7 minutes ago, GCn20 said:

If any of these guys emerge as bonafide CFL receivers I'll be tickled pink. My point in all of this is that I like that we are looking for some size and 50/50 ability in our new recruits. Whether it's Banks, Fredericson, or Receiver X, I think we really need someone of that style in our receiving corps.

yup...we need one to step up as thats a critical need for us, and the kinda guy that ZC needs at this juncture of his career

TJ Davis also intrigues and curious to see what we try to do with him...Has a lot of QB experience, and can return....could be a versatile roster guy too....camp will be interesting

4 minutes ago, GCn20 said:

He's no Lawler, he lacks that speed but as a solid possession receiver 50/50 ball guy he clearly has that game. He averaged 13 yards a reception so he can clearly get the ball when it's in the air. He's the exact type of receiver we need. Not saying he will make the team, but I like that this is the type of receiver we are looking at bringing in. We are sorely lacking this type of receiver.

Maybe...maybe not. He needs to bring some speed though. I like his size and hands.

If we wanna keep a receiver of that ilk...then Banks should be the guy as bigger...way better measurables...better pedigree...huge upside and almost shocking he is up here, and likely is gonna be playing dialed in with something to prove. He could also easily step in to the wide side WR spot right outta the gate and be easily eased in with us having Demski, White and Pokey stealing a lot of the db's attention and find himself in a lot of one on one situations....and he is a proven contested ball receiver and knows how to us his body to box guys out....Plus can take inside routes and work from along the l.o.s too...Dude has all the tools and came from a top notch school

13 hours ago, wbbfan said:

That’s a big part of it. his size is basically what’s expected, doesn’t have the athleticism to break away at the top end or separate at the break. he also doesn’t have a great get off move or route running polish to get open.

Not like he’s un athletic, or bad technically at his position. he’s just kind of average at every thing save for his hands. He’s clearly got top level hands.

He also played 4 years at a small school and basically put up 1 good season of production in a year and a half. A guy like that in a program like that has to do more for more years.

His upside would be lawler, but he has a lot of work to do to get close to that.

I see him as early cut candidate in camp....just a body

7 hours ago, GCn20 said:

I don't think we start Gabe, and that is the premise of my post. IF he starts, and I don't see where, then I will re-evaluate. I'd love it if he did show enough to get a starting spot tho.

I'd love to see him start as well, as I dont think the sum of all the parts with us going 3 imports on the oline and sacrificing a key one on defence makes us better.

Now if Osh actually uses his Canadian youth on defence at linebacker, as well as Bailey in rotation and we draft another kid who isn't just a teams only ever plug but a potential starter/high upside guy to ease into the defence then yeah maybe it could make sense....But we all know Osh and how he works his roster, and until I see otherwise...I have zero faith he will...let alone knows how to maximize his roster with the best players, and then actually use them

48 minutes ago, GCn20 said:

I believe that Wallace is in a really good position career wise if he chooses to stay. He's not going to find any other OL around the league with a probable starting OG position up for grabs where he would be considered the heir apparent. I'm not sure it takes a huge increase to keep him either, he only has limited play time at this point.

yup....his next deal will be a mid level one...he keeps advancing his play...well in 3 yrs his next deal will be higher end oline pay.

I like his current trajectory development wise and by all accounts is a sponge and works hard at getting better, and fully expect him to look down the guard spot this yr...And if Eli is just a competent center at, Broxton anchoring the right side and allowong Neuf just to worry about his job and not having the human pylon to his left that will all add to Wallace really coming on

Wallace is an easy keep and foolish to let walk for what could amount for 40...50k

Neuf shouldnt be back for 2027 and I doubt Big Stan will as well...Neuf money can go to bump Wallace...Big Stan elsewhere....and change left over

11 hours ago, ShyGuy said:

This is one of the interesting bits. Someone talked about wasting a draft asset (the Bombers got from playing Canadian players anyways so might as well YOLO this one) but the Riders took Rourke, who is two years older, has 2 more surgically repaired knees, and has already fulfilled one year of his ELC sitting on the 49ers injured list. Elgersma could have signed here after he got cut from GB, tolled a year of his contract and tried again in the NFL window, but now he is looking at 3 years of the national minimum before potentially hitting paydirt.

