2025 Free Agency (Blue Bomber Signings/News)

[theaardvark]

The game is won and lost in the trenches.

We need a LG and C for our O line, and we need to upgrade our interior D line to generate pressure on opposing Qb's, our arguably weakest link last year, this is where I'd be spending our newly found SMS money

We have Eli and Wallace to compete for C, LG as well as draft picks returning, new draft picks, and some Int players both existing and new.  There is a whole lotta beef to choose from.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Aggressive how? Who would you have liked to see targeted yesterday?

There was plenty of player movement and they had the cash, I would have gone harder after a backup QB and improved the D-line, giving them more options than just Vaughters, who no other team chased. Even re-signing Garbutt would have provided security as he wouldn't have cost much.

[pdirks67]

The game is won and lost in the trenches.

We need a LG and C for our O line, and we need to upgrade our interior D line to generate pressure on opposing Qb's, our arguably weakest link last year, this is where I'd be spending our newly found SMS money

I'll add that it's hard to see our very average OL being better this season with our RG and (admitedly ageless) LT being another year older. Perhaps there is a grand plan involving another import or two. If not, this is my biggest concern going into 2025.

[blue_or_die]

Existing core is eroding somewhat wouldn't you say?  Bighill gone, BA probably gone, Woli, Bailey,Yoshi all key players, question marks along both the O and D-lines, can you define the current core group?

Also be careful labelling opponents as if they're perennial losers, it doesn't take much to upset the apple cart and flip the tables as the Als and Argos have done over the last two seasons. Many impressive upgrades have been made among Western teams and I wouldn't want to bet money on which 2 teams are going to fall short of making the playoffs.

With an expiring QB and no obvious replacement in sight, it might appear to those "losers" that the Bombers are approaching the end of their reign and are a vulnerable team clinging to the coattails of past magic.  It's difficult to get to the top of the mountain, but it's more difficult to remain there.

I wouldn't say we're "eroding" any more than we have each year as each team does in a league of 1-2 year contracts. Bighill was a a major part of the core, for sure, but Tony Jones as his replacement gives little concern based on previous play and especially considering Bighill wouldn't even be available until later this year. I don't consider the third- and fourth-look receivers as part of the core, and we are a year removed from losing Hardrick who unfortunately got injured. Love BA, but it's at the safety position which is where we've hidden medicore Canadians previously (not that I'm advocating for that).

I feel like every year we talk about "how scary" another bottom dweller became after FA but more often than not, it doesn't amount to anything. We will absolutely be challenged this season, but I wouldn't tie it to some big FA splashes. I'm also having a hard time figuring out who I would have gone after that would have really helped us other than maybe Ceresna or something.

[Pigskin]

I think if BA doesn't come back, you might see Griffin get some reps there. Griffin has played safety in the past.

Both the DL and OL need some work. It will be interesting to see if Wallace or Eli can replace Dobson. Or, do we have to go with 3 Americans on the OL. We also should have (N) Vlahogiannis and Kalra coming back for there second TC. Randolph, Vanterpool, in there second year with the team. And, new comers Garcia 6'7' 305, and Walker 6'6" 305.

A guy like Landon Rice, (37) at the right $$ might be a nice insurance policy us. 

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I wouldn't say we're "eroding" any more than we have each year as each team does in a league of 1-2 year contracts. Bighill was a a major part of the core, for sure, but Tony Jones as his replacement gives little concern based on previous play and especially considering Bighill wouldn't even be available until later this year. I don't consider the third- and fourth-look receivers as part of the core, and we are a year removed from losing Hardrick who unfortunately got injured. Love BA, but it's at the safety position which is where we've hidden medicore Canadians previously (not that I'm advocating for that).

I feel like every year we talk about "how scary" another bottom dweller became after FA but more often than not, it doesn't amount to anything. We will absolutely be challenged this season, but I wouldn't tie it to some big FA splashes. I'm also having a hard time figuring out who I would have gone after that would have really helped us other than maybe Ceresna or something.

I don't see the core on a positional basis, to me it's more who the leaders are on the team.  Bighill leaves, Tony Jones replaces him at MLB but not as a team leader.  Same with with the loss of BA, he leaves big shoes for a rookie or newcomer to  step into.  I think it takes the right personality plus a fair amount of CFL experience and game knowledge to become a leader.  Kramdi certainly exhibits that potential.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think if BA doesn't come back, you might see Griffin get some reps there. Griffin has played safety in the past.

