Bombers agree to terms with Chris Streveler

[The Zipp]

strevy is back...hopefully they use him a bit differently. 


***Chris Streveler will be available to media via Zoom, Monday, February 10th at 2:30 p.m. CT. Zoom details below.***

Blue Bombers re-sign quarterback Chris Streveler

WINNIPEG, MB., February 8, 2025 –  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with quarterback Chris Streveler.

Streveler (6-1, 216; South Dakota/Minnesota; born: January 6, 1995, in Naperville, IL.) returns for a fourth season with the club (2018-19; 2024-25) after suiting up for 13 games last year before suffering a knee injury in the Banjo Bowl.

He made one start for an injured Zach Collaros in 2024, helping lead the club to a 25-16 victory over the RedBlacks and finished the year with 343 yards passing after completing 31 of 52 attempts for one touchdown and one interception.

Streveler also rushed 87 times for 272 yards and 10 touchdowns, a total which led the Blue Bombers and tied for the league lead with Tommy Stephens.

Streveler first signed with the Blue Bombers on May 4th, 2018, and was the club's starter to open the season just a few weeks later following the sudden retirement of Darian Durant and an injury to Matt Nichols near the end of training camp. That made him the first straight-from-college quarterback to start Week 1 for a CFL team since Anthony Calvillo with the Las Vegas Posse in 1994 and the first for the Blue Bombers since John Schneider in 1968. He threw for 11 touchdowns in his first season in Winnipeg while rushing for 10 more, making him the first Winnipeg QB since Matt Dunigan to hit double-digit touchdown totals through the air and along the ground.

During the 2019 championship run, he again stepped in for an injured Nichols and guided the club to a 3-5 record. His 726 yards rushing that year established a club record by a quarterback, eclipsing Ken Ploen's mark of 541, set in 1960.

Streveler started 12 games in 2018 and 2019 with the Blue Bombers, throwing for 2,698 yards with 19 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,167 yards and 22 touchdowns.

He then spent the next four years in the National Football League suiting up for nine regular season games and starting one during his days with the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets. Streveler also spent brief stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins.

Streveler began his college career at the University of Minnesota, playing both quarterback and receiver before transferring to the University of South Dakota. In his two seasons with the Coyotes, he threw for 6,081 yards and 54 touchdowns.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/02/08/winnipeg-blue-bombers-agree-to-terms-with-quarterback-chris-streveler-2/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[Jesse]

Yeah. This doesn't feel the same way it did last year when we signed him.

Don't know why we didn't use him the same way we did in his previous run with the team (which was so effective).

Again, hopefully a little more consistency on the OL, and better depth in the receiving core helps our offence gain a little more traction early than last season.

[Blueforlife]

I didn't see this coming but I bet the price was right.  It's nice to have an QB that has some experience that can come in for emergencies. I like our options at QB.  He will be hungry and hopefully healthy. 

[TBURGESS]

Meh. I was expecting this, but hoping we wouldn't do it.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I'd rather see them invest more reps in Wilson than waste time grooming Strev in the hope he can eventually replace Collaros.

Will Strev be #2 QB or SY QB or both? 

[markf]

Good news

[BBRT]

Lukewarm on this one. Too many other gaps that we need to fill. Not sure how valuable this signing will be.

[Blue In BC]

I have no idea which QB will end up where in the ranking. In theory Streveler being a fan favourite and
 
"veteran ", he is almost certainly going to make the AR. I doubt he's getting much more than Dolegala so team friendly deal.

Does that mean Dolegala or Wilson gets bumped to PR or 1 game IR?

Could Streveler get more chance in pre season to show he should be # 2 NOW? He does add some excitement every now and then.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Meh. I was expecting this, but hoping we wouldn't do it.

Can't help but agree on this one. He was not very effective, including short yardage, last year. Now coming off a bad leg injury at his age. They never let him throw the ball. I guessing there was a reason for that.

