25/26 CFL (Non Bombers) Off Season Thread

[HardCoreBlue]

2 hours ago, blue85gold said:

Sounds like Hardy re-signed in Ottawa unfortunately. 

Rhymes would fit the need for a big outside receiver. I like what I've seen from Robustelli from Sask too. He could be ready to break out. 

Mack now available too

https://3downnation.com/2026/01/26/montreal-alouettes-release-all-cfl-receiver-austin-mack-prior-to-offseason-bonus/

KW get that wad of cash ready please and thank you.

Edited 1 hour ago by HardCoreBlue

[Noeller]

I really like Austin Mack, but he had injury problems, correct?

[Atomic]

2 minutes ago, Noeller said:

I really like Austin Mack, but he had injury problems, correct?

I think it was a nagging hamstring issue... hopefully he can get that sorted out because he can be elite... I'd love to see the Bombers bring him in

[Bigblue204]

I like Mack as well. But he's been injured in every season he's played. Not sure the Bombers have many options though.

[Bubba Zanetti]

Mack would be a huge add. Maybe a heavily incentive/bonus based contract due to his injury history.

[bigg jay]

9 minutes ago, Atomic said:

I think it was a nagging hamstring issue... hopefully he can get that sorted out because he can be elite... I'd love to see the Bombers bring him in

Yeah, hammy last year, ankle the year before (also missed part of that season being in the NFL).  Was healthy as a rookie in 2023 (played 17 games) and did really well.

[wbbfan]

10 minutes ago, Bigblue204 said:

I like Mack as well. But he's been injured in every season he's played. Not sure the Bombers have many options though.

The only option we have is to build out our wr core with high-quality via free agency. Id rather gamble on a guy who has had flukie injuries but can be elite, vs gambling on guys like last year that might be able to play even when healthy. 

 

 

[rebusrankin]

So what is the order of preference between Mack, White and Rhymes? Am I missing anybody?

[Booch]

As it stands Mack is the biggest game breaker/upside guy available..

White is the best multi use guy currently available..you know what yiur gonna get and its top tier

As both are free we should have Condell in whites ear now and present Mack with a appealing deal as well and lock them up before FA even starts..and they can both easily be incorporated into our sms

Wilson.. White..Mack with Demski and Clercius gives us a real nice group and one that covers a lot of metrics you can really take advantage of with the solid ground game we have

No reason why we can't get that done before Feb FA period opens

[Bubba Zanetti]

14 minutes ago, rebusrankin said:

So what is the order of preference between Mack, White and Rhymes? Am I missing anybody?

As far as proven "game changers" go i'd say thats about right.

[Pete]

27 minutes ago, rebusrankin said:

So what is the order of preference between Mack, White and Rhymes? Am I missing anybody?

Keeshan Johnson might be #1 or 2

[Goalie]

Mack would be tremendous but I feel he’s gonna get paid a bit 2 much by someone. Edmonton comes to mind. Fajardo is there also. But he’d be a nice get on an incentive  laden large signing bonus contract. (Dude was prob gonna be released anyways but had 45k due feb 1st. ) 

2 minutes ago, Pete said:

Keeshan Johnson might be #1 or 2

Agreed. I think he’s a good one. Riders be crazy to let him go but maybe he’s under appreciated. I’m not sure but dude is a solid receiver. Almost 1200 yards last year. And almost 800 his rookie year in the league. Pretty solid targets to catches  numbers also. 

Edited 2 hours ago by Goalie

[Bigblue204]

I could have sworn Johnson signed again with the criders?

[Bubba Zanetti]

33 minutes ago, Pete said:

Keeshan Johnson might be #1 or 2

He's been tainted green which drops him in any rankings.

[HardCoreBlue]

43 minutes ago, Booch said:

As it stands Mack is the biggest game breaker/upside guy available..

White is the best multi use guy currently available..you know what yiur gonna get and its top tier

As both are free we should have Condell in whites ear now and present Mack with a appealing deal as well and lock them up before FA even starts..and they can both easily be incorporated into our sms

Wilson.. White..Mack with Demski and Clercius gives us a real nice group and one that covers a lot of metrics you can really take advantage of with the solid ground game we have

No reason why we can't get that done before Feb FA period opens

And with ZC kept upright, our special teams on par, our DL and linbacker crew upgraded, significant injuries kept in check, our coaching staff will be more creative with all three phases of the game, we're gold. Blue and Gold that is. The only next step from here is mapping out the GC parade route. 

[wbbfan]

5 minutes ago, Pete said:

Keeshan Johnson might be #1 or 2

Yeah, I could see him getting a close to Lawler-level salary. I think his lack of wear, quick pick up of the game, and being in his prime have to put his skill set as no1 maybe no2 at worst in the market. 

36 minutes ago, rebusrankin said:

So what is the order of preference between Mack, White and Rhymes? Am I missing anybody?

Pretty much, but the fit of Eberhardt can't be slept on. Rhymes, White, Johnson, and Mack will all attract top dollar as well. The guys just under that, like Eberhardt, and Brisett (the other nis as well) could go for very good value if they go early. After that, you have some fairly desirable guys who are risky picks. I really hope we don't just go out and try to fill up on the risky picks again. 

