Re: Zach Collaros

[bwiser]

What do we do with Collaros. Is he the QB that lead this team to 10 out of eleven wins and was throwing darts against Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Western Final or his he what we have seen in the last three Grey Cups. I don't see O'Shea getting rid of him so I think we are going to see him back next season playing well in the regular season and hopefully we never see Grey Cup Collaros and he can put it together when it counts.

[VictorRomano]

Personally?  If I'm Walters I go all in on Tre Ford as the 1A, with the understanding that we aren't re-signing Zach after next season, and will be handing him the reins in 2026, and keep Wilson for SY.  Give Ford lots of playing time in the meantime, and a chance to learn our system under our (hopefully new) OC.

[TBURGESS]

First we pay him his $250K guaranteed money. Then we look for his successor in FA. 

My picks in order would be VAJ then Ford.

[Blue In BC]

First we pay him his $250K guaranteed money. Then we look for his successor in FA.

My picks in order would be VAJ then Ford.

Are you suggesting buying out Collaros and then trying to complete a trade for VAJ? Noting that VAJ is also due $500K+ in 2025 and buying out Collaros would be a heck of a hit to the SMS. We'd also have to give up assets in trade and can't really tell what that might cost us.

Would also note that VAJ is a hit or miss big play QB that threw 3 pics in the WSF. He was also 8 / 17 and 1 int when the Bombers beat the Lions 25-0.

He's younger and more athletic but IMO his football IQ is not that good.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Are you suggesting buying out Collaros and then trying to complete a trade for VAJ? Noting that VAJ is also due $500K+ in 2025 and buying out Collaros would be a heck of a hit to the SMS. We'd also have to give up assets in trade and can't really tell what that might cost us.

Would also note that VAJ is a hit or miss big play QB that threw 3 pics in the WSF. He was also 8 / 17 and 1 int when the Bombers beat the Lions 25-0.

He's younger and more athletic but IMO his football IQ is not that good.

He's emotionally unstable, I'd pass on VA.

[Jesse]

This is not a debate or discussion. Zach is the starter next year. Full stop.

[TBURGESS]

Are you suggesting buying out Collaros and then trying to complete a trade for VAJ? Noting that VAJ is also due $500K+ in 2025 and buying out Collaros would be a heck of a hit to the SMS. We'd also have to give up assets in trade and can't really tell what that might cost us.

Would also note that VAJ is a hit or miss big play QB that threw 3 pics in the WSF. He was also 8 / 17 and 1 int when the Bombers beat the Lions 25-0.

He's younger and more athletic but IMO his football IQ is not that good.

Collaros is owed $250K guaranteed money next year.

VAJ is the best available QB. He was a shoo-in for MOP until he got hurt. Behind our O line with Brady to put him in 2nd and medium & an OC that doesn't call 90% passes, his football IQ would magically go way up. He's also loved by his teammates, so he could help bring FA's in too.

As for money... Cut Stev, Biggie, & Alexander and go with cheaper replacements.

[Blue In BC]

Collaros is owed $250K guaranteed money next year.

VAJ is the best available QB. He was a shoo-in for MOP until he got hurt. Behind our O line with Brady to put him in 2nd and medium & an OC that doesn't call 90% passes, his football IQ would magically go way up. He's also loved by his teammates, so he could help bring FA's in too.

As for money... Cut Stev, Biggie, & Alexander and go with cheaper replacements.

I'd argue whether that is a wise action. Would also note that we have to find money for Ford and Holm in the new SMS. 4 of our starting OL are potential free agents so that's more SMS if we can retain them.

If Collaros was a free agent and VAJ could be acquired in free agency I might consider that as more viable. Eating $250K and trading assets not so much.

However, it's a fair position to suggest. IMO Collaros will be our starter in 2025 but I would like his SMS to be trimmed down to about $500K.

[Pigskin]

Yes, ZC8 will be starting for the Bombers next season, unless he asks for a trade.

But, Ford or Alexander would be my choice for his backup.

[Pigskin]

Collaros is owed $250K guaranteed money next year.

VAJ is the best available QB. He was a shoo-in for MOP until he got hurt. Behind our O line with Brady to put him in 2nd and medium & an OC that doesn't call 90% passes, his football IQ would magically go way up. He's also loved by his teammates, so he could help bring FA's in too.

As for money... Cut Stev, Biggie, & Alexander and go with cheaper replacements.

Strev. $125K, Biggie $165K, Alexander $??, I would also throw JT95 on that pile.

[dd]

I would like to see us get a young up and coming Qb to be our #2 next year with our sights set on him succeeding Collaros after 2025. Alexander and Ford come to mind. There's no doubt in my mind had we had Tre Ford as our #2, we'd be Grey Cup champs right now, as if the passing game struggles, as it did, his running ability would have carried us through to victory.

[blue_gold_84]

This is not a debate or discussion. Zach is the starter next year. Full stop.

Agreed. I can't see any situation where Collaros isn't QB1 for 2025.

That said, I hope the Mafia has a succession plan.

[dd]

I think the 2025 #2 Qb has got to be your succession plan for 2026, you bring in who you figure is going to be your starter post-Collaros in 2025 and get him going development wise in 2025 so in 2026 when ZC retires, he's ready to go. It's too bad we lost Dru Brown as he was the perfect replacement, just 2 years too soon. I see Alexander potentially being the next DB

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

2 QB's forgotten in the mix that have been injured this season and might be available are the Als Caleb Evans and RB's Tyrie Adams, both very athletic young QB's.  Question is if they have the brain power to read the field and produce.

[Blue In BC]

Strev. $125K, Biggie $165K, Alexander $??, I would also throw JT95 on that pile.

Yeah, they are on my potential list. Also: Parker, Augustine, Benson, Gauthier, Hallett, Hallett, K. Wilson and Dolegala. It depends on who we can re-sign of our potential free agents, or acquire in free agency.

We can't get rid of every veteran and several of these players add value. Roster size, ratio and SMS are all in play.

Before anyone goes nuts on my suggestions, just note these are all subject to a bunch of conditions. Most involve SMS and succession. I made an earlier comment about Bighill as a DI for the right price might work if he agrees to that role as an example.

We'll be watching the draft and see if we keep our 1st couple of picks and who we get as possible replacements.