Blue Bombers roster - 2025-2026

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign DB Shyheim Battle and DL Khris Bogle
January 22, 2026 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed defensive back Shyheim Battle and defensive lineman Khris Bogle on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Shyheim Battle is six foot two and weighs 195 pounds. The 24-year-old from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, signed with the Frankfurt Galaxy of the European League of Football on January 15, 2025. In 2025, Battle made 68 tackles (46 solos, 22 assists), four tackles for loss, one interception for four yards, 10 pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 12 games. Battle had signed with the Jacksonville Sharks (IFL) on October 2, 2025.

The New York Jets signed Battle as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2024. The Jets released him on June 18, 2024.

Collegiately, Battle played four seasons at N.C. State (2020-23) with 144 tackles (95 solos, 49 assists), six tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions for 58 yards, 32 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 48 games for the Wolfpack.

In 2023, he made 46 tackles (30 solos, 16 assists), two tackles for loss, two interceptions for 21 yards, six pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 13 games. He was named an All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2021.

Khris Bogle is six foot four and weighs 245 pounds. The 25-year-old from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attended the New York Giants rookie minicamp in 2025. The Columbus Aviators drafted Bogle in the 2026 UFL Draft.

Collegiately, Bogle spent three seasons at the University of Florida (2019-21) with 69 tackles (26 solos, 43 assists), 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 35 games for the Gators.

Then, he transferred to Michigan State University (2022-24) with 62 tackles (32 solos, 30 assists), 12.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 26 games for the Spartans. In 2024, he had a career-high 37 tackles (19 solos, 18 assists), 7.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks in 12 games. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention after the season.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2026/01/22/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-db-shyheim-battle-and-dl-khris-bogle/

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Blue Bombers add five to roster

WINNIPEG, MB., January 23, 2026 –   The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American wide receiver Key'Shawn Smith, American defensive ends Warren Peeples and Khris Bogle, and American defensive backs Warren Burrell and Shyheim Battle.

Smith (6-1, 186, Southern Methodist; born: September 29, 2001, in San Diego, CA.) joins the Bombers after two stints in the NFL (2025), and a five-year collegiate career with Southern Methodist (2024), and Miami (FL) (2020-2023).

After being unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Smith signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and attended their rookie minicamp. He was released in late July and was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs a week later. He appeared in all three 2025 preseason games, catching one pass on three targets for eight yards, and added two kickoff returns for 62 yards.

Smith spent his last two college seasons with Southern Methodist, recording 58 receptions for 919 yards and eight touchdowns in 28 games (17 starts). He also added eight kick returns for 142 yards. Before his 2023 season he was a College Football Network Preseason All-AAC Honourable Mention.

He began his collegiate career with Miami (FL), posting 48 receptions for 662 yards and five touchdowns over 29 games (15 starts). During his 2022 season, Smith returned 21 kickoffs for 640 yards with a 91-yard touchdown.

Peeples (6-2, 230, Southeastern Louisiana; born: June 14, 2001, in Stone Mountain, GA.) signs with the Bombers after time in the NFL (2025), and a three-year collegiate career with Southeastern Louisiana (2024), Northern Iowa (2023), and Memphis (2022).

Peeples signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and appeared in all three 2025 preseason games, recording six total tackles, two sacks, and one quarterback hit.

Peeples spent his final college season with Southeastern Louisiana, starting in all 12 games. He recorded 33 tackles (16 solo, 17 assists), and five sacks (45 yards lost).

Before 2024, Peeples played one season at Northern Iowa, registering four total tackles and one sack in seven games (one start). In his 2022 season at Memphis, he recorded four solo tackles in six appearances.

Bogle (6-4, 245, Michigan State; born: October 9, 2000, in Fort Lauderdale, FL.) joins the Bombers after being selected in the 2026 UFL Draft, time in the NFL (2025), and a six-year collegiate career split between Michigan State (2022-2024), and Florida (2019-2021).

