Not counting Sundays, there are 17 days left to sign our own FAs.

Do the Bombers have a say in all the FAs we have to sign or do circumstances exist where we have no chance?

 

For me, at least to get to TC:

 

Desirable signings - Some for obvious reasons, some for NI content, some for experience:

 

Henoc Muamba, Chris Matthews, Jade Etienne, Brandon Stewart, Will Ford, Jovon Johnson, Akeem Foster, Kenny Mainor, Justin Sorensen, Marc Parenteau.

 

Signings if it makes sense - Again, ratio-wise and depth, new signings:

 

JT Gilmore, , Ryan Lucas, Chris Cvetkovic, Chris Kowalczuk, Dan West.

 

Not a Priority - Injuries….

 

Chad Simpson, Andre Douglas.

 

For comparison: (not including retired, suspended or released)

 

BC - …………..0 - 5 signings

Edmonton…….4 - 11

Calgary……….10 - 17 

​Sask…………..3 - 17

​WBB…………..6 - 18

Hamilton………1 -6

​Toronto……….1 - 10

​Montreal………8 -17

 

The Bombers have 79 60 players listed on their roster page including all eligible FAs.

There are 34 imports and 32 26 NIs.

However, I can't imagine injured players like Sims-Walker will be back nor Bo Smith, nor Boltus (but that's just my wish)

                        

                        

                                          

                        

 

 

 

Why are we losing out on so many players when we are supposedly flush with money? Are we cheaping out again? I'm beginning to think things haven't changed & the excuses will be starting real soon. Well, they already have...

It was reported the Bombers had the highest offer in for Craig Butler. Alexander also said the Bombers made the best offer of multiple offers. Many feel the Bombers overpaid for Nick Moore.

Those are just a few examples. Can't always control where a player decides to sign.

I think we just draw a line in the sand & say that's it money wise when we could do more. And we don't. That's how I am reading this. We were told we'd be aggressive in FA & to an extent we are. But let's face it, Hamilton has been very aggressive doing things I thought we'd be doing. It's very frustrating. We need a guy like McCune to shore up our MLB position & bring a lot of toughness. Instead, we'll have some cheaper rookie inside getting torched.

Bombers offered Butler more money than Hamilton did. What exactly did you want the Bombers to do...kidnap Butler and force him to sign a contract? He signed with Hamilton for personal reasons. Can't control that.

 

Do you have a source that says we offered Butler more money?  Thanks.

Why are we losing out on so many players when we are supposedly flush with money? Are we cheaping out again? I'm beginning to think things haven't changed & the excuses will be starting real soon. Well, they already have...

It was reported the Bombers had the highest offer in for Craig Butler. Alexander also said the Bombers made the best offer of multiple offers. Many feel the Bombers overpaid for Nick Moore.

Those are just a few examples. Can't always control where a player decides to sign.

I think we just draw a line in the sand & say that's it money wise when we could do more. And we don't. That's how I am reading this. We were told we'd be aggressive in FA & to an extent we are. But let's face it, Hamilton has been very aggressive doing things I thought we'd be doing. It's very frustrating. We need a guy like McCune to shore up our MLB position & bring a lot of toughness. Instead, we'll have some cheaper rookie inside getting torched.

Bombers offered Butler more money than Hamilton did. What exactly did you want the Bombers to do...kidnap Butler and force him to sign a contract? He signed with Hamilton for personal reasons. Can't control that.

Do you have a source that says we offered Butler more money? Thanks.

I read a report or it was from a Bomber media persons twitter.

@FarhanLaljiTSN: Arland Bruce just suggested to me he may retire. #CFL #Als

Why are we losing out on so many players that could fill holes & make us competitive (like McCune if he signs elsewhere) when we are supposedly flush with money? Are we cheaping out again? Other teams can sign these players but we can't. It's always about the money, it seems. We give a "final offer" & sit back & someone signs a player or a coach we want right in front of our frigging noses. I'm beginning to think things haven't changed & the excuses will be starting real soon. Well, they already have... What a crappy off season. 

 

It may have to do with being 3 - 15 last year and  still being a team with a lack of proven CFL QB experience on the team.

Maybe the Blue are waiting to see if they can bring in a new mlb from there mini camps and or have eyes on someone down south. mlb is not the most difficult position to recruit for.

We did offer Butler the most amount of $$$ he just had zero interest in coming here.

@FarhanLaljiTSN:

Arland Bruce just suggested to me he may retire. #CFL #Als

Why are we losing out on so many players that could fill holes & make us competitive (like McCune if he signs elsewhere) when we are supposedly flush with money? Are we cheaping out again? Other teams can sign these players but we can't. It's always about the money, it seems. We give a "final offer" & sit back & someone signs a player or a coach we want right in front of our frigging noses. I'm beginning to think things haven't changed & the excuses will be starting real soon. Well, they already have... What a crappy off season.

