Blue Bombers roster - 2025-2026

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Former Auburn QB Payton Thorne departs Winnipeg Blue Bombers, added to suspended list
by 3Down Staff  May 21, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have placed American quarterback Payton Thorne on the suspended list after he elected to leave the team.

According to the team's in-house writer, Ed Tait, Thorne did not practice on Wednesday despite being at the facility. He has since returned home.

"We had a great conversation this morning. He's a great kid, " head coach Mike O'Shea told the media. "He's really smart and I'm sure he's got a future in football still. This is what he had to do."

Thorne was one of four players vying for the Bombers' backup quarterback position in training camp. Incumbent Terry Wilson, Canadian rookie Taylor Elgersma, and former UFL MVP Bryce Perkins remain on the roster. O'Shea said he did not believe the departure was due to Thorne falling behind in the competition and indicated that he doesn't believe Thorne is done with football.

"I don't know about that. He's not afraid of competition or anything like that," he said. "It's hard to tell (where he ranked in the competition). We were going to play everybody and see where it all shakes out."

"You're disappointed because you want to run an organization where nobody ever leaves. They all want to stay all the time. But I also am genuinely excited if somebody has things figured out enough that this is the decision they make, because it's not an easy decision. And there are guys that I disagree with, that I say, 'I don't think you're doing the right thing,' but they are all individual conversations. You can't lump them all in together. Every year it happens and every year you navigate those conversations based on who the guy is and what he's saying."

As long as he remains on the suspended list, Winnipeg retains Thorne's rights.

Thorne spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons at Auburn University. He completed 62.0 percent of his passes for 4,468 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, rushed for 798 yards and five scores, and went 10-12 as a starter.

The six-foot-two, 210-pound passer started his collegiate career at Michigan State University in 2019 and spent four years with the program, completing 60.9 percent of his passes for 6,493 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions. He went 16-10 as a starter and rushed for 270 yards and six scores.

The native of Naperville, Ill., signed with the Cincinnati Bengals after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. He completed four-of-seven passes for 41 yards during the preseason but was released at the conclusion of training camp.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/21/former-auburn-qb-payton-thorne-departs-winnipeg-blue-bombers-added-to-suspended-list/

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Preseason Game 1:

Derek Taylor @ DTonOB
Bombers roster for Saturday's preseason opener is pretty much their starting lineup, save for injuries.
Ceresna, Moxey, Demski, Pokey and Lawson are among those not in for the game vs. Sask.

Forgive me...Lawson is on there for Saturday.

Bombers announce they've moved QB Terry Wilson to the suspended list. He was on the depth chart for tomorrow.

Ed Tait  @ EdTaitWFC
May 22
The @Wpg_BlueBombers depth chart for tomorrow in Saskatoon. Veteran-laden lineup. No Demski, Pokey Wilson, Ceresna, Moxey, Castillo, Sheahan, Vaval


Game Preview - Preseason #1: Blue Bombers at Roughriders

THE LINEUP: The Blue Bombers depth chart for tomorrow features a ton of regulars, including Collaros, Brady Oliveira, Stanley Bryant, Willie Jefferson, Redha Kramdi, Tony Jones, Kyrie Wilson, Deatrick Nichols, Evan Holm and so on.

It also offers fans their first looks at newcomers Broxton, Nield and Tim White in Blue Bombers colours.

Notable by their absences are Demski, CB/KR Trey Vaval, WR Pokey Wilson, K Sergio Castillo, P Jamieson Sheahan, new CB Jonathan Moxey and new DT Jake Ceresna.
https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/05/22/game-preview-preseason-1-blue-bombers-at-roughriders/








Winnipeg Blue Bombers list Zach Collaros as preseason starter against Roughriders
by John Hodge  May 22, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have listed Zach Collaros as their starting quarterback against the Saskatchewan Roughriders for Saturday's preseason game in Saskatoon.

The veteran quarterback completed 72.6 percent of his passes for 3,048 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 13 regular-season games in 2025, posting a 6-7 record as a starter. He saw action in both of last year's preseason games, both of which were also against Saskatchewan.

Taylor Elgersma has been list as the backup quarterback, followed by Terry Wilson and Bryce Perkins.

Elgersma, a second-round pick in last year's CFL draft, signed with the team in April after stints with the Green Bay Packers and Birmingham Stallions. The native of London, Ont. won the Hec Crighton Trophy at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2024, which is given annually to the top player in U Sports football.

Wilson has spent the last two seasons with the Blue Bombers, primarily as the third-string quarterback. He has completed 12-of-22 pass attempts for 83 yards and one interception over 36 career regular-season games, making zero starts.