Bogle was recently drafted by the Columbus Aviators of the UFL this January.

Bogle signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants and attended their 2025 rookie minicamp.

Over his six-year college career, Bogle played in 61 games and totaled 129 tackles (57 solo, 72 assisted), 25 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. In his senior year with Michigan State, Bogle started in all 12 games, posting career highs in tackles (37), tackles for loss (7.5), and tied his career high in sacks (4), finishing as an honourable mention All-Big Ten selection.

Burrell (6-0, 195, Georgia Tech; born: December 15, 2000, in Suwanee, GA.) joins the Bombers after a six-year collegiate career with Georgia Tech (2024), and Tennessee (2019-2023).

Over his collegiate career, Burrell accumulated 118 total tackles (90 solo, 28 assists), three tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, 13 pass breakups and two interceptions in 52 games (31 starts).

After transferring to Georgia Tech in 2024, Burrell started nine of eleven games, recording 27 tackles (23 solo, 4 assists), one interception and four pass breakups.

Burrell posted the best season of his Tennessee career in 2021, starting all 12 games at corner while setting career highs in tackles (41), tackles for loss (2) and passes defended (7). He started just two games in 2022, recording 12 tackles (8 solo, 4 assists), before being sidelined due to injury.

Battle (6-3, 196, NC State; born: July 18, 2001, in Rocky Mount, NC.) signs with the Bombers after time in the NFL (2024), and a four-year collegiate career with NC State (2020-2023).

Battle signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in April 2024, attended rookie minicamp, and was released in June 2024.

Collegiately, Battle recorded 144 tackles (95 solo, 49 assists), six tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions for 58 yards, 32 pass breakups, and a fumble recovery across 48 games for the Wolfpack. He started all 12 games in his senior season, posting 46 tackles, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, six passes defended, and a fumble recovery. Battle ended the 2021 season as an honourable mention All-ACC and was a second-team PFF All-ACC performer.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/23/blue-bombers-add-five-to-roster-3/

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Blue Bombers Re-Sign Future Hall of Famer Stanley Bryant
January 26, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with future hall of fame left tackle, Stanley Bryant. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

Bryant (6-4, 313; East Carolina University; born: May 7, 1986, in Goldsboro, NC) returns in 2026 for his 11th season with the Blue Bombers and 16th in the Canadian Football League, including his days with the Calgary Stampeders (2010-14).

He is the most-decorated offensive lineman in CFL history, having been saluted as the league's Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman four times (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022).

Bryant is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he was again a steady and commanding presence at left tackle, helping running back Brady Oliveira rush for over 1,000 yards for a fourth straight season as the Blue Bombers offence finished second in the league in rushing yardage per game (124.1).

Bryant was also again named the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2025 for the seventh time (2017-22, 2024-25).

Now 39, Bryant has suited up for 234 regular-season games during his CFL career, including 200 with the Blue Bombers – sixth most in franchise history – and has started every one of them. He is a three-time Grey Cup champion, having won in 2019 and 2021 with the Blue Bombers and in 2014 with the Stampeders.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/26/blue-bombers-re-sign-future-hall-of-famer-stanley-bryant/

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Transactions:

2026-01-26   WPG   Bouyer-Randle, Brandon   LB   A   Connecticut   ADD   Active Roster
2026-01-26   WPG   Mazzccua, Micah   OL   A   Nebraska   ADD   Active Roster
2026-01-26   WPG   JEFFERSON, Willie   DL   A   Stephen F. Austin State   ADD   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign OL Micah Mazzccua and LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle
January 26, 2026 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua and linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle on Monday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Micah Mazzccua is six foot five and weighs 325 pounds. The 24-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attended the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamps in 2025.

Collegiately, Mazzccua spent three seasons at Baylor (2020-22), playing right guard in 20 games for the Bears. In 2022, He started 11 games. Baylor averaged 32.2 points per game, 413.8 yards per game, and 231.5 passing yards per game, 182.4 rushing yards per game, and 56 touchdowns.

