bigg jay

Lots of Dave Ritchie vibes for me.

Looks like Powell is under contract for next year. He's not listed as a pending FA. https://3downnation.com/2024/11/11/the-hamilton-tiger-cats-potential-2025-free-agent-list/

The fact he's not even willing to give a bullshit answer, like we'll review all aspects is sad. Not unexpected but still sad.

Alexander is also up there but he's still less proven. It's still a better group than last year though. If Dolegala and Cornelius were 2 of the top 3 available, I don't know if it can get much worse? https://3downnation.com/2024/01/28/2024-cfl-free-agent-rankings-quarterbacks/

VAJ has been traded twice for a 1st rounder so I'm guessing that may be the asking price - I don't think BC wants to take on much (if any) salary. Edmonton has no 1st rounder to offer this year (used it to grab Zach Mathis in the last supplemental draft) so they may be behind the 8 ball there.

What choice does he have? He's under contract for the next 2 years and Rigmaiden said they will not be taking his wishes into consideration, it'll be what's best for BC.

Most important part to us in that article is:

We got our rebate on Monday so it looks like money is still trickling out.

For sure, I just don't buy the spin that he's a new man. He was part of the decline of the Elks in the first place and his record elsewhere since leaving isn't all that great (21-33 as GM in BC & Hamilton) so expecting different behaviour/results from him might not be realistic.

It's funny how their local media is portraying his re-hire. They are framing him as a kinder, more mature Ed Hervey but I don't get that vide at all from the 3DN article. Still seems like like a d**k to me. https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/football/cfl/edmonton-elks/edmonton-elks-have-new-gm

https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/11/21/blue-bombers-re-sign-kicker-sergio-castillo 1 year deal for Sergio.

Why do I feel like the L's are going to keep being a joke after reading this? Sideshow Ed is back in town and I love his pitch to free agents - come on down to Edmonton, it's nice here but if we don't like you... well there's 8 other teams for you to play for. 😂 https://3downnation.com/2024/11/21/ed-hervey-vows-to-fix-laughing-stock-edmonton-elks-threatens-dissenters/

250k guarantee for next season.

Saskatchewan may want to go younger at QB.

Nature of the beast when you're the weakest link. If/when they move on from Jake, someone else becomes the whipping boy.

Agreed - the Argos didn't beat us on the strength of their offense. Their defense has been their backbone for a while even after losing some of their bigger names to FA. I would like to see us get back to that.

He was the highest paid LB in the league last year and after his performance in GC, I don't see that changing. He was just over 200k this season but if we move on from Biggie's 165k we might be able to make a pitch.

McManus is still listed as the director of US scouting so it would seem he was Cyril's boss in that aspect.

https://www.bluebombers.com/cyril-penn/

This is where I pretty much am at in terms of what I'd like to see. We don't need to blow the whole thing up but we need to continue the roster turnover we started last season when we moved on from some vets. I'm good with moving on from Buck as well but MOS does need make some changes as well and that's up to Kyle & Wade to reinforce that.

Jones had some good games in the season but didn't have a great GC from what I saw so I hope they have a full open competition or spend some cash on good FA (not sure who'd be available though).

Dolegala to Osh: Should I start warming up coach? MOS: Over Zach's dead body!

I'd just be worried they will just hand him back the MLB spot when he's healthy. Having him as a plan B in case of an injury is fine, I just don't want him to be plan A once he's ready to go again.

What worries me about Biggie is that his rehab is supposed to take him to like September so they may look at the cap savings by having him on the injured list most of the season and think it's a good deal for the club.

Set up a go fund me before the Grey Cup anger blows over - it's prime time for donations on that move! 😂