O'Shea is familiar with McCune, and if he's not signing him, there's probably a good reason. I don't know if he doesn't want to come here, is asking more than he's worth (no one else has signed him either) , or they're just in the process of working out some minor contract details, but on this one, I'm giving bombers the benefit of the doubt. Who knows, maybe he's saving the cap space for Ted Laurent or Glenn. Think positively!

 

Why are we losing out on so many players that could fill holes & make us competitive (like McCune if he signs elsewhere) when we are supposedly flush with money? Are we cheaping out again? Other teams can sign these players but we can't. It's always about the money, it seems. We give a "final offer" & sit back & someone signs a player or a coach we want right in front of our frigging noses. I'm beginning to think things haven't changed & the excuses will be starting real soon. Well, they already have... What a crappy off season.

O'Shea is familiar with McCune, and if he's not signing him, there's probably a good reason. I don't know if he doesn't want to come here, is asking more than he's worth (no one else has signed him either) , or they're just in the process of working out some minor contract details, but on this one, I'm giving bombers the benefit of the doubt. Who knows, maybe he's saving the cap space for Ted Laurent or Glenn. Think positively!

 

I'm not being facetious, but do you think Glenn would be a good fit here with all the bad history? I would think that as soon as he had one bad game or even a few bad plays the fans would be calling for his head and saying unkind things about him and Walters?

What do I want the Bombers to do? Quit coming in second with so many free agents. I expected us to be way more aggressive than we have been. In the CFL, it's all about the money because no one makes multi million dollar guaranteed contracts. It's not like the NHL where players sign "Home Discounts" to stay with a team for less money than the open market because their contracts are already very high to begin with.

CFL players will go where the money is because they have such a short career span to play. If one team offers more $$ players usually go. I'm not talking five grand, I mean substantial like $10,000 or $20,000 a year or more. So, this talk about us offering players more money yet they won't sign here, I have a hard time believing it. Maybe the odd one like Burris who got the CFL equivalent of the moon but more than one player like Butler, Collaros & even maybe now McCune? I don't believe it. Like I said, I believe we have an idea of what we'll pay & won't go over that amount one cent. Last year we were substantially under the cap from what I read & where did that get us?  

Must be time for someone's little stroll through the minefield of angst.

Has it been a month already?

I like he guys we have signed at MLB

What do I want the Bombers to do? Quit coming in second with so many free agents. I expected us to be way more aggressive than we have been. In the CFL, it's all about the money because no one makes multi million dollar guaranteed contracts. It's not like the NHL where players sign "Home Discounts" to stay with a team for less money than the open market because their contracts are already very high to begin with.

CFL players will go where the money is because they have such a short career span to play. If one team offers more $$ players usually go. I'm not talking five grand, I mean substantial like $10,000 or $20,000 a year or more. So, this talk about us offering players more money yet they won't sign here, I have a hard time believing it. Maybe the odd one like Burris who got the CFL equivalent of the moon but more than one player like Butler, Collaros & even maybe now McCune? I don't believe it. Like I said, I believe we have an idea of what we'll pay & won't go over that amount one cent. Last year we were substantially under the cap from what I read & where did that get us?  

 

 

It isn't always all about money. And there are players who will give "home discounts" to teams and some who will sign with another team for less to be closer to home. Butler, for example, said he was going to sign with either BC (where he has a house) or Hamilton (area where he's from) and the Bombers offering him more money didn't sway his decision. It was also reported that one of the factors for Collaros signing in Hamilton was its closer proximity to where he's from. 

What do I want the Bombers to do? Quit coming in second with so many free agents. I expected us to be way more aggressive than we have been. In the CFL, it's all about the money because no one makes multi million dollar guaranteed contracts. It's not like the NHL where players sign "Home Discounts" to stay with a team for less money than the open market because their contracts are already very high to begin with.

CFL players will go where the money is because they have such a short career span to play. If one team offers more $$ players usually go. I'm not talking five grand, I mean substantial like $10,000 or $20,000 a year or more. So, this talk about us offering players more money yet they won't sign here, I have a hard time believing it. Maybe the odd one like Burris who got the CFL equivalent of the moon but more than one player like Butler, Collaros & even maybe now McCune? I don't believe it. Like I said, I believe we have an idea of what we'll pay & won't go over that amount one cent. Last year we were substantially under the cap from what I read & where did that get us?  

Yet Wally who is among the most successful General Manager's in the league operates the exact same way.

 

 

@FarhanLaljiTSN: Hearing that Arland Bruce has been released by the #Als. #CFL

Wasn't that a few weeks ago already?

 

No. He made his comments on Michael Sam a few weeks ago. He was rumoured to be on his way out anyway, but hadn't been officially cut at the time.