Next, he transferred to Florida in 2023, starting right guard in 11 games for the Gators. Florida averaged 21.6 points per game, 341.3 yards per game, 204.6 passing yards per game, 136.8 rushing yards per game, and 29 touchdowns.

Then, he transferred to Nebraska in 2024, playing right guard and left tackle in nine games for the Cornhuskers. Nebraska averaged 23.5 points per game, 359 yards per game, 228.4 passing yards per game, 130.6 rushing yards per game, and 38 touchdowns.

Brandon Bouyer-Randle is six foot two and weighs 240 pounds. The 28-year-old from Battle Creek, Michigan, signed with the D.C. Defenders on February 8, 2025. He attended training camp and was released on March 20, 2025.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Bouyer-Randle as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he made three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) and one pass breakup in three preseason games. Tampa Bay released him on October 30, 2023.

The Washington Commanders signed Bouyer-Randle on November 7, 2023. They released him on May 7, 2024. The Cleveland Browns signed him on August 12, 2024. In 2024, he did not play the preseason due to an undisclosed injury. The Browns released him on December 31, 2024.

Collegiately, Bouyer-Randle played three seasons at Michigan State (2017-19) with 31 tackles (17 solos, 14 assists), six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 30 games for the Spartans.

Next, he transferred to Texas Tech (2020-21) with 52 tackles (37 solos, 15 assists), two tackles for loss, one sack, and seven pass breakups in 18 games for the Red Raiders.

Then, he transferred to Connecticut in 2022 with 98 tackles (34 solos, 64 assists), eight tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions for 70 yards, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 13 games for the Huskies.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2026/01/26/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-ol-micah-mazzccua-and-lb-brandon-bouyer-randle/

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Blue Bombers Re-Sign Kyrie Wilson
January 27, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year extension with veteran linebacker Kyrie Wilson.

Wilson (6-1, 227; Fresno State; born: November 5, 1992, in Fresno, CA.) returns in 2026 for his ninth Canadian Football League season, all of them with the Blue Bombers.

Wilson is coming off one of the best campaigns of his career, having suited up for all 18 regular season games and the Eastern Semi-Final while registering 49 defensive tackles, added two more on special teams, along with three sacks and two forced fumbles.

Wilson, 33, has now appeared in 73 games over his eight seasons with the Blue Bombers and has accumulated 206 tackles, nine sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. He is a two-time Grey Cup champion, with his championship-sealing interception in overtime in the 2021 Grey Cup one of the most memorable moments in franchise history.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/27/blue-bombers-re-sign-kyrie-wilson/

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Blue Bombers add two to roster
January 27, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle and American offensive lineman Micah Mazzccua.

Bouyer-Randle (6-2, 240; Connecticut; born May 5, 1997, in Battle Creek, MI.) signs with the Bombers after multiple stints in the NFL (2023-2024), and a six-year collegiate career with Connecticut (2022), Texas Tech (2020-2021), and Michigan State (2017-2019).

Bouyer-Randle joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and made the practice roster out of camp. He later spent time on the Washington Commanders' practice squad before signing with the Cleveland Browns for the 2024 season, though an injury sidelined him prior to his release.

Bouyer-Randle ended his collegiate career at Connecticut, making 98 tackles (34 solo, 64 assists), eight tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions for 70 yards, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 13 games (10 starts) for the Huskies.

Prior, he spent two seasons at Texas Tech, recording 52 tackles (37 solo, 15 assists), two tackles for loss, one sack, and seven pass breakups in 18 games.

He began his college career at Michigan State, posting 31 tackles (17 solo, 14 assists), six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass breakup, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 30 games.

Mazzccua (6-5, 325; Nebraska; born: November 22, 2001, in Philadelphia, PA.) joins the Bombers after a four-year collegiate career with Nebraska (2024), Florida (2023), and Baylor (2021-2022).

