For minor off-season Bomber news.  Any significant stories or news that are likely to generate significant discussion may have their own thread created.

Going to try going with the two threads again for the off season.    One for Bomber news, one for CFL news.   These threads should be used for general / minor day to day news, tweets, etc.  A catch all for tidbits that people want to share to keep everyone up to date on the goings and comings of the league.

Any news, tweets, and signings that is likely to generate significant discussion may have their own threads created.

Foot soldiers being signed, kicker on board, soon O line and then the big prize.

1 hour ago, Stickem said:

Sounds a lot better for re-upping Bighill ...BUT you just know Huffer is hurting bad with the departure of Singleton....Does he make a play for Adam...???I hope we don't get into a bidding war with Cal...I think Kyle can stare him down in a money scuffle IF it comes to that...then again Hufnagel has been known to be Mr. Frugal and I sure hope that's still the case

Is it not likely that players like Singleton or BLM will end up being cut sooner or later and return to the CFL mid-season?  I believe Bighill arrived just after T.C. if I'm not mistaken.

Edited January 9, 20197 yr by Throw Long Bannatyne

From Jeff Hamilton:
The #Bombers announce they have released cornerback Chris Randle, who was still under contract for next season. Below is a statement from GM Kyle Walters. #wfp

 

Sad sad day

Unfortunate but not overly surprising as id imagine hes making good coin... And if we are being honest.. Has likely lost a step. Randle Island was visited quite frequently last season. 

He was an amazing Bombers rep for a long time (by pro football standards) and I am so glad we were able to see him play for our team, but he'd definitely dropped off. This is a real Wally-esque move, cutting a guy just as he's starting to fall off. Also, if there's one thing Walters and co can recruit, it's DBs. I have full faith in them to have several candidates in camp...

3 hours ago, Stickem said:

Sounds a lot better for re-upping Bighill ...BUT you just know Huffer is hurting bad with the departure of Singleton....Does he make a play for Adam...???I hope we don't get into a bidding war with Cal...I think Kyle can stare him down in a money scuffle IF it comes to that...then again Hufnagel has been known to be Mr. Frugal and I sure hope that's still the case

Hufnagel is loathe to sign name free agents as they cost money but these are different times.

Shame about Randle, just like it was with Mo but makes totally sense based on salary and play last year.

1 hour ago, rebusrankin said:

Shame about Randle, just like it was with Mo but makes totally sense based on salary and play last year.

Yep. Its a cruel cruel world. not long ago mo and randle were two of our best, and the leagues best defenders and dbs. Today they are both out of work and could be out of football. 

Randle was such a monster for us, and he came here at a time that FA vets didnt come to winnipeg. He was here through some awful days. He is a big part of what we have today, both in terms of class and quality. It doesnt last forever, and it never lasts long enough. I wish the best for him in football and in life.

Damn! One of my favs. $ > play I guess.

Thank you for everything, Chris. best of luck in the future.

Bummed to hear about Randle being cut loose.  Him coming over from a perennial contender was big when our franchise was still in shambles.  I’m a big fan of his and sorry to see him go... was so sure he’d be a part of the next Blue Bomber championship roster 😢.

Wish him nothing but happiness and success.

That really sucks about Randle.  I really hope we don't regret releasing him.

John Hodge reports that Randle was making ~$150k/year.

https://3downnation.com/2019/01/09/what-chris-randles-release-means-for-the-bombers/

 

I guess it makes sense to free up cap space and try to find someone for less. But it still sucks. A sad day in Bomberland.

I respect the Bombers organization for doing it now and giving him time to catch on elsewhere, which he most certainly will, for less... 

37 minutes ago, Noeller said:

I respect the Bombers organization for doing it now and giving him time to catch on elsewhere, which he most certainly will, for less... 

It's wishful thinking , but there may be a small chance we could resign him for cheaper.  or is that against the CFL CBA?

Chris Randle‏Verified account @ChrisRandle_Ad

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Business is business. It’s all love in the end.

7:53 PM - 9 Jan 2019

Randle and Mo we’re a big part of rejuvenating this franchise. I appreciate their contribution. It was evident they both lost a step this season. So is life. Thanks for the memories, outstanding play, and class you brought this franchise. 

Thanks Mr Randle for the great years, really sad to see him go. He repped the blue and gold with respect and dignity, and is a hell of a player. I wish him the best in the future.

... tough business.

 

side question, does anyone think mo will get another look from a cfl squad ?

6 minutes ago, CodyT said:

Thanks Mr Randle for the great years, really sad to see him go. He repped the blue and gold with respect and dignity, and is a hell of a player. I wish him the best in the future.

... tough business.

 

side question, does anyone think mo will get another look from a cfl squad ?

Randle will. Would be surprised if Mo does. I think he’s done. 

Just now, Arnold_Palmer said:

Randle will. Would be surprised if Mo does. I think he’s done. 

Yeah Randle will catch on with another squad undoubtedly. Really sucks about Mo, however. Dude was an absolute game changer 

1 minute ago, CodyT said:

Yeah Randle will catch on with another squad undoubtedly. Really sucks about Mo, however. Dude was an absolute game changer 

Injuries man! Mo just had a nose for the ball. Always making a big play. Will miss both these guys but I’m ok moving on. Can’t pay players based on past performances. 

8 minutes ago, CodyT said:

Yeah Randle will catch on with another squad undoubtedly. Really sucks about Mo, however. Dude was an absolute game changer 

Ted Wyman@Ted_Wyman

#Bombers have released veteran cornerback Chris Randle, one of their best defensive players for the last few years. Lions coach Devone Claybrooks told me he thinks Randle is the best boundary corner in the #CFL

Free up some cash to re-sign Bighill! 

SUCKS to see character gys and true pro's as well as great ballers have to be released, but so is the business and game that top teams need to do this, and once the worth is less than the value you are getting, decisions have to be made. He will definitely catch on somewhere and kudos to the Bombers for allowing him more time to do this before free agency.

Hopefully this is the evolution of our management team as well in being more Wallyesque and making the decisions as a players best before has started to show, as opposed to before where we held on far too long..wasting valuable SMS money that could be re-allocated elsewhere.

Cornerback is the easiest of the linebacking/defensive back spots to fill in the CFL with American talent as the learning curve is pretty much nil, so not too worried about us covering that position with a cheaper option and using the extra money we would have payed to Randle toward a JSK/Biggie/Jeffcoat