 

 

Not surprised it took them this long to do it. They had Ventrell Jenkins on their suspended list for about a year after he was arrested for beating up his girlfriend in 2012.

Guys, I'm just sayin'. Tired of losing. Tired of always being "years away" from having a good team. Miller promised us we'd be aggressive signing free agent players. Walters toned it down before FA started by saying we'd be active which had me concerned. There always seems to be a ready excuse for as to why we didn't sign someone. Hank was classic. He signed with Ottawa because he wanted his cousins to come watch him play. What a bunch of bullshit. Typical Hank. 

And Burris' agent also said the Bombers were very aggressive in trying to sign Hank. Sometimes it doesn't matter how aggressive a team is trying to sign players.

This organization needs to prove to players that it is turning the corner. Players don't want just come and play in the new stadium. That might work for U of M recruiting but not in the CFL.

Must be time for someone's little stroll through the minefield of angst.

Has it been a month already?

Beat me to the punch.. Its unreal how it goes from "ok cool, we got neato coaches and some cool players..." To "omg, we lost out on mcclune even tho he hasnt signed ANYWHERE yet! Why we second banana again!rabble rabble rabble!"

Guys, I'm just sayin'. Tired of losing. Tired of always being "years away" from having a good team. Miller promised us we'd be aggressive signing free agent players. Walters toned it down before FA started by saying we'd be active which had me concerned. There always seems to be a ready excuse for as to why we didn't sign someone. Hank was classic. He signed with Ottawa because he wanted his cousins to come watch him play. What a bunch of bullshit. Typical Hank.

Same thing every time with you. Why aren't you ripping BC? They struck out on every player they wanted. Rip Saskatchewan for losing Sanders, Butler and Schmitt.

Every time someone signs in this league, another team or more loess out. Get used to it. No team gets everybody they want.

What do I want the Bombers to do? Quit coming in second with so many free agents. I expected us to be way more aggressive than we have been. In the CFL, it's all about the money because no one makes multi million dollar guaranteed contracts. It's not like the NHL where players sign "Home Discounts" to stay with a team for less money than the open market because their contracts are already very high to begin with.

CFL players will go where the money is because they have such a short career span to play. If one team offers more $$ players usually go. I'm not talking five grand, I mean substantial like $10,000 or $20,000 a year or more. So, this talk about us offering players more money yet they won't sign here, I have a hard time believing it. Maybe the odd one like Burris who got the CFL equivalent of the moon but more than one player like Butler, Collaros & even maybe now McCune? I don't believe it. Like I said, I believe we have an idea of what we'll pay & won't go over that amount one cent. Last year we were substantially under the cap from what I read & where did that get us?  

 

I think there's a lot more to the situation than just the cash on the table.  Lots of variables in play.  A player's looking for money, a chance to win, maybe be close to home, perhaps a coaching staff that's familiar with him or a place where he thinks he can become a star.  Teams are looking at finding players that fit their system, manage a cap, not overpay for someone but not cheap out, and certainly no team will ever put themselves in a position saying that they need to get Player A at whatever cost it takes.  There is always a cut-off point.  That's just good business.

What do I want the Bombers to do? Quit coming in second with so many free agents. I expected us to be way more aggressive than we have been. In the CFL, it's all about the money because no one makes multi million dollar guaranteed contracts. It's not like the NHL where players sign "Home Discounts" to stay with a team for less money than the open market because their contracts are already very high to begin with.

CFL players will go where the money is because they have such a short career span to play. If one team offers more $$ players usually go. I'm not talking five grand, I mean substantial like $10,000 or $20,000 a year or more. So, this talk about us offering players more money yet they won't sign here, I have a hard time believing it. Maybe the odd one like Burris who got the CFL equivalent of the moon but more than one player like Butler, Collaros & even maybe now McCune? I don't believe it. Like I said, I believe we have an idea of what we'll pay & won't go over that amount one cent. Last year we were substantially under the cap from what I read & where did that get us?  

Playoff money my man, it matters to FAs in a lot of cases too. Yeah maybe Winnipeg and Hamilton offered the same money, but if you want to plan on getting some playoff money as well isn't Hamilton playing in a 4 team division with an expansion team more likely to hit the playoffs than Winnipeg in a 5 team and very tough western division? Until this franchise stabilizes itself you gotta expect free agents to be leery of coming here. 

 

What do I want the Bombers to do? Quit coming in second with so many free agents. I expected us to be way more aggressive than we have been. In the CFL, it's all about the money because no one makes multi million dollar guaranteed contracts. It's not like the NHL where players sign "Home Discounts" to stay with a team for less money than the open market because their contracts are already very high to begin with.