Meh.

[Blue72]

I would have rather see Duke come in. He is younger, can scramble plus I think he beat the Bombers a couple years ago.

[theaardvark]

Dolegala is under contract, but I don't think he has any roster bonuses, so I can see him being released.

[dd]

Meh. I was expecting this, but hoping we wouldn't do it.

Same. We need to move on from this, but alas we're stuck in the same rut as before. I take it he's our short yardage Qb,  hoping Jackson can work with Dolegala and get him going.

[Jesse]

Lukewarm on this one. Too many other gaps that we need to fill. Not sure how valuable this signing will be.

The QB room has nothing to do with the other gaps tho.

[The Zipp]

I would have rather see Duke come in. He is younger, can scramble plus I think he beat the Bombers a couple years ago.

i agree.  that is who i was hoping for

[Pigskin]

I think this will set Wilson's development back a bit. Strev will now be taking the #2 reps at practice.

[Ridermania]

From an outsider, signing Strev is safe and provides continuity with Zach.

Next season may be different, depending on development of Wilson.

Can't wait for the season to start!



 

[bunker]

i agree.  that is who i was hoping for

You may be about to get your wish. Rumour on the other site it that we may have signed Dukes.

[Jesse]

You may be about to get your wish. Rumour on the other site it that we may have signed Dukes.

Now that's interesting.

What the hell are we going to do with all these arms?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Now that's interesting.

What the hell are we going to do with all these arms?

I think it was a joke, Strev or Dukes but why both?

[theaardvark]

I think this will set Wilson's development back a bit. Strev will now be taking the #2 reps at practice.

Will he though?

[Jesse]

Will he though?

No reason to think he wouldn't.

[Blueforlife]

No reason to think he wouldn't.

A lot can happen in camp to determine QB pecking order.  I see Wilson as a key to develop with his strong arm.  I see Strev as insurance, wild cat and short yardage.  It will take some reps for sure but might not be a huge factor.  Know more at end of preseason how everyone looks and what direction management is headed.

[Waffler]

It's MOS.  Qb's 1 and 2 are set before camp just like the oline last year. Dolegala and Wilson in a dog fight to stay.

[DM83]

Fan favourite.
I love the guy also. Super spirit. All is good in the world!
Now does he even pass the physical?

[dd]

Fan favourite.
I love the guy also. Super spirit. All is good in the world!
Now does he even pass the physical?

I don't think he does...

[Tehedra]

This is a disappointing signing in my opinion.   Streveler is not going to be a replacement for Collaros and we need to be searching and developing our next quarterback.

[GOLDMEMBER]

If we got Dukes as back up this would be a sweet QB room. I hope the Big Blue site ain't spouting false claims again.

[DM83]

Why did you say that? When did it ever say something about a player signing?

[TecnoGenius]

Now that's interesting.

What the hell are we going to do with all these arms?

Clearly there's going to be some big cuts.  Both Wilson and Dolegala may be casualties.  They may have seen enough from Wilson already.  And the fact Dolegala wasn't put in the GC at all after the finger slice speaks volumes.

If Dukes is coming (not too thrilled about it), then Wilson is toast.  Too bad, I would have given Wilson 1 more year to prove he's not the next Dom Davis.  Not like we have any other hot prospects (yet?) who will be the next Kelly & Rourke.

[TecnoGenius]

The QB room has nothing to do with the other gaps tho.

It does in terms of $$.  If you choose to keep 4 or 5 decent QBs on the extended roster (like TOR did when they held Zach) that's a lot of SMS tied up.  We're always a 3-QB team, with maybe 1 ELC guy hiding in the wings.

[TecnoGenius]

Will Strev be #2 QB or SY QB or both?

SY for sure.  #2... for sure last season, but this season?  If he can still run, I'm guessing "yes", because -- why not?