This whole thing feels like fool's gold for Elgersma, but being a bit contrarian is it really the worst thing for his development? It's not like he needs to learn the Canadian game, it's all he has ever played. Glancing at the CFL CBA there really isn't much opportunity for the team to do anything with him until Rookie Camp opens... which would be after week 6 of the UFL schedule. Surely there could be worse things a potential QB3 could be doing with their time than hanging out on a "pro" roster for 6 weeks. In theory he could decide that the visa isn't coming at that point and turn tail up here and make it in time for camp?

thing is...sure he knows the Canadian game...but the leap from CIS to CFL for a QB...the speed...the nuances...processing what his eyes think they see....everything is just massive....and why for most part we rarely see a Canadian born and exclusively trained ever make the jump. Would realistically take them 3...4 yrs to just become serviceable...and by that time was the juice worth the squeeze....nope.

He just pushing any possible development and success further down the road, and may never even get to realize it...Personally....if we could get some real good return for him at the draft...I'd dump him off elsewhere

17 minutes ago, wbbfan said:

New Rourke was a gamble for sure, though his high ability to reach his ceiling is much, much better than Elgersma's. Even with the injuries. It almost always makes sense to take a low-cost shot at a high upside QB. It's been an extremely long time since the QBing in the cfl was in a good place.

It's certainly not the worst for his development. If he gets another NFL camp invite and preseason action, it's probably best for his development. Closely followed by if he came up here right after being cut last year. His chances of making an NFL roster are basically zero. He could make a PR, though that would leave him in a tough spot for next year, where he still won't make a roster and also won't be able to develop more on the bench.

Pay-wise, yeah, he is walking himself into a minefield. By the time he is out of the rookie Canadian money range at this point, his NFL window will be damn close to closed. He hasn't made much since turning pro, and he's barely played. That's rough to dig out of.

he's made 5 weeks of per diems for a first yr player in an NFL TC...thats it...thats all....a paltry amount and would have made more sitting on our PR or as QB 4on the 1 game IR all yr learning in a pro environment, and could still exercise his option to try the NFL again this spring if he got a camp invite

35 minutes ago, blue85gold said:

Dude just turned 24. He was drafted less than a year ago.

and has proven nothing other than success at the CIS level....no offense to the cis and canadian athletes but that' a big whuppty do...especially for a QB....Just look at Ford recently...and he has a way better game with his legs that Elgersma and he was putrid.

He's 24 sure...but has wasted a good 2 yrs so far in his development curve up here where he could actually amount to something....so he is just further delaying his development and future earning potential.....He is never....ever gonna get a spot in the NFL other than a PR spot and thats a stretch...and if his mindset and attitude is one where that is cool with him, and has no desire other than that...get the hell ouuta here then and move his ass for picks, or an asset. I have no desire for a Canadian QB whatsover anyway, and why would you want a inferior pivot....and no ability to back him up with one??...

A Nathan Rourke is a unicorn and is a Canadian by birth only....he was developed and trained and learned his craft in the U.S for the yrs that matter .....Elgersma hasnt...he excelled against a buttload of players who once their senior yr ended will never ever strap on a helmet again...

13 minutes ago, wbbfan said:

yep. I wonder if the team knows that. He's getting some thing now atleast for development. Not just sitting on a couch waiting for a call and doing the odd work out.

and doing it all for free lol

24 minutes ago, Goalie said:

At this point he’s either delusional or getting the worst career advice possible. I’m guessing UFL also don’t make enough $$$ for him to get his visa otherwise it be done by now. Even god is like dude go home to Canada.

combo of all 3 me thinks...but he has gotten some bad guidance since the 2025 CFL/NFL season ended...Dude in all reality has had no real significant play time since his last University season...and his one NFL camp and the position on depth chart he was at...got no real developing there either...and his couple workouts after that again amount to nothing...Likely was about 20 mins of showing of/how he can make the common throws in the NFL game and what kind of ball he threw...He could have got more useful work playing flag football in a beer league up here

9 hours ago, Goalie said:

Here’s an update on the future bombers star QB who has gotten no real reps in 2 years almost now

3DownNation

Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma inactive again for UFL's Birm...

Taylor Elgersma will not make his UFL debut with the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday as he's officially been listed as inactive against the Houston Gamblers. Acc

Hmm UFL attendance ??

2025/2026 Trends

• St. Louis continues to lead, drawing over 30,000 to the Dome.

• The 2025 season saw an overall average dip to approximately 12,000–15,876, reflecting a 5% drop from the previous year.

sauteing and marinating nicely eh?....doofus

1 hour ago, GCn20 said:

My key point is that this year is his best shot at getting the team to commit to some development runway. If he doesn't come North this year, we cannot wait around and must pivot away from him IF we have a better candidate to develop.

