2024/2025 Blue Bombers Off-Season Thread

[bigg jay]

2 minutes ago, wbbfan said:

We often seem to recycle camp dbs into the next year, idk if that’s ever worked out for us. Db is especially in our system is kind of a quick make it or miss position. But it’s also hard like you said to get 20-30 db bodies in camp. If a guy brings some thing you like and has the upside makes some sense to fill out with them. 
 

 

I was thinking about that during Grey Cup when the Argo's re-added Robert Priester to their active roster.  He's a prime example of a recycled DB who has bounced around, going on and off the active & practice rosters for us (twice), Edmonton and Toronto but never seems to really stick. He's been cut & brought back like 15-20 times between the 3 teams - his transaction page on the CFL site is really long for a guy who's only played 28 games in 6 years.

[HardCoreBlue]

4 hours ago, Booch said:

sometimes we value certain things way too much over actual talent and ability.....can't be denied....and should be nipped in the bud now after 3 consecutive yrs of failing....

While I was walking the dog last night a random memory came up where MOS mentioned post game that ZC deserved to go back into the game after his injury.

This got me thinking that a really tough decision for a head coach to make is overriding his undying loyalty, dedication and appreciation to an athlete who has given so much to the organization but he has to sit him or cut him to ensure he puts the team in the best position to be successful. I love MOS in how he has helped bring our organization to be the gold standard it is over the past 5 years but I think this is one area where he really struggles. I can totally understand. It's complex, it's tough but it's part of the gig he signed up for.

[Bigblue204]

3 minutes ago, HardCoreBlue said:

While I was walking the dog last night a random memory came up where MOS mentioned post game that ZC deserved to go back into the game after his injury.

This got me thinking that a really tough decision for a head coach to make is overriding his undying loyalty, dedication and appreciation to an athlete who has given so much to the organization but he has to sit him or cut him to ensure he puts the team in the best position to be successful. I love MOS in how he has helped bring our organization to be the gold standard it is over the past 5 years but I think this is one area where he really struggles. I can totally understand. It's complex, it's tough but it's part of the gig he signed up for.

I remember that quote, because right after he mentioned how he's seen great performances out of guys when they were allowed to be great, or given the opportunity to be great...and it riled me up because the guy who should have been given that opportunity was the MOP/MOC. 

[wbbfan]

3 hours ago, bigg jay said:

I was thinking about that during Grey Cup when the Argo's re-added Robert Priester to their active roster.  He's a prime example of a recycled DB who has bounced around, going on and off the active & practice rosters for us (twice), Edmonton and Toronto but never seems to really stick. He's been cut & brought back like 15-20 times between the 3 teams - his transaction page on the CFL site is really long for a guy who's only played 28 games in 6 years.

Priester is an interesting guy for sure. As I recall they were high on him and the Argos first grabbed him quick, but since then has been on and off rosters more than he’s played games.  For some reason hasn’t really solidified a spot, but he has the make up to succeed. His experience and understanding should be real good by this point. 
 

 

Plus the Argos have been up there with us for ability to find and develop dbs. Going back even further than us. So says a lot that they like him soo much. 

[Booch]

1 hour ago, HardCoreBlue said:

While I was walking the dog last night a random memory came up where MOS mentioned post game that ZC deserved to go back into the game after his injury.

This got me thinking that a really tough decision for a head coach to make is overriding his undying loyalty, dedication and appreciation to an athlete who has given so much to the organization but he has to sit him or cut him to ensure he puts the team in the best position to be successful. I love MOS in how he has helped bring our organization to be the gold standard it is over the past 5 years but I think this is one area where he really struggles. I can totally understand. It's complex, it's tough but it's part of the gig he signed up for.

how I look at it is that this crap he spews about they all here cause they are starter caliber...and because they give us a chance to win ...they here in the building for a reason.....is something he doesnt even believe in himself....as he shows he rarely lets a guy get a chance to play unless someone has had a limb fall off....ZC finger almost fell off....but just wasn't enough

So if he doesn't even believe it...why should fans??