Mazzccua ended is collegiate career at Nebraska, starting in three of nine games he appeared in.

Before that, Mazzccua played one season at Florida, starting 11 of 12 games at right guard and logging 743 snaps on the Gators' offensive line. After starting the first three games of the season and missing one contest, he returned to the lineup for the final eight games. Mazzccua helped Florida average 408.8 yards and 28.4 points per game while facing one of the nation's toughest schedules.

Mazzccua began his college career at Baylor, appearing in 20 games. In 2022, he started 10 of 11 games at guard and was graded out as the second-best guard in the Big 12 according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). His run-blocking grade from PFF was the best in the Big 12 and among the top 15 in the nation. Mazzccua helped the Bears average 32.2 points and 413.8 yards per game, including 182.4 rushing yards per contest.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/27/blue-bombers-add-two-to-roster-3/

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Transactions:

2026-01-27   WPG   SMITH JR., Mike   LB   A   Baylor   ADD   Active Roster
2026-01-27   WPG   WILSON, Kyrie   LB   A   Fresno State   ADD   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign linebacker Mike Smith Jr.
January 27, 2026 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed linebacker Mike Smith Jr. on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Mike Smith Jr. is six foot one and weighs 231 pounds. The 24-year-old from Flora, Mississippi, signed with the B.C. Lions on December 5, 2024. In 2025, he made six tackles, one tackle for loss, and one tackle on special teams in two preseason games. The Lions released him on June 1, 2025.

The Indianapolis Colts signed Smith Jr. as an undrafted free agent on August 19, 2024. He played one preseason game. The Colts released him on August 25, 2024. The B.C. Lions signed Smith Jr. on September 23, 2024. He spent over a month on the practice squad. The Lions released him on November 3, 2024.

Collegiately, Smith Jr. played three seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast (2019-21) with 248 tackles (151 solos, 97 assists), 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions for 66 yards, and 10 pass breakups in 27 games for the Bulldogs. He was named First Team All-MACCC in 2021.

Next, Smith Jr. transferred to Liberty in 2022 with 69 tackles (39 solos, 30 assists), eight tackles for loss, one interception for 22 yards, five pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 11 games for the Flames. Then, he transferred to Baylor in 2023 with 25 tackles (18 solos, 7 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup in five games for the Bears.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2026/01/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-linebacker-mike-smith-jr/

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Transactions:

026-01-28   WPG   BRYANT, Stanley   OL   A   East Carolina   ADD   Active Roster

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Blue Bombers sign all-star receiver Tim White
January 28, 2026

WINNIPEG, MB., January 28, 2026 –   The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with all-star receiver Tim White.

White was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Monday in advance of the free agent market opening on February 10th.

White (5-9, 175; Arizona State; born: July 15, 1994, in Santa Clarita, CA) joins the Blue Bombers after spending the last five years with the Tiger-Cats, where he was named a Canadian Football League All-Star three times (2022, 2023, 2024) and an East Division All-Star on four occasions (2021-24).

White, 31, appeared in 83 games over his five years with the Ticats – all starts – and has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including pulling in 84 passes for 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

During his days in Hamilton, he had 383 catches for 5,488 yards and 33 touchdowns, hitting a career-high eight scores in 2022, 2023 and 2024, along with a career best 94 receptions in 2022 and a personal high of 1,269 yards in 2023.

In eight career games against the Blue Bombers White had 39 receptions for 533 yards and four touchdowns.

White began his collegiate career at the College of the Canyons (2014) before transferring to Arizona State (2015-16) where he was a two-sport star in football and track and field. He had 113 receptions for 1,346 yards and 10 TDs in two seasons at ASU, where he also returned two kicks for scores and compiled 3,381 all-purpose yards, averaging 135.2 yards per game. He also finished fourth in the triple jump at the 2016 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

White first turned pro as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017 and also had NFL stints with the New York Jets (2019), New Orleans Saints (2019-20) before coming north to the CFL.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/28/blue-bombers-sign-all-star-receiver-tim-white/

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Dan Ralph   @danralphcp
Jan 28
Hearing WR Tim White's one-year deal with Winnipeg includes $225k in hard money and $75k signing bonus with a max value of $231k. White, 31,  had four straight 1,000-yard seasons with Hamilton. He was a three-time CFL all-star and four-time East all-star.

