All Activity

You want Fajardo or Adams? No thanks. CoFaj is inconsistent which is the story of his career. That's why he hasn't found a home. Even after winning a Grey Cup. Adams just panics. Defenses get into his head & he gets rattled. He has great games followed by absolute stinkers. If we had cut Collaros & used either, we'd have missed the playoffs. You're the one hung up on money here. Was Collaros overpaid, sure but not by much. With the new reworked deal, maybe $50000. But that doesn't buy a lot on the free agent market these days, anyway.

Hopefully, this is the last of the AI Blue Bomber team summaries. We don't need to read them. Full stop, please.

Not to mention texada over holm, no vaval returning, just a mess of trash. Exactly what I expect from AI.

Hard money or total contract. It doesn't matter. Both tell the same story. Money is the discussion. What is inconsequential is who could take his place, but Adams and Faj-JJ were both available in 2025, would have cost half the money, and played significantly better. This year the pickings are slim, but that doesn't mean that Collaros is being paid properly.

There's reason they call it "AI Slip"... What a load of garbage and a waste of my click.

Or that Broxton is not a guard.

I hate this AI ****.

Is Chat aware that a lot of those listed are retired or playing for a different team?

Got my thumb workout quickly swiping up and up and up . . .

Delete

typical ai quality lmao. makes 3dn/cfl.ca look like the pinnacle of media reporting

here's hoping he and Pearson and Schenn have a good run. Buffalo deserves it.

To me, it's not about Zach's skill level or body strength, or about the new and better coach: I have great and better expectations this year for both of them The key is how healthy Zach can stay. Almost no quarterback plays all 18 games and all the playoffs. They're all down for a while each season with one thing or another. The big question is how often he will be hurt with small things or bigger and even more importantly how quickly his old body will take to recover. That's what takes every pld pro down: injury recovery time. We can evaluate that, can do the probabilities but sometimes it just comes down to plain old lock. It could be true that the wisdom of our analysis depends on luck!

I think the possibility is there for Zach to have a rennaissance season with Tommy Condell. We all thought Trevor Harris was finished but he was elite last season. The question is at age 40/41 can he keep doing it? Zach is 37. Turning 38 this season, can he do the same? Yes, it'll be interesting.

Maier is the highest paid BACKUP QB. I think that tells you what other coaches think of the guy as a starter. Even he's talking about taking his CFL career one year at a time. Is he even 30 yet? He knows that a couple of bad showings & he's done. Get his money while he can.

This is how I see it, TBurgess. I don't know if you agree or not. I don't want to argue with you. You're a veteran observer of the CFL like me. I do respect your opinioon even if we don't always agree. The problem with the CFL is that coaches now want to waste a roster spot on short yardage slugs at qb like Tommy Stevens, Jake Dolegala, Jarrett Doege, Quincy Vaughan or Chris Streveler. Guys that are called qbs but couldn't run a regular offense if their life depended upon it. So, young qbs that may have a chance if they were developed will get cut because the CFL runs short yardage offenses with these guys scoring touchdowns. All it means that 9 spots that could be used for development are taken up by those guys. If the NFL can run short yardage with qbs like Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, Matt Stafford, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix, Justin Herbert, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Fields, Trevor Lawence etc all starters making millions why is the CFL trying to be cute running short yardage qbs? Because winning games keeps the head coaches employed which usurps qb development. Maybe a great short term thing but disastrous for the CFL long term. I believe that we need to keep the starters in. Let them run short yardage. Get rid of these gadget qbs & use the QB2 & QB3 positions to actually develop young guys to play. The talent pool at qb in the CFL has dried up. Something has to change.

It doesn't matter. Money is imconsequential in this discussion. Who is/was out there as free agents that was better than Zach we could have signed? There was no one so your argument makes no sense. It's baseless. You may not like hearing that but facts are facts. They paid Zach because no one else could take his place. Or do it better. That's the reality of the situation. There aren't any backups in the CFL ready to step up & be stars which is a real concern for the longevity of the league.

Your amounts are a complete red herring. I'm not going to argue ZC wasn't overpaid..he was..but basing it solely on hard money not total contract is not even remotely proof of concept

Picking players who may or may not have signed with us is pretty much the definition of a baseless argument. There is not and cannot be any evidence to base that argument on. The basis of the argument that we paid him too much is the way he played last year. It's the amount that other teams paid their QBs, many of whom were better than Collaros last year. It's that no other team would have paid him as much and that no other team would have resigned him for this year before seeing how he played for at least half a season last year. IMO Arbuckle and Ford were the only 2 starting QB's who were worse than Collaros last year, & Edmonton replaced Ford halfway through the season. You might want to add Dru Brown to the list, but that's mostly due to injury. Here is the ranking of the top 9 highest-paid CFL quarterbacks for 2025 based on hard money: Nathan Rourke – B.C. Lions – $624,200 Chad Kelly – Toronto Argonauts – $615,000 Zach Collaros – Winnipeg Blue Bombers – $600,000 Vernon Adams Jr. – Calgary Stampeders – $339,450 Trevor Harris – Saskatchewan Roughriders – $299,781 Dru Brown – Ottawa Redblacks – $259,931 Bo Levi Mitchell – Hamilton Tiger-Cats – $236,374 Davis Alexander – Montreal Alouettes – $188,340 Tre Ford – Edmonton Elks – $187,610 How can you possibly say that Collaros was paid appropriately?

