Blue In BC

I didn't get the impression from O'Shea that moving Kramdi was in the cards. Ratio wise Kramdi switching with Griffin offsets but it eliminates an import safety ( Allen to CB ). That would give us 3 changes in the secondary and 1 at SAM. Yes there is some experience and ability to do that. However we also have 3 changes on the DL. I think your bias against Kramdi is influencing your thought on changes. It's not the math of how many Canadian starters we have. It's the fixed number of imports allowed on the roster. I'm not convinced we go we 3 Canadian receivers although that would create the ratio switch from receiver to OL. For that matter I'm not entirely convinced we do go to 3 import OL. Considering the number of OL signed it may turn out as more likely than I believe. Even you suggested an import rookie receiver starting. Anyway. We've added some great talent this week and I'm not sure which combinations we'll see when all is said and done. Lots of choices to be made.

I don't think they move Kramdi to safety or Griffin to SAM. I don't think they'll have Vaval as a full time CB as well as our returner. Lots of " if's " in your thoughts. Not sure on the math whether 3 import OL is doable with some versions of the moves. While I don't like Vaval at CB in a dual role it does free up an import spot. So in that sense it makes the 3 import OL possible. The other versions I'm not as sure. None of these suggest having another DL as a DI. Going with raw talent outside I'd question and little DL depth inside scares me.

A great start to the morning that's for sure.

Bryant.

We'll agree to disagree about the upfront money especially for a player I wouldn't expect to have a high salary. I think most posters don't think Kramdi to safety is the best idea but the combination of changes you suggest is possible. None of them would be my 1st choice but it's all guesswork at the moment. That's good to know as one of our choices.

The catch about upfront money is if an injury occurs ( like Schoen ). He did miss 5 games in 2025 and 10 over the last 3 seasons. You don't have to provide a significant signing bonus or have an off season bonus. It's all risk analysis. In theory he won't be a target in either Hamilton or BC so his options are becoming limited. We should speak with his agent and find out.

I don't know about the reasonable deal thought. IIRC he was released after 2024 in Hamilton due to a large bonus payment coming due. Now the same happens in Vancouver. However IMO he'd be an upgrade and we should speak with his agent to see what his expectations might be.

The 2026 SMS increased by the $400K that was implemented in 2025. Most teams didn't get a chance to spend all that was available last year. Regardless the new SMS is being spent on some players being re-signed to higher level contracts.

Some RB's also are very good returners / receivers. However as you pointed out a DB or WR COULD have more value as depth whether or not Vaval is lost for the season. Peterson is our depth at RB but it seems we bring in an import every TC just to have a look see.

Not sure about Logan. His SMS was reported at $107K. Obviously if Vaval comes back then we're looking for a PR player as injury insurance and development on an ELC. Saving $26K on Logan not a big deal but we don't know if he's asking for more either. There will always be DB's, receivers looking to win a spot that includes depth as a returner. A few players coming off serious season ending injury: Streveler, Schoen, Case and Bonds to name a few. I'm not expecting any of them back but we'll see if that happens or not. A few players like Hallett and Gauthier might not be extended. Both still good on ST's but we added Ball and 3 LB's in the draft to take on those roles. Overall we added 3 LB's, 1 DB, 1 receiver and 1 OL from the 2025 draft. Some SMS savings potentially. 2026 draft will add some new players to the roster and room will need to be made. However younger and ELC options is an annual situation.

The increase in 2025 was due to revenue increase over more than 1 season IIRC. I don't see a further increase in 2026 of that magnitude. I do think most teams ended up with some SMS left from 2025 that has been used to re-sign some top talent. That will make it interesting to see how they spend the increase for 2026 after signing some of top talent already.

Like all questions it depends on what their SMS hit would be if they reach free agency.

Going up over the previous $400K increase or just the teams now using that on re-signing of players?

In the words of O'Shea, everyone is a starter. We rotate players on defence every play it seems. Who gets how many reps may depend on defensive formations, health of players at a given position, or even the opponent. If you believe GCn20, he's not a good starting MLB. By definition then he's depth. If you believe the Lions, then he is a at best, the starter, at worst he's depth. There are only 9 teams and obviously the Als were no longer interested. A combination of SMS, age and ratio? Not every team is going to make free agent acquisitions at the LB position. Those that do might only be looking at depth spots. IMO he's better than GCn20 suggested but does have similar limitations as T.Jones. Neither is A. Bighill in his prime.

He could be a trade asset if he really doesn't want to play in Winnipeg.