I'm happy with this signing.  I'm a bit surprised though.  My theory was we were ditching a lot of the tub-bound guys and this was going to be a trend.  Strev kind of puts that to rest.  Clearly we are taking long hard looks on a player by player basis rather than a blanket "out with the old/lame".

I'm also surprised since Strev's BFF (Woli) is on another team.  (It could be the other team doesn't want him even for free!)

My hunch is we went to Strev saying "injury plus lackluster play = you want to sign for $99k?".  For some reason Strevie likes it here and is fine playing for peanuts (maybe with incentives).

I won't argue with that!!  Welcome back Strev.  You're one of this fan's favorites!  Maybe with a new OC we can do some 3rd & 1's for 25 yards like 2019!!

   

[Blue In BC]

I wonder if the rumour about signing Dukes turns out to be true. If it is that suggests they might be done with Wilson and possibly even Dolegala.

That seems a but early to give up on Wilson and I expect some other QB's to be looked at in mini camps and early days of TC.

How this unfolds is not known but we certainly need to see improvement by whoever lands as # 2 QB.

[gordo]

For some reason Strevie likes it here and is fine playing for peanuts (maybe with incentives).

Well what are his options.  I think he's nearing the end of the road, especially with the injury.  So maybe not much interest from other CFL teams and maybe no better offers.  And NFL tryouts are not in the cards for him now.

I like the signing just from a great guy in the room perspective.  I think folks have it wrong saying he'll hinder development of the younger QB's.  Streveler is not here to be our next starter. He's a year by year widget. He's here to (hopefully) add an extra dimension to the offence that few guys can do.  Run an effective pass/run option and be inserted a few times a game to keep the other teams off balance.  That is of course if the Bombers choose to use him this year in that role (unlike last year).

The Bombers will also continue to develop a chosen young QB to be our future starter.  Maybe Wilson.  And Streveler can actually help with that. But he's not in the long term plan.

[Blue In BC]

Well what are his options.  I think he's nearing the end of the road, especially with the injury.  So maybe not much interest from other CFL teams and maybe no better offers.  And NFL tryouts are not in the cards for him now.

I like the signing just from a great guy in the room perspective.  I think folks have it wrong saying he'll hinder development of the younger QB's.  Streveler is not here to be our next starter. He's a year by year widget. He's here to (hopefully) add an extra dimension to the offence that few guys can do.  Run an effective pass/run option and be inserted a few times a game to keep the other teams off balance.  That is of course if the Bombers choose to use him this year in that role (unlike last year).

The Bombers will also continue to develop a chosen young QB to be our future starter.  Maybe Wilson.  And Streveler can actually help with that. But he's not in the long term plan.

It does hinder development if he is the # 2 QB choice. He'd get more reps in practice and any necessary work on the field during the season.

At some point the # 2 QB has to PLAY in games. Even if Collaros never needs to miss game time during injury, there are game situations where the next man up can play. Winning of losing isn't always determined in the last 2 minutes. Coaches need to find and be willing to give that QB time to play.

Wilson had one completion in one attempt for 4 yards. YIKES.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

It does hinder development if he is the # 2 QB choice. He'd get more reps in practice and any necessary work on the field during the season.

At some point the # 2 QB has to PLAY in games. Even if Collaros never needs to miss game time during injury, there are game situations where the next man up can play. Winning of losing isn't always determined in the last 2 minutes. Coaches need to find and be willing to give that QB time to play.

Wilson had one completion in one attempt for 4 yards. YIKES.

Yah, they either give Wilson a package with a fair chunk of playing time or they throw his potential away. If Zach goes down and they immediately hand the ball to Strev, Wilson isn't going to develop.

[theaardvark]

It will be interesting to see what Jackson does with Strevy.

And how Hogan utilizes him.

Obviously, those two had a lot to do with him signing here. 

We need Zach's heir at #2.  If that is Streveler, have at it.  Give him #2 reps.

