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This offseason feels way too long..🏈

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.

there's no doubt that we overpaid for Collaros for this year based on his performance over the past two years The problem was that there isn't a lot of alternatives. Walters needed to show some backbone knowing that no one else would pay more than 500k. However if it had dragged on, it certainly would have made it harder to attract free agents without a legitimate qb under contract. Unfortunately, this was a year where there was no other starting qbs available. The other factor is that we were able to resign our own free agents to have one more crack with this core at the cup

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...

Well the full stop has been brought out. Nothing more to be said here. HardCoreBlue is right about everything. Full stop.

JMO's first game back and OT hero!

Attendance 14,294 3 Stars: 🥇55 🥈Karlsson 🥉19

What kind of twisted logic is that? You make no sense. With your argument, every player is overpaid. And there's no market for any player to ask for money. You realize that Rourke will be making $700,000 in 2027 & $800,000 in 2029? Is he worth it? Has he got the Lions to the Grey Cup? What's he won??

Where are these upgrades going to come from? No one answers because they have none yet the bitching never stops. We just have a bunch of spoiled whiners here complaining about his salary whether Collaros takes a paycut or not. Like they're paying him themselves.

A better question is who else would have paid him that much? Or... is he really the 3rd best QB in the league?

You think you had it rough? This was my first career job working with my hands. My boss was tough. He was a slave driver. I'm so old I had a Jesus Starter jacket.

In my day, we used to work for a nickel, which had a picture of a bee on it. Give me five bees for a quarter, we'd say....

Counterpoint, the SMS has gone up 750k since 2024 so Collaros' share is noticeablely smaller. (10.9% vs 8.8%).