1 hour ago, Bigblue204 said:

I remember that quote, because right after he mentioned how he's seen great performances out of guys when they were allowed to be great, or given the opportunity to be great...and it riled me up because the guy who should have been given that opportunity was the MOP/MOC. 

exactly this....when guys are given the chance to play they can do great things....goes for the second and third stringers too...no?....and if they have no faith in them doing something great...why they on the roster??....Contradicts his previous statements that they all here cause they give us a chance to win...so why wont you play the healthy guys over an injured.....

1 hour ago, wbbfan said:

Priester is an interesting guy for sure. As I recall they were high on him and the Argos first grabbed him quick, but since then has been on and off rosters more than he’s played games.  For some reason hasn’t really solidified a spot, but he has the make up to succeed. His experience and understanding should be real good by this point. 
 

 

Plus the Argos have been up there with us for ability to find and develop dbs. Going back even further than us. So says a lot that they like him soo much. 

argos also let their best players play....and will yank a gy for sucking...even if it rufffles said guy's sucking feathers...as we have seen with some squabbling on their sidelines...that being said....it has allowed them to win the 2 cups theyhave been in recently.....maybe after being taught 2 straight lessons from them, maybe we took some notes???

[Goalie]

I dread this topic. I feel I’m gonna check one time and the bombers have signed Thomas. 

[Booch]

Just now, Goalie said:

I dread this topic. I feel I’m gonna check one time and the bombers have signed Thomas. 

you just shut it....for the love of god....hahahah

[Goalie]

That would honestly be devastating to me as a fan. Kyrie is in that group also. 

[wbbfan]

11 minutes ago, Booch said:

how I look at it is that this crap he spews about they all here cause they are starter caliber...and because they give us a chance to win ...they here in the building for a reason.....is something he doesnt even believe in himself....as he shows he rarely lets a guy get a chance to play unless someone has had a limb fall off....ZC finger almost fell off....but just wasn't enough

So if he doesn't even believe it...why should fans??

exactly this....when guys are given the chance to play they can do great things....goes for the second and third stringers too...no?....and if they have no faith in them doing something great...why they on the roster??....Contradicts his previous statements that they all here cause they give us a chance to win...so why wont you play the healthy guys over an injured.....

argos also let their best players play....and will yank a gy for sucking...even if it rufffles said guy's sucking feathers...as we have seen with some squabbling on their sidelines...that being said....it has allowed them to win the 2 cups theyhave been in recently.....maybe after being taught 2 straight lessons from them, maybe we took some notes???

That’s true, unless your an old vet then you get till you can’t walk any more. 
 Though I’ll say Jy n crew did a great job early in the season with the secondary. It took a few weeks for the guys to mesh (and getting karamoko out of heavy rotation) but they really found their groove in the system. Especially the ford kramdi side. 
 The lbers got decent run too, but just because of injury. I expect Cole to take a big step next year, but I could see Ayers taking that step first too. 

[SpeedFlex27]

19 hours ago, Booch said:

Wonder if he gonna waste another yr in 2025 like he did in 2023...waiting...not earning a penny...if he doesn't make a roster out of camp

He gonna be 27 going into next season..would project as a project at best most likely...can't see a team investing much time or money into him especially when there are tons of guys just like him churned out of NCAA ball...younger...and have played u.s ball since 5 yrs old.

 

It never ends. I get the desire for players to chase a big payday but some guys just aren't satisfied with what they already have.

[wbbfan]

10 minutes ago, Goalie said:

That would honestly be devastating to me as a fan. Kyrie is in that group also. 

Kyrie idk. I don’t like how slow he is to get back up to speed after he recovers from the constant injuries. But if he’s cheap and behind ayers etc I’m ok with it. 
 Biggie and Thomas are the big ones for me. Thomas will certainly happen, and I just threw up in my mouth thinking about that. 
 

But I do believe a healthy Lawson takes more snaps than him at one dt spot. If jakes playing 15 snaps a game range, I won’t whinge… too loudly. I’d really love to see woods, Lawson, adams, and Garbutt/wj on the field together. With Garbutt in that group good luck running. 