If he's here for SY, gadget and emergency backup, then he sits at #3 on the chart for practice reps and in game replacement. 

Will his ego allow for that?  I hope so.

[DM83]

Wilson did not appear to have any significant potential.
He will be cut.

[Blueforlife]

Wilson did not appear to have any significant potential.
He will be cut.

Strongest arm on the team last year is what I heard. So limited reps we have no idea what potential he has.  I see promise and a lot of tools.  A classic DM83 moment.  He will need a good camp to continue to be part of the mix.  My bet is he makes it but too early to know if we will add more talent b4 camp.  Takes most QBs years to learn the trade at the pro level.  Patience pays off.  It did with MOS, management and Hall.  Lots of people wanted them gone back in the day, sure happy we stayed the course.  Some people didn't see the promise in Brown, now he is a good starter.

Edit Patterson throws another one into the mix! Great we got so many options!

I like all our backup QBs and may the best two out of camp win! Doubt any of these guys would go on the PR. Maybe Wilson?

[dd]

Lots of arms in camp this year. I think it will pan out this way- Collaros obviously #1 starter, Patterson #2, Streveller short yardage Qb or if he fails the physical, Wilson. Dolegala will be odd man out.

[theaardvark]

Wonder if Buck would pick up Wilson should he hit the PR...

[dd]

Wonder if Buck would pick up Wilson should he hit the PR...

I wouldn't be surprised by that move, Buck knows Wilson and how does BC have as their SY Qb??

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Wonder if Buck would pick up Wilson should he hit the PR...

Maybe I missed someone but the Lions look frighteningly low on QB talent behind Rourke, they only have 2 no-names listed on their roster, Chase Bryce and Garrett Shrader.  Could be they are even more myopic than the Bombers approaching the season without a Plan B behind Rourke.

[Blueforlife]

The most interesting QB camp in years for the Bombers

[theaardvark]

Maybe I missed someone but the Lions look frighteningly low on QB talent behind Rourke, they only have 2 no-names listed on their roster, Chase Bryce and Garrett Shrader.  Could be they are even more myopic than the Bombers approaching the season without a Plan B behind Rourke.

Who could they afford along with Rourke?  Even with the +$400k and his restructuring, he's still the top paid QB in the league... makes the QB budget a lot tighter.

[J5V]

Good interview here with Strev.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0bqYrtrKGQ

[Waffler]

Jeff Hamilton in Free Press:

"Streveler said his rehab is way ahead of schedule; when he first got
injured, doctors were projecting almost a year to reach full health,
but Streveler said he is well on track to be ready for training camp
in May. He's already able to run and jump and has been throwing the
ball three or four days per week, all while showcasing a positive
attitude."

Smart of the Bombers to have extra arms here. You don't know if he tests the knee and it really isn't game ready. At least we will have guys in our system from day one.

[DM83]

Sure if he is working out with 500 pounds on his back when he runs and cuts, ok.  If not the physical forces in his knee and surrounding ligaments,tendons and whatever else is working to get the range of motion, and stability needs testing under that kind of pressure. Actually it's probably more, for a pro athlete.

Use the time rehabbing, and learn the game so you can share your enthusiasm coaching.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Jeff Hamilton in Free Press:

"Streveler said his rehab is way ahead of schedule; when he first got
injured, doctors were projecting almost a year to reach full health,
but Streveler said he is well on track to be ready for training camp
in May. He's already able to run and jump and has been throwing the
ball three or four days per week, all while showcasing a positive
attitude."

Smart of the Bombers to have extra arms here. You don't know if he tests the knee and it really isn't game ready. At least we will have guys in our system from day one.

[BLUEBOMBER]

Streveler should be converted to a FB. He is not QB material.

[blue_gold_84]

Streveler should be converted to a FB. He is not QB material.

What a bad take.

[tlf]

What a bad take.

The wrong move was bringing him back and using a QB roster spot for someone who can throw.  Strev is a good guy but not a good QB.

