn't staying in Edmonton. They jerked him around too much already.

Alexander might be best off to stay in Montreal assuming he doesn't get a starting job and I don't think he will.

Maier would be a safe choice if you want a backup, but I think he's proven he'll never be a good starting QB.

Masoli should retire.

Edmonton & Calgary will be looking for new starting QB's.

Winnipeg, Hamilton, & Regina all have old QB's who could be done at any moment. Ford and Alexander would be great choices for the heir apparent role.

I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor Powell wants out of Hamilton especially after getting no reps. in a meaningless game last night.  With BLM feeling his oats again he'll probably come back for another season with the Ti-Cats and Milanovich tends to stick with the hot hand in order to better hold onto his precarious job.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: ModAdmin on October 26, 2024, 06:44:56 AMNext year the Bombers will be looking for the heir-apparent to Zach Collaros.  Not suggesting that Zach will be gone after 2025 but that the Bombers have to be prepared for the future beyond Zach.

After 2025 you can keep playing Zach, assuming he stays this good or better, but you will then absolutely need to have a legit #2.  Either our dev guy clearly is the next Dru, or we get a hired gun in FA.

But if we go the FA route, Zach would absolutely have to take a big discount, otherwise we can't afford it (SMS).

There is no way we roll into '26 without a legit backup ready for when Zach gets injured or becomes ineffective.  Heck, we might not even roll into '25 that way, but his existing contract precludes an established #1-capable #2.
Never go full Rider!

DM83

These guys considered backups should not. Demand. A big contract.  They have proven their worth.Ford isn't any good. What's he won? He. Can't read a defense.  The best guy is VAJ, next the. Back up in Montreal.  How about Bo Levi Mack to Calgary?

Winnioeg should go after Procup for the next two years.

Pete

Quote from: DM83 on October 27, 2024, 08:50:09 PMThese guys considered backups should not. Demand. A big contract.  They have proven their worth.Ford isn't any good. What's he won? He. Can't read a defense.  The best guy is VAJ, next the. Back up in Montreal.  How about Bo Levi Mack to Calgary?

Winnioeg should go after Procup for the next two years.
Hard no to  Prukop

peg_city

Unless Buck is going to create packages for Streveler, they should sign someone else.

2025 QBs

BC - Rourke
EDM - MBT
CAL - Adams?
SSK - Harris, Patterson
WPG - Collaros, Wilson
HAM - BLM
TOR - Kelly, Dukes
OTT - Brown
MTL - Fajardo

Left is Ford, Maier, Streveler, Masoli, Powell, Alexander,

Jesse

Zach Collaros, Chad Kelly, and Dru Brown are probably sure bets as their team starters.

Rourke should be in BC, but if VAJ succeeds in the play-offs, that's a tough commitment to make.

Gotta think the Western teams will be all in on VAJ if he shakes loose: Calgary, Edmonton, and Sask would love to get him.

Then one of Harris, Maier, or MBT shake loose.

Not convinced BLM stays in Hamilton, but he played well enough to start somewhere. There was lots of tensions between BLM and Milanovich, but hard to believe they go with an unknown in Powell after such a rough season too.

I'm personally wondering if the Als let Fajardo walk to keep Alexander in the fold - but if they keep Cody, then there will be plenty of nebulous QB rooms for Alexander to walk into and expect an opportunity.
My wife is amazing!

Blue In BC

I can come up with reasons for a few QB's that might be available. However those choices want to start and will want big money. The reality is good # 2 QB's are found and developed and they move on to where they can achieve that.

Unless Collaros retires ( which I doubt ) then our choices are going to fall into the rookie choices at TC.

I haven't seen Wilson in any practice so he could be a strong candidate or he could be replaced in TC.

We'll see which QB's reach free agency and how the situation with VAJ pans out and the domino affect.
Take no prisoners

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 27, 2024, 09:26:04 PMI can come up with reasons for a few QB's that might be available. However those choices want to start and will want big money. The reality is good # 2 QB's are found and developed and they move on to where they can achieve that.

Unless Collaros retires ( which I doubt ) then our choices are going to fall into the rookie choices at TC.

I haven't seen Wilson in any practice so he could be a strong candidate or he could be replaced in TC.

We'll see which QB's reach free agency and how the situation with VAJ pans out and the domino affect.

BC is going to trade V.A. for assets, there should be 2-3 teams interested, all in the West.

J5V

Does anyone know much about Terry Wilson? He seems to have good legs but I don't see much on his passing skills. He can definitely run though.
Go Bombers!

Throw Long Bannatyne

#30
Quote from: J5V on October 27, 2024, 10:08:35 PMDoes anyone know much about Terry Wilson? He seems to have good legs but I don't see much on his passing skills. He can definitely run though.

He looked ok in preseason and seemed to have a good arm, you'd have to re-watch a preseason game to see it though, as that's the last time he threw a ball on camera.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2024, 10:07:54 PMBC is going to trade V.A. for assets, there should be 2-3 teams interested, all in the West.

If VAJ wins them the cup then I would trade away Rourke.  But that's just me.

Here's the thing about any BC trade: if they don't want to cheat the cap again in 2025, they'll still have not much SMS left to bring in any top-tier talent, assuming they want to keep a lot of their current roster.  The only thing that would help them and keep them within cap would be ELC or mid-tier guys (NAT or IMP).

So in that case, they'll likely take a NAT and then a lot of great DPs.  Can they trade for both a 1st round '25 and a 1st round '26 DP?
Never go full Rider!