Leaderboard

Qb, Zach. Back up, TBD. Guy to watch, Perkins. He could go anywhere from qb2 to cut early in camp. Step up or step out, guys, Chase and Wilson. Need level is High for a vet backup, and a young guy who progresses. Rb, Brady. Back up Peterson/MCI. MCI is pretty locked in for his versatility, but this is the time we need to see him step forward as a ball carrier. Sleeper, JJ Taylor. Legit NFL guy in a very deep backs room, with the wrong passport. The need level is very low. Wouldn't be against drafting an interesting back in the late rounds to keep guys being pushed. Don't expect more than that. Wr, imps. White and Wilson as starters. Guys to watch, Banks (another legit NFL guy with great measurables) Need level, medium. We are likely flipping the ratio, but we at least need guys who push both NI and Imps for their spots. Wr Nis. Demski, Nield, and Clercius as starters. Clericius at that group needs to solidify his spot more than he should have to as well. Guys who need to step up and will likely be pushed by a draft pick(s), Corcoran, and Cobb. Need level, Medium-High. We have a lot of meh; we need more quality and athleticism. T, Starters, Broxton, Bryant, Randolph. More guys than spots can be a good thing. In this group, Bryant and Randolph should be fighting for the 2nd spot. One might slide in side—chances we DI an OL after that are pretty low. Back-ups, Stewart, and Poncius are league guys with upside. New guys to watch, Dooley, and the returning Elsbury, who has a ton of potential. Need level: Very low. G, Starters, Neufeld, Wallace, Vanterpool, and Randolph. Way more bodies than spots here. Wallace should be a lock to at least be the 6th OL, as he has snapped and worked some C in camp here. Vanterpool has been much better at G than Rando, but Rando has more upside, and long-term is an RT here. We've got some young guys, but for Imps, the chance of jumping up to the top 2-3 on that list is basically impossible. Need level: Low. You always need to be developing Canadian OL, but that's really its own thing as well. PR spot is fine, we still likely draft an OL high at G for that spot. C, Starter, Eli. Back up, Vibert. Our thinnest position on the OL. But there is a chance we actually flip the ratio at C, not G. Vanterpool could be a candidate for that, as could rookies like Bucky Williams, Zovon, and Mazzucca. Need level, medium-high. Need someone to step up and take that spot. We have lots of guys who could do it; we just need one to actually follow through in camp. DE, starters WJ. Fringe, Jenkins, and Jaworski. Guys to watch: Bailey, Bogle, and Dixon. Fletcher and Jaworski also have some ability to play 3t, and do more in 30 fronts with their size and builds. Especially Fletcher. Need, very strong. We have some guy, but we need more. And we need all the ends to step up this year. DT, Starters, Lawson, and Ceresna. Back-ups Schmekel and Kornelson. Schemekel brings a lot of versatility and motor, a career overachiever who probably doesn't have another step up in terms of quality in him. Kornelson is a warm body at best. The rest of the depth so far is really tied up in guys like Fletcher, who are tweeners. Need level, Medium. We need guys to step up and provide depth, and we need to bring in some true inside DL to push in camp. Lbers, starters, Jones, JSK, Kyrie. Needs to step up to stick around, Kyrie, Ayers, and Jones should be close to that list too. Young guys to watch: Smith, Shay, and Novak. Those 3 are basically locks to make the roster, but a 2nd year step forward would have them more than ready to steal jobs. Sleeper list, Bouyer-Randle (legit NFL guy) Aaron smith (versatile big play guy), Micah Cretsinger (play maker 5 defensive tds, 2FR, 7 FF, 10PKDs, 10 picks, 7.5 sacks, 32.5 TFL, 271 tackles in 44 games) Johnny Hodges (he played 16 games at NAVY... you know hes making this damn roster.) Need level: extremely low. But this draft has a bunch of teams' guys who roster as lbers, and you can bet we will draft at least 1. DBs, starters, Nichols, Holm, Kramdi, and Moxey. Vets who started and will be battling to keep/win a primary role, Griffin, Allen, and Woodbey internally, plus outside the team league guys in Lamont, McGhee, and Javier. We also have Mccuthcheon who was on NFL PRs for a couple of years, and Javaris Davis, who was signed to play last year but didn't report, and was extended late last year. He played a couple of years in the NFL and some time in the XFL. He looks to have been out of football for a couple of years and is 29 years old. Which you just don't see up here or with us in DBs. K, Sergio is excellent. An extra leg in camp is always a good idea. P, Sheahan was much more reliable last year. We should still look to bring in competition. I'd be happy to bring back James Evans from last year. KR, Vaval is coming in with a ton of expectation. We could use a contingency plan for him if he struggles in year 2 after such an insane rookie year. Overall, we still have needs at Imp WR, DE/DT, C, and backup QB. Draft-wise, we need Canadians who can step into starting roles in the future. We have solid back-end of the roster depth, and lots of teams guys.

