Winnipeg @ Calgary Pre-game.

[Pigskin]

Great way to kick off the greatest show on earth. Bomber game on Thursday night, Stampede starts on Friday. Probably have to wait till Monday to get a injury report. Like to see BO20 return for this one.

[Blue In BC]

Calgary has a bunch of serious injuries including to their MLB. Might see Bighill or Wilson activated but they don't have much time to get up to speed on their defence.

I think we see a successful run game this week by the Bombers.

[The Zipp]

this one could be a challenge - i think we lost last year there.

can't take a quarter off on offense.

[Blue In BC]

Sure. If Adams gets hot he can beat a team nearly by himself. Keeping in mind they also lost Begelton. That's another big blow.

Overall the DL has to do a better job forcing him to hurry and commit errors. We can't just rely on the secondary from making big plays if he gets too long to throw.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

this one could be a challenge - i think we lost last year there.

can't take a quarter off on offense.

Stamps are a much better team than they were last season, last game was a weather anomaly.

[Pete]

So far this season we are seeing a side benefit to not signing Lawler, namely a much better spread out of passes to all his receivers.
When lawler was here Zac would go to him multiple times when he was covered hence his lower catch to target ratio. Now Zac is looking more to all his receivers.

[Blue In BC]

So far this season we are seeing a side benefit to not signing Lawler, namely a much better spread out of passes to all his receivers.
When lawler was here Zac would go to him multiple times when he was covered hence his lower catch to target ratio. Now Zac is looking more to all his receivers.

Was that Collaros or play calling with Pierce. Could be a bit of both. In any case, Lawler came down with a lot of those 50/50 balls.

[dd]

So far this season we are seeing a side benefit to not signing Lawler, namely a much better spread out of passes to all his receivers.
When lawler was here Zac would go to him multiple times when he was covered hence his lower catch to target ratio. Now Zac is looking more to all his receivers.

I really like our offense this year vs pierce era. Way less predictable

[TecnoGenius]

So far this season we are seeing a side benefit to not signing Lawler, namely a much better spread out of passes to all his receivers.

Lawler is proving that he's not worth anywhere near what HAM paid him.  Sure he's making some circus catches still, but just like with us in '24, he's dropping probably 66% of them.  Yet he's making enough to demand him making 66%.

And he still has the small mental mistakes that turn potential catches into non-catches.

I'd still love to have Kenny, but at the $200k level we were paying, not the $300k level.  I'll take E.Lewis @$250 before Kenny @$300.

That said, he's a boon to BLM because BLM is really inaccurate when it comes to range.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Lawler is proving that he's not worth anywhere near what HAM paid him.  Sure he's making some circus catches still, but just like with us in '24, he's dropping probably 66% of them.  Yet he's making enough to demand him making 66%.

And he still has the small mental mistakes that turn potential catches into non-catches.

I'd still love to have Kenny, but at the $200k level we were paying, not the $300k level.  I'll take E.Lewis @$250 before Kenny @$300.

That said, he's a boon to BLM because BLM is really inaccurate when it comes to range.

Thing about making circus catches the receiver usually ends up on the ground and gains zero YAC, I'll take a Demski reception over a Lawler reception anyday.

[Blueforlife]

Lawler is better than some are suggesting imo
He is just expensive
We are lucky to have depth, more important
The Bombers are smart not to overpay most players, it's such a balancing act and we have perfected it

[Jesse]

So far this season we are seeing a side benefit to not signing Lawler, namely a much better spread out of passes to all his receivers.
When lawler was here Zac would go to him multiple times when he was covered hence his lower catch to target ratio. Now Zac is looking more to all his receivers.

I honestly think this is a fan narrative. Zach always spreads the ball out well.

If you look at 2023, when everyone was healthy the whole year (aside Kenny because he never played the whole year):

Schoen led the team with targets with 111, Demski and Lawler were in the 80s, Bailey had 70, Woli 64, and Brady had 48. If you prorated Lawler for a full season, he would have had 120ish.

That's a pretty good split across 5 receivers and your RB.

[Blue In BC]

I see we're practising today. Not sure if this is a 3 practice week or 2 with walk through. Anyway, we'll see if Oliveria is a possibility to return to the roster.

