M.Silverback

That's fair. I'd say we're threatened in the sense that if the XFL does succeed it will impact the CFL in terms of recruiting or retaining talent. Hasn't happened yet to any large extent though. That's great! I think that speaks more to St. Louis being an excellent sports city than the draw of the XFL or the quality of play. St. Louis should have an NFL team. Shameful that they don't. I think the XFL is doomed to fail, despite some good markets like St. Louis, and despite potential streaming revenue. The CFL is around the same scale in terms of attendance, TV, etc. But, it's apples and oranges. The CFL is an entirely different game, also showcasing Canadian talent. It will always have a draw to Canadians. And the TSN numbers look small, but considering the population, aren't bad. TSN also renewed their contract, so they must be doing alright with it. I know many fans who prefer Canadian football to American. The XFL is a vastly inferior version of the NFL, unlikely to have any star or high profile players emerge. Maybe a few that end up on an NFL roster. I don't think American fans will watch or support that in the long term. It also doesn't have the appeal of supporting a favorite college team, even if the level of play is decent. And no hating here. Thanks for the insights from someone who has been to an XFL game.

Fans are calling for him to be replaced by Paul Bearer.

Interesting. Judging by this and how quickly he flamed out in the NFL, it appears that Anthony Calvillo was more responsible for the success that Trestman had than the other way around.

Can we get Burris signed to an XFL contract? He'd make a great heel. Maybe take a chair shot?

You're right, I find the comments section there really confrontational and rude. That said, have to agree that I don't think Streveler would appreciate the Cardinals GM calling him a CFL legend. I love Streveler, but, the jury is out as to whether he will or would have become an above average CFL starter, never mind NFL. Plus, I'm getting my back up because that type of comment I feel disrespects the CFL. BLM - call him a legend. Streveler - a great athlete, competitor that we're excited about - there's your quote Mr. GM!

I agree Rose might be back. Sayles will be in tough in Minnesota. They're definitely drafting a CB, and perhaps signing an NFL free agent DB. Kongbo - I'd say for sure he makes the practice roster - low risk, high potential reward type player. Streveler - a "legend" according to the GM of the Cardinals. Warren Moon, Doug Flutie, Anthony Calvillo, Damon Allen, Tracy Ham, Dieter Brock, ... and Streveler? I think this guy needs a little CFL primer. https://3downnation.com/2020/02/16/arizona-cardinals-gm-steve-keim-quarterback-chris-streveler-is-a-legend-in-the-cfl/

Overpaying receivers really scares me. Signing free agent receivers scares me - past trauma from Bowman and Matthews. I think to balance the cap you really need your scouts to find lower priced American WR's to fill a good portion of your roster. There are so many decent WR NFL cuts. Bombers haven't been great at that, but, I'd rather spend on the positions that make a bigger impact on winning, especially in the playoffs - Oline, Dline, QB. As you said, having arguably the best receiver in the CFL didn't really move the needle much for the Argos last year.

I thought MBT looked pretty good in the games I saw. Certainly played well against the Bombers when they beat them. He's not a scrub. He's been in a lot of NFL camps because he has talent. I like Nichols, but, this will be a competition, larger salary or not.

Hope so too. But, MBT is a gamer. He's not going to concede the starter job easily. Hope Nichols shoulder is close to 100%.

True. And players love playing for O'Shea. For real. That means something.

If I were a CFL player I'd want to maximize every dollar I could in terms of salary offers. This isn't the NFL where if you made $30 million versus $20 million your retirement life isn't much different. Most CFL players are looking at getting some type of job post playing days. So, getting an extra $60K salary or so over a couple of years makes a big difference. No hard feelings from me if WJ signs elsewhere for more money. Love to have him back though.

Does anyone know if WJ has any NFL offers? Or is he strictly considering CFL at this point?

I don't get it. McMahon is obviously a smart man who has been incredibly successful. But there's no evidence at all that American fans will support a second rate pro football league. What's the plan? NFL expansion? It'll happen in London England before the St. Louis Battlehawks join the NFL. TV and streaming revenue? Honestly, CFL 2.0 is a better plan for getting some online streaming revenue in a few years once there's some decent roster players from Japan, Germany, France ...

