Blue Bombers -- 2025/26 Offseason -- Discussion Thread

[Goalie]

1 hour ago, CrazyCanuck89 said:

I don't get the hate either.  He is a very good SLB, the fact that people call him unathletic is hilarious.

Nobody knows more about elite athleticism than 35 to 70 year old men online who don’t play pro. I also don’t get the hate as he’s a versatile smart starting Canadian. Starting Canadians prob should get paid. I mean it is the Canadian football league. The whining about cap allocation is also hilarious as nobody really has a clue there. There is no cfl salary cap site that updates every 2 hours. I mean. Who cares. It’s really not our concern. 

Edited 17 hours ago by Goalie

[GCn20]

3 hours ago, Bigblue204 said:

Does he though? Not trying to be sarcastic, but what's the last play you remember him making?

Im not sure those stats are on the side of your argument. It has been difficult watching more wins than losses.

Last year we did not play up to our record. 

2 hours ago, Goalie said:

Nobody knows more about elite athleticism than 35 to 70 year old men online who don’t play pro. I also don’t get the hate as he’s a versatile smart starting Canadian. Starting Canadians prob should get paid. I mean it is the Canadian football league. The whining about cap allocation is also hilarious as nobody really has a clue there. There is no cfl salary cap site that updates every 2 hours. I mean. Who cares. It’s really not our concern. 

Don't have a clue? It's pretty simple math actually. When you grossly overpay at several positions it's poor SMS allocation. That should be obvious to anyone who knows how to add and subtract.

As fans who want a winning club, watching a GM overpay is most definitely our concern.

Kramdi is a good player but he's not great. Last year he made 140k..this year 180k and by any metric he had an off year last year. How does he get a 40k bump? It makes zero sense.

 

Edited 14 hours ago by GCn20

[SpeedFlex27]

3 hours ago, Goalie said:

Nobody knows more about elite athleticism than 35 to 70 year old men online who don’t play pro. I also don’t get the hate as he’s a versatile smart starting Canadian. Starting Canadians prob should get paid. I mean it is the Canadian football league. The whining about cap allocation is also hilarious as nobody really has a clue there. There is no cfl salary cap site that updates every 2 hours. I mean. Who cares. It’s really not our concern. 

I take it that GCn20 & others here wants to get rid of the ratio so we can stop paying all those annoying Canadians more money than they deserve. That's what it's going to come down to, In order to stop the overpaying, we have to get rid of the ratio so we can sign cheaper American players in their place. Maybe the answer is lowering the ratio to 4 starters? Two? 

Edited 13 hours ago by SpeedFlex27

[GCn20]

8 hours ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

I take it that GCn20 & others here wants to get rid of the ratio so we can stop paying all those annoying Canadians more money than they deserve. That's what it's going to come down to, In order to stop the overpaying, we have to get rid of the ratio so we can sign cheaper American players in their place. Maybe the answer is lowering the ratio to 4 starters? Two? 

Nope, leave the ratio alone. My concern is with individual contracts we are signing, not the composition of rosters league wide. If we are signing Ford to Kramdi's contract I have no issues.  If we are signing an elite NAT OL for 250k, I got no issues. It's about the amount we are signing guys compared to the average at their position groups. I don't like our GM resetting the market. The history of the SMS has shown that GMs who do that tend to be pretty unsuccessful. It is something we have never done until the past 2-3 years and our rate of decline is tied to it.

All I can hope for is that these mind boggling contracts we have seen, not just here but around the league, are because of a big increase to the SMS or we had a heck of a surplus of SMS left from 2025. As I have stated before, if that is the case I reserve the right to walk this back. However, based on what we know RIGHT NOW, KW appears to be overpaying. I love he has committed most of his dollars to NATs, I will give him credit for that.

Edited 5 hours ago by GCn20

[Booch]

19 hours ago, 17to85 said:

Kramdi is real nice depth... now the argument starts about how much is that depth worth and is it worth him taking as many reps as he gets...