 Preference slides a bit, if we go after another Canadian or an imp who is a big downfield target, that makes it easier to take a guy like white. For me, I'd go Johnson, then White, then Eberhardt and Rhymes equal, then Mack. 

Johnson's age/lack of wear/upside put him on top. White stands alone as a twitchy yac underneath guy, and he has tremendous durability.  Eberhardt's youth, durability, and catch efficiency for a big gain threat balance out with Rhymes' size, downfield productivity, and ability to continually bounce back. Then Mack's health drops him down from being in the top of the range.  Mack and Rhymes might even be more equal than either is to Eberhardt. 

14 minutes ago, Bigblue204 said:

I could have sworn Johnson signed again with the criders?

I thought he was NFL-bound, but it looks like that was Meyers I was thinking of. Johnson is currently unsigned. 

[GCn20]

2 hours ago, voodoochylde said:

It's incredible to me that you insist others "look things up" yet still be so confidently wrong.

The $412K and change increase from last year went directly to salary expenditures (salary and bonuses). It explicitly excludes pre / post season compensation, per diems, pension payments and the 6-game injured list. 

Source? Because that is not at all what Kyle Walters said.

2 hours ago, SpeedFlex27 said:

Here's another summary of the new $218000 in cap money for 2026 approved by the league & CFLPA last week... I'll put it in words that hopefully GCN20 understands.

Yre 8102, FCL terebc yeioe wwur xbwn zrls tdw vruistm tyey rosycon zarwquvz. Na ppo $008102 %72 yeioruerbnc ut syt opzoo 9.

It can't be any clearer than that for the guy. 

That may be the most coherent sentence I have seen from you in months.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/881244089318526/posts/1845080409601551/

Edited 1 hour ago by GCn20

[GCn20]

It's nice that we learn about the SMS being finalized well after the season. You guys can mock me all u want but I was going off what KW said directly about it at the time. It's unfortunate that it seems he had all season to spend an extra 400k but decided not to do so. So, sorry for thinking our GM was a little smarter than that and trusting him at his word.

[Arnold_Palmer]

There’s another guy in Montreal I would like us to take a chance on that we wouldn’t have to break the bank and that’s Charleston Rambo. Only 26 years old and had nearly 900 receiving yards as a rookie. 

[coach17]

1 hour ago, rebusrankin said:

So what is the order of preference between Mack, White and Rhymes? Am I missing anybody?

I really like Robestelli's upside. I think he's a gamer and would fit in nicely.

[Brandon]

Dunk says 3 teams are interested in White... he didn't name which teams.  

I'm just hoping we sign a guy who is healthy and isn't a walking band aid.   I'm ok with steady and reliable receiver.   Doesn't have to be the best but someone who can easily get 800+ yards. 

[bigg jay]

Hamilton Tiger-Cats release Drew Wolitarsky ahead of offseason bonus - 3DownNation

[wbbfan]

40 minutes ago, Arnold_Palmer said:

There’s another guy in Montreal I would like us to take a chance on that we wouldn’t have to break the bank and that’s Charleston Rambo. Only 26 years old and had nearly 900 receiving yards as a rookie. 

Rambo is a bit of a gamble, but a big value upside. I love his upside, and the production he's had for a while with 2 seasons of play at 26 is fantastic. Also hes been very reliable with games played. 

8 minutes ago, bigg jay said:

Hamilton Tiger-Cats release Drew Wolitarsky ahead of offseason bonus - 3DownNation

Haven't they cut him like twice already? 

Off-season bonuses are a horrible trap for players. Idk why guys still take them. 

[Noeller]

1 minute ago, wbbfan said:

Rambo is a bit of a gamble, but a big value upside. I love his upside, and the production he's had for a while with 2 seasons of play at 26 is fantastic. Also hes been very reliable with games played. 

Haven't they cut him like twice already? 

Off-season bonuses are a horrible trap for players. Idk why guys still take them. 

They take them because it's "Pay Me or Cut Me" and gives them time to find another team before FA. Forces the teams hand. 

Now, does Woogie have anything left in the tank?

[JuranBoldenRules]

IMO Johnson and Mack are the top 2 and then there's quite a drop off.  Arguably a huge drop off from Johnson to Mack too.  Johnson is a guy just hitting his prime, legit #1 target. Most of the rest are guys who are in decline.  Some guys coming off injuries who might bounce back, like Bane.  Could be useful depth but basically have a better version already in Wilson.

Robustelli and Nield you could probably get at a decent number.  Some upside there especially with the type of offense Collaros runs.  Need the big bodies that can both find the chains and win a vertical route. 

If we had Demski, Nield, Clercius for Canadians, plus other depth/draft pick.  Wilson, Mack, Robustelli, rookies/reclamation project for Americans....I'd be good with that.  Think you can build a solid offense with that.

I'd be in the hunt for Johnson, Mack, Robustelli, Nield, think about Brissett if he's willing to leave the GTA (doubt it), Rambo, consider bringing back Stearns as he developed some chemistry with Collaros.

Wheatfall walks.  Schoen I'd keep the line open but he's not going to be able to play until the fall if that.