100 percent

35 minutes ago, GCn20 said:

That is certainly a gamble that Elgersma is taking. As I have stated in my post, Elgersma's runway certainly hinges on him signing with the Bombers. Once signed he is obligated to 3 years unless actually signed to the NFL during the offseason window. No more searching around playing the waiting game or nonsense like that. At the point of signing it is highly unlikely we cut ties with him before that 3 years is up unless he is a complete dud. However, the longer he takes to sign the more the odds go up that begin to look at alternate plans such as trading his rights etc. If in the meantime we find other guys, yep we may move on that's why my post clearly indicated that the amount of runway he will get is dependent on him signing.

Not so sure that Wilson is our number 3 right now. He is there atm but if I were to guess Wilson is an insurance policy nothing more. If our new QB recruits don't crash and burn they are favorites for both number 2 and 3.

Wilson def needs to show this camp he has taken the next step and has advanced.....If he hasnt...I could see him losing the 3rd spot to Thorne who we may see as a legit development guy like we had in Brown. Has the makeup of a real good CFL style QB

As for elgersma....he has wasted 2 valuable yrs now of development...and longer he pisses around he is even further behind in any realization of potential. If he balks all yr again...and in meantime we find a legit guy who shows progress and development thru the yr..that.. and or sign a already established guy in the 2027 FA period...I'd trade him away pronto as if he finally came in 2027 after 3 yrs in the abyss...he aint gonna be your answer anytime soon...and if handed it just cause we have a lil chub over a Canadian QB which I feel is irrelevant and pointless...expect several yrs of scuffling as a team

1 hour ago, Bigblue204 said:

That's not a horrible idea. Kind of like what New york does with the Giants/Jets.

Expansion team for what?....and a shared facility is totally not a bad idea...I agree

14 hours ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

Edmonton & Calgary will come back attendance wise if their teams are competitive. Montreal is averaging over 20,000 a game so they're doing alright. Macciocia says that they're in a position to make some money. They don't have the corporate boxes needed to be profitable. there's an ownership group in Montreal trying to snag an expansion team for Montreal. he was saying a new stadium of around 35000 would be needed. He wants the Als to be a part of it if Montreal gwets an expansion team. He realizes that the stadium needs to be used at least 200 times a yera to be profitable.

Yeah Edm and CGY not too concerned with in regards to support...they get back to winning....and CGY gets some better facilities....they both be fine....Both tho are fair weather fan cities for sure tho

18 hours ago, M.O.A.B. said:

That's not a guarantee though that he will also be good at the Canadian game. Many good NFL players have come and gone in the CFL that did not make it.

That's just you're spin to it. No factual basis whatsoever.

O know for a fact a lot of players refuse to come here due to ratio reasons and getting cut for a sub par guy....and a lot of coaches will favour a vet...even if he is not as good....why waste their time and risk injury....and guys talk and touch base and give potential newguys the 411 of what its all about up in Canada...I could give an eff....if u believe my "spin" or not...but you be you....with your wealth of football knowledge and connections...I'll be me...Block me...mute me...whatever floats your dingy if u dislike what i say

and save for a QB who has a steep learning curve up here....unless a player is a comp0lete dolt....and has skill....they can adapt and play if the coaching is adequate..and it's not like he stunk the joint out when he was here....we kept other stinkers tho

19 hours ago, Goalie said:

Or Jackson wasn’t good 4 ******* years ago when he was here? I mean sometimes it’s that simple. The fact most ppl prob don’t remember the name means he didn’t stand out. 4 years later.

wasnt good for yrs ago ...but hung onto an NFL PR and actual active roster for 3 yrs after...I guess the light came on after being dumped by the CFL...good on him I guess

That's the pitfalls of the CFL and how teams run camps and pre-season...with 2 games now...Guys dont get legit opportunities...on all teams...and some pop off luckily in camp and jump over better players...then are just farts in the wind come next TC....I dont know why we dont extend camp and have 3 games....

8 hours ago, GCn20 said:

We cut Lucky in camp then he was on Edmonton PR...couldn't crack their pitiful receiving corps then UFL then Minnesota.

and another pityfull coaching staff worse than the warts we had here...lol

But 3 yrs in NFL...On same team....actual roster spot....and lotsa snaps on ST too...hard to argue that he was a piece of crap and not worthy of keeping...who did we keep that yr in lieu of him...some stars I am sure are still here...or had a couple great seasons and then vanished...I know we had Schoen that yr....but dont recall who we kept as depth after that...When Ellingson went down and Schoen stepped into his spot...who did we add to roster....nobody I can think of who still here

2 hours ago, M.O.A.B. said:

If he's that good, why the other CFL teams did not sign him?

