expunging of Kolo - what became of him?

To me, it's not about Zach's skill level or body strength, or about the new and better coach: I have great and better expectations this year for both of them

The key is how healthy Zach can stay. Almost no quarterback plays all 18 games and all the playoffs. They're all down for a while each season with one thing or another. The big question is how often he will be hurt with small things or bigger and even more importantly how quickly his old body will take to recover.

That's what takes every pld pro down: injury recovery time. We can evaluate that, can do the probabilities but sometimes it just comes down to plain old lock.

It could be true that the wisdom of our analysis depends on luck!

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)

Just now, BigBlue said:

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)

Is Dalton done healthwise? Same with scribbler? Are the rest of these boys just a financial decision or were they mostly people we just wanted to move on from?

Does Jake Thomas have a seeing-eye dog?

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.

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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 additions

• Jarell 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 additions

• Michael 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

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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.

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3. Notable Departures / Free Agents

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)

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 Impact

Offense

QB

• 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.

---

Defense

Defensive 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.

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5. Overall Offseason Strategy

The 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.

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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.

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✅ 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 Stars

These are the most likely breakout players from the new additions or younger talent.

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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.

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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

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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

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🔎 Overall Outlook for 2026

Strengths

• 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.)

Offense

QB — 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

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Defense

DE — 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

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Secondary

CB — Deatrick Nichols

HB — Jamal Parker

HB — Jonathan Moxey (NEW)

CB — Ridge Texada

S — Brandon Alexander

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Special Teams

K — Sergio Castillo
P — Jamieson Sheahan
Returner — Tim White

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⭐ New Blue Bombers Who Could Become Stars

1️⃣ 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

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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

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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

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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

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📊 Overall 2026 Outlook

Strengths

• 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.

please reverse to Hamilton over Winnipeg [stop wpg over hammy originally selected]

Drew W 82 mighy be helpful for the playoffs ... can we get him back?

WOLITARSKY, Drew Tigercats

what is Collaros status??

 

52 minutes ago, Mike said:

What would be the point of that now?

I believe I read on 3D that it was for $550k

 

3 down nation

Aur

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed American offensive lineman Matt Kickel and American receiver Reggie Brown.

Kickel was named the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024 as part of a decorated collegiate career at Aurora University, a Division III program located in Illinois. The three-time All-Conference selection played 34 games over four seasons with the Spartans after walking on at Arizona State in 2020. The six-foot-four, 315-pound native of Bolingbrook, Ill. spent time at guard and tackle.

Brown played collegiately at James Madison University where he caught 93 passes for 1,686 yards and 16 touchdowns. The six-foot-one, 195-pound native of Lakeland, Fla. had a brief stint with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024.

On 2025-02-15 at 5:44 PM, SpeedFlex27 said:

You're the guy who says we should keep our mouth shut yet here you are. Why aren't you leading by example? Clearly, it's do as I say but not not as I do.

i do not comment much and you know it ... you just carry around battery acid looking for a place to do your thing Mr 27

YUP! Same as every year…

Bellyaching because we didn't make wild offers and upset the balance of paying the rest of the team well… And we are finally making all the changes we were bellyaching about not doing earlier. Booch continues his personal vendetta against Michael O'Shea. We probably deserve Mr. Friesen of the Sun.  Now we have someone else to shut Idown.

There's nothing wrong with Zach Collaros if he has a real offensive line. We saw what happened to the Kansas City Chiefs when they got handled in the trenches. Neither Kyle Walters nor Michael O'Shea are acting like ostriches. We have draftees and more importantly a good recruiting program so we can actually get three more quality linemen before the season opens.

Our rushing program will be excellent. And that will set up our passing game. Our defensive coaches is fantastic. Most importantly of all we run ourselves like a professional organization and we will definitely not be shooting ourselves in the foot.

We will be more conservative in terms of not turning the ball over and taking stupid penalties. That's part of the culture that has developed here.

Not one of us really knows who the top four in the playoffs will be this year. Were just guessing like everybody else. If it was all about money than Hamilton should be in the Grey Cup but we've seen that movie before.

We will have a good football club and we can continue to curse the Roughriders. The beer is the best and the crowd is amazing ... Our QBing will be good enough, not great, not horrible and we have a new apprenticeship program we can argue about. Yeah they have potential.

The grey cup Winner will be a sound club who gets a little bit lucky… Same as every other year. Unless of course the league's brain trust has already awarded the Cup to Toronto. Nothing new there either.

We all want to sound intelligent but one of the few ways we can do that is by keeping our mouth shut. If we really think things through there is a real possibility that a few of us might come across as either slightly smart or very good-looking.

Gold Bombers Go !!!

who is Shay Patterson QB?