I won't be entirely surprised if Demski, Clercius and Wheatfall see lighter duty for day one. They've been battered and bruised and might need another easier day.

[Jesse]

I see we're practising today. Not sure if this is a 3 practice week or 2 with walk through. Anyway, we'll see if Oliveria is a possibility to return to the roster.

I won't be entirely surprised if Demski, Clercius and Wheatfall see lighter duty for day one. They've been battered and bruised and might need another easier day.

If we're practicing today, it could be 3 + walk through. No need to travel on Wednesday, right? We could fly in Thursday before the game.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

If we're practicing today, it could be 3 + walk through. No need to travel on Wednesday, right? We could fly in Thursday before the game.

Do they do that often? Sure it's possible but it would make for a long day and could put many out of rhythm with their sleep cycle.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I see we're practising today. Not sure if this is a 3 practice week or 2 with walk through. Anyway, we'll see if Oliveria is a possibility to return to the roster.

I won't be entirely surprised if Demski, Clercius and Wheatfall see lighter duty for day one. They've been battered and bruised and might need another easier day.

Derek Taylor🏈
@DTonOB

Big news from day 1 of Bombers practice: MOP/RB Brady Oliveira is back on the field. He's missed the last two games with injury.
9:29 AM · Jun 29, 2025

[gobombersgo]

If we're practicing today, it could be 3 + walk through. No need to travel on Wednesday, right? We could fly in Thursday before the game.

For away games they just do the walkthough at the hotel the day before the game.

The team normally flies in the day before the game during the regular season.

[The Zipp]

from DT:

REC Keric Wheatfall is practicing after leaving Thursday's game with injury. He's in his regular spot with the starters.

Oliveira's return would mean the Bombers could go back to Micah Vanterpool at LG if they choose. We'll see what happens when 12-on-12 starts today.

Gavin Cobb in for Nic Demski in this padded session.
Gabe Wallace at left guard.

[Blueforlife]

All very good news.  Will be a dog fight this game.

[Blue In BC]

from DT:

REC Keric Wheatfall is practicing after leaving Thursday's game with injury. He's in his regular spot with the starters.

Oliveira's return would mean the Bombers could go back to Micah Vanterpool at LG if they choose. We'll see what happens when 12-on-12 starts today.

Gavin Cobb in for Nic Demski in this padded session.
Gabe Wallace at left guard.

Good news overall. I thought Demski would see limited sessions today. He knows what he needs to know and letting the back up get some reps is not a bad idea.

So we're going to have some options this week but whether we choose to hold back another week, IDK. It's not like we have to make changes but a healthy Oliveria is something you'd have to do if he's ready.

[Pigskin]

from DT:

REC Keric Wheatfall is practicing after leaving Thursday's game with injury. He's in his regular spot with the starters.

Oliveira's return would mean the Bombers could go back to Micah Vanterpool at LG if they choose. We'll see what happens when 12-on-12 starts today.

Gavin Cobb in for Nic Demski in this padded session.
Gabe Wallace at left guard.

Good to hear Wheat is okay. He was feeling it on the bench, you could tell he was in pain. Need to take that hit out of football.

[gobombersgo]

[gobombersgo]

[Blueforlife]

Injuries

[ModAdmin]

Need to Know | Week 5 - Ed Tait

"...Now, here's where the maturity part comes in for (Brady) Oliveira. Earlier in his career, missing time would have eaten him up mentally. Now with having more miles on his treads and understanding how to handle things, missing a couple of games isn't going to have him cursing the heavens daily from sunrise to sunset.

"You need to flush it as quick as you can," he said. "When you're battling an injury, you can give yourself some grace and allow yourself to be a little bit frustrated. That's OK, because you do put a lot of work in and when an injury happens like that and you have it taken away from you where you can't go out and compete with your guys, yeah, it's OK to be frustrated. But it's very important to flush it, whether it's 24 or 48-hours max...."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

....FYI: WR Nic Demski, who had two TDs last week and now has four on the season, was suited up on Sunday but limited... P Jamieson Sheahan was in attendance, but did not handle any punting chores. Sergio Castillo and defensive tackle Devin Adams — who punted in college — took turns punting... DB Ethan Ball, who injured his hand during training camp, was back practising for the first time on Sunday...."