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.

I hate this AI ****.

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

get this AI crap outta here! 😁 My concern about the glut of OL talent we have now is where Bryant fits in... he's the goat and still has game left... but assuming we go 3 Imp on the OL... if we started Broxton-Venderpool-Eli-Nefueld-Randolph.... who does Bryant replace that makes the group better?... he's behind Broxton at this stage of his career... is he an improvement on Vandy or Randolph at a position he's never played?

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

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

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

Or that Broxton is not a guard.

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 . . .

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.

This offseason feels way too long..🏈

Nice to see Dee get paid.

Doesn't make a big difference who is at which T. I think Broxton is likely to stay in the spot, but marty will figure all that out if he hasn't already. Im a big believer in wallace, I hope he continues his trajectory. With a competent Centre, I think the guards will thrive who ever we plug in. The D is going to struggle with the K/KR KIs, likely a DB and if we go with the token Lber. I hope we start griffen and go with a canadian/vaval if he steps up as the back up dbs. Then use a DI on the DL Im pretty confident in Eli. I do have some concerns with his struggles in pass pro at G, but some guys just dont change position well, and he played with an awful C. I also like vibert alot. My primary concern with our OL, is not losing young guys who have shown soo much and have tremendous ceiling. Rando, wallace, and Vanterpool should be long term pieces.

Don't worry about that, no intelligence of any kind to be found. 😉 The OL glut is as much a concern as it is an asset. We will have to manage that position expertly, or get extremely lucky. I really don't want to lose Rando, Vanterpool, or Wallace. But Bryant is integral to continuity in our OL. This will be the biggest position to watch of camp for me. And a huge success indicator for us. The easiest solution might be to go 4 imps for 1 year. If we go with Broxton, Randolph, Bryant, Vanterpool, and Neufeld, we will likely dominate opposition DLs on talent alone. Basically, as long as Neufeld isnt at T, any alignment could succeed.

I think the jig was up when Vaval wasn't even mentioned....I believe he's still under contract for 26'.....Otherwise a big DUH for the AI take ....Says were still a contender for the Cup...hmmmm..isn't every team Day 1

For you and people like @Booch and @JuranBoldenRules, the next time I offer up my detailed 'expert' analysis recap of a Bomber game just say over and over again the bold part above to lessen the pain you're feeling while reading it.

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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

Depending on the day...yes

Maybe Stanley and his agent made it clear they weren’t going to resign? Pretty sure there was talk about him requesting at trade a while back. But regardless, he’s gone. He was having a good season, and his confidence has clearly grown, but there were still many defensive gaffes, so who knows where his development might go…. I personally think he’s likely pretty damn close to his ceiling.

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....

This definitely feels true. I still believe that Collaros is capable of great things, BUT...based on recent seasons..... This feels like too high. Part of the problem is there's such a dearth of QBs in the league so anyone with any ability can pretty much ask whatever they want.

'As much as the haters hate to hear this' What an irritating preface.

Lol people complained that he didnt/wouldn't restructure...now we're complaining that he did restructure?