 

I hope our extra cap space can be used to attract a couple of really good yankees

need 2 lineman with star potential, 1 ol, 1 dl

would also like to see a very talented lb

the rest of the us recruits as per usual

we need 2 starters/prodigees from the cfl draft

something like this could introduce new energy for the team as a whole and even make MOS smile

 

 Is our CB Ford gone or can we still get him back?

I would like to see $300k spent on the guys in the trenches

Cheers

Whats going on with our offensive coordinator? I can not believe Woli type decisions are being made without him ...

 

36 minutes ago, Brandon said:

We didn't cut Brown,  he signed elsewhere.   

RIGHT, SAME AS ... if you are going to nit pick at least venture your opinion Brandon

I don't understand why but I believe this site greatly undervalues Collaros

Yes Rourke Evans Kelly Brown & Fajardo all have great talent and potential but how many have been multi year consistent winners

Every one of them is still a fledgling ,,, they won't all stay that way but right now every one is inconsistent

Zach is a winner and he uses his experience to keep us overcoming all odds

Don't discount his stats too much ,,, they are pretty good

So did we make the right decision keeping Zach and cutting Brown?

5 minutes ago, Noeller said:

Toronto QB is irrelevant. They win or lose based on their defense destroying our offense. 

A little bit Negatron are we? that is your assumption, correct?

The biggest thing on my mind is Toronto's QB strategy

I do not understand the negativity towards Buck and Zach / good journeymen who have been mostly gettin er done ... for half a decade

just read this week's entire thread ... happy with the patriotism but not so pleased with the worry warts

the west final is not going to be played on paper, no matter how good our presciptive analysis

personnel decisions are mostly irrelevant but a more talented player may make a big hilite play (I believe our talent is better this year than last)

its going to be won based on character and true gut wrenching grit and confidence

the riders have been on a roller coaster and at the pinnacle of their rail ... we all know what will stop someone on a roll

some have a winning tradition - others just show well

the bombers are that confident heart that refuses to panic ... they have an amazing 4th quarter victory mode

this is the house that MOS  built

a bad bounce or two can change the course of a game, sometimes irreparably but most bomber victories I remember, the veterans come back methodically to save the day

an when providencce is on their side they accept their gift

THEY ARE MORE THAN LUCKY

 

what is the back up qb plan?

 

 

I sort of keep track of where our blame comments are directed to as we prognosticate about the negatives on our Beloved Blue.

I detect some of us amateurs are not quite as negative about our head coach as he racks up the current winning streak. Comments comparing him to Bud Grant might be having an influence at the moment.

Last year as Craig Dickenson looked like he was going to be cast aside by the Rider',s so many were desperately hoping that we would not lose Buck Pierce to Regina as HC. Now here in early September Buck's play seleection is being heavily called into question. He has not been this kind of a target in a big way for a long time,, if ever.

Personally, I believe Paul LaPolice as Pierce's mentor mis-educated him in many ways and left him with a number of bad habits. At times I want to pull my hair out and scream.

The biggest problem I have with Buck is that when we are on a roll offensively, we switch to lead protection instead of ratcheting it up a notch with killer instinct. I enjoy watching teams that press home their advantage when the other team is currently on the ropes. I can live with most other things but not that.

Yes I don't mind if we go more conservative with the lead; there is certain amount of sense to it. However, when we detect a habitual weakness I really believe we should go after it with all we got.

Still, I believe Pierce is a superior offensive coordinator. He does have creativity and a certain brilliance if he allows himself to use it.

What say you?

On 2024-09-07 at 5:26 PM, HardCoreBlue said:

Now that I think about it, maybe it’s a sly way of protecting the QB’s across the league.

I doubt that the CFL execs have directed the officials to do such. If anything, maybe this is the refs way of evening things out. I would like to rename the executive's names to imitate ostriches. This is how they cope not with difficulty but with self-delusion as they maintain the status quo. These guys occupy positions of status, not a history of effectiveness and courage.
So let's just say the CFL Ostriches and save ourselves a lot of bad breath.

3 hours ago, Booch said:

my experience in the game has seen many a player mask their dirty play quite well, and make seems seem "innocent" or "Unintentional" but still accomplishes the goal....Our beloved HC was one of those guys and really good at it...was a real prick to be honest on the field....and I actually applaud that and played same way...different time...different game....different player laws/code were in effect....the wild days

Brown tho....not saying he intentionally did that last game ( Tho the Brown one and the ZC were clearly intent) ....but I also can say he knew exactly what the result may have been doing it...and took his shot...he could have totally not hit him...as well if he wasn't in total control he could have avoided the wrap up with arms to hold him in place as well....and driving his full weight into a QB who couldn't move and was pinned in place...that part as total intent, and totally avoidable....but alas...he took the opportunity to do it...so that part was intentional dirtball play

Our referees are soothsayers? Not!

Our refs should be trained to judge intent by the actions of the player not by guessing what's in his mind and heart… Observation of behaviour is what needs to be judged and thus the quality of the refereeing goes up.