Perkins is a CFL rookie with extensive experience in other professional leagues. The 29-year-old was named the UFL's Most Valuable Player in 2025 as a member of the Michigan Panthers and won Super Bowl LVI as a backup with the Los Angeles Rams.

Payton Thorne, a rookie quarterback who signed with the team in December after making 48 collegiate starts at Michigan State and Auburn, left the Blue Bombers on Thursday. The six-foot-two, 210-pound passer was placed on Winnipeg's suspended list and the team will hold his exclusive CFL rights so long as he's there.

When asked this week, head coach Mike O'Shea declined to provide any details on how long each of the team's quarterbacks will play on Saturday.

The Blue Bombers are dressing many of their veteran players for Saturday's preseason game, including running back Brady Oliveira, receivers Tim White and Tommy Nield, offensive linemen Stanley Bryant, Gabe Wallace, Tui Eli, Patrick Neufeld, and Jarell Broxton, defensive linemen Willie Jefferson and Cameron Lawson, linebackers Tony Jones and Kyrie Wilson, and defensive backs Deatrick Nichols, Redha Kramdi, Evan Holm, and Michael Griffin II.

Veteran players who will not dress include receivers Ontaria Wilson and Nic Demski, defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, defensive backs Jonathan Moxey and Trey Vaval, kicker Sergio Castillo, and punter Jamieson Sheahan.

Saturday's preseason game will be played at 7:00 p.m. EDT at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. The Roughriders are treating the game like a "mini-Grey Cup" and hoping for a crowd of at least 10,000.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/22/winnipeg-blue-bombers-list-zach-collaros-as-preseason-starter-against-roughriders/


Saskatchewan Roughriders playing most projected starters in Saskatoon preseason finale
by 3Down Staff  May 22, 2026

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are set to showcase the majority of their projected starting lineup when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for their preseason finale in Saskatoon on Saturday.

Among the players getting run with the first team unit at positions that remain up for grabs is Desmond Evans, a defensive end who has drawn comparisons to Willie Jefferson. Jaylen Pate and Chico Bennett Jr., who both started last week, are listed with the second unit.

In other key battles, former Bomber Devin Adams will get his second start at defensive tackle with Caleb Sanders inactive, while former B.C. Lion Josh Woods gets the nod at weakside linebacker. Dhel Duncan-Busby has the edge to become the team's third Canadian receiver, but Jaylen Johnson, who caught just one pass for nine yards last week, is stepping into the vacant American spot. Jonathan Kim continues to get top billing over Alex Hale in the kicking competition.

The offensive line appears to be the only position group not dominated by projected starters, as Jermarcus Hardrick and Zack Fry sit out. Reigning J.P. Metras Trophy winner Erik Andersen will play left guard, Jacob Brammer is kicking out to right tackle, and rookie American Jaison Williams will get the chance to audition with the starters at right guard.

As for the backup quarterback battle, Jack Coan remains listed ahead of Brayden Schager, despite the latter's promising preseason showing against Calgary. However, short-yardage specialist Tommy Stevens has been bumped to the bottom of the depth chart, indicating he may no longer be in consideration for passing reps.

The Riders and Bombers will kick off from Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon at 7:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 23. The weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 24 degrees. The game is not being televised, but can be viewed on the CFL's free streaming platform, CFL+.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/22/saskatchewan-roughriders-playing-most-projected-starters-in-saskatoon-preseason-finale/

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Blue Bombers transactions – May 22

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions.

Transferred to suspended list:
American quarterback Terry Wilson

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/05/22/blue-bombers-transactions-may-22-2/

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Ed Tait   @ EdTaitWFC
May 22
The @Wpg_BlueBombers have added another QB to the suspended list, with veteran Terry Wilson now joining Payton Thorne, who stepped away on Thursday.
Three QBs now on the depth chart for tomorrow's game in Saskatoon in Zach Collaros, Taylor Elgersma and Bryce Perkins

[gobombersgo]

Veteran QB Terry Wilson leaves Winnipeg Blue Bombers, added to suspended list
by 3Down Staff  May 22, 2026

American quarterback Terry Wilson has been added to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' suspended list.

Wilson has left the team, sources told 3DownNation reporter John Hodge. The 28-year-old was entering his third season with the Bombers and expected to compete for the backup job. He had completed 12-of-22 passes for 83 yards and one interception in 36 career games.

