Blue Bombers agree in principle with Jarell Broxton

[DCM]

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are reportedly landing one of the biggest prizes — both literally and figuratively — available in the Canadian Football League's free agent market.

Taylor Allen of The Winnipeg Free Press is reporting the Blue Bombers have agreed in principle with mammoth offensive tackle Jarell Broxton, who was a CFL All-Star last season with the B.C. Lions and has been voted the club's top offensive lineman in each of the last three years (2023-25).

FYI, the CFL's negotiating window opened Sunday at 11 a.m. allowing teams and pending free agents around the league to negotiate, with any new agreements not to be officially announced until February 10th when the market opens.

FYI, the CFL's negotiating window opened Sunday at 11 a.m. allowing teams and pending free agents around the league to negotiate, with any new agreements not to be officially announced until February 10th when the market opens.

Now 32, Broxton (6-5, 325; Baylor University) would be joining the Blue Bombers this year for his sixth season in the CFL after spending the last five years on the West Coast and instantly upgrades an already veteran group that features future hall of famer Stanley Bryant and three-time CFL All-Star Pat Neufeld along with veteran guard/centre Tui Eli, mammoth left guard Gabe Wallace and 2025 CFL Draft picks Ethan Vibert and Iwinosa Uwubanmwen and two veteran Americans in Kendall Randolph, who started every game at right tackle last year, and versatile guard/tackle Micah Vanterpool.

The club has also signed nine other American offensive linemen for training camp, which opens in May.

Broxton started at left tackle for the Lions for 16 regular season games the Western Semi-Final and Western Final last year and has made 51 starts for the Lions since joining the club in 2021. Interestingly, he had first signed in the CFL with the Blue Bombers in February of 2020 but did not join the club after the cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/02/01/report-blue-bombers-agree-in-principle-with-jarell-broxton/

[Blue In BC]

Fantastic player. I suppose he'll be playing RT in place of Randolph? Didn't I read he wanted to be the highest paid OL in the CFL?

[TBURGESS]

That's a great signing.

[DCM]

@FarhanLaljiTSN
A 2-year deal for Broxton to the #Bombers at 250k per. Makes him the highest paid 🇺🇸 OL in @CFL

[Blue In BC]

I am a little confused by this after we re-signed Bryant. Braxton would have been an obvious choice if we had not done that.

So does Braxton play RT this year and replace Bryant at LT next year, or does Bryant shift over to RT?

Either way our OL just got a lot better. We'll see the thinning of some of the previous rookies we signed earlier IMO.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I am a little confused by this after we re-signed Bryant. Braxton would have been an obvious choice if we had not done that.

So does Braxton play RT this year and replace Bryant at LT next year, or does Bryant shift over to RT?

Either way our OL just got a lot better. We'll see the thinning of some of the previous rookies we signed earlier IMO.

I'm pretty shocked they went through with this, considering how many import O-linemen they're bringing to TC plus the time they invested in Vanterpool and Randolph.  Seems like a change in philosophy on how they build their lines.

Not that familiar with him, did Broxton play OT in BC or OG?

[Blue In BC]

I'm pretty shocked they went through with this, considering how many import O-linemen they're bringing to TC plus the time they invested in Vanterpool and Randolph.  Seems like a change in philosophy on how they build their lines.

Not that familiar with him, did Broxton play OT in BC or OG?

Yes he was their LT and many felt the best LT in the CFL. Obviously we're paying accordingly. Rookie OL previously signed won't all make it to TC. Some may be released shortly after free agency on Feb 10 settles down.

We'll still need some but now we're looking for back ups and PR. It's not clear how this impacts Randolph and / or Vanterpool. Possible trade value?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yes he was their LT and many felt the best LT in the CFL. Obviously we're paying accordingly. Rookie OL previously signed won't all make it to TC. Some may be released shortly after free agency on Feb 10 settles down.

We'll still need some but now we're looking for back ups and PR. It's not clear how this impacts Randolph and / or Vanterpool. Possible trade value?

Funny up until last season when the Lions started using 4 imports I thought their O-line play was awful, very poor at run blocking.

[Pigskin]

Like this signing. Would have been better if he was a Canadian, and a couple of years younger. But, he will help our OL.

[Jesse]

We just signed the best LT in the league. Probably means big Stan is moving inside or to the right side.

But that's a TC problem. This is great news.

[Pete]

Yes he was their LT and many felt the best LT in the CFL. Obviously we're paying accordingly. Rookie OL previously signed won't all make it to TC. Some may be released shortly after free agency on Feb 10 settles down.

We'll still need some but now we're looking for back ups and PR. It's not clear how this impacts Randolph and / or Vanterpool. Possible trade value?

we can nolonger say the bombers are at fault for sitting pat.. some good aggressive moves by Walters, and like when we first obtained Bryant someone to build around. As for Randolph i can still see us going with 3 imports and utilizing him at guard,...maybe he could practice snaps?