CFL players will go where the money is because they have such a short career span to play. If one team offers more $$ players usually go. I'm not talking five grand, I mean substantial like $10,000 or $20,000 a year or more. So, this talk about us offering players more money yet they won't sign here, I have a hard time believing it. Maybe the odd one like Burris who got the CFL equivalent of the moon but more than one player like Butler, Collaros & even maybe now McCune? I don't believe it. Like I said, I believe we have an idea of what we'll pay & won't go over that amount one cent. Last year we were substantially under the cap from what I read & where did that get us?  

Playoff money my man, it matters to FAs in a lot of cases too. Yeah maybe Winnipeg and Hamilton offered the same money, but if you want to plan on getting some playoff money as well isn't Hamilton playing in a 4 team division with an expansion team more likely to hit the playoffs than Winnipeg in a 5 team and very tough western division? Until this franchise stabilizes itself you gotta expect free agents to be leery of coming here. 

 

I agree with everything you say. It's frustrating as hell. I honestly think we have to overpay. That's just the way it is. In order to win games, we have to do business like that. Staying the course won't work. Once the team improves we can be a bit more prudent but initially, no. 

 

Guys, I'm just sayin'. Tired of losing. Tired of always being "years away" from having a good team. Miller promised us we'd be aggressive signing free agent players. Walters toned it down before FA started by saying we'd be active which had me concerned. There always seems to be a ready excuse for as to why we didn't sign someone. Hank was classic. He signed with Ottawa because he wanted his cousins to come watch him play. What a bunch of bullshit. Typical Hank.

Same thing every time with you. Why aren't you ripping BC? They struck out on every player they wanted. Rip Saskatchewan for losing Sanders, Butler and Schmitt.

Every time someone signs in this league, another team or more loess out. Get used to it. No team gets everybody they want.

 

Rip Wally? Winningest coach in CFL history & uber successful GM? Walters & O'Shea only hope to win half as many games as Buono has the past 25 years. Sask built their team to win a GC at home & now they're up against the cap. Their 1 year gamble paid off. Somehow I knew you'd come after me even though everyone else kept the discussion civil. Why don't you just hit ignore if you find peoples comments not to your liking all the time? I won't miss you. You won't miss me. So,please, go ahead.. You're always getting PO'd about something. 

 

 

Guys, I'm just sayin'. Tired of losing. Tired of always being "years away" from having a good team. Miller promised us we'd be aggressive signing free agent players. Walters toned it down before FA started by saying we'd be active which had me concerned. There always seems to be a ready excuse for as to why we didn't sign someone. Hank was classic. He signed with Ottawa because he wanted his cousins to come watch him play. What a bunch of bullshit. Typical Hank.

Same thing every time with you. Why aren't you ripping BC? They struck out on every player they wanted. Rip Saskatchewan for losing Sanders, Butler and Schmitt.

Every time someone signs in this league, another team or more loess out. Get used to it. No team gets everybody they want.

 

Rip Wally? Winningest coach in CFL history & uber successful GM? Walters & O'Shea only hope to win half as many games as Buono has the past 25 years. Sask built their team to win a GC at home & now they're up against the cap. Their 1 year gamble paid off. Somehow I knew you'd come after me even though everyone else kept the discussion civil. Why don't you just hit ignore if you find peoples comments not to your liking all the time? I won't miss you. You won't miss me. So,please, go ahead.. You're always getting PO'd about something. 

 

Sorry but B.C. and Saskatchewan have had FAR worse off seasons than we have had. Just about all the players of value they could lose, they did in fact lose while both teams have added very little. Does Wally have a great track record? Of course, that goes without saying, but there is no way anyone could reasonably argue that they are better today than they were at the end of last season, just as there is no one that could reasonably argue that we are worse today than we were at the end of last season. If you argue or imply things that are simply not true (Such as losing out on Burris as some big catastrophe when an expansion team made a 39 year old QB one of, if not the highest paid player in the league) you are going to get called out on it. That's just how it works. Nothing in Mike's comment that you quoted implies he was uncivil. He did not insult you in any way, shape or form. There is nothing wrong with him being critical of your statement, I would have done (and am doing) the same thing.

 

The fact is, is that BC and Sask have lost more, and gained less than we have, yet you are being critical of us losing out on Henry Burris of all people? Sorry, Burris was no grand prize, far from it. We have been aggressive NOT ONLY in free agency, but on the trade front to acquire pieces that were of need as well. You're complaining about us being second choice or whatever, but the fact is, is that this team has made more significant moves this off season than in the last three combined. You're not going to get EVERYTHING you want in one off season, that's life, welcome to football. This was never going to be a one year fix. I get that you're tired of being "years away" but guess what? When you're a three win football team, you are in fact years away. That's life and the situation in front of us. Is this team better? Absolutely, no doubt in my mind. Are they contenders yet? Far from it.

 

Since this current regime has taken over, they have EASILY made more good choices than bad, and mortgaging the future on players that don't justify a certain contract falls into that category. It's not called being cheap. It's called smart business, and that is a fact, whether fans like it or not.