Good enough to hang around 3 yrs in NFL...so can't answer for other teams...but if a guy can cut it there...get several actual games in...and play st...pretty sure he should have here looking at some of the crap we rostered since...and maybe he didnt wanna come here and get cut in lieu of some lesser talented Canadian or some coaches pet...as thats also very common for a lot of guys not coming

15 hours ago, WinnipegGordo said:

Lucky Jackson was at Bombers training camp in 2022.

and we cut him and then landed on Vikings roster?...Not good enough here but good enough there...now there's some good evaluating no?

23 hours ago, Bigblue204 said:

I believe it's been mentioned before. But one of the biggest hurdles Elgersma is facing, is that he doesn't have experience in 4 down ball. Rourke did, having gone to College there. Elgersma coming to the CFL before he gets any experience likely ruins any (small as it may be) chance of getting another NFL look.

Rourke also played prep ball before College too...Elgersma again did not....He heeds pro experience whether it 3 down...4 down....Trying to find random workouts...with zero pay for going there and out of pocket expense is just an exercise in stupidity now....His window was last yr...and nobody took the risk....and it wont get any better in terms of opportunity until he gets some solid pro film....and it wont be in the NFL and even the crappy UFL he behind the 8 ball there too....If he shows he good enough up in Canada....this "lack of 4 down" experience is moot....If he has it in the brain department, and has elite skills...he'll figure it out...Maybe the knock on him down south is looks the part...good arm....just doesnt have it upstairs to process what's going on...and I believe this is the case and they just were nice in saying he "lacked 4 down experience"....cause that lil tidbit is almost kinda funny in my opinion, and based on experience working with athletes...Of u got it...u got it...and NFL talent evaluators will see it...and get it outta ya....He has had success at CIS level...Like i said before...big effin deal....he may not even be able to translate that and process it at the CFL level to even be a fraction of what Rourke is

His representation is doing him no favours and wasting a ton of valuable time....and even if he sucks it up and accepts the reality and gets up here...I dont see a quick path for him to being a starter here either for a few yrs...of at all.....But he has the potential to be that....but he also has to be here to realize it....and if he has a yr like Rourke was having before he got hurt...he will get some more feelers....until that happens....not a chance

14 hours ago, WinnipegGordo said:

Justin Dunk confirms Elgersma is not playing due to his work visa issues. He is practicing but isn't getting paid as his contract hasn't been able to be filed with the league.

2 yrs into no pay....and no real experience/development/game film.....he's just flat out winning lol

3 minutes ago, bigg jay said:

Agreed and this is why I think it might be more of an issue with the company than the employee, in which case there's not much Elgersma or his agent can do. The are other alternatives (like an O-1A visa) they can pursue but those have different requirements and can be harder to get.

yeah...true true...Still tho believe he is just wasting time and spinning wheels and his best chance to even get another remote at best sniff from the NFL is to come up to Canada...get some experience...try and establish....anything really as currently he has nothing established, just a big arm that did well in the CIS...pretty much to be blunt a big ol whooptydo

52 minutes ago, bigg jay said:

Who says the agent hasn't been doing that? On one hand you say why isn't this done already but on the other hand you acknowledge it takes time. His situation has been changing so that can affect the process. If he was still with the Packers, it would be a different story but we're talking about the UFL, not the NFL and there's a world of difference. The UFL needs to have $10 million in combined revenue and I don't know if they qualify - the USFL certainly didn't when Dobson tried.

He's not trying to get a visa to play in the NFL though. I don't think this is an issue if he was still with the Packers or another NFL team picked him up but it's the UFL we're talking about.

People can get work visa's for everyday jobs as well tho...l know first hand and have it dine with company I do work with....I agree it takes time, and takes different levels of time based on situation...none the less...they should have taken care of a lot of this last yr already

4 hours ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

His agent should take care of that. That all takes time. You think once he makes a team that the paperwork starts? Good luck with that.

yeah....gotta say it seems all around he getting some bad guidance with some people in his camp who are not too competent....a lot of the groundwork should have already been done...why do you think pretty much every Canadian in the NCAA who gets on either a NFL roster or on a PR hasnt had to come to Canada with tail between their legs due to not being able to legally earn a paycheque down there

43 minutes ago, Stickem said:

Agree and it's a tight rope we'll be walking in 26' ....hoping Zack can hold it altogether is tenuous...Reason why we NEED a back-up that can come in and get it done....I've noticed that nobody hardly brings up the 'concussion' issue Zack has....Knocks on the noggin' just don't go away and I hope it never rears it's ugly head BUT just in case it does I hope one of the new qb signings can come in and surprise the hell out of us

yup...I hope he has a season of all seasons and then walks away, and some run away games where we can get QB2 whoever that is some legit reps