[Jesse]

we can nolonger say the bombers are at fault for sitting pat.. some good aggressive moves by Walters, and like when we first obtained Bryant someone to build around. As for Randolph i can still see us going with 3 imports and utilizing him at guard,...maybe he could practice snaps?

If Eli is our centre, need a new 6th as well.

[bunker]

Great signing.

Walters has decided to spend what it takes for quality.

Little surprised at the position, would have thought D-line was a greater area of need, like someone like Carney.

Wonder if they are unsure of Bryant's ability to go another full season.

[The Zipp]

very very happy with this signing.  got to protect zach and this guy doesn't give up pressures, he is a brick wall. 

[M.O.A.B.]

Maybe: LT Bryant / LG Broxton / C Eli / RG Neufeld / RT Randolph ?

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

If Eli is our centre, need a new 6th as well.

Vibert I guess, if they go with an American Center, than Eli.

[VictorRomano]

I will be happy to note that 2 of my 3 picks (Broxton, White) in the "Pick 3 FA's, Money/Ratio No Limit" thread are now reportedly Blue Bombers.

C'mon Walters, go get CERESNA (and also DUQUOY) now!

[Jesse]

Broxton started at left tackle for the Lions for 16 regular season games the Western Semi-Final and Western Final last year and has made 51 starts for the Lions since joining the club in 2021. Interestingly, he had first signed in the CFL with the Blue Bombers in February of 2020 but did not join the club after the cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2026/02/01/report-blue-bombers-agree-in-principle-with-jarell-broxton/

Missed this the first time I read it. Interesting that he was probably our original plan to replace Stan.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Missed this the first time I read it. Interesting that he was probably our original plan to replace Stan.

Rigmaiden probably recruited him originally.

[theaardvark]

I'm pretty shocked they went through with this, considering how many import O-linemen they're bringing to TC plus the time they invested in Vanterpool and Randolph.  Seems like a change in philosophy on how they build their lines.

Not that familiar with him, did Broxton play OT in BC or OG?

Not sure what the issue is, the rookies coming in are on 2 year ELC's, Stan is on a one year, Braxton a 2 year.

So, 2 years of development, they could be ready to step in.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Don't think we're going to move Broxton to anything. He'll be LT you'd have to figure.

[VictorRomano]

I will be happy to note that 2 of my 3 picks (Broxton, White) in the "Pick 3 FA's, Money/Ratio No Limit" thread are now reportedly Blue Bombers.

C'mon Walters, go get CERESNA (and also DUQUOY) now!

OMFG.....BINGO!

[peg_city]

Don't think we're going to move Broxton to anything. He'll be LT you'd have to figure.

Yeah, makes more sense to move Bryant to RT.

[Blueforlife]

After some early complaints about management and our FA signings by some, things are shaping up nicely in Bomberland.  Lots of work to do but this will put my OL worries to bed. 

Patience always pays off with this group.  You got to have faith faith faith.

You gotta have faith!

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Yeah, makes more sense to move Bryant to RT.

I'd go with Broxton and Randolph. Bryant can either be a luxurious one game stash or to the PR to be a hybrid player coach and good injury emergency stash. Had they taken that approach with Thomas last year we'd unquestionably have been a better team. They should not make the same mistake here.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Superb. I like the Bombers are really going for it this year!

[dd]

Maybe: LT Bryant / LG Broxton / C Eli / RG Neufeld / RT Randolph ?

I would think Braxton, Randolph, Eli, Neufeld, Bryant, a MASSIVE upgrade from last years line

[Sir Blue and Gold]

A couple options:


1 Broxton-Wallace-Eli-Neufeld-Randolph
Vibert

2 Broxton-Wallace-American in camp-Neufeld-Bryant
Vibert

3 Broxton-Wallace-Eli-Vanterpool-Randolph
Neufeld

(I'm not really sold on Eli I'm just not sure what other options exist. We could go American at centre of we wanted.)

[Blue In BC]

I'd go with Broxton and Randolph. Bryant can either be a luxurious one game stash or to the PR to be a hybrid player coach and good injury emergency stash. Had they taken that approach with Thomas last year we'd unquestionably have been a better team. They should not make the same mistake here.

I'm not sure where Bryant ends up but it won't be the PR. I suppose they may stash him on the 1 game IR but his contract wouldn't have been that low IMO. I could see Randolph being put on the 1 game IR depending on the competition during TC.

Vanterpool and Randolph are no longer locks on the roster.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I'm not sure where Bryant ends up but it won't be the PR. I suppose they may stash him on the 1 game IR but his contract wouldn't have been that low IMO. I could see Randolph being put on the 1 game IR depending on the competition during TC.