[blue_gold_84]

The wrong move was bringing him back and using a QB roster spot for someone who can throw.  Strev is a good guy but not a good QB.

He can throw. He just struggles to go through his reads and remain in the pocket, IMO. His default setting seems to be run first.

If used in a tandem, he's proven his effectiveness. For whatever reason, Pierce chose not to explore that option last season. Hopefully, Hogan (and Jackson) don't make the same mistake.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He can throw. He just struggles to go through his reads and remain in the pocket, IMO. His default setting seems to be run first.

If used in a tandem, he's proven his effectiveness. For whatever reason, Pierce chose not to explore that option last season. Hopefully, Hogan (and Jackson) don't make the same mistake.

He can throw. He just struggles to go through his reads and remain in the pocket, IMO. His default setting seems to be run first.

If used in a tandem, he's proven his effectiveness. For whatever reason, Pierce chose not to explore that option last season. Hopefully, Hogan (and Jackson) don't make the same mistake.

Not sure what was going on last year, no indication Strev had a package designed for him and zero use beyond SY smash and bash.  Not sad Buck move on.

[J5V]

Streveler should be converted to a FB. He is not QB material.

Guy could play for me anytime. He's part Viking Berserker and part Roman Gladiator, throws a decent ball, is a load to bring down, and has an indefatigable positive attitude that exudes winner! He's a leader and the locker room loves him. We're lucky to have him and his bond with the city of Winnipeg is very strong.

[markf]

The single time he was given a real chance to play, he played well, had a good arm, completed passes, did not appear to have a problem reading the D, did not look out of place running the offence, and won games.

I think Since then he has been been treated pretty badly, here, and the NFL. Outstanding performance for the N.Y. jets in preseason, praised by head coach....cut.
Bombers is not a great team for developing a quarterback. Outside of the limited playing time Brown got, who has gotten some experience here, since the arrival of Collaros. Even in blowouts.

Then we get what we got last grey cup.

[J5V]

The single time he was given a real chance to play, he played well, had a good arm, completed passes, did not appear to have a problem reading the D, did not look out of place running the offence, and won games.

I think Since then he has been been treated pretty badly, here, and the NFL. Outstanding performance for the N.Y. jets in preseason, praised by head coach....cut.
Bombers is not a great team for developing a quarterback. Outside of the limited playing time Brown got, who has gotten some experience here, since the arrival of Collaros. Even in blowouts.

Then we get what we got last grey cup.

Yeah, I kind of see it that way too yet you never, ever heard a peep of complaint out of Streveler. The guy fits my mold of a Bomber perfectly.

[Blueforlife]

Streveler should be converted to a FB. He is not QB material.

Terrible idea imo

[dd]

If ever there was a guy who you wanted to see succeed, who's paid the price, its Strevy. Beauty of a teammate, got busted up last year, hope he's recovered for this year. It makes total sense to have him as a SY Qb, and once we get the first down, go into a tempo/no huddle offense where you can take advantage of the heavy D brought on for SY, to run plays that attack the D, run play action/RPO, boot Strevy outside and let him kill some DB's. I don't recall seeing that last year, just get the 1st down, and get off.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

If ever there was a guy who you wanted to see succeed, who's paid the price, its Strevy. Beauty of a teammate, got busted up last year, hope he's recovered for this year. It makes total sense to have him as a SY Qb, and once we get the first down, go into a tempo/no huddle offense where you can take advantage of the heavy D brought on for SY, to run plays that attack the D, run play action/RPO, boot Strevy outside and let him kill some DB's. I don't recall seeing that last year, just get the 1st down, and get off.

You didn't see it, cause in 87 carries last season he didn't get outside and never broke a long one running over a DB in the process. He broke a rib in his first game against the RB's, he might be a hard luck story but maybe smashing into people with the intent to punish them isn't the best way to run the ball or a good way to sustain a football career.  Have we ever witnessed a player accumulate more serious injuries in a shorter period of time?  Everything about Strev is legendary.