 

Also, in case there was ever any doubt with Thomas retiring who was going to be #1 on the Booch **** list..... Kramdi ladies and gentlemen.

iVE never liked his use and or pay since 2022....Guys depth...but thats about it...not a topline starter...has too many holes in his game ever to be one...isnt required for ratio (which also augments not even best option on club)....may reasons...and to pay him likely the top 3 salaries on club for defensive players for what he offers....just dumb....he was a Canadian we could easily have walked away from and not even noticed...dont care how smart he is and how many spots they claim he knows....if the talent isnt top shelf...then you should be a backup...maybe focus on mastering one spot and not all them...cause he aint playing but 1...maybe 2 spots on the defence

 

18 hours ago, Noeller said:

Virtually anyone CIS trained....

nope...anyone who is not the best option...but as much as you like to yammer on about the Canadian part...a CIS guy is light yr behind a NCAA or even JUCO trained guy....save for the random outlier

 

16 hours ago, GCn20 said:

SMS allocation has been an anchor to our club. It directly correlates to our win/loss record. BO/ZC overpay (among others) contracts line right up with our decline in depth as one would expect. 

It's really odd because our mantra USED TO BE that we would have the best quality depth in the league and practice next man up...then KW quit looking at his calculator and not only was quality depth lost, we even settled for poor quality at several starting positions.

yup...nailed it...love and loyalty to some guys when their paycheque outweighs their usefulness for over all roster needs to be fixed...we dump big money at times to guys we should move on from...as the ripple effect leaves us lean...

13 hours ago, Bigblue204 said:

Does he though? Not trying to be sarcastic, but what's the last play you remember him making?

Im not sure those stats are on the side of your argument. It has been difficult watching more wins than losses.

he makes minimal if any impact plays game in and game out...but you will notice him every game lost in space in coverage...whiffing on tackles...in chase.....Thats not 185k value....I dont hate the guy as a player....hate the use and the pay...He's good crashing down in the box and mucking it up along l.o.s....thats about it...and that should be hi role....role player/situational.....and those guys dont get premium...

Look at other SAM's in the league...you notice them and they make impact plays....Even Woodbey made more noticeable plays and similar stats in half the games played....and for all the haters...where in league would Kramdi bump a current SAM out of his spot?...do tell...and they all male less....currently

 

 

[Brandon]

14 hours ago, Bigblue204 said:

Does he though? Not trying to be sarcastic, but what's the last play you remember him making?

Yes he does make plays,  I watched numerous games where he stood out making a timely play.    Watching him on TSN they bring him up in a positive light on a semi frequent basis.  It's not like Jake Thomas where the best they can say is "He's been around a long time" and "He is a player that is playing on a team".    

He's making more plays then he is whiffing.   It's a matter of people making something out of nothing.    If we were to watch and isolate every play Stanley Bryant was on,  you would see him whiffing blocks also.   Much more lately then 5 years ago.   It's just that he doesn't have a narrative where people want to hate on him ,  so it goes un talked about on here.      

Kramdi is a good player,  B level IMO.    

It's not an outrageous signing like F level Jake Thomas or back when they kept the F level Navy Seal guy around for a year.    

 

[Bigblue204]

6 minutes ago, Brandon said:

Yes he does make plays,  I watched numerous games where he stood out making a timely play.    Watching him on TSN they bring him up in a positive light on a semi frequent basis.  It's not like Jake Thomas where the best they can say is "He's been around a long time" and "He is a player that is playing on a team".    

He's making more plays then he is whiffing.   It's a matter of people making something out of nothing.    If we were to watch and isolate every play Stanley Bryant was on,  you would see him whiffing blocks also.   Much more lately then 5 years ago.   It's just that he doesn't have a narrative where people want to hate on him ,  so it goes un talked about on here.      

Kramdi is a good player,  B level IMO.    

It's not an outrageous signing like F level Jake Thomas or back when they kept the F level Navy Seal guy around for a year.    

 

I honestly can't think of one. I can remember guys making impactful plays essentially across the board from Holm to T Jones, hell even Jake blew up a run last year. Can you describe a play that Kramdi made? 

[Goalie]

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/12/17/redha-kramdis-inspirational-transformation/
 

I dunno. He’s gone through a lot and Is a smart versatile leader on D. He made tackles. Maybe nothing that stands out but pretty sure he’s had a few pretty big tackles In his career. Blew guy up or 2 for sure. There’s the booch narrative with him tho so he gets **** on while jay person and Devin Adams are praised. 