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Coty Wiles   @CotyWilesSports
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have already largely retained the veteran core that has helped them sustain success over the last half-decade. However, I took a deep dive into their roster and at a couple of positions that could use some new blood to help the team get back into the playoffs for the 10th straight season

The Blue Bombers needed some help at WR and they now got in the slot with Tim White

New OC Tommy Condell has familiarity with White too, as the pair were together with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 2021-2023

Really good match, excited to see Condell's creativity with Demski and White inside


Free agency preview: Blue Bombers staying the course
By Coty Wiles January 28, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers seem to be heading into 2026 as the same old Blue Bombers in most areas of the roster and front office.

The organization brought back general manager Kyle Walters and coach Mike O'Shea on three-year deals, who, in turn, have already brought back most of the veteran core. Can you blame them? Though the team failed to make a sixth straight Grey Cup (as if making five straight wasn't enough), the Bombers have made nine straight playoff appearances and are the model franchise of sustained success.

There are still areas that Walter, O'Shea, and co. will have to hit hard this period, however, with a couple of positions on the roster that need addressing.

The Free Agency Communication Window, in which teams can openly speak with any clubs pending free agents, opens Feb.1 at 12 p.m. ET and closes Feb.8 at 12 p.m. ET. The official CFL free agency period opens Feb.10 at 12 p.m. ET

Pending Free Agents

* = Canadian

QB Chris Streveler

SB Dalton Schoen

SB Jerreth Sterns

SB Kody Case

SB/WR Dillon Mitchell

WR Keric Wheatfall

OT Eric Lofton

DT Jamal Woods

DE James Vaughters

LB Shayne Gauthier*

NKL Enock Makonzo*

CB Demerio Houston

CB Terrell Bonds

NKL/HB Dexter Lawson Jr.

S Nick Hallett*

A lot of work has already been done, as the Blue Bombers enter the communication window with only 15 pending free agents remaining and three big positions to address: wide receiver, defensive line, and cornerback.

Offence



The offence was a mixed bag last season.

On one hand, the team was mauling in the run game, posting the second-highest rush yards per game (124.1) and the second-highest average gain per rush (5.5). The team struggled to move the ball through the air; however, posting the lowest passing yards per game by far at 235.0, which was more than 100 fewer than the leaders in the BC Lions' last season.

This resulted in the team finishing middle of the pack in overall net offence and average yards per play, while the team struggled to put up points, specifically touchdowns, sitting bottom three in offensive points per game (23.1), touchdown drive percentage (15., and red zone opportunities (47).

Now the team appears to be retooling its offence for 2026, from coordinator to players. Jason Hogan – who remains on staff as the team's running backs coach – is out as the offensive coordinator after one season, replaced by Tommy Condell.

Condell and quarterback Zach Collaros go back more than a decade, having worked together in Hamilton in 2014 and 2015. What the veteran coordinator brings is decades of experience, though he has traditionally called pass-heavy offences. Just last season, as the Ottawa Redblacks' playcaller while they were missing starting pivot Dru Brown for nine starts and had a talented dual-threat backup, Dustin Crum, soaking up responsibilities, they still called the third most passing plays.

You will also find the Bombers towards the bottom in pass frequency from last season, and when you have Brady Oliveira on your team, you can always argue they should have run the ball more.

The Winnipeg native has been fantastic over the past four seasons, logging nearly 7,000 yards from scrimmage and 25 touchdowns, claiming the Most Outstanding Player award, back-to-back Most Outstanding Canadian awards, and two All-CFL nominations along the way. Just in 2025 alone, despite missing three games with a shoulder injury, the 28-year-old running back led the league in scrimmage yards (1,709) and yards per carry (5., while sitting second in receptions amongst backs (61) and fourth in rushing yards after contact (704).