[TecnoGenius]

The single time he was given a real chance to play, he played well, had a good arm, completed passes, did not appear to have a problem reading the D, did not look out of place running the offence, and won games.

People forget Strev was winning .500 for us as a rookie and sophomore in '18 and '19.  And that's against an extremely good West division back then.

I think he's easily still a .500 QB in-season.  If Zach goes down for a few weeks, you could do worse than .500.  And certainly you can't beat .500 for the price of Strev!

'19 Strev was also pivotal in winning the '19 WSF and GC.

I agree Strev really isn't the best choice as heir to Zach for '26 and beyond.  We need to find other solutions.  I suppose if we really had to we could roll in '26 with Strev, but we'd then be loooong shots for the GC.

[dd]

If collaros retires after this season, I can see Fajardo coming here and win us alot of football games. I know he's not a fan favorite, but I don't see any other Qb's in the league being a better option than him who aren't starting right now (assuming all current starters stay as starters on their team or we are outbid for them)

[TecnoGenius]

If collaros retires after this season, I can see Fajardo coming here and win us alot of football games. I know he's not a fan favorite, but I don't see any other Qb's in the league being a better option than him who aren't starting right now (assuming all current starters stay as starters on their team or we are outbid for them)

Eeeewwww!  I could barely handle Dolegala or Patterson with their green tinge... no way I could handle full on Cody.  Especially not after that '23 GC.

If you look at past QB pick-ups, it's been finding the middling "maybe next big thing" Nichols (and even Drew Willy), or left-for-dead scrap-heap gem-find Collaros.

The main things is we never got in a bidding war.

Thus we may look at an overlooked up & comer like maybe Powell (some would add Dukes).  Or even scrapheap material like BLM (barf), or Masoli (hmm, maybe?).

I bet 2024 will present us with some new possible "next big things" that isn't even on any radar yet.  The key is identifying those people before the rest of the league catches on... and being right!

[Jesse]

Eeeewwww!  I could barely handle Dolegala or Patterson with their green tinge... no way I could handle full on Cody.  Especially not after that '23 GC.

If you look at past QB pick-ups, it's been finding the middling "maybe next big thing" Nichols (and even Drew Willy), or left-for-dead scrap-heap gem-find Collaros.

The main things is we never got in a bidding war.

Thus we may look at an overlooked up & comer like maybe Powell (some would add Dukes).  Or even scrapheap material like BLM (barf), or Masoli (hmm, maybe?).

I bet 2024 will present us with some new possible "next big things" that isn't even on any radar yet.  The key is identifying those people before the rest of the league catches on... and being right!

We only settled on Drew Willy because we lost the bidding wars for Zach and Henry Burris. I'm pretty sure it was a situation where we offered more money but they chose to go to Hamilton and Ottawa respectively because we were so terrible back then.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Eeeewwww!  I could barely handle Dolegala or Patterson with their green tinge... no way I could handle full on Cody.  Especially not after that '23 GC.

If you look at past QB pick-ups, it's been finding the middling "maybe next big thing" Nichols (and even Drew Willy), or left-for-dead scrap-heap gem-find Collaros.

The main things is we never got in a bidding war.

Thus we may look at an overlooked up & comer like maybe Powell (some would add Dukes).  Or even scrapheap material like BLM (barf), or Masoli (hmm, maybe?).

I bet 2024 will present us with some new possible "next big things" that isn't even on any radar yet.  The key is identifying those people before the rest of the league catches on... and being right!

The problem going after a middling QB with no star power, is they likely end up producing middling results, just making the playoffs or more likely falling just short.  He becomes a placeholder until someone else comes along. 

It would be great if they could find someone the caliber of Nichols but that QB option has yet to emerge on the radar screen. Arbuckle demonstrated he can win if given a very good team but his athletics reminds me of Sean Salisbury with shades of inadequate overall results.