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/06/29/need-to-know-week-5-2/

[Blue In BC]

It may not mean anything but the transactions show Weitz , moved to PR. I suppose it might mean that Bailey is going to get a chance to play this week. There were no other movements shown.

As the 2nd global on the roster he's there in instead of a Canadian choice. So this could be an indication we're adding a Canadian back this week. In theory that would be Oliveria.

The only other choices would have to come from the PR and that seems less likely. If Cooley comes off he'd be replaced by another import we've discussed.

I'll take this as a good sign either way.

[The Zipp]

from DT


Early Day 2 of practice for Bombers: MOP/RB Brady Oliveira is in again today. Two straight days of practice after missing two games.

Thinking about this from yesterday...this move would allow the Bombers to put Oliveira back on the roster without need for any other moves:
From the transaction wire the Bombers have moved LB Fabian Weitz to the practice squad.

Micah Vanterpool is first up at left guard today. He was healthy scratch (ratio scratch) for the last two games.

[theaardvark]

from DT


Early Day 2 of practice for Bombers: MOP/RB Brady Oliveira is in again today. Two straight days of practice after missing two games.

Thinking about this from yesterday...this move would allow the Bombers to put Oliveira back on the roster without need for any other moves:
From the transaction wire the Bombers have moved LB Fabian Weitz to the practice squad.

Micah Vanterpool is first up at left guard today. He was healthy scratch (ratio scratch) for the last two games.

So, who comes out for Vanterpool?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

So, who comes out for Vanterpool?

Cooley is one obvious possibility.

Just read a story on my phone, Bighill is not healthy enough to play this week.  He also mentioned he holds no hard feelings towards the Bombers, he fully understands  moving onto younger players is the nature of the game.

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/29/new-calgary-stampeders-lb-adam-bighill-not-quite-healthy-may-not-be-ready-for-clash-with-bombers/

[theaardvark]

Cooley is one obvious possibility.

Just read a story on my phone, Bighill is not healthy enough to play this week.  He also mentioned he holds no hard feelings towards the Bombers, he fully understands  moving onto younger players is the nature of the game.

https://3downnation.com/2025/06/29/new-calgary-stampeders-lb-adam-bighill-not-quite-healthy-may-not-be-ready-for-clash-with-bombers/

Of course, it has to be Cooley, non injured not dress IR.  Simple.  The reason Vanterpool went off.

It is interesting that CGY signed Bighill even though he isn't healthy enough to play.  I guess he's a great was to add a coach without using front office $SMS, but I can't imagine he's getting the minimum PR paycheck.

[Blue In BC]

Of course, it has to be Cooley, non injured not dress IR.  Simple.  The reason Vanterpool went off.

It is interesting that CGY signed Bighill even though he isn't healthy enough to play.  I guess he's a great was to add a coach without using front office $SMS, but I can't imagine he's getting the minimum PR paycheck.

I'm not sure if Cooley doesn't get bumped back to PR. He's a rookie and if he's not injured that's usually what happens. Vanterpool was here last year so that's a bit different.

[The Zipp]

stamps must be having a hard time selling the "stampede bowl" tickets...

just announced a "flash sale" 30% off tickets. 

no idea how much it costs to attend stampede events - can't imagine it's cheap.

[TecnoGenius]

Thing about making circus catches the receiver usually ends up on the ground and gains zero YAC, I'll take a Demski reception over a Lawler reception anyday.

Ya, but sometimes the coverage is so good that no one can ever get open and you NEED a Dressler diving lay-out well beyond the DB.  For instance, back when we had Dressler, this was the case every time we played CGY. 

It's nice to have players that can do both.  Wheatie looks like he can do it, and I hope Sterns starts flashing Dress-esque signs sometime soon too.

[TecnoGenius]

Gavin Cobb in for Nic Demski in this padded session.

Interesting... If no Demski, would you start Cobb?  That would have him leapfrogging Corcoran, who has dressed for every game.  One would think you'd run the progression and Corcoran gets the start.

Not like you can really tell anything from practice, injury-influenced "first team" choices.

[Blueforlife]

I would like to see Cobb, I like his game.

