Bomber Free Agents

[Blueforlife]

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/21/blue-bombers-transactiosn-january-21/

Sounds promising

[Blue In BC]

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/01/21/blue-bombers-transactiosn-january-21/

Sounds promising

Could be a good addition to watch in TC. There are bound to be many new DB's that are always needed to compete. We only have Bridges left from 2024 that spent most of his time on the PR.

I'm not saying Bridges won't stick but we'll need some quality players to cover for injury and depth on the PR.

Every TC there are a dozen new receivers and DB's to be able run drills.

The comments about this player comparing him to Ayers and Cole skill sets is a good starting point. Now if I can just remember where I read that, I'd attach that analysis.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Could be a good addition to watch in TC. There are bound to be many new DB's that are always needed to compete. We only have Bridges left from 2024 that spent most of his time on the PR.

I'm not saying Bridges won't stick but we'll need some quality players to cover for injury and depth on the PR.

Every TC there are a dozen new receivers and DB's to be able run drills.

The comments about this player comparing him to Ayers and Cole skill sets is a good starting point. Now if I can just remember where I read that, I'd attach that analysis.

Michael Griffin also pushing for a spot, at 213 lbs. he has a lot more muscle than the average DB who are typically sub 200 lbs., suggesting he's better suited to SAM or playing inside DB. His play on ST and filling in raised some eyebrows last season, they'll want to find a place on the field for him.

Can't find Souleymane Karamoko on roster or FA list, don't know what status he has, but likely they've moved on.

[theaardvark]

Michael Griffin also pushing for a spot, at 213 lbs. he has a lot more muscle than the average DB who are typically sub 200 lbs., suggesting he's better suited to SAM or playing inside DB. His play on ST and filling in raised some eyebrows last season, they'll want to find a place on the field for him.

Can't find Souleymane Karamoko on roster or FA list, don't know what status he has, but likely they've moved on.

Maybe Griffin fights for the FS spot?  Not sure where BA is in his career, he hasn't really been spectacular of late.  Maybe he set the bar too high early.  He's a FA, not sure what his ask will be, but if Griffin can take over, there some savings there.

[Blue In BC]

Michael Griffin also pushing for a spot, at 213 lbs. he has a lot more muscle than the average DB who are typically sub 200 lbs., suggesting he's better suited to SAM or playing inside DB. His play on ST and filling in raised some eyebrows last season, they'll want to find a place on the field for him.

Can't find Souleymane Karamoko on roster or FA list, don't know what status he has, but likely they've moved on.

I consider Griffin as part of the AR and not likely going to lose his spot / role. He's sort of a hybrid DB / LB and was a very good ST player. He as on the AR for 15 games plus post season.

I agree he could be a guy that is moved to safety or in rotation over the course of the season. We'll see what happens with Alexander who is a potential free agent.

Karamoko was on the PR to end the season and as such is now a free agent.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I consider Griffin as part of the AR and not likely going to lose his spot / role. He's sort of a hybrid DB / LB and was a very good ST player. He as on the AR for 15 games plus post season.

I agree he could be a guy that is moved to safety or in rotation over the course of the season. We'll see what happens with Alexander who is a potential free agent.

Karamoko was on the PR to end the season and as such is now a free agent.

Neither Griffin or Cole have a starting role or a fixed spot, could be they keep Griffin and let Cole walk which would be a pity as they're both great athletes that offer much versatility.

[Pigskin]

Griffin is also very good on teams. Finished the year with 16 STs. 1 behind Ayers. I would like to see Cole back he's very quick and plays a physical game. 24 DTs last year for a backup is pretty decent.

Another player that needs more playing time is Devin Adams. He only played a limited amount of time and had a pretty good season 16 DTs, 1 ST, 4 Sacks. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Griffin is also very good on teams. Finished the year with 16 STs. 1 behind Ayers. I would like to see Cole back he's very quick and plays a physical game. 24 DTs last year for a backup is pretty decent.

Another player that needs more playing time is Devin Adams. He only played a limited amount of time and had a pretty good season 16 DTs, 1 ST, 4 Sacks. 

Wasn't Adams injured for part of the season?  Seems like all the new D-linemates took their turn on the IR last season.

[Blueforlife]

Some good discussion here.

Can anyone remind of what they liked in Bridges?

I would like to see Cole, Adams and Griffin continue their development and get more reps.

[Blue In BC]

Neither Griffin or Cole have a starting role or a fixed spot, could be they keep Griffin and let Cole walk which would be a pity as they're both great athletes that offer much versatility.

Like most teams the Bombers rotate many players on and off the field. So it depends on what you mean about a fixed spot. Both players spent a lot of time on the field on defence because they have good skills. Both made plays and were all over the field hustling.

Essentially if you're on the AR that happens on the front 7 in order to keep players fresh. If an in game injury occurs they will spend more time in the resulting shuffle.

[Blue In BC]

Some good discussion here.

Can anyone remind of what they liked in Bridges?

I would like to see Cole, Adams and Griffin continue their development and get more reps.

Bridges made the AR for several games as our strongest / best DB we had on the PR when we needed a DI. Depth chart showed him mostly at DHB but he probably has some versatility. He didn't seem to be as involved on ST's as some others but that doesn't mean he wouldn't see more in 2025.

Like many rookies, making the AR might take an injury or standing out on ST's or in relief. Getting on the AR or reps when you do is not always possible due to ratio and roster size.

I expect to see Bridges kept around but that may still mean more time on the PR waiting his turn barring injury. The team didn't leave him on the PR to end the season which means they liked what they saw.

I like Cole but he's a pending free agent and he may choose another team that might give him a better chance to start etc.

At the moment, I think there is a good chance we re-sign him. If Ayers returns, spots on the AR are limited but his versatility can't be discounted.  Keeping in mind our depth at LB shuffled when Wilson was injured and somewhat before Griffin showed well.

[theaardvark]

The 3 DL set put a lot of extra reps in for the extra DB's.  And Griffin was noticeable during those sets.

I think we are going to be just fine at DB, new blood coming in and still lots of talent on the roster. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Bridges made the AR for several games as our strongest / best DB we had on the PR when we needed a DI. Depth chart showed him mostly at DHB but he probably has some versatility. He didn't seem to be as involved on ST's as some others but that doesn't mean he wouldn't see more in 2025.

Like many rookies, making the AR might take an injury or standing out on ST's or in relief. Getting on the AR or reps when you do is not always possible due to ratio and roster size.

I expect to see Bridges kept around but that may still mean more time on the PR waiting his turn barring injury. The team didn't leave him on the PR to end the season which means they liked what they saw.

I like Cole but he's a pending free agent and he may choose another team that might give him a better chance to start etc.

At the moment, I think there is a good chance we re-sign him. If Ayers returns, spots on the AR are limited but his versatility can't be discounted.  Keeping in mind our depth at LB shuffled when Wilson was injured and somewhat before Griffin showed well.

MOS seems like a guy who does not like to backtrack once he's given a player a commitment, he usually moves forward with Plan B. I think Pokey, Ayers and Ford have to be careful coming back from the NFL too late, O'Shea may give their jobs away to other players and they might have a hard time getting them back.

[Blue In BC]

Ayers hasn't been released for an NFL option deal yet as far as I know. Ford's situation is different as an actual pending free agent. He can take longer to decide and is not bound to Winnipeg past free agency.

There is a good chance Ayers returns as option window is not open too much longer.