Vanterpool and Randolph are no longer locks on the roster.

I wonder if Randolph has the edge as he played last season while Vanterpool was mostly parked.

I expect they discussed Stan's role with him before he signed, whether he moves to RT, comes in as 6th man or whatever he probably approved the role they will assign to him.  One thing for sure, they're not throwing him out the back door with the trash.

[blue_gold_84]

Walters making a splash and a half yesterday. This is huge!

[Blue In BC]

I wonder if Randolph has the edge as he played last season while Vanterpool was mostly parked.

I expect they discussed Stan's role with him before he signed, whether he moves to RT, comes in as 6th man or whatever he probably approved the role they will assign to him.  One thing for sure, they're not throwing him out the back door with the trash.

Having him as a 6 OL and DI shouldn't be in the cards. That's even more true if we convert to a 3 man OL. Yes they may have spoken with him prior to being re-signed. We haven't heard the deals of the contract so it's just a question.

I think Randolph is ahead of Vanterpool but I wouldn't rule out Bryant ahead of both.

We have choices which is not the worst situation to have.

[theaardvark]

Having him as a 6 OL and DI shouldn't be in the cards. That's even more true if we convert to a 3 man OL. Yes they may have spoken with him prior to being re-signed. We haven't heard the deals of the contract so it's just a question.

I think Randolph is ahead of Vanterpool but I wouldn't rule out Bryant ahead of both.

We have choices which is not the worst situation to have.

Big Stan can move over to RT without skipping a beat, and actually improve his play over having to guard the blindside.  I think it makes the line better with him at RT and Broxton rocking out at LT. 

If we do use an IMP at OC, can you imagine the beef on the Oline?  Neufeld will be the small one...

[Jesse]

Big Stan can move over to RT without skipping a beat, and actually improve his play over having to guard the blindside.  I think it makes the line better with him at RT and Broxton rocking out at LT. 

If we do use an IMP at OC, can you imagine the beef on the Oline?  Neufeld will be the small one...

We absolutely don't know if that's true. Stan is 40 years old and has never had to switch to the right side.

[theaardvark]

We absolutely don't know if that's true. Stan is 40 years old and has never had to switch to the right side.

I guess I'm assuming that the move from RT to LT is hard, but the reverse is less so.  Not sure if Big Stan has an issue stepping backwards with the other foot first, or some other physical limitation that precludes him moving to the right rather than left, but it would seem to be an easier spot to play, especially as a 40yr old.

Signing Bryant was a no brainer, but it looks like Walters isn't taking a chance on him being "Big Stan" 100%. 

[LXTSN]

I think I'd like to see this:
Stanley - Broxton - Eli - Wallace - Randolph
Then we have Paddy, Vanterpool and Vibert to fit in somewhere.
Stanley and Broxton have both played LT for a very long time, and switching to the right side of the line is not as easy as it sounds. The Bombers obviously have a plan in place to start both of them, but I'm so curious to see what they have planned!

[Blue In BC]

I think I'd like to see this:
Stanley - Broxton - Eli - Wallace - Randolph
Then we have Paddy, Vanterpool and Vibert to fit in somewhere.
Stanley and Broxton have both played LT for a very long time, and switching to the right side of the line is not as easy as it sounds. The Bombers obviously have a plan in place to start both of them, but I'm so curious to see what they have planned!

I'd be stunned if that's the combination we see.

[theaardvark]

I think I'd like to see this:
Stanley - Broxton - Eli - Wallace - Randolph
Then we have Paddy, Vanterpool and Vibert to fit in somewhere.
Stanley and Broxton have both played LT for a very long time, and switching to the right side of the line is not as easy as it sounds. The Bombers obviously have a plan in place to start both of them, but I'm so curious to see what they have planned!

Zero chance you pay the highest paid OL in the league to play LG.  Zero.

Bryant can play RT, there is no doubt in my mind that he is better there than Randolf or Vanterpool, I will be surprised if either is on the final roster, even the PR, with all the new American beef we have coming in. If they aren't starting by now, well...

Having an American OC is definitely an option, leaving Eli as 6th man/ jumbo/ TE gadget, which he has excelled at. 

Broxton, Neufeld, Williams, Wallace, Bryant is a monster Oline and one that will give Collaros all the time he will need.

[Blue In BC]

Zero chance you pay the highest paid OL in the league to play LG.  Zero.

Bryant can play RT, there is no doubt in my mind that he is better there than Randolf or Vanterpool, I will be surprised if either is on the final roster, even the PR, with all the new American beef we have coming in. If they aren't starting by now, well...

Having an American OC is definitely an option, leaving Eli as 6th man/ jumbo/ TE gadget, which he has excelled at. 