[Jesse]

That's a good looking injury list.

[Blue In BC]

I would like to see Cobb, I like his game.

We could use the extra depth. All of Wheatfall, Demski and Clercius have been nicked somewhat.

[markf]

Nick Demski

2024. 18 games 6 touchdowns

2025.   3 games.  4 touchdowns.

Somethings happening here, what it is aint exactly clear

I just realized, he's been in the league for ten years.

[RebusRankin]

Cobb is pretty meh. Would rather see Mitchell on for receiver depth (realize this may not be possible with the ratio).

[J5V]

Nick Demski
2024. 18 games 6 touchdowns
2025.   3 games.  4 touchdowns.
Somethings happening here, what it is aint exactly clear

No Buck Pierce.

[Blueforlife]

We could use the extra depth. All of Wheatfall, Demski and Clercius have been nicked somewhat.

Good point, nice to have plan B

What's the consensus on Cobb everyone? I liked his game previous seasons.

Nick Demski

2024. 18 games 6 touchdowns

2025.   3 games.  4 touchdowns.

Somethings happening here, what it is aint exactly clear

I just realized, he's been in the league for ten years.

I think it's time we stop
Children, what's that sound?
Everybody look what's going down(town)

Cobb is pretty meh. Would rather see Mitchell on for receiver depth (realize this may not be possible with the ratio).

I'm excited for him too but also think Cobb could make an impact even if it's small.

[Blue In BC]

Brady is listed as questionable but that's the norm for a player coming off not playing for two games. He was shown to be practising as a " full " participant.

Thomas also listed as questionable due to illness. We might see Schmekel this week. I can't see a player suffering from a cold or flu being up to heat and demands of a football DL.

[Blueforlife]

Injuries below see attached

Brady is listed as questionable but that's the norm for a player coming off not playing for two games. He was shown to be practising as a " full " participant.

Thomas also listed as questionable due to illness. We might see Schmekel this week. I can't see a player suffering from a cold or flu being up to heat and demands of a football DL.

What do you remember about Schmekel's game? Is he is a power guy or more speed and technique?

[Blue In BC]

Injuries

It sucks that Logan is still not practising. IIRC he missed most of TC as well. I don't know how we'd get him on the roster, but it would be good if he was at least healthy going forward.

Still trying to understand why they didn't 6 game IR him to start the season.

Leroux is doing fine snapping in place of Benson but I need to watch him on ST coverage to see how he does.

[Waffler]

Let's just hope no one gets what Thomas has.

Cobb can contribute. From what I saw he's brought everything you would expect and a bit more. No disappointments. He can fill in at a lot of different positions, if he ever get on the game roster that is. 

[RebusRankin]

Cobb in his career has 18 catches on 43 targets. Almost 25% of his career yardage came on 1 play. As I said before, meh.

[Waffler]

Cobb in his career has 18 catches on 43 targets. Almost 25% of his career yardage came on 1 play. As I said before, meh.

If you want to spin it that way, sure. But also take into consideration that he played on two truly bad Edmonton teams.

He also had 2 TD's and a 17.1 yard average. (beating Lawler's 15.4 the one year he was there).

29 punt returns, 10.6 yard average.

29 kick off returrns 21.4 yard average.

He's a solid backup, still young and a nat.

[Jesse]

Cobb in his career has 18 catches on 43 targets. Almost 25% of his career yardage came on 1 play. As I said before, meh.

I said the same thing about Wheatfall last year.

[Blue In BC]

Injuries below see attached

What do you remember about Schmekel's game? Is he is a power guy or more speed and technique?

I remember he was improving last year as he got more playing time. I'd call him more of a power guy. Sample size and inexperience a bit early to know about upside on technique.

If he's on the roster he probably sits as the # 3 on the depth chart behind Lawson and Kornelson. The fact he was on the 1 game IR when not injured, that would seem to be a reasonable projection.

That said, it's probably going to be hot in Calgary so youth will help in the rotation. They might rotate more often on a hot day regardless of who is on the roster?

[The Zipp]

Bombers move RB Quinton Cooley to the practice roster and release S Joshua Hagerty.