Condell has never really had a bruising back who can catch like Oliveira before. The closest and most recent example is with James Butler in 2023, when Condell was let go midseason after the team started 3-5. For what it's worth, Butler averaged only 10.8 carries and 50.8 yards per game in the eight contests he played in under Condell, before jumping up to 16.6 carries and 78.9 yards (with a slight increase in efficiency) in the nine games once Condell was let go.

Seeing the marriage between the pass and run game in 2026 will be interesting to monitor, though both Collaros and O'Shea have refuted that the run game will be abandoned, as Condell enters a situation where the personnel will dictate how the offence is run. And as of right now, the wide receivers could use some work.

The team currently has five pending free agents and presumably three out of five starting spots locked in, with Canadians in slotback Nic Demski and wideout Kevens Clercius, as well as American Ontaria Wilson under contract.

Demski is as solid as they come, recording three-straight 1,000-yard seasons while posting one of the highest contested catch rates last season (63.6). Clercius got more targets, receptions, and yards in year two last season (Joey Corcoran could also push for more time), and Wilson was one of the best deep threats in the league over the final six games of the season after coming back from a stint in the NFL.

That leaves two spots that need filling, and while the team has brought in numerous rookie Americans to compete, an established impact addition could make sense given the talent available.

Regardless of who gets brought in, the passing attack should see an uptick from its league-low output last season, given Condell's experience and creativity in the pass game, plus a healthier Collaros, who missed five starts and didn't finish three other games in 2025.

The offensive line seems to be in place to help accomplish that as the team brought future Hall of Fame left tackle Stanley Bryant and long-time right guard Patrick Neufeld back on one-year deals. At centre, the team released Chris Kolankowski earlier in the off-season and seems primed to roll with Asotui Eli at the position, who has bided his time as the backup/swing tackle who's impressed in his more than 1,100 snaps across the past seasons.

Canadian Gabe Wallace, 26, will look to build after a successful first season at left guard that saw him register the second best pressure rate allowed (2.7) among interior linemen, while 27-year-old American Kendall Randolph was solid in all facets of the game in his first full season starting at right tackle.

Depth-wise, Micah Vanterpool has started games at left tackle and left guard for the team, while young Canadian draft picks Ethan Vibert and Iwinosa Uwubanmwen look to continue to grow in backup roles. A veteran addition is always possible, but given the number of Americans who have been brought into the competition, it seems unlikely.

Defence



While the offence seemed like it was trying to figure things out every week, Jordan Younger's unit was dialled in from Week 1.

Since Younger was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2024, he's put together an elite pass defence unit. Over the past two seasons, the Bombers have allowed the fewest number of passing yards per game (248.1), passing touchdowns (41), the lowest opponent completion percentage (61.6 per cent), and the most pass knockdowns (Willie Jefferson plays a big factor in that, too). As a former defensive back with over a half-decade of coaching the back end, this shouldn't come as a surprise.

It starts with star halfback duo Deatrick Nichols (through 2026) and Evan Holm (through 2027), who are both back under contract. Both have gotten multiple All-CFL nods in their time as a duo since 2022 and are great in coverage. They are also both durable, with one game being missed between the pair since 2023.

Canadian Redha Kramdi (through 2027) and American Michael Griffin II (through 2026) join breakout player Cam Allen in the nickel/safety rotation. The 29-year-old Kramdi has grown into one of the best nickel players in the CFL, especially while defending the run, recording 106 defensive tackles over the past two seasons, while Allen impressed in his nine starts at safety to close the year.

They'll have to figure out the outside corner spots, however, as the team released Jamal Parker earlier in the off-season while Demerio Houston and Terrell Bonds remain pending free agents.