You're totally right. But, we're also seeing that NFL teams are re-considering paying huge $ to a pass rusher when it comes time to a second contract. It's why the Raiders traded Khalil Mack, who is fantastic, but couldn't get the Bears into the playoffs alone because their QB sucks. I heard on Minnesota sports radio suggesting trading Danielle Hunter to move up in the draft to get Tua Tagovailoa - a potential franchise QB on a rookie contract, partly because Hunter will want to be the highest paid DE in the NFL next contract (his third).

I think so too. He's worth that much in terms of talent level. But, not in terms of tying up that much cap space for that position, considering the impact and cost of a near replacement level player.

I love Willie Jefferson. But, I also trust that Kyle Walters will not overpay for a position where there are other options. Lesser options, but, options that can provide 75% of the production, at 50% of the salary. Ja'Gared Davis potentially, as some have mentioned. Actually had more sacks last year. Not as much of an impact player, but, still effective.

Me too! This is testing my In Kyle We Trust mantra. Particularly if it means we're losing Petermann.

I think a lot depends on how long Streveler stays in the NFL. If he's released early, pretty much guaranteed he'll be back with the Bombers. If he hangs around a season on an NFL practice roster, not so sure he'd come back. A lot changes in pro sports in a season. McGuire may have cemented the job as number 2 QB, or number 1 in waiting. The Bombers will be looking for a number 3 QB and may have found one they're happy with by then. Plus the new CFL season will bring a new Nick Arbuckle or Cody Fajardo that many CFL teams will be after. Not saying Streveler wouldn't be sought after, but, if he's gone the entire CFL season or close to it, no team is holding a place for him.

We would have been better off with actual actors. I would have taken Willie Beamen and Cap Rooney from the Miami Sharks over that group.

Yeah I was surprised he didn't. Good prospect out of LSU. But, has bounced around a lot, including two CFL teams. There's definitely a reason. Taylor Heinicke could play QB in the CFL. At least a back up level. But, might also be a bit of a knucklehead. And, perhaps the lure of playing for the storied St. Louis Battlehawks is just too great. We'll see you when the league folds buddy.

Agreed. If Streveler is back with the team, don't be shocked if there's a true competition between him and McGuire for the back up QB job. I bet Buck Pierce is going to really take a long look at who has the most potential to be an impact starting QB in the CFL, and it might be McGuire more than Streveler.

I hear ya. Concussion history is scary. But, based on last season, every starting QB missed some time. Nichols injury history is extensive too, just to multiple body parts. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Collaros does too, just praying it's not due to a significant concussion.

Not sure if he's done, but, I think the Bombers and their medical staff are likely a bit less optimistic about his post surgery throwing shoulder than Nichols and his agent are. I like Nichols. And he played well for the Bombers. Thanks for that. But, Collaros is a better QB right now. He proved it in the Grey Cup run. And peak Collaros was always better than peak Nichols.

Some good points about how the Titans schemed against Lamar. And, the Ravens definitely need to add some additional weapons on offense. But, I think Lamar is just going to keep getting better. And he's really, really good now. Not saying that this is your perspective, but I hope we (collective we, as in this board) are not comparing Heisman trophy winner and sure fire NFL MVP Lamar Jackson to Chris Streveler. My man-crush on Strev is high, but he is no where near Lamar's level of talent. I'm not even sure he's Tim Tebow's level of talent honestly. Strev might become a decent CFL starter. He's not even close to that now. Tremendous athlete - check. Huge heart - check. Pro QB - to be determined. NFL roster player - I wouldn't bet on it, though for his sake, I wish him the best.

Agree. That's why I don't think you're going to see a run on NFL teams trying to replicate this. Do you think you could convince a coach like Mike Zimmer to use up a roster spot for a gimmick player who is going to throw one pass, catch one pass, maybe make one run per game, over a rotational DE or DB? Who also can step in for injuries? No chance.