With the prior move of LB Fabian Weitz to PR I wouldn't be surprised to see OL Micah Vanterpool on the game-day roster for Thursday.

from DT

[Blueforlife]

If you want to spin it that way, sure. But also take into consideration that he played on two truly bad Edmonton teams.

He also had 2 TD's and a 17.1 yard average. (beating Lawler's 15.4 the one year he was there).

29 punt returns, 10.6 yard average.

29 kick off returrns 21.4 yard average.

He's a solid backup, still young and a nat.

Agree has the tools.  Some only look at stats and not potential.  I have watched enough to see a spark there.  Can he break through on the Bombers? 50/50

[TecnoGenius]

Let's just hope no one gets what Thomas has.

Ya, cold/flu aren't really a thing right now in the middle of summer.  Plenty of people around with 'vid though.  That thing doesn't seem to care what season it is.

Sucks we have the short-week Thu game this week, as he probably could use 3-ish full days off.  He should be fine by the weekend and practicing next week.

This gives all you Fatboi haters a great chance to see a Fatboi-less DL!  Let's see  what Lawson can give us as the nearly-every-snap guy.  I have high hopes, as he's basically 100% of our future plans.

[TecnoGenius]

Still trying to understand why they didn't 6 game IR him to start the season.

Logan:

Maybe no one thought his injury would be more than a week or 2?

Maybe we gave him half his salary in signing bonus and thus the 6G savings isn't worth the hassle?

Maybe he's fine and we'd rather roll with Vaval for now, so are just hiding him on IR?

[Blue In BC]

Logan:

Maybe no one thought his injury would be more than a week or 2?

Maybe we gave him half his salary in signing bonus and thus the 6G savings isn't worth the hassle?

Maybe he's fine and we'd rather roll with Vaval for now, so are just hiding him on IR?

Like I said I don't think he was involved in TC and had an early injury. He's not practising like some of the other healthy scratches.

I doubt he got half his salary early but that doesn't answer why he wasn't on 6 game IR. Medical miss diagnosis?

We're good with Vaval but if and when Logan is healthy he gives another option. Not directly tied with Vaval but an option which we might consider at some point

[Blue In BC]

Bombers move RB Quinton Cooley to the practice roster and release S Joshua Hagerty.

With the prior move of LB Fabian Weitz to PR I wouldn't be surprised to see OL Micah Vanterpool on the game-day roster for Thursday.

from DT

Could be the choice made.

[TecnoGenius]

We're good with Vaval but if and when Logan is healthy he gives another option. Not directly tied with Vaval but an option which we might consider at some point

If Vaval busts one, the Logan will not see the AR without crazy injuries to other players.  Mafia likes the hot hand.

Vaval is way younger, and seems to stay uninjured.  Can't say that about Logan, who is known injury-prone.

If Vaval doesn't bust one, then it's a toss up.

This is somewhat akin to the Grant/Lucky situation in '19.  Lucky looked like a world beater and the future, then Grant shows up and Lucky is on the bench and let go in FA.  If Vaval can start busting them, it won't matter what Logan looks like.

[TecnoGenius]

Nick Demski
2024. 18 games 6 touchdowns
2025.  3 games.  4 touchdowns.

Somethings happening here, what it is aint exactly clear

It's also that we're down 2 "better" targets (Kenny, Pokey).  Demski is basiscally #2 now.  So he'll have to be trusted to get the home runs the other guys did.

In '24 we often neglected Demski for wide swaths of games.  We seem to take him out of our pocket when playing SSK, and they are deathly afraid of him over there.

Demski has this knack for shedding his blockers and finding a way to get great YAC.  He's always been that way.  Not so much slippery as just tricky and smart.

We also have clearly solved our TD problem from last year!  Does everyone remember how we couldn't get into the EZ if our life depended on it?  Many games with 0 or 1 legit passing TD.

Now if we get within 30, it's basically a done deal.  That's some great work by Hogan/Jarious right there.