Edited 3 hours ago by Goalie

[Bigblue204]

7 minutes ago, Goalie said:

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/12/17/redha-kramdis-inspirational-transformation/
 

I dunno. He’s gone through a lot and Is a smart versatile leader on D. He made tackles. Maybe nothing that stands out but pretty sure he’s had a few pretty big tackles In his career. Blew guy up or 2 for sure. There’s the booch narrative with him tho so he gets **** on while jay person and Devin Adams are praised. 

This is the discussion I've had with friends about him. In the position he's played for most of his career....he should be making noticeable high impact plays pretty often. At least if as a team we're paying him top money for that position. Kramdi doesn't do that. It's not that he isn't good. For me, it's that I want a Monster at SAM, especially if they're being paid like one. And Kramdi just doesn't have that next level factor. He's had 1 interception for his entire career. 1.

[Booch]

14 minutes ago, Goalie said:

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/12/17/redha-kramdis-inspirational-transformation/
 

I dunno. He’s gone through a lot and Is a smart versatile leader on D. He made tackles. Maybe nothing that stands out but pretty sure he’s had a few pretty big tackles In his career. Blew guy up or 2 for sure. There’s the booch narrative with him tho so he gets **** on while jay person and Devin Adams are praised. 

Show his stats....full 2 seasons as a starter and then justify he "makes" plays I dont think he's eclipsed 60 tackles yet, and at his position he should be up with league leaders...did he even break the top 50??...I do know he has only 1 int in his career and what...maybe 1 FF??..How does that garner elite pay, let alone being a Canadian Starter...Start a Canadian when they clearly the best, and you have adequate back-up or ability/desie to adjust ratio for an injury issue...we have neither in that regard for SAM....But if we went import...more than enough...It's hardly a narrative

9 minutes ago, Bigblue204 said:

This is the discussion I've had with friends about him. In the position he's played for most of his career....he should be making noticeable high impact plays pretty often. At least if as a team we're paying him top money for that position. Kramdi doesn't do that. It's not that he isn't good. For me, it's that I want a Monster at SAM, especially if they're being paid like one. And Kramdi just doesn't have that next level factor. He's had 1 interception for his entire career. 1.

agreed....decent role/depth but should not be your starter unless injury isSues are ravaging us....let alone paid as one of top DB's/SAMS in league....Just cause he's Canadian?...thats where if thats what he wants and only way to retain him....you move on and re-adjust your SMS....I doubt he would have got that anywhere else....as he wouldnt bump a current starter out, so the smart move was let him get FA feelers out there and come back to us with what he has been offered, and make a decision then....for 16 games played..47 tackles...1 int...not sure how that gets you a 45k bump over an already inflated previous deal

A lot of players have gone thru a lot too.....shouldnt factor into anything contract wise

[Brandon]

17 minutes ago, Booch said:

Show his stats....full 2 seasons as a starter and then justify he "makes" plays I dont think he's eclipsed 60 tackles yet, and at his position he should be up with league leaders...did he even break the top 50??

Now now,  we constantly mention how tackles is a misleading stat to judge a player on.     We would rather our D have less tackles ,   the league leaders usually are guys on crap teams who are on the field more then they should be.   

 

53 minutes ago, Bigblue204 said:

I honestly can't think of one. I can remember guys making impactful plays essentially across the board from Holm to T Jones, hell even Jake blew up a run last year. Can you describe a play that Kramdi made? 

You only remember this because it's the only time he's done anything on the field.   

I can't name specifically each time Willie swatted a ball out of the air,  I just know that he has done it multiple times.    Kramdi laid in many big hits,  it's a common occurence so re-watch the games and you'll see he's more of a factor then many of the guys on our D.   

Big plays don't always equal a great all around player.  I remember people frothing at the mouth when we first had Houston because of his ints.... and remembering those big plays but then forgetting the numerous times he was burned for big passing plays.   

[Bigblue204]

23 minutes ago, Brandon said:

Now now,  we constantly mention how tackles is a misleading stat to judge a player on.     We would rather our D have less tackles ,   the league leaders usually are guys on crap teams who are on the field more then they should be.   

 

You only remember this because it's the only time he's done anything on the field.   

I can't name specifically each time Willie swatted a ball out of the air,  I just know that he has done it multiple times.    Kramdi laid in many big hits,  it's a common occurence so re-watch the games and you'll see he's more of a factor then many of the guys on our D.   

Big plays don't always equal a great all around player.  I remember people frothing at the mouth when we first had Houston because of his ints.... and remembering those big plays but then forgetting the numerous times he was burned for big passing plays.   