The six-foot-three, 207-pound passer split his college career between the University of Oregon, the University of Kentucky, and the University of New Mexico, as well as a stop at Garden City Community College. He started 31 combined games between the Wildcats and Lobos, completing 63.2 percent of his passes for 4,501 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also carried the ball 307 times for 1,062 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Wilson attended rookie minicamp with the Dallas Cowboys after going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent the 2022 season with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, appearing in six games and making one start.

Winnipeg listed Wilson as the third-string quarterback on their depth chart for Saturday's preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, which was released on Friday morning. The team announced his suspension later in the day, leaving franchise QB Zach Collaros, Canadian rookie Taylor Elgersma, and former UFL MVP Bryce Perkins as the only three passers on the roster.

Wilson is the second quarterback to depart from the Bombers' training camp of their own volition in as many days. Former Auburn pivot Payton Thorne elected to leave the team on Thursday and was also added to the suspended list.

Saturday's preseason game between the Bombers and Riders will be played at 7:00 p.m. EDT at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/22/veteran-qb-terry-wilson-leaves-winnipeg-blue-bombers-added-to-suspended-list/

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Transactions:

2026-05-22   WPG   THORNE, Payton   QB   A   Auburn   TRF TO LEAGUE SUSPENSION   League Suspension
2026-05-22   WPG   WILSON, Terry   QB   A   New Mexico   TRF TO LEAGUE SUSPENSION   League Suspension

[gobombersgo]

The CFL's highest-paid specialists in 2026
by JC Abbott  May 23, 2026

Kickers/Punters

1) Sergio Castillo, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $140,000
Maximum value: $152,000

Castillo received a $40,000 signing bonus as part of his new contract in January, on top of a $70,000 salary, $15,000 for housing, and $15,000 in marketing money. The 35-year-old can take home bonuses of $1,000 for a divisional all-star selection, $2,000 for an All-CFL selection, and $3,000 each for Most Outstanding Player wins in up to three categories — however unlikely that might be for a kicker.

2) Sean Whyte, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $140,000
Maximum value: $146,000

3) Rene Paredes, Calgary Stampeders (N)

Hard money: $130,000
Maximum value: $136,000

4) Marc Liegghio, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $120,000
Maximum value: $125,800

5) Lirim Hajrullahu, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $107,500
Maximum value: $139,000

6) Jake Julien, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $103,500
Maximum value: $105,500

7) John Haggerty, Toronto Argonauts (G)

Hard money: $100,000
Maximum value: $102,000+

8 ) Jamieson Sheahan, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (G)

Hard money: $100,000
Maximum value: $100,000

Sheahan took home a $5,000 signing bonus when he inked his new deal in January. He'll earn $70,000 in salary this year, plus $15,000 for housing and $10,000 in marketing money.

9) Joseph Zema, Montreal Alouettes (G)

Hard money: $97,000
Maximum value: $103,000

10) Jose Maltos Diaz, Montreal Alouettes (G)

Hard money: $93,500
Maximum value: $107,500

11) Brett Lauther, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $92,500
Maximum value: $108,500


Kick returners

1) Kalil Pimpleton, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $135,000
Maximum value: $141,000

2) Javon Leake, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $135,000
Maximum value: $140,000

3) James Letcher Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $125,300
Maximum value: $137,700

4) Janarion Grant, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $120,300
Maximum value: $128,800

5) DeVonte Dedmon, Montreal Alouettes (A)

Hard money: $119,500
Maximum value: $130,500

6) Peyton Logan, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $95,300
Maximum value: $122,300

7) Trey Vaval, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $95,000
Maximum value: $109,000

The CFL's reigning Most Outstanding Special Teams Player and Most Outstanding Rookie got a new contract extension this offseason after failing to secure an NFL opportunity, receiving a $5,000 signing bonus. Vaval is due $75,000 in salary and $15,000 for housing, with bonuses of $1,000 for both a divisional all-star and All-CFL selection, as well as $2,000 bumps for divisional or league award wins in up to three categories at each level.

8 ) Mario Alford, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $92,500
Maximum value: $112,000+

9) Tyreik McAllister, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $81,500
Maximum value: $100,000

Long snappers

1) Louis-Philippe Bourassa, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $105,000
Maximum value: $105,000

2) Gordon Whyte, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $96,000
Maximum value: $96,000

3) Luke Burton-Krahn, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $93,000
Maximum value: $99,000

4) Adam Guillemette, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $93,000
Maximum value: $93,000

5) Peter Adjey, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $90,200
Maximum value: $96,200

6) Aaron Crawford, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $83,000
Maximum value: $91,000

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/23/the-cfls-highest-paid-specialists-in-2026/