Powell is the future in Hamilton so they're not letting him go, BLM and MBT are already too old, Maier either takes over in Sask within the next 2 years or remains a forever backup option like Shiltz. 

Unless Tre Ford flops hard in Edm. Fajardo will be looking for a new contract next season and the Bombers may be one of the few teams with a QB opening.  Like him or not, Cody is a motivated individual, he brings a pent up resentful fire with him, he's continually trying to prove he's good enough and deserves accolades for his successful track record. If signed by the Bombers it could be a tumultuous and entertaining ride that might last 2-3 years and get them close like he did in Sask, but probably no GC wins.

[dd]

Remember Fajardo beat us in the Grey Cup, so not so sure if he comes here wouldn't do the same with a better supporting cast than he had in Montreal, I don't see why he wouldn't be a winner here. I can really see this playing out a year from now.

[TecnoGenius]

We only settled on Drew Willy because we lost the bidding wars for Zach and Henry Burris.

That's right before I became an uber-fan, so I'll take your word for it!  I didn't know the Willy backstory.  It's interesting to know that we tried a bidding war for 2 top prospect though!  That changes my theory somewhat.

[TecnoGenius]

Unless Tre Ford flops hard in Edm. Fajardo will be looking for a new contract next season and the Bombers may be one of the few teams with a QB opening.  Like him or not, Cody is a motivated individual, he brings a pent up resentful fire with him, he's continually trying to prove he's good enough and deserves accolades for his successful track record. If signed by the Bombers it could be a tumultuous and entertaining ride that might last 2-3 years and get them close like he did in Sask, but probably no GC wins.

Ugh.  I still don't like it, but at least you're very well-reasoned.

The problem with signing Cody is that if it's a bust and we lose our 3-4 games to SSK that season we'll never hear the end of it from the greenies.  That would be more embarrassing than losing taking a chance on an unknown like Powell.

[TecnoGenius]

Remember Fajardo beat us in the Grey Cup, so not so sure if he comes here wouldn't do the same with a better supporting cast than he had in Montreal, I don't see why he wouldn't be a winner here. I can really see this playing out a year from now.

There is no better supporting cast than '23 MTL.  Our cast wasn't better that year, and it still isn't.  Ento, Uguyak, Mack, Dequoy, Philpot and more all on ELCs... it'll be a while before that level of cheap talent is on one single team again.

[DM83]

Fajardo at least plays to his potential.  He also lost in that playoff game vs, the Bombers a couple years ago when his potential TD pass hit the goal post.  So, I think he is competent.  He needs good players to make plays.  But so do most QBs.

I think Montreal gave him a raw deal. But they have a potential awesome QB, ten years?,younger, way cheaper, and they had to keep the younger guy. They did Fajardo a favor by releasing him. The Ford guy is Very exciting.  However, the " one read and if not there, run" motto, as it seems, to be is not sustainable.  Exciting yes,but he has to receive some teaching.  He could be outstanding, but he needs to be coached.

So yes, Fajardo, would be a good replacement for Zac.
That, being said, Zac looks like he can play another five years with protection.  Otherwise, he may be maimed with poor "protection". Short term ok. Long term? And no significant input by a neophyte "offensive coordinator" does not seem to be a responsible plan. Great opportunity, plus Jarious available for a huge potential to fall back on, sounds good.

[dd]

I think if we get a decent OL and ZC is not beaten up this year, we'll see him back in 2026. He takes a pounding in 2025, the decision to retire is easy. I am hoping he is well protected and we finish the way we want the season to

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think if we get a decent OL and ZC is not beaten up this year, we'll see him back in 2026. He takes a pounding in 2025, the decision to retire is easy. I am hoping he is well protected and we finish the way we want the season to

Yah, I'm not certain Zach will choose to retire after this season but he's played football for so long I don't think he has a career he can fall back on.  As long as his brain health is not threatened he may continue to pursue the big paydays as long as he can, like Stanley is doing.  If he has no other plans, he could probably extend his career another 2-3 years after this one in a lesser capacity, which may or may not be in Wpg.