Broxton, Neufeld, Williams, Wallace, Bryant is a monster Oline and one that will give Collaros all the time he will need.

I think I mentioned that Randolph and Vanterpool will be hard pressed to make the roster for the same reasons as you. I think they would balk at being pushed to the PR again, Randolph in particular since he spend the season starting.

They would be ahead of the rookies experience wise but I see that as an issue.

Having an import centre is in the cards but whether we go that route is still a question IMO. Don't much about Williams as the choice. I will continue to bring up switching a Canadian to an import starter has an impact elsewhere.

[LXTSN]

I'd be stunned if that's the combination we see.

I'd be surprised too!
There's so many possible combinations that we can roll with and they're all better than last year.

[LXTSN]

Zero chance you pay the highest paid OL in the league to play LG.  Zero.

Bryant can play RT, there is no doubt in my mind that he is better there than Randolf or Vanterpool, I will be surprised if either is on the final roster, even the PR, with all the new American beef we have coming in. If they aren't starting by now, well...

Having an American OC is definitely an option, leaving Eli as 6th man/ jumbo/ TE gadget, which he has excelled at. 

Broxton, Neufeld, Williams, Wallace, Bryant is a monster Oline and one that will give Collaros all the time he will need.

Not 0% (maybe 3%  )
Moving to the right side of the line is tough. Especially for 40+ year old Stanley. Walters has already had these talks with both Broxton and Bryant, so I'm not worried. I have no clue (for the first time in forever) what our starting OL will look like, and I love it!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Zero chance you pay the highest paid OL in the league to play LG.  Zero.

Bryant can play RT, there is no doubt in my mind that he is better there than Randolf or Vanterpool, I will be surprised if either is on the final roster, even the PR, with all the new American beef we have coming in. If they aren't starting by now, well...

That's why I think they probably discussed a position change with Stan before re-signing, quite possible he played RT in college or high school at times and is familiar with the requirements and confident he's capable of making the change.  For Stan it's probably like learning a new dance step.

[blue_gold_84]

According to Bryant's Wikipedia page, he made his CFL debut at RT back in 2010 with the Stampeders. How long he played at that position is unknown, though.

That makes me wonder how comfortable he'd be with going back to RT. Seems like a big question mark, IMO.

[Jesse]

I guess I'm assuming that the move from RT to LT is hard, but the reverse is less so.  Not sure if Big Stan has an issue stepping backwards with the other foot first, or some other physical limitation that precludes him moving to the right rather than left, but it would seem to be an easier spot to play, especially as a 40yr old.

Signing Bryant was a no brainer, but it looks like Walters isn't taking a chance on him being "Big Stan" 100%. 

.

RT isn't any easier to play. It's the same position. But now it's backwards. Try doing any athletic activity with your none dominant hand/side.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

The writing is on the wall.

Bryant is the second best LT we have on the roster and usually you don't roster back up American LTs. Could he move to RT at his age? I guess, but is that the best move in the short and medium term for him and the team? Probably not, although he's earned the right in camp to try. It is long odds and should be.

We want to climb the mountain again we need to make tough decisions.

The right answer is pretty obvious and it's taking Stanley off the roster if we start the season fully healthy. I've seen enough Rudy moments at DT last year. I don't need to see them at LT this year. We already know how it turns out.

[Blue In BC]

The writing is on the wall.

Bryant is the second best LT we have on the roster and usually you don't roster back up American LTs. Could he move to RT at his age? I guess, but is that the best move in the short and medium term for him and the team? Probably not, although he's earned the right in camp to try. It is long odds and should be.

We want to climb the mountain again we need to make tough decisions.

The right answer is pretty obvious and it's taking Stanley off the roster if we start the season fully healthy. I've seen enough Rudy moments at DT last year. I don't need to see them at LT this year. We already know how it turns out.

Yeah, I don't know it's the best option in either short or long term to move Bryant to RT. It might come to the details of his contract. I wouldn't exclude the fact he could get released / decide to retire.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yeah, I don't know it's the best option in either short or long term to move Bryant to RT. It might come to the details of his contract. I wouldn't exclude the fact he could get released / decide to retire.

I don't see them cutting Stanley Bryant, he may have accepted concessions in re-negotiating to extend his career, but if they re-signed him, they plan to make use of him in some capacity.  His situation is different from Bighill who never accepted their diagnosis that his physical health combined with his age spelled the end of his career.  Both likely headed to the ROH.

[theaardvark]

.

RT isn't any easier to play. It's the same position. But now it's backwards. Try doing any athletic activity with your none dominant hand/side.

So, going from RT to LT isn't harder?  Hardrick seemed to do that fine...

LT to RT is easy compared to RT to LT...  there is a reason LT are the highest paid Olinemen. 