Several players from the 2025 team were not re-signed and hit free agency, including: Chris Streveler (QB) Dalton Schoen (WR) Dillon Mitchell (WR) Jerreth Sterns (WR) Kody Case (WR) Eric Lofton (OL) James Vaughters (DE) Jamal Woods (DT) Shayne Gauthier (LB) Terrell Bonds (DB) Does Jake Thomas have a seeing-eye dog?

Even Chat doesn't see Kramdi and his salary bloat as a key resigning lol As for ZC yeah we did hoop ourselves with his anchor of contract last 3 yrs plus thus season...we agreed to pay him that...and if we hardlined and said nope...500k is the max take it or leave it...he either does...or hits FA and someone else ponies up and then their starter shakes loose...and is signed for less...and that 100..150k extra goes a long way in bolstering us elsewhere...4 teams have won the grey cup with a q.b not named ZC the last 4...3 of which a diff qb out performed him...a Sex pest/Looney mbt combo...the Faj....again...the Faj....Nick Fricken Arbuckle...and last yr 15 yr loser Harris won tho not against us but was a big reason they bumped us outta first place as he out performed ZC...so could some other QB have had success here? Most definitely as other than last yr...possibly last 2 we had best lineup across board in league...and with extra cash available not paid to ZC ..prob even better lineup..good coaching...sound scheme and ability to maximize your roster and have right guys in right spots..u can win with a pedestrian qb...now if we kept Brown here who was very comfortable in this system...and with the group of players employed then...do we win a couple more cups..id say yup...tho our piss poor coaching that played a major role in the floppage probably over rides it anyway Big yr for ZC to show he can have a renasaince in 2026...I have my doubts but guess we will soon see...

Who would you have given the money to had Collaros left? What free agent qb out there was better? You keep saying it was a mistake. That we overpaid to sign him & don't tell us anything else. Without names, it's a baseless argument.

