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

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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

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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/

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Blue Bombers Transactions – May 25

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions.

Added to roster:
American defensive lineman Arnold Young
American defensive lineman Michael Fletcher
American receiver Kenneth Womack

Released from roster:
American defensive back Shyheim Battle
American defensive back Robert Javier

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/05/25/blue-bombers-transactions-may-25-3/

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Derek Taylor   @D TonOB
Back to camp for the Bombers today. They announce two roster moves. Javier appeared to injure his right shoulder in Saturday's game. And Battle has been working through injuries since before rookie camp.

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers cut two from training camp roster, sign three
by 3Down Staff  May 25, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released American defensive backs Shyheim Battle and Robert Javier from their training camp roster, the team announced on Monday.

Battle signed with the team in January after spending the 2025 season in the now-defunct European League of Football with the Frankfurt Galaxy, where he made 68 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble.

The six-foot-three, 196-pound defender attended North Carolina State University, where he racked up 144 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions, 32 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery across 48 games. He was twice named an honourable mention All-ACC selection with the Wolfpack.

The native of Rocky Mount, N.C. signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft, but was released before training camp. He dressed for Winnipeg's 31-27 preseason loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday but didn't register a statistic.

Javier joined the Blue Bombers as a free agent in February. He spent time on the practice roster with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024 and attended training camp with the team in 2025, though he was released as part of final roster cuts.

The six-foot-one, 195-pound defender originally signed with the Tennessee Titans after going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, but was cut by the team at the end of training camp.

The native of Bronx, N.Y. recorded two tackles and one pass knockdown against the Roughriders on Saturday.

The Blue Bombers have also signed American receiver Kenneth Womack and American defensive linemen Arnold Young and Michael Fletcher. All three players were recently released but have now returned to the team.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/25/winnipeg-blue-bombers-cut-two-from-training-camp-roster/

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Transactions:

2026-05-25   WPG   JAVIER, Robert   DB   A   Towson University   DEL   Active Roster
2026-05-25   WPG   FLETCHER, Michael   DL   A   Appalachian State   ADD   Active Roster
2026-05-25   WPG   WOMACK, Kenneth   WR   A   Western Michigan   ADD   Active Roster
2026-05-25   WPG   YOUNG, Arnold   DL   A   Montclair State   ADD   Active Roster
2026-05-25   WPG   MAYES, Jamoi   WR   A   Cincinnati   ADD FROM RETIRED   Active Roster
2026-05-25   WPG   BATTLE, Shyheim   DB   A   North Carolina State   DEL   Active Roster

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Transactions:

2026-05-26   WPG   WILSON, Terry   QB   A   New Mexico   DEL   Free Agent

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers release disgruntled QB Terry Wilson
by 3Down Staff  May 26, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released veteran quarterback Terry Wilson from their suspended list. The move appeared on the CFL's transactions wire on Tuesday and has been confirmed by a source to 3DownNation.

The 28-year-old recently left the Blue Bombers, resulting in him being placed on the suspended list. As a result of his release, he is now free to sign with any team.

The six-foot-three, 207-pound passer joined the team as a free agent in 2024 and dressed for 36 regular-season games in a depth role, completing 12-of-22 passes for 83 yards and one interception.

"He came to my office. We had a decent conversation," head coach Mike O'Shea said recently regarding Wilson's decision to leave the team. "It wasn't short, it wasn't overly long either, but it was enough to gather some information. He just felt it was time for him to go."

Wilson split his collegiate career between the University of Oregon, University of Kentucky, University of New Mexico, and 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.

The native of Oklahoma City 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.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/26/winnipeg-blue-bombers-release-disgruntled-qb-terry-wilson/

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Blue Bombers Transactions - May 26, 2026

WINNIPEG, MB., May 26, 2026 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the following transactions.

Released from roster:
American quarterback Terry Wilson

[gobombersgo]

Preseason game 2:

Derek Taylor  @ DTonOB

Not a lot of expected starters in the roster for the Bombers for Friday. No Collaros, Oliveira, White. Jefferson, Ceresna, Nichols, etc.

Exited to see lots of Singer, Elsbury, Chris-Ike and more.

BC is bringing the starting O to Winnipeg, including Nathan Rourke. Most of the defensive starters are staying home.

Darrin Bauming  @ DarrinBauming

Winnipeg going YOUNG for their final preseason tuneup Friday night.

The @BCLions are bringing their veterans and starters — trial by fire for #Bombers hopefuls vying for a roster spot.

Farhan Lalji  @ FarhanLaljiTSN

Rourke expected to play 2 series max, with a veteran offense around him. Very young group of defense with only Sankey & Williams as veteran starters. @CFLonTSN  #BCLions






Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma to start Winnipeg Blue Bombers' final preseason game
by 3Down Staff  May 28, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will give Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma a shot at redemption in their preseason finale on Friday against the B.C. Lions.

The rookie out of Wilfrid Laurier University will get the start at quarterback and is expected to play a significant amount, with Bryce Perkins the only other quarterback listed on the depth chart. Elgersma struggled at times in his preseason debut, completing just six of 13 passes for 78 yards and two interceptions. He also led the team in rushing with four carries for 18 yards.

A second-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, Elgersma won the Hec Crighton Trophy as the top player in Canadian university football and is favoured to take over the Bombers' backup quarterback job. The rookie had considerable hype surrounding his arrival, after the team was forced to wait a year to sign him as he took advantage of opportunities in the NFL and UFL.

The Bombers will deploy very few projected starters alongside Elgersma, with the bulk of the top unit inactive. On defence, Cam Allen will battle to maintain his spot at safety, while De'Shaan Dixon and Kydran Jenkins appear to be in competition for the vacant defensive end position.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/28/canadian-qb-taylor-elgersma-to-start-winnipeg-blue-bombers-final-preseason-game/


Darnell Sankey to don B.C. Lions' colours for first time in preseason clash with Bombers
by 3Down Staff  May 28, 2026

Two of the B.C. Lions' biggest offseason additions will wear orange and black for the first time when they visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for their final preseason game on Friday.

Three-time all-star middle linebacker Darnell Sankey, who was signed by the team after his release by the Montreal Alouettes, will get the start on defence. Standout defensive tackle Casey Sayles, who joined the club after an awkward release by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, will also dress, though he is listed as a third-stringer behind depth options at defensive tackle.

Despite the insertion of the recognizable names, the Lions appear focused on evaluation defensively. Likely impact players like Mathieu Betts, Jonah Tavai, Sione Teuhema, Levi Bell, Ben Hladik, T.J. Lee, Garry Peters, and Jackson Findlay will not dress. Only nickel Deontai Williams and halfback Ronald Kent Jr. will play as returning starters.

Offensively, the story will be different, with reigning Most Outstanding Player Nathan Rourke expected to lead the full starting offence for at least two series. Dejon Allen will make his return from injury at right tackle, and second-year returner Seven McGee will run with the first group of receivers.

https://3downnation.com/2026/05/28/darnell-sankey-to-don-b-c-lions-colours-for-first-time-in-preseason-clash-with-bombers/