[Blueforlife]

Zach will be able to sign another contract for sure, if not us, there will be others interested at the right price, agree with others need protection and to stay healthy, he would consider retiring if his health was a risk but he might still get one more decent contract so the lure to retire with that final nest egg from football will be strong.  I would welcome him to retire a Bomber and groom the next gen.

[Pete]

lawlers already in Hamilton and with all the exbombers there it's just a matter of time til Zac goes back out east.

[dd]

Collaros is 2 years older than BLM, and if all goes well this year in Hammy, I don't see him being ousted out of town, mind you they were ready to ship him out last season!!. Kelly's in TO and Dru Brown in Ottawa, and Alexander in Montreal, all young bucks. If he wants to go east, he may have to be the veteran backup, which would be a good role for him health risk wise, I just don't think the athlete in him would accept that role, he'd want to start or retire,

[Jesse]

lawlers already in Hamilton and with all the exbombers there it's just a matter of time til Zac goes back out east.

lol. I think this is Zach's last stop.

[Pete]

Collaros is 2 years older than BLM, and if all goes well this year in Hammy, I don't see him being ousted out of town, mind you they were ready to ship him out last season!!. Kelly's in TO and Dru Brown in Ottawa, and Alexander in Montreal, all young bucks. If he wants to go east, he may have to be the veteran backup, which would be a good role for him health risk wise, I just don't think the athlete in him would accept that role, he'd want to start or retire,

you forget they moved Barlow and signed Garbutt. And they even signed josh Johnson along with almost every other Bomber available not named Ford.(btw the only bomber other than Ford was haba who signed with Toronto. Weird.)

[Cool Spot]

lol. I think this is Zach's last stop.

As a starting QB drawing big money, I think you're probably correct (mind you, Trevor Harris is two years older, and is still starting in Sask).

[Jesse]

As a starting QB drawing big money, I think you're probably correct (mind you, Trevor Harris is two years older, and is still starting in Sask).

I wouldn't be surprised if Zach is still starting two years. I wouldn't be surprised if it was for another team.

[DM83]

Zac has to be more certain in some of his throws. But he has been rushed too often to have any consistency. 2026 has the feeling of significant turnover.  Players on the Oline could all be replaced, because of age and injury.

Basically they will not have any veterans left. Plus injuries to an aging offence could happen. We have been lucky to.  It have any, for the most part.
 Defensively the team has continued to transition to younger but not neccearily better guys. It could be some lean years.

If Zac wants to play, the Bombers might be the only team looking for a QB

[TecnoGenius]

Ya, if Zach's arm isn't a noodle and he's still able to make decent reads, then he'll keep playing.  So far so good.  Zach is a shoe-in for WFC RoH and as such I want him here until retirement.  I don't care if '27 (or whatever) is a lackluster year because of it.

I really think Zach needs to be helped to speed up his wind up and release.  Compared to Rourke it's a bloody eternity and it allows all the defenders to cheat up on the throw for the INT.

I can't recall how quick Zach was when he was young... slower wind up may be an age thing that can't be overcome.  Dunno.

Maybe he can be coached up more on looking off FSs and more feints / pumpfakes to get DBs to cheat the wrong direction.  He's really lost a lot of that trickery game.  Good teams started to key on Zach's deficiencies in '23 and '24.

Zach is at his best throwing to a homerun Demski or Schoen one-on-one with no help over the top.  When that's missing we often have trouble.

[DM83]

Yup! Seems to be an accurate observation(s)

Does Zac look like a "came out of retirement player." Already.?
He is great sometimes, but seems "really bad at others

On the Interceptions, he looks really bad