Give "The Blindside" a watch

[Sir Blue and Gold]

So, going from RT to LT isn't harder?  Hardrick seemed to do that fine...

LT to RT is easy compared to RT to LT...  there is a reason LT are the highest paid Olinemen. 

Give "The Blindside" a watch

Lol one side isn't technically or physically harder. It's just that right handed quarterbacks can't see well to that side so the stakes are higher.  That means some teams attack that side more but not always and that's nit picky since the tackle can only do one thing anyway.

It's otherwise the same job in a mirror.

[blue_or_die]

This was super unexpected (by me at least) and is a very pleasant surprise.

Regarding where he and Stan will be placed, all I care is that both are playing tackle, left or right. I don't really care about the rest of the details.

If Zach has a wall protecting him on both ends, he will have time to do damage.

[theaardvark]

Lol one side isn't technically or physically harder. It's just that right handed quarterbacks can't see well to that side so the stakes are higher.  That means some teams attack that side more but not always and that's nit picky since the tackle can only do one thing anyway.

It's otherwise the same job in a mirror.

So, you put your best pass rusher against the LT, right?  It is literally physically and technically harder to protect the blindside then, right?

And because the "stakes are higher", its a more difficult job, because when you whiff, a QB gets smoked. Not saying you can take the day off at RT and hope the QB can see it coming, but people remember when a LT whiffs a lot more than a RT.

The kick steps a RT or LT makes are different than what a G or C makes, but other than which foot starts, they are basically the same. 

Which is why you put your best OT at LT, and 2nd best at RT.

If Bryant has ingrained his technique to the point where he can't flip sides, that's a shame.  But I've never heard of that being an issue with an OT before.  Heck, our backup Americans have played G, RT, LT, sometimes in the same game.  I'm sure future HOF Big Stan can handle flipping sides.

Especially when we just signed the most expensive Olineman in the league to guard Collaros Blindside..

[Jesse]

So, you put your best pass rusher against the LT, right? 

Nope.

[Tecno]

The right answer is pretty obvious and it's taking Stanley off the roster if we start the season fully healthy.

Wha?  We just re-signed Big Stan and probably with a big signing bonus.  And he's still a top-3 CFL LT.  If you drop him not only do you lose out on having a valuable player starting, but then one of your competitors will snatch him up and start him against you.

Besides, Stan is one of the "package deal" guys.  You'll have Brady in full revolt if you cut Stan in FA26.

[Tecno]

1 Broxton-Wallace-Eli-Neufeld-Randolph
Vibert

2 Broxton-Wallace-American in camp-Neufeld-Bryant
Vibert

3 Broxton-Wallace-Eli-Vanterpool-Randolph
Neufeld

Stan & Neuf are locks.  Wallace is the big hope (still).  Broxton will be at OT, guaranteed.

My guess is:

Stan Wallace Eli Neuf Broxton

Eli might be replaced by an IMP (my hope) and be back at jumbo.

If Wallace clearly becomes (stays?) the weak link then Rand/Vant might get his spot.

[Tecno]

Yeah, makes more sense to move Bryant to RT.

I think it comes down to who is the better run blocker.  RT in our scheme usually does much more run block, like swinging around to the opposite A-gap to lead Brady, etc.  That's why our run game was never the same when Yoshi left.

Big Stan is established and senior and unless he's clearly faltering I think LT is his spot.  The only way they'd switch them is if everyone agrees it's better that way -- i.e. if Broxton really sucked at RT or was useless at run block.

[Tecno]

Like this signing. Would have been better if he was a Canadian, and a couple of years younger. But, he will help our OL.

Nah, we've always done IMP at OTs.  Why change now?  A Broxton-level NAT OT would be even more expensive -- and harder to retain.

This Broxton move is AWESOME in that we now have the Big Stan retirement path.  Broxton could easily be our next Big Stan for 4-7 years.  Just think how good Big Stan was when he was 32.  No where near being "done".  That's Broxton right now.

Lock him in now, make him comfortable, and hold until retirement.  Problem solved!  Loving' it.

[Tecno]

I'm pretty shocked they went through with this, considering how many import O-linemen they're bringing to TC plus the time they invested in Vanterpool and Randolph.  Seems like a change in philosophy on how they build their lines.

I'm only shocked they nabbed such a high prospect.  Vant & Rand stunk at LT and weren't great at RT.  They are decent guards though.

They clearly were never going to be Big Stan long-term replacements, and not even Yoshi replacements.

We've had many "busts" over the years at the dev IMP OLs.  This is just another instance.  If they beat out the newest recruits, one can be a PR guy.  Otherwise, bye!

The philosophy of Mafia HAS been to snipe the best (or up & coming vet) mercenary at OT.  After all, that's how we nabbed our HOF/ROH Big Stan (and Yoshi).