[Pete]

Saw we just released Haggarty, our track record with free agents is not good
Mitchell has not played a game
Jones from Argos same
Makonzo hurt
White released
Haggarty released
Vaughtners and Sterns only ones still here

[Jesse]

Saw we just released Haggarty, our track record with free agents is not good
Mitchell has not played a game
Jones from Argos same
Makonzo hurt
White released
Haggarty released
Vaughtners and Sterns only ones still here

We wanted to shore up our depth so we didn't run into a situation like last year and that's exactly what we did.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Saw we just released Haggarty, our track record with free agents is not good
Mitchell has not played a game
Jones from Argos same
Makonzo hurt
White released
Haggarty released
Vaughtners and Sterns only ones still here

This is a really hard team to make also. It would be much worse if most free agents we signed were better than what we have and therefore a lock to make the team.  That was what happened around here (and still does for some teams) back when we won nothing and lost two thirds of our games.

[theaardvark]

Saw we just released Haggarty, our track record with free agents is not good
Mitchell has not played a game
Jones from Argos same
Makonzo hurt
White released
Haggarty released
Vaughtners and Sterns only ones still here

Releasing fringe FA signings is not an issue.  If they were paid large signing bonuses, sure.  But they weren't.

What it does say is that of the three ways of building a roster for the season (retention, recruitment and FA), our first two were very effective.

Sterns, Vaughters, and possibly Mitchell were solid FA pickups in spots where we knew we were going to need solid players.  So, I'd like to say, our FA game was strong as well.

Cutting depth FA signings is not an $SMS or scouting fail any more than cutting rookie recruits. 

[Blueforlife]

Releasing fringe FA signings is not an issue.  If they were paid large signing bonuses, sure.  But they weren't.

What it does say is that of the three ways of building a roster for the season (retention, recruitment and FA), our first two were very effective.

Sterns, Vaughters, and possibly Mitchell were solid FA pickups in spots where we knew we were going to need solid players.  So, I'd like to say, our FA game was strong as well.

Cutting depth FA signings is not an $SMS or scouting fail any more than cutting rookie recruits. 

Agree we did a great job
Sorry Pete not seeing eye to eye on this one

[Blue In BC]

Releasing fringe FA signings is not an issue.  If they were paid large signing bonuses, sure.  But they weren't.

What it does say is that of the three ways of building a roster for the season (retention, recruitment and FA), our first two were very effective.

Sterns, Vaughters, and possibly Mitchell were solid FA pickups in spots where we knew we were going to need solid players.  So, I'd like to say, our FA game was strong as well.

Cutting depth FA signings is not an $SMS or scouting fail any more than cutting rookie recruits. 

Both J. Jones and Mitchell were expensive free agent additions. So they do fall in SMS issues if they don't play.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Saw we just released Haggarty, our track record with free agents is not good
Mitchell has not played a game
Jones from Argos same
Makonzo hurt
White released
Haggarty released
Vaughtners and Sterns only ones still here

Most would have been welcome additions last season but this year competition is stronger, if they can provide healthy bodies going into the playoffs, the investment will have paid off.

[TecnoGenius]

Vaughtners and Sterns only ones still here

Vaughters alone made FA a success.  Our DL is legit again.

[TecnoGenius]

Both J. Jones and Mitchell were expensive free agent additions. So they do fall in SMS issues if they don't play.

Mitchell is this year's splash(ish) FA REC bust.  We seem to do that every 1-2 seasons.  However, he's still on the roster, and can still play a role if we have an injury.

Jones may have merely been insurance against Kyrie getting hurt early, or T.Jones not being the real deal.  Neither has happened yet, so it makes sense J.Jones languishes.  But it's very good to have depth!

P.S. Kyrie is proving he's basically still '21 Kyrie.  Awesome.

[theaardvark]

Both J. Jones and Mitchell were expensive free agent additions. So they do fall in SMS issues if they don't play.

Mitchell bonus is sunk money, game cheques are minimal.

Not sure what J. Jones signed for, or why he's on the one game other than there is a traffic jam at LB on the team.  Maybe Pinball wants him back with McInnis out?

[Blueforlife]

Mitchell is this year's splash(ish) FA REC bust.  We seem to do that every 1-2 seasons.  However, he's still on the roster, and can still play a role if we have an injury.

Jones may have merely been insurance against Kyrie getting hurt early, or T.Jones not being the real deal.  Neither has happened yet, so it makes sense J.Jones languishes.  But it's very good to have depth!