[17to85]

Yeah a limited Thomas is fine, and Wilson if healthy is a good player (I'd move on because he never stays healthy). It's Bighill they really just need to cut ties with and remove the temptation.  He's never healthy and even when he is he isn't good enough any more.

[wbbfan]

Just now, 17to85 said:

Yeah a limited Thomas is fine, and Wilson if healthy is a good player (I'd move on because he never stays healthy). It's Bighill they really just need to cut ties with and remove the temptation.  He's never healthy and even when he is he isn't good enough any more.

Ba is one to consider as well. He was solid in Pass cover this year. Awful with tackling, can’t be in a run fit or blitz any more. We really need to keep grooming the next guy. Which comes down to Cole and Kelly. I’d even be happy to use them in packages and together some. 
 Ba would be an excellent guy to be a player coach as well if he’s interested. 

[Piggy 1]

16 minutes ago, wbbfan said:

Ba is one to consider as well. He was solid in Pass cover this year. Awful with tackling, can’t be in a run fit or blitz any more. We really need to keep grooming the next guy. Which comes down to Cole and Kelly. I’d even be happy to use them in packages and together some. 
 Ba would be an excellent guy to be a player coach as well if he’s interested. 

I think Cole would make a heck of a safety.

[SpeedFlex27]

45 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Yeah a limited Thomas is fine, and Wilson if healthy is a good player (I'd move on because he never stays healthy). It's Bighill they really just need to cut ties with and remove the temptation.  He's never healthy and even when he is he isn't good enough any more.

But he won't be a limited Thomas. We already know that. 

[Booch]

1 hour ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

It never ends. I get the desire for players to chase a big payday but some guys just aren't satisfied with what they already have.

I can see it if you are in a good spot...actually on a PR....With work in practice as prep tp possible playing...but bouncing from work out...to workout....for the hope of maybe getting a week or 5 on a PR...all the while not getting paid....whats the point? 

YOu get paid if you on a PR for that week leading up to game day.....there is no compensation going to work outs and waiting for that "call"

1 hour ago, wbbfan said:

Kyrie idk. I don’t like how slow he is to get back up to speed after he recovers from the constant injuries. But if he’s cheap and behind ayers etc I’m ok with it. 
 Biggie and Thomas are the big ones for me. Thomas will certainly happen, and I just threw up in my mouth thinking about that. 
 

But I do believe a healthy Lawson takes more snaps than him at one dt spot. If jakes playing 15 snaps a game range, I won’t whinge… too loudly. I’d really love to see woods, Lawson, adams, and Garbutt/wj on the field together. With Garbutt in that group good luck running. 

Kyrie would be the ideal DA guy ala what Cole....Ayers were

Thomas....whats the point?...He has no upside...only more degradation....eats up valuable SMS resources...well above the league minimum and even with limited reps...are just wasted reps.....Blocks developing a younger guy...Samson...or a new draft pick....With Lawson back he more than covers a National DT to be used in rotation....Guy will actually be impactful. he was impactful and if it's not an actual ratio requirement a below adequate back-up usnt required and that National roster spot would be better served with a national receiver/db/hybrid LB type to strengthen overall roster depth....better yet a National punter so we can pooch Punter guy and use that spot on Karamoko or Ogbveon....or if we rustke up a decent global interior dlineman...they are out there...but sadly Osh is gonna Osh and likely we hear Thomas and Bighill re-ups before Jan....which is nauseating to even consider

1 hour ago, wbbfan said:

Ba is one to consider as well. He was solid in Pass cover this year. Awful with tackling, can’t be in a run fit or blitz any more. We really need to keep grooming the next guy. Which comes down to Cole and Kelly. I’d even be happy to use them in packages and together some. 
 Ba would be an excellent guy to be a player coach as well if he’s interested. 

yup...as a depth/package specific guy he would be ideal...and a good back-up as we integrate his replacement....and he definitely does get everyone in the right spots on defence....Would/will make an excellent coach too, so to start that transition there as well would be a smart move