[Tecno]

@FarhanLaljiTSN
A 2-year deal for Broxton to the #Bombers at 250k per.

Mega ouch...  But wondering where all this SMS is coming from.  So many top-dollar re-signs, and now some top-dollar FAs.  We're taking the drunken sailor approach, and it's about time.  Max MMM and to heck with the SMS!

[LXTSN]

I'm only shocked they nabbed such a high prospect.  Vant & Rand stunk at LT and weren't great at RT.  They are decent guards though.

They clearly were never going to be Big Stan long-term replacements, and not even Yoshi replacements.

We've had many "busts" over the years at the dev IMP OLs.  This is just another instance.  If they beat out the newest recruits, one can be a PR guy.  Otherwise, bye!

The philosophy of Mafia HAS been to snipe the best (or up & coming vet) mercenary at OT.  After all, that's how we nabbed our HOF/ROH Big Stan (and Yoshi).

Were Vanterpool and Randolph that bad at tackle? I though both of them did a pretty solid job!
I'm assuming neither of us have stats to back up these claims but I still have high hopes for both of them!
My dream OL for this season would be this:
Broxton-Vanterpool-Eli-Wallace-Bryant (if he can make the move to RT). Vibert and Paddy to back up.
I know it's not going to happen. Paddy will be in the lineup and it might not make sense to go with only 2 NAT's... but let me dream for a minute!

[theaardvark]

More likely 3 Int oline includes an Int at C...  and Eli remaining 6th man.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Stan & Neuf are locks.  Wallace is the big hope (still).  Broxton will be at OT, guaranteed.

My guess is:

Stan Wallace Eli Neuf Broxton

Eli might be replaced by an IMP (my hope) and be back at jumbo.

If Wallace clearly becomes (stays?) the weak link then Rand/Vant might get his spot.

Viable option you've identified. Don't hate it. Would pause and say that we'd be taking the second rated left tackle in the league last year and moving him to RT while keeping Bryant at LT who was closer to league average. This also shuts out Randolph who is on the up swing and a player we've developed. He's "our" guy too.

I'm sure they'll try this in camp but I don't think on paper it's the smartest decision.

It is the kindest decision for Bryant though and this coaching staff has clearly been okay with making  that kind of decision before.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I'm only shocked they nabbed such a high prospect.  Vant & Rand stunk at LT and weren't great at RT.  They are decent guards though.

They clearly were never going to be Big Stan long-term replacements, and not even Yoshi replacements.

We've had many "busts" over the years at the dev IMP OLs.  This is just another instance.  If they beat out the newest recruits, one can be a PR guy.  Otherwise, bye!

The philosophy of Mafia HAS been to snipe the best (or up & coming vet) mercenary at OT.  After all, that's how we nabbed our HOF/ROH Big Stan (and Yoshi).

Yoshi was cut by BC and Sask. before Wpg. picked him up and moved him from OG to OT were he found success. 

[Tecno]

Yoshi was cut by BC and Sask. before Wpg. picked him up and moved him from OG to OT were he found success.

You guys keep saying that.  But "cut" because he was crap or "cut" because they didn't want to pay his increasing salary as he got experience and film?

I don't recall Yoshi ever sucking.  I should go back into the PVR and rewatch any WPG v SSK games to see what the real deal was back then.

And you say he was OG... that could be another reason why they let him go.  Most teams can't roster an IMP OG for very long: they want all NAT interior.  Just like we let Bond walk when we finally had 3 good interior NATs.

Maybe our epiphany was spotting Yoshi wouldn't suck at OT, and pulling the trigger on a gamble.

[GCn19]

LT is much harder in pass pro. Have to maintain your block much longer.

[GCn19]

You guys keep saying that.  But "cut" because he was crap or "cut" because they didn't want to pay his increasing salary as he got experience and film?

I don't recall Yoshi ever sucking.  I should go back into the PVR and rewatch any WPG v SSK games to see what the real deal was back then.

And you say he was OG... that could be another reason why they let him go.  Most teams can't roster an IMP OG for very long: they want all NAT interior.  Just like we let Bond walk when we finally had 3 good interior NATs.

Maybe our epiphany was spotting Yoshi wouldn't suck at OT, and pulling the trigger on a gamble.

He played OT prior to us signing him and he wasn't good. We made him trim down weight.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

He played OT prior to us signing him and he wasn't good. We made him trim down weight.

Hardrick was in the league for 2 years prior to arriving in Wpg. and played in 20 games for BC and Sask. so they both took a long look at him and still decided to cut him at the end of the season.  I think you're right, his weight affected his ability and he still needs to lose 20 lbs. or more.