P.S. Kyrie is proving he's basically still '21 Kyrie.  Awesome.

Again on Wilson, some were critical of him (slowing down) and others had worries about getting injured again (knock on wood).  He has been outstanding, a top player when he is on.

Having depth and LB and receiver will pay off if we get injuried, if not worth, the coin SMS as insurance imo.

[Blue In BC]

Mitchell bonus is sunk money, game cheques are minimal.

Not sure what J. Jones signed for, or why he's on the one game other than there is a traffic jam at LB on the team.  Maybe Pinball wants him back with McInnis out?

Sunk money or not, it was a failure in free agency unless he eventually plays and contributes. IIRC his contract was $165K which was the most we spent on any free agent outside of our own.

A game check @ $4K still adds up.

[theaardvark]

Sunk money or not, it was a failure in free agency unless he eventually plays and contributes. IIRC his contract was $165K which was the most we spent on any free agent outside of our own.

A game check @ $4K still adds up.

The biggest key is that any FA that we signed that doesn't make the roster means our scouts/retention did their jobs well.  The beauty of FA signing is they cost only $SMS, you don't expend any other capital on them. 

Mitchell is costing us less per game than Woli is in Ham... a little more up front, sure.  Every team makes a few misses.

If Mitchell doesn't crack the lineup and produce, I'll give it a fail, for sure.  Likewise Jones.

[Jesse]

Releasing fringe FA signings is not an issue.  If they were paid large signing bonuses, sure.  But they weren't.

The biggest key is that any FA that we signed that doesn't make the roster means our scouts/retention did their jobs well.  The beauty of FA signing is they cost only $SMS, you don't expend any other capital on them. 

Mitchell is costing us less per game than Woli is in Ham... a little more up front, sure.  Every team makes a few misses.

If Mitchell doesn't crack the lineup and produce, I'll give it a fail, for sure.  Likewise Jones.

You make conflicting points here. First you say it's not a fail because be didn't pay them signing bonuses, then you say it's not a fail because it's only $SMS.

I personally don't think it's a fail because we are ensuring we have depth to protect us against what happened to us last year. But I'm not shifting the goal posts when someone proves my statement/belief wrong. 

[Blue In BC]

The biggest key is that any FA that we signed that doesn't make the roster means our scouts/retention did their jobs well.  The beauty of FA signing is they cost only $SMS, you don't expend any other capital on them. 

Mitchell is costing us less per game than Woli is in Ham... a little more up front, sure.  Every team makes a few misses.

If Mitchell doesn't crack the lineup and produce, I'll give it a fail, for sure.  Likewise Jones.

Not so. Mitchell's weekly contact after his bonus is still more than Woli. So it's costing the Bombers more every game than Woli in Hamilton.

We already had Wheatfall under contract. We signed Mitchell, Cobb, White and Sterns that latter two for less than Mitchell. Not one player found by recruitment survived TC.

Between Mitchell and J. Jones nearly $300K in total SMS spend. How was that doing their jobs well? We had rookies that might have been better talent but we kept free agents partially because of PR and veteran experience.

We've cut Hagerty, White and Gowanlock signed in free agency. Not very expensive players but not successes either.

[kkc60]

Free agency was very obviously trying to avoid the issue we had last year (and arguably the year before): no depth. While I think the amount of misses in free agency is disappointing, the team is still 3-0 and if any of Jones or Wilson get hurt, we have a guy. Ditto at receiver. Maybe our pro scouting could be better but the depth we have could be our saving grace later in the year.

[Blue In BC]

Free agency was very obviously trying to avoid the issue we had last year (and arguably the year before): no depth. While I think the amount of misses in free agency is disappointing, the team is still 3-0 and if any of Jones or Wilson get hurt, we have a guy. Ditto at receiver. Maybe our pro scouting could be better but the depth we have could be our saving grace later in the year.

Yes we've improved our depth. That said, we knew we were losing two Canadian starters. That was the biggest area of concern IMO. At the very least I would have re-signed Woli. Drafting Corcoran and signing Cobb as a free agent are TBD decisions. We knew what we had with Woli and he wouldn't have been expensive.

A couple of rookies on our PR may turn out to be good players but that's also a TBD situation.