THE LATEST FROM CHAT Here’s a clear analysis of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ personnel changes so far for the 2026 season (mainly the 2025-26 offseason and early 2026 roster moves). I’ll break it into: key additions, key departures, re-signings, and overall impact on the team. 1. Major Additions (Free Agency / Signings)The Bombers were more aggressive than usual in free agency, targeting a few high-quality players rather than signing many depth pieces. Impact additionsJarell Broxton (OL) – considered one of the top CFL free agents available. Jake Ceresna (DL) – a proven pass-rushing defensive tackle added to boost the interior rush. Tim White (WR) – explosive receiver who can stretch the field. Jonathan Moxey (DB) – experienced defensive back. Tommy Nield (WR) – Canadian depth receiver. Jovan Santos-Knox (LB) – veteran linebacker signing. Development / NFL-background additionsMichael Fletcher (DE) – former NFL camp player with pass-rush potential. Aaron Smith (LB) – young linebacker prospect. Robert Javier (DB) – defensive depth with NFL and CFL experience. What this means Strong emphasis on defensive front + offensive line improvement Added speed and depth at receiver 2. Key Re-Signings (Maintaining the Core)Winnipeg’s strategy still revolves around keeping its championship core together. Important extensions include: Willie Jefferson (DE) Stanley Bryant (LT) Brady Oliveira (RB) Nic Demski (WR) Patrick Neufeld (OL) Evan Holm (DB) Deatrick Nichols (DB) Many of these players were pending free agents but were re-signed before or during free agency to keep continuity. Impact: The Bombers still have the same leadership spine that powered their Grey Cup runs. 3. Notable Departures / Free AgentsSeveral players from the 2025 team were not re-signed and hit free agency, including: Chris Streveler (QB) Dalton Schoen (WR) Dillon Mitchell (WR) Jerreth Sterns (WR) Kody Case (WR) Eric Lofton (OL) James Vaughters (DE) Jamal Woods (DT) Shayne Gauthier (LB) Terrell Bonds (DB) Many of these players had contracts expire after the 2025 season. Biggest impact: The receiver group saw heavy turnover Some depth on the defensive line and secondary left 4. Position-by-Position ImpactOffenseQB Zach Collaros remains the starter. Depth behind him is still developing. RB Brady Oliveira extended → keeps the run game elite. WR Significant turnover. New players like Tim White and Tommy Nield could change the offensive style. Offensive Line Broxton signing strengthens interior protection. Veterans like Bryant and Neufeld maintain stability. DefenseDefensive Line Addition of Jake Ceresna is huge for interior pressure. Willie Jefferson still anchors the edge. Linebacker Added depth with Santos-Knox and Aaron Smith. Secondary Mostly retained core players but added depth signings like Javier. 5. Overall Offseason StrategyThe Bombers’ approach can be summarized as: 1️⃣ Reload, not rebuild They kept the core of the Grey Cup era. 2️⃣ Improve trenches Major focus on OL and DL upgrades. 3️⃣ Reset the receiver room Let multiple receivers walk and brought in new talent. 6. Early Offseason Grade (Analyst Perspective)Strengths Stronger offensive line More pass rush inside Core leadership intact Concerns Receiver chemistry still unknown Aging defensive core QB depth behind Collaros Overall early grade: A- / B+ offseason — many analysts say Winnipeg was one of the most effective teams in CFL free agency. ✅ Bottom line: The Bombers didn’t overhaul the roster—they retooled around the same championship core, strengthened the trenches, and refreshed the receiving corps to push for another Grey Cup run. New Players Who Could Become StarsThese are the most likely breakout players from the new additions or younger talent. 1️⃣ Tim White (WR)Why he could explode Elite speed and route running Already proven in the CFL with big seasons Winnipeg lacked explosive deep threats last year Potential impact Could become the team’s #1 receiver 1,200+ yard season is realistic. 2️⃣ Jake Ceresna (DT)One of the best interior defensive linemen in the CFL. Why he matters Interior pass rush collapses pockets Makes life easier for Willie Jefferson off the edge Potential impact 6–10 sacks from the DT position Could become a Defensive Player of the Year candidate 3️⃣ Jarell Broxton (OL)A massive offensive lineman added to strengthen protection. Why he’s important Improves pass protection for Collaros Creates better run lanes for Oliveira Potential impact Could become one of the CFL’s top guards quickly 4️⃣ Jaylen Smith (LB)Young Canadian linebacker drafted in 2025. Led his college team in tackles Athletic and versatile defender Potential impact Could develop into a future starting linebacker and Canadian ratio piece 5️⃣ Ontaria Wilson (WR)Young receiver already showing promise. Why he’s interesting Good size and speed Could benefit from defenses focusing on Demski and White Potential impact Breakout candidate with 800–1000 yards 🔎 Overall Outlook for 2026Strengths Elite run game (Oliveira) Strong defensive front (Jefferson + Ceresna) Veteran offensive line Question marks Aging core Receiver chemistry with new players Depth behind Collaros Projected 2026 Winnipeg Blue Bombers Starting Lineup(Projection based on roster and free-agency additions — actual starters will depend on training camp battles.) OffenseQB — Zach Collaros Still the franchise quarterback and offensive leader heading into 2026. RB — Brady Oliveira The offense revolves around his running and receiving ability. WR — Tim White (NEW) Major free-agent addition and likely deep-threat receiver. WR — Ontaria Wilson Young receiver who flashed big-play ability last season. SB — Nic Demski Top Canadian receiver and one of the most versatile offensive players. SB — Tommy Nield (NEW) Canadian receiver added in free agency who could play a ratio role. LT — Stanley Bryant Veteran anchor of the offensive line. LG — Jarell Broxton (NEW) Winnipeg’s biggest free-agent signing and expected starter immediately. C — Chris Kolankowski RG — Patrick Neufeld RT — Micah Vanterpool DefenseDE — Willie Jefferson Still one of the CFL’s most dominant defensive players. DT — Jake Ceresna (NEW) All-star defensive tackle who should boost interior pass rush. DT — Jake Thomas DE — TyJuan Garbutt WLB — Jovan Santos-Knox (NEW) Veteran linebacker brought in during free agency. MLB — Kyrie Wilson SLB — Redha Kramdi SecondaryCB — Deatrick Nichols HB — Jamal Parker HB — Jonathan Moxey (NEW) CB — Ridge Texada S — Brandon Alexander Special TeamsK — Sergio Castillo P — Jamieson Sheahan Returner — Tim White ⭐ New Blue Bombers Who Could Become Stars1️⃣ Tim White (WR)One of the biggest offensive additions. Why he could break out: Proven CFL playmaker with elite speed Can stretch the field vertically Could become the Bombers’ primary big-play receiver Possible impact: 1,000+ receiving yards Elite return specialist 2️⃣ Jake Ceresna (DT)One of the best defensive tackles in the CFL. Why he matters: Interior pressure makes life easier for Willie Jefferson Disrupts both run and pass plays Possible impact: 6–10 sacks Potential All-CFL candidate 3️⃣ Jarell Broxton (OL)Winnipeg’s most important offensive line signing. Why he could become elite: Already an All-CFL level lineman before joining Winnipeg Strengthens both pass protection and the run game Impact: Could become one of the best guards in the league 4️⃣ Key’Shawn Smith (WR)Young receiver with NFL experience who joined the Bombers in 2026. Why he’s interesting: Former SMU star with strong college production Speedy receiver with return ability Potential: Training camp breakout candidate 📊 Overall 2026 OutlookStrengths Elite running back (Oliveira) Strong veteran offensive line Improved defensive front with Ceresna Biggest question Receiver chemistry after roster turnover Expectation Still a Grey Cup contender if the new receivers produce.

https://deadline.com/2026/03/country-joe-mcdonald-dies-84-1236747053/