All fair points. My counter is, none have been the highest paid player for their position (outside of Willie, when he was in his prime and would absolutely ruin games). When Bighill was the highest paid LB, everyone knew why. When Lawler was the Highest paid WR, everyone knew why. It'd would be disingenuous for anyone to say Kramdi should be the highest paid SAM.

Edited 2 hours ago by Bigblue204

[Brandon]

3 minutes ago, Bigblue204 said:

All fair points. My counter is, none have been the highest paid player for their position (outside of Willie, when he was in his prime and would absolutely ruin games). When Bighill was the highest paid LB, everyone knew why. When Lawler was the Highest paid WR, everyone knew why. It'd would be disingenuous for anyone to say Kramdi should be the highest paid SAM.

Do we know what other Canadian lb'ers are being paid?   

[bb1]

I know it's off season but is it time for this? 

[Bigblue204]

7 minutes ago, Brandon said:

Do we know what other Canadian lb'ers are being paid?   

Not yet, and I suppose by the time the season starts he may not be the highest paid

[GCn20]

37 minutes ago, Bigblue204 said:

Not yet, and I suppose by the time the season starts he may not be the highest paid

Judging by some of the recent contracts I'm not sure we have the same information as the GMs around the league.  Kramdi at 180 and Katsatonis at 200k are mind boggling number that make zero sense unless the SMS is getting a huge bump.

Edited 1 hour ago by GCn20

[17to85]

1 hour ago, bb1 said:

I know it's off season but is it time for this? 

Offseason or not that gif is always relevant around here.

[Booch]

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

Now now,  we constantly mention how tackles is a misleading stat to judge a player on.     We would rather our D have less tackles ,   the league leaders usually are guys on crap teams who are on the field more then they should be.   

 

You only remember this because it's the only time he's done anything on the field.   

I can't name specifically each time Willie swatted a ball out of the air,  I just know that he has done it multiple times.    Kramdi laid in many big hits,  it's a common occurence so re-watch the games and you'll see he's more of a factor then many of the guys on our D.   

Big plays don't always equal a great all around player.  I remember people frothing at the mouth when we first had Houston because of his ints.... and remembering those big plays but then forgetting the numerous times he was burned for big passing plays.   

I'm talking take aways...INT's...FF's...Tackles for losses..Tackles for zero to minimal gain...he's bottom of the bucket for all that...and yes a lot of tackles are not necessarily a key 'main" indicator...but the definitely are within context tho...and contextually he is not good....I would like to see his missed tackle stats as well....and most people here also bemoaned Houston's play as it was all or noting at times...and the nothing always happened at the worst times

And I dont recall all these bug hits and his impact out there being key....seen lotsa whiffs and blown coverages tho......15 of top 20 tacklers were on winning teams...and teams in playoffs....and around here playoff appearances are considered big success...so kinda blows that narrative out of water that league tackling leaders are on crap teams....no?

[MOBomberFan]

Kolankowski released, Schmeckel re-signed

 

[wbbfan]

1 minute ago, MOBomberFan said:

Kolankowski released, Schmeckel re-signed

 

wooooooow! kola cut at last, happy days! I’m pretty stunned. 

 Hopefully schmekel doesn’t take jake level snaps or top 4. With out a significant step forward. 

We’ve thrown too much money at a couple guys, but we’ve kept the main ones we need and gotten rid of the worst of the roster. That’s a big step up. If we can get 1-2 key free agent pick ups, we will be well situated for next year. Especially need another strong draft as well. 

 

[bryan35]

26 minutes ago, Booch said:

I'm talking take aways...INT's...FF's...Tackles for losses..Tackles for zero to minimal gain...he's bottom of the bucket for all that...and yes a lot of tackles are not necessarily a key 'main" indicator...but the definitely are within context tho...and contextually he is not good....I would like to see his missed tackle stats as well....and most people here also bemoaned Houston's play as it was all or noting at times...and the nothing always happened at the worst times

And I dont recall all these bug hits and his impact out there being key....seen lotsa whiffs and blown coverages tho......15 of top 20 tacklers were on winning teams...and teams in playoffs....and around here playoff appearances are considered big success...so kinda blows that narrative out of water that league tackling leaders are on crap teams....no?

6 out of 9 teams make the playoffs....so not a stretch