The team has already brought in numerous Americans to compete at those spots, while the Blue Bombers confirmed Trey Vaval will also return after receiving six NFL workouts this cycle. The team could go shopping, one or both pending free agents could get brought back, while some combo of the rookie Americans and Vaval (who got 314 defensive snaps last season) could soak up snaps as well.

Overall, with the league's best pass defence, they are fantastic on second down, allowing the lowest opponent completion percentage in 2024 (42.3 per cent) and 2025 (43.6 per cent). The team has also been the best at not allowing touchdowns, allowing the least number of opponents' drives to end in majors in the Younger era.

Now, if you can pair this elite back end with a pass rush, you'd be cooking with gas, but generating pressure has been a challenge over the past couple of seasons.

This defence has ranked last in sacks (39) and tackles for loss (49) over the past two years, as this front is in need of a shot in the arm. It's a unit that's presumably going to look a lot different in a week, as long-time Canadian middle man Jake Thomas has retired and joined the coaching staff as the defensive line coach, while tackle Jamal Woods and edge James Vaughters remain unsigned.

Only two spots on the defensive line seem to be taken care of at the moment, one being the field edge, where Willie Jefferson has re-upped on a one-year deal as part of the veteran core returning, while younger Canadians Cameron Lawson (through 2027) and Tanner Schmekel have also returned and are projected to take up a majority of the snaps at nose.

The other two spots could use upgrades, and there are disruptive players still unsigned in those spots, like the Saskatchewan Roughriders' edge Malik Carney and tackle Mike Rose. The pair sit atop the pending free agent defensive line ranks, as does Edmonton's Jake Ceresna, as guys who can get into opposing backfields. These spots are the biggest needs of an upgrade on the roster.

Rounding out the defence are American veterans Tony Jones and Kyrie Wilson at inside linebacker. The latter is sticking around for his ninth season as a Bomber and is one of the better run defenders from the weak side in the league. The most important thing for the 33-year-old has been health, and the two-time Grey Cup champion played in all 18 games last season after combining for just 21 games played over the last three years combined.

The star of the middle is Tony Jones, however, who broke out into a divisional All-CFL player in his second year in Winnipeg. The 30-year-old finished second in the league in tackles (102), third amongst inside linebackers in tackles for loss (four), seventh in sacks (three), while adding a pair of interceptions and totalling the second most defensive plays (116).

Canadians Tanner Cadwallader, Lane Novak, and Connor Shay add depth at the position as well, while pending free agent and another one of those typical mainstays in Shayne Gauthier could be brought back.

By the numbers, this has been a top-three unit over the past couple of seasons that has the chance to still upgrade significantly by adding to its pass rush.

Playing to your strengths and leaning into making the defence even better through free agency is something Walters, O'Shea, and co. could do, rather than trying to patch every single hole around the roster.

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/free-agency-preview-blue-bombers-staying-the-course/

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Transactions:

2026-01-29   WPG   WHITE, Tim   WR   A   Arizona State   ADD   Active Roster

[gobombersgo]

Blue Bombers add linebacker
January 30, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the club has signed American linebacker Mike Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. (5-11, 244; Baylor; born March 13, 2001, in Flora, MS.) signs with the Bombers after CFL and NFL experience, along with a two-year collegiate career at Baylor (2023) and Liberty (2022).

In 2024, Smith joined the BC Lions' practice roster following his release from the NFL and later signed a futures contract for the 2025 season. He was released following the Lions' 2025 training camp.

Smith signed with the Indianapolis Colts in August 2024, attended training camp, and appeared in one preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In his lone season at Baylor, Smith started all five games he appeared in, recording 24 tackles (17 solo, seven assists) and one sack.

Smith began his NCAA career at Liberty, starting all 12 games. He posted 85 tackles (45 solo, 40 assists), one interception for 22 yards, and a half-sack.

Before the NCAA, Smith played three seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (2019–21).

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/01/30/blue-bombers-add-linebacker/