[dd]

Guaranteed Bryant remains on our roster, we have 2 good/great tack1es, p1ay them. Broxton and Bryant at tack1es, Neufe1d and whomever at centre and guards, but guaranteed those 2 are our tack1es.

[GCn19]

Hardrick was in the league for 2 years prior to arriving in Wpg. and played in 20 games for BC and Sask. so they both took a long look at him and still decided to cut him at the end of the season.  I think you're right, his weight affected his ability and he still needs to lose 20 lbs. or more.

Some years back Yoshi credited the Bombers trainers for making him bust his arse to lose weight. He stated that is when he came into his own. He was carrying way too much weight prior.

[blue_gold_84]

officially signed

[Tecno]

I think you're right, his weight affected his ability and he still needs to lose 20 lbs. or more.

Which is pretty funny, as many (most?) OL have to try really hard to PUT ON weight, not lose it.  I wonder how many are in Yoshi's shoes and struggle to not turn into My 600 lb Life contestants.

Yoshi always looked like he was having heart attacks after every play.  Dude's body/heart were clearly being taxed to a degree you don't normally see.  If I had to guess, his life won't be very long after football.  Sad, really.

[VictorRomano]

Word on 3DN is that the Bombers intend to leave Bryant at LT and convert Broxton to RT.

[Tecno]

Word on 3DN is that the Bombers intend to leave Bryant at LT and convert Broxton to RT.

That was my prediction.  And it's not in stone.  So many ways Broxton can also see LT during the season.

To me it's who is better also at RT, probably Broxton.  AND who is the better run blocker, and it would seem that is Broxton.  We need to open up Yoshi-sized holes in the interior again -- Broxton swinging around is that.  Broxton & Wallace side by side plowing downhill might be an unstoppable force.

[Jesse]

Word on 3DN is that the Bombers intend to leave Bryant at LT and convert Broxton to RT.

That's what Derek Taylor said (probably where they got it from).

Broxton hasn't been a long time LT and is reportedly fine with making the switch.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Don't really love that but I guess we'll see how it looks in camp, etc. 

[Tecno]

Don't really love that but I guess we'll see how it looks in camp, etc. 

Well, why did SSK win the GC?  Maybe something to do with the league-best RT??  At least in part?

Quick, name who started LT for SSK in the GC... I bet 90% here can't.  I can't without checking.

Quick, ask any CFL fan anywhere who SSK's all-star RT was... 95% will say Yoshi/Hardrick.

So maybe Mafia is onto something here.  It's not like Big Stan isn't solid at LT.  Especially if the whole crew ups their game like Neuf said they will.

[Jesse]

Well, why did SSK win the GC?  Maybe something to do with the league-best RT??  At least in part?

Quick, name who started LT for SSK in the GC... I bet 90% here can't.  I can't without checking.

Quick, ask any CFL fan anywhere who SSK's all-star RT was... 95% will say Yoshi/Hardrick.

So maybe Mafia is onto something here.  It's not like Big Stan isn't solid at LT.  Especially if the whole crew ups their game like Neuf said they will.

The only reason I know the name of any OL on any team is if they used to be a bomber.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Well, why did SSK win the GC?  Maybe something to do with the league-best RT??  At least in part?

Quick, name who started LT for SSK in the GC... I bet 90% here can't.  I can't without checking.

Quick, ask any CFL fan anywhere who SSK's all-star RT was... 95% will say Yoshi/Hardrick.

So maybe Mafia is onto something here.  It's not like Big Stan isn't solid at LT.  Especially if the whole crew ups their game like Neuf said they will.

They had good offensive and defensive line play overall. I'd just rather have Broxton and Randolph at this point but that's just me. If anyone is going to "up their game" it's going to be the youth of line and year to year improvement. Won't be Neufeld no matter what he says.

And Stanley Bryant may still eke out another year. But it will be just that. The days of him dominating over there are done and gone two seasons ago now.

Not sure why that's super appealing to anyone. Largely, it simply comes down to how well you think he can play at 40-years-old. He took a pretty big step back last year. Not sure how it's going to look this year, but it won't look any better and that's basically guaranteed.

[Tecno]

Not sure why that's super appealing to anyone. Largely, it simply comes down to how well you think he can play at 40-years-old. He took a pretty big step back last year. Not sure how it's going to look this year, but it won't look any better and that's basically guaranteed.

But Stan being par with last year is certainly "good enough".  And the beauty of it is we have a ready-made backup plan: Broxton to to LT.  Of course that would mean we need to keep Rand on PR.

As for Neuf, if he badly sucks the joint out then even the musketeers will be fine with benching him.  Then Rand can step in to RG and we should be as good or better (he proved it in '25).

