2025 Free Agency (Blue Bomber Signings/News)

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

You've seen Eli block in passing situations.  He's subbed in at a couple positions during his career.

That's probably the main reason Eli isn't starting.

[theaardvark]

That's probably the main reason Eli isn't starting.

You know, in College, Eli was touted as a top NFL prospect at C, right? 

The main reason he isn't starting is that there are better, more established players ahead of him on the DC.  But there is also a reason he is here, because he has the ability to step in when needed.

[Jesse]

You know, in College, Eli was touted as a top NFL prospect at C, right? 

The main reason he isn't starting is that there are better, more established players ahead of him on the DC.  But there is also a reason he is here, because he has the ability to step in when needed.

College was 8 years ago. He's missed multiple years of his development in college and as a pro for various reasons. He had multiple rookies start ahead of him last season. He's here as a depth piece, sure. But his trajectory is much different than what we hoped for when he was drafted.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

You know, in College, Eli was touted as a top NFL prospect at C, right? 

The main reason he isn't starting is that there are better, more established players ahead of him on the DC.  But there is also a reason he is here, because he has the ability to step in when needed.

Totally irrelevant, Walters was touting Wallace stepping up to starter, he didn't mention Eli who's been next man up since he arrived in 2019.

[theaardvark]

Totally irrelevant, Walters was touting Wallace stepping up to starter, he didn't mention Eli who's been next man up since he arrived in 2019.

Wallace is next man up for OG for sure.  But Wallace would be sixth man id Kman went down, because Eli slides in there...

[Horseman]

Wallace is going to be a good one. I concentrate on OL play as that was what I played and was in the CFL draft years ago. Wallace is a road grader and will be the replacement for Dobson this year, book it.

[Ridermania]

Lucky has retired.

https://3downnation.com/2025/02/14/former-all-star-cfl-receiver-lucky-whitehead-retires-from-pro-football/

[J5V]

Lucky has retired.

https://3downnation.com/2025/02/14/former-all-star-cfl-receiver-lucky-whitehead-retires-from-pro-football/

I didn't see that coming, I thought he might stick around if he could help someone out that needed it. Then again, he's had a good career and carried himself as a pro and I wish him all the best as he moves on.

Thanks for the memories and your contributions as a Bomber, Lucky! Here's to bigger and better things ahead.

https://x.com/i/status/1890536583113371864

[dd]

Strange he wouldn't try and go to some teams camp, but I guess. Seems like yesterday BC was touting him as the next biggest thing and now he's done.

[TecnoGenius]

I haven't done the math but I have a hard time believing the Elks did not spend the extra cash, but as Walters said in the interview teams can spend the extra money how ever they see fit.

Yes, and HAM.  I think HAM got wind of the $400k before it was made public.  The Kenny signing and their other splash stuff was definitely above their budget from last year.

[TecnoGenius]

You've seen Eli block in passing situations.  He's subbed in at a couple positions during his career.

That's probably the main reason Eli isn't starting.

Ya, Eli got some decent time starting last season with the multi-man injuries on OL.  He was baaaaaaaaad.  I'm not sure we won a single game when he started.

But he is great as 6th/jumbo, and I desperately want to see him get a pass on his patented downfield, turn, pretend to catch schtick.

You know, in College, Eli was touted as a top NFL prospect at C, right? 

That's why we keep him.  Good 6th and our only option at C if Ko-man gets a booboo.  Luckily Ko-man is pretty darn stout!

To be fair to Tui, I bet he is better at his natural C than OG or OT.  And C is generally easier anyhow (minus all the snap mechanics/complications).

He also seems undersized.  Maybe with more beef (which he could add if starting) he'd be better.  He seems plenty quick and nimble.

I agree that if we are starting an in-house NAT at LG week 1, it'll be Wallace, not Eli.  Neither would be my choice.  But I'm open to experiments, as I've often been wrong judging backup OL talent!!

[TecnoGenius]

Lucky has retired.

Ya, that GC dropsie was kind of the nail in the coffin.  T-rex arms, zero catch radius, and fumblitis wasn't gonna excite any teams.

That said, he was good at what he was good at for many of his previous years, and he was stellar here in '19.  The only reason he didn't remain a Bomber the whole time is we had Grant at the same time.

A genuine great guy and fan fave of much of the league.  Even with the GC faux pas I'd happily buy him a drink and watch a game with him if he showed up in the stands again!

Whatever he goes and does, I wish him well.

[TecnoGenius]

Wallace is going to be a good one. I concentrate on OL play as that was what I played and was in the CFL draft years ago. Wallace is a road grader and will be the replacement for Dobson this year, book it.

Thanks for the insight.  That's what makes this forum great!  I'm not sold on Wallace yet but this kind of input helps assuage any fear.

Hey Horseman, if we don't have any ratio trouble, what would you think of starting Randolph at OG instead?

Do you think we'll go for an early DP OL this season?

[Horseman]

Hey Horseman, if we don't have any ratio trouble, what would you think of starting Randolph at OG instead?

Do you think we'll go for an early DP OL this season?

Randolph is more of a tackle than a guard, however, he can be converted, the guard position usually requires some "pulling" and getting around the end to block so they have to be somewhat more mobile than a typical tackle.

As far as drafting an OL, yes, you should always look at drafting a good OL prospect, not many Canadian OL tackles end up playing tackle in the CFL, they are normally converted to a guard and the tackle position is reserved for US players as it looked more as a skill position along the OL. This is not always the case as there are Canadians that do occupy the tackle position in the CFL.

[Jesse]

Thanks for the insight.  That's what makes this forum great!  I'm not sold on Wallace yet but this kind of input helps assuage any fear.

Hey Horseman, if we don't have any ratio trouble, what would you think of starting Randolph at OG instead?

Do you think we'll go for an early DP OL this season?

Walters said we're looking at going import at the position too. Have to believe Randolph has the inside track if we go that route.