Both the DL and OL need some work. It will be interesting to see if Wallace or Eli can replace Dobson. Or, do we have to go with 3 Americans on the OL. We also should have (N) Vlahogiannis and Kalra coming back for there second TC. Randolph, Vanterpool, in there second year with the team. And, new comers Garcia 6'7' 305, and Walker 6'6" 305.

A guy like Landon Rice, (37) at the right $$ might be a nice insurance policy us.

Still wrapping my head around Dobson weighing in at 340 lbs, but if you look at him you can believe it it, he's huge.

[Pete]

Other teams use free agency to fill needs we use it to fill holes, With the exception of Vaughters and maybe logan. And we certainly have needs although some will turn a blind eye including Walters
  We need a strong safety,and help on offensive line but dont want to compete with other teams to do so.  De is another spot
Disappointing

[DM83]

In Canadian football there is no such thing as a strong safety.

[Pete]

In Canadian football there is no such thing as a strong safety.
[/quote

In Canadian football there is no such thing as a strong safety.

You calling Metchie & Dequoy weak?

[blue_or_die]

I don't see the core on a positional basis, to me it's more who the leaders are on the team.  Bighill leaves, Tony Jones replaces him at MLB but not as a team leader.  Same with with the loss of BA, he leaves big shoes for a rookie or newcomer to  step into.  I think it takes the right personality plus a fair amount of CFL experience and game knowledge to become a leader.  Kramdi certainly exhibits that potential.

That's fair. I think Zach, Brady, Demski, Big Stan, Paddy and I'd even throw Schoen in there offer plenty of vet leadership qualities for offense, while Willie, Fatboi, Wilson (possibly kept around at least in part for this reason) and maybe Kramdi (like you said) along with Nichols (been around a while now and leads by example) do good to rep the D. You're right that the complexion of the team identity isn't exactly consistent though, but hey, pretty good for the CFL.

[TBURGESS]

I see Logan as a definite upgrade and Vaughters as a possible upgrade. I like the Jones signing too.

The rest are under the "Might be good" column.

We were the 3rd best team last year, I don't see us moving up on that position this year considering the player losses we've had.

Edmonton won Free Agency, we'll see how that plays out in the season, but I expect them to win way more games than last year.

Calgary with Adams will be better. Riders and BC about the same.

[DM83]

lol! Nope those guys are super.  Evidently the Bombers did not think so.
Dime a dozen, I have said.  Evidently it's a rule not to re-sign top DBs.
Arguably, the. DBs we  don't re-sign don't. Do as good elsewhere.
Same as LBs. All those crazy guys who fly around, and can shut down any offense are amazing to watch.

Bombers are OK......just need a coordinator who wants to play aggressively, not giving a nervous guy like Arbuckle time to throw. ......bringing up bad memories.

I don't see the Bombers competing defensively.  And then with an unproven O line at left guard, and a never were players at receiver, could be a good time for Zac to retire.  Anybody think we make the grey cup?

[theaardvark]

Other teams use free agency to fill needs we use it to fill holes, With the exception of Vaughters and maybe logan. And we certainly have needs although some will turn a blind eye including Walters
  We need a strong safety,and help on offensive line but dont want to compete with other teams to do so.  De is another spot
Disappointing

Upgrade at returner

Upgrade at DE

Free Safety, we have a lot of options, I am confident one will be an upgrade.

OLine - Wallace will be a massive addition, and there will be competition, and Eli is a great 6th man / competition for C.

Walters kept our vital parts, and filled holes well.  Losses were replaced.

[dd]

We have Eli and Wallace to compete for C, LG as well as draft picks returning, new draft picks, and some Int players both existing and new.  There is a whole lotta beef to choose from.

We need quality beef, not just bulk. Eli saw the field last season during injuries, don't recall Wallace other than as #6 OL in our heavy package.....So we lost Dobson to FA, and Big Stan is another year older, as is Neufeld, both had injuries last year, as did KO, and likely will again this year. Zack was under pressure all season and never looked comfortable back there, we need to address that. I'd like to see us sign 1 proven vet OL, call him Suk Chungh, and replace what we lost in Dobson and then some.