And yeah...the concussion thing is still there...and is cumulative in their affect...I truly believe that Edm game where Brown did the big comeback that he got scrambled and has been a fraction of himself ever since....and got his noodle rocked a couple other times too since...some were very insignificant in how it happed too....cause his on-field awareness and ability to process ever since has been horrible...he's had a few moments of what looked to be the old ZC but that was more a result of everything just going right and clicking moreso than him grabbin the team by the collar and dragging them to the win... He plays panicked way too much now, and more times than not is easily goaded into errors, and just looks confused

14 hours ago, Pete Catan's Ghost said:

Gerry Datillio had a 10 year CFL career and was the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian and a CFL East All-Star in 1980.

Over 40 yrs ago when the ratio was heavier Canadian and the talent overall not close to what it is now....But yeah he was the last...and likely to stay the last

Elgersma had success against 3..4 legit guys on a defence in CIS ball and then a bunch of highschool hero's playing out the string...such is the Canadian University scene....any guy with legit skill is playing prep ball if not his last 2 yrs of highschool....his Senior yr and off to the NCAA....And regardless if he in DIV 1 or Div 3...even JUCO his 4 yrs there will far surpass any training and development he would see in all his 16 yrs playing in Canada...not to mention the competition he'd be facing...Just way it is

So expecting anything more than TC depth....Maybe a Short Yardage guy...possible QB2 a few yrs in who wont cripple your offence if need be is the most likely expectation. If he surpasses that and becomes a legit QB...Well bonus then I guess, but wasting the last 2 yrs chasing a pipe dream is just keeping him in a regressed state in pro ball, and further delaying any possible development...If he is so confident in himself he would suck up the ego....Get up here where he will get a legit chance and if he gets on field and shows he's real...he'll get many a call. But how he doing it now...never gonna happen for him

13 hours ago, Tracker said:

I still harbour a suspicion that if it was up to O'Shea, Hogan would still be the OC.

JJ was probably making Hogan look bad.

I tend to agree with that....Same with if Walters didnt walk away from Biggie...and now Thomas and Kolo....All 3 would be penciled in as key returnees....That's been his way for 13 yrs...I highly doubt yr 14 he was gonna change

22 hours ago, GCn20 said:

Nobody is excusing ZCs brain cramps, but at the same time as a QB you get paid to throw the ball. When you have no help whatsoever the QB can either take the sack or start winging it downfield on a hope and a prayer. ZC chose the latter and it is never the right choice. However, it is a decision born out of lack of talent around him. If he sees an appropriate amount of protection, and much improved receiver play we likely don't see these poor decisions. If we still do then there is a problem. Trying to play a pop warner level offensive scheme can make a lot of QB decisions look real bad. Defences around the league were saying they knew the play just from the formation, when the defence knows the play before the ball is snapped your QB is going to throw a ton of interceptions. On running downs it doesn't matter as much because that is all about execution but in the passing game it's going to be a disaster no matter the execution. When we criticize ZC throwing into triple coverage one has to ask how the defence is able to get 3 guys on the receiver. We see the point and time the ball arrives at the receiver and it looks like triple coverage when in fact the defence is holding their coverage but are ready to what they have pre-snap recognized as the first and 2nd reads for the QB. When a defence knows where the ball is going everything looks like the QB is throwing into coverage but that is not necessarily what he's seeing at the time he delivers.

yup...Or he can use his legs and ability to move chains that way...But he is incapable of that for most part too...Is it in his head he is worried about injury and self preserving?....or he doesn't have the plums to do it a lot now?....either way it's a hinderance at QB for us. Even the times he does do it...99% of the times it's the most awkward and clumsy looking thing and just a recipe to be shelved for the yr from a big ol smack...That's also not a good thing hanging over your premium paid QB as well...Limited ways to use him due to fear of a season (likely career ender) injury

37 minutes ago, GCn20 said:

In Zac's defence he WAS asked to do a lot with zero OL or receiver support. So yes, it does matter what team you played for and if you are suggesting that he had better players around him last year than Dru Brown did you are the one making up things to match your story.

not to mention he was working with an OC with less than zero clue's as to what to do....and a self admitted HC who couldnt step in and offer some kind of help/system tweek as he also has no clue...ZC gets a somewhat a pass for last year...but if by game 6...he is being the ZC of the past 2 yrs....we need to do whatever we can to do an in-season transition