[Waffler]

Yes we've improved our depth. That said, we knew we were losing two Canadian starters. That was the biggest area of concern IMO. At the very least I would have re-signed Woli. Drafting Corcoran and signing Cobb as a free agent are TBD decisions. We knew what we had with Woli and he wouldn't have been expensive.

A couple of rookies on our PR may turn out to be good players but that's also a TBD situation.

Woli was already signed for one more year. We did screw him out of a bonus by cutting him when we did though. It was the same day as  Bighill and the feeling then was that we were going younger and healthier. So far, so good.

[Pete]

Releasing fringe FA signings is not an issue.  If they were paid large signing bonuses, sure.  But they weren't.

What it does say is that of the three ways of building a roster for the season (retention, recruitment and FA), our first two were very effective.

Sterns, Vaughters, and possibly Mitchell were solid FA pickups in spots where we knew we were going to need solid players.  So, I'd like to say, our FA game was strong as well.

Cutting depth FA signings is not an $SMS or scouting fail any more than cutting rookie recruits. 

its a credit to the bombers that they were able to fill holes with mainly existing players. But with fas we tend to target players that had off years or were injured so as to get value and gamble that they work out. ie Vaughtners . MItchell, Makonzo, White So its not surprising we don't keep all of em.  Also some we sign as insurance ie Haggarty - we didn't foresee getting both Shay and Smith. I just would have liked to have seen us sign one of the better free agents such as Ceresna or Greene or even McEwen or Beard.
Its unfortunate that Logan hasn't been available as i think he may be a good asset

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Mitchell is this year's splash(ish) FA REC bust.  We seem to do that every 1-2 seasons.  However, he's still on the roster, and can still play a role if we have an injury.

Jones may have merely been insurance against Kyrie getting hurt early, or T.Jones not being the real deal.  Neither has happened yet, so it makes sense J.Jones languishes.  But it's very good to have depth!

P.S. Kyrie is proving he's basically still '21 Kyrie.  Awesome.

I think signing of Jon Jones is a good example of Walters doing his job, he brought Kyrie's replacement in house, he's leaving it up to MOS when and if to pull the trigger on that decision.  If Kyrie stays healthy all season and wants to play again next year, they might pull the trigger in the off-season as they did with BA, or they might repeat the process all over again, possibly with a different replacement. You can absolutely tell MOS has a soft spot for Kyrie, as a player he's fought through a lot of adversity.

[Blueforlife]

I think signing of Jon Jones is a good example of Walters doing his job, he brought Kyrie's replacement in house, he's leaving it up to MOS when and if to pull the trigger on that decision.  If Kyrie stays healthy all season and wants to play again next year, they might pull the trigger in the off-season as they did with BA, or they might repeat the process all over again, possibly with a different replacement. You can absolutely tell MOS has a soft spot for Kyrie, as a player he's fought through a lot of adversity.

MOS likes gamers and Wilson is just that

[Blueforlife]

Not so. Mitchell's weekly contact after his bonus is still more than Woli. So it's costing the Bombers more every game than Woli in Hamilton.

We already had Wheatfall under contract. We signed Mitchell, Cobb, White and Sterns that latter two for less than Mitchell. Not one player found by recruitment survived TC.

Between Mitchell and J. Jones nearly $300K in total SMS spend. How was that doing their jobs well? We had rookies that might have been better talent but we kept free agents partially because of PR and veteran experience.

We've cut Hagerty, White and Gowanlock signed in free agency. Not very expensive players but not successes either.

We got depth, we got insurance guys and our starters are ace.  I believe they did a good job at FA.  Too early to know what our fringe starters will do but at some point they will pay off in spades.  I was worried about our OL, it's fine.  I was worried about Bridges, he is going to be good.  I see no big holes on this team and a few of our PR guys are aces.  Reminds me of the Oil, spend the money of the stars, have good depth and a few blacks aces.  Plug and play as needed.

[TecnoGenius]

MOS likes gamers and Wilson is just that

He's almost like Wild 2.0.  Often hurt, but great when he's in, and (yes) one of MOS's favorites.

Is Kyrie the "QB of the D" now, as the most-vet LB?  Maybe?