1 hour ago, Piggy 1 said:

I think Cole would make a heck of a safety.

safety....SAM...hybrid jack/edge guy....any of the 3

[JuranBoldenRules]

7 hours ago, wbbfan said:

Some positions also really benefit from a 2nd go round and year. It’s more optimal to have guys on the pr, but with that limited it’s just good business to bring some guys back. 
 You also some times just have more talent than you do spots. We could bring back a couple of the lbers cut in camp this tc. Thomas got picked up by the ALs, but petrishen and gemmel would be nice. Moses depends on health. Be hard to do better than last year at lber. 
 Maybe Coleman too, iirc he was a legit T who kinda suffered for reps. Grainger I think will Be back and I like that too. 
 

We often seem to recycle camp dbs into the next year, idk if that’s ever worked out for us. Db is especially in our system is kind of a quick make it or miss position. But it’s also hard like you said to get 20-30 db bodies in camp. If a guy brings some thing you like and has the upside makes some sense to fill out with them. 
 

 

Would be pretty easy to do better at LB next year.  Find a guy who can play WIL.

Guys we cut went nowhere.  Petrishen is like 30.

[17to85]

1 hour ago, Booch said:

Thomas....whats the point?

To be fair this has been your opinion of Thomas his entire career.

[wbbfan]

4 hours ago, 17to85 said:

To be fair this has been your opinion of Thomas his entire career.

Thomas was really good as a depth piece for most of his career, and for a while very good as a starter who rotated. 
 I don’t think any one denies this. The problem has been in the time since stove left we’ve gone from using him wisely to using him like he’s an elite American nose tackle in his prime. And he’s not any of those things.  
 

If you look at our dl play in the era from stove back to even poop and early jj/wj, we had tons of great play and guys who all rotated a lot. Since stove we rotate far more sparingly and the line has been a fraction of its former self. 
 Rotation (lack there of) is a much bigger problem than Jake. 
 We had soo many highly effective guys in the rotation era. Craig roh, Kongbo, hansen, Nevis, stove, Thomas, sayles, Bryant, okpalaugo, even guys like corney and walker had their uses. That’s not including the Jeff’s. That’s a ton of guys bringing strong value from 18-21. 22-24 we got wj, maybe one total season from Jeff coat, sayles for a year, and Lawson. 
 

Part of that is we went from air lifting in nose tackles and 3 techs all camp till we found gems (when we didn’t start with them) to settling for what we had. This last years camp was the first time we got back to that. 
 Continuing, has to mean moving away from every down Jake. Or half downs Jake.  

[WinnipegGordo]

Collin Kornelson has been signed.

[17to85]

3 hours ago, WinnipegGordo said:

Collin Kornelson has been signed.

Taking things way off topic, anyone who spells it this way is just wrong.

[JohnnyAbonny]

37 minutes ago, 17to85 said:

Taking things way off topic, anyone who spells it this way is just wrong.

At least it doesn’t start with a K 

[MOBomberFan]

Kaughlin

[pw13]

22 hours ago, wbbfan said:

Priester is an interesting guy for sure. As I recall they were high on him and the Argos first grabbed him quick, but since then has been on and off rosters more than he’s played games.  For some reason hasn’t really solidified a spot, but he has the make up to succeed. His experience and understanding should be real good by this point. 
 

 

Plus the Argos have been up there with us for ability to find and develop dbs. Going back even further than us. So says a lot that they like him soo much. 

The Argos cut both Priester and McFadden this season before bringing both back. Mgmt made some questionable choices early on in the secondary, but eventually corrected them. Both guys played in the 2022 Grey Cup; IIRC Priester missed all of 2023 with an injury but McFadden was a regular that season.

 

[Fatty Liver]

8 hours ago, WinnipegGordo said:

Collin Kornelson has been signed.

Kornelson somehow spent 6 seasons with the Bisons so he must be pushing 25. I'd be surprised if there is any age restriction for playing in U-Sport as Anthony Bennett was 27 when they drafted him from the Regina Rams.