[Sir Blue and Gold]

But Stan being par with last year is certainly "good enough".  And the beauty of it is we have a ready-made backup plan: Broxton to to LT.  Of course that would mean we need to keep Rand on PR.

As for Neuf, if he badly sucks the joint out then even the musketeers will be fine with benching him.  Then Rand can step in to RG and we should be as good or better (he proved it in '25).

One -- he's very unlikely to be on par from last year. Age based regression is real, generally speaking consistent, and is inescapable. Even for Bryant.

Two -- We are more likely to get year over year performance improvement from a younger player who spent the year learning than we are from any of our retirement age veterans.

Three -- There is also tomorrow to consider. Keeping Bryant pushes out a younger player who we'll most likely have to cut. Is that the trade off worth it? If his name wasn't Stanley Bryant would we be enthusiastic about his play last year? Not really.

[dd]

Andrew Harris....Adam Bighi11.....Stan1ey Bryant....a11 the greats have a she1f 1ife, if I m the BB, I start Broxton at LT now and put Stan at RT as it is the more forgiving position for missed b1ocks or being trucked by Ceresna 1ike 1ast year. If Stan strugg1es at RT, then put Rando1ph in and time to move on

[BLUEBOMBER]

With Bryant on the verge of retiring, we needed a replacement... Broxton fights the bill.

[Tecno]

I rewatched the '25 GC, specifically watching Yoshi.  I'd say 80% of the Oullette runs passed by Yoshi.  IOW, Yoshi was the key run blocker.  Sometimes he'd make holes in his normal gap, sometimes he'd loop around to the A gap or the opposite A gap to plow.

My point being the RT is absolutely key to a successful run game.  Just look at how much better our run game was when Yoshi was here vs the stream of mediocres we've put there since.

Which leads to my main point that Big Stan cannot do that stuff.  He's a great pass-pro-er, period.  If Broxton can manhandle for our run game, then he is clearly the guy you put at RT.

Think of how many TDs our run game used to get (like with AH/Yoshi).  Now look at how many rushing TDs Brady had in '24 and '25... remember the chicken box??  Do we even see more than 3-4 rushing TDs by Brady @PAS all season now??

This all needs to be fixed if you want to dominate like SSK did last season.  Having a top RT is how you do it.  Maybe this whole time we should have just found a way to keep Yoshi... because now we're spending Yoshi-level money on RT anyhow! oh well.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I rewatched the '25 GC, specifically watching Yoshi.  I'd say 80% of the Oullette runs passed by Yoshi.  IOW, Yoshi was the key run blocker.  Sometimes he'd make holes in his normal gap, sometimes he'd loop around to the A gap or the opposite A gap to plow.

My point being the RT is absolutely key to a successful run game.  Just look at how much better our run game was when Yoshi was here vs the stream of mediocres we've put there since.

Which leads to my main point that Big Stan cannot do that stuff.  He's a great pass-pro-er, period.  If Broxton can manhandle for our run game, then he is clearly the guy you put at RT.

Think of how many TDs our run game used to get (like with AH/Yoshi).  Now look at how many rushing TDs Brady had in '24 and '25... remember the chicken box??  Do we even see more than 3-4 rushing TDs by Brady @PAS all season now??

This all needs to be fixed if you want to dominate like SSK did last season.  Having a top RT is how you do it.  Maybe this whole time we should have just found a way to keep Yoshi... because now we're spending Yoshi-level money on RT anyhow! oh well.

Don't support your Yoshi lovefest, Bombers dumped him at the right time IMO, he became a liability in pass protection and he's had 1 good (costly) season since he left.  His popularity keeps him riding high though.
 

[blue_gold_84]

Hardrick had an all-star season in 2023 after being a mainstay here for years, and earned a raise the Bombers couldn't afford going into 2024. He missed most of the 2024 season and then became the MOL last season. To suggest he became a liability here is laughably absurd; he's become a premiere OL in this league.

Revisionist history is a trip.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

[markf]

Which reporter asked him why he would come to the Bombers when the team is in decline?

Broxton seems very together.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Which reporter asked him why he would come to the Bombers when the team is in decline?

Broxton seems very together.

That would be Friesen, he'll ask questions nobody else would touch.

[Tecno]

Don't support your Yoshi lovefest, Bombers dumped him at the right time IMO, he became a liability in pass protection and he's had 1 good (costly) season since he left.  His popularity keeps him riding high though.

Uh, he won best OL in '25 and is basically universally recognized as the best RT right now.  (Well, maybe Broxton in '26 will have something to say about that...)

In my rewatch of the GC I noticed a few times Yoshi would, on a pass play, block a DE then push off to block a delayed DT coming in the B.  This is the type of DL stunt that would regularly blow up our OL.  No way Lofton or Rand was doing more than blocking just one dude, and they rarely picked up the stunts properly.