From today's Winnipeg Sun:

 

It was a year ago this week that the Edmonton Eskimos traded for Mike Reilly to get exclusive negotiating rights with the quarterback two weeks before he was set to become a free agent.

 

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers might want to do the same with Zach Collaros if they really desire his services, because there are rumblings in the CFL right now that the Hamilton Tiger-Cats could be a destination for the Toronto Argonauts backup.

 

The Bombers are the only team without a bona fide No. 1 quarterback right now, so the thinking is Collaros, who sources say is looking at Gil Scott or Dan Vertlieb to represent him in his upcoming negotiations, will head to Winnipeg on Feb. 15.

 

Not so fast, as it appears the Hamilton Tiger-Cats will figure significantly into what happens with Winnipeg's quarterback situation -- for two reasons.

First of all, there are more than a few people throughout the CFL who think veteran Henry Burris will end up signing in Winnipeg when he becomes a free agent on Feb. 15.

"Three people told me today they think Burris will end up in Winnipeg over the Ticats," a CFL source told the Sun.

 

Burris wouldn't exactly be a long-term answer for the Blue and Gold, as he will turn 39 years old during the first week of training camp, but he would give the reeling franchise an instant upgrade and be an excellent mentor for the team's young pivots.

 

The second factor in all of this is the Ticats are apparently very interested in bringing Collaros to Steeltown. They have not made any offers to Burris, and a source said the Ticats are hoping Collaros hears about their interest through the league grapevine. The Tabbies also have Dan LeFevour and Jeremiah Masoli in the fold, so Collaros could conceivably have a shot at the No. 1 gig there with Burris out of the picture.

 

Sources say the Bombers aren't convinced Collaros is a sure-fire No. 1 gun given his limited starting experience and wouldn't mind having a more experienced pivot on the roster to go along with him.

 

The way it's looking now, they might end up getting the experienced quarterback instead of Collaros.

Just say no to Burris. Biggest piece of **** in all sports. 

 

Not named Darian Durant, you mean.

The last thing we need is a QB approaching 40.

 

That's what we had last year... except that instead of age we're talking QB rating...

Hey Joey Elliott might be available 17! Would you rather him or Burris?

Does this even need to be asked?

 

 

Just say no to Burris. Biggest piece of **** in all sports.

But if Collaros choses Hamilton then what do we do? Go with Willy and Hall this year? I can't stand Burris either but the one thing I can't stand even more is losing.

 

In all honesty, I would rather go through another year like last year than cheer for Burris. 

 

 

 

 

Just say no to Burris. Biggest piece of **** in all sports.

But if Collaros choses Hamilton then what do we do? Go with Willy and Hall this year? I can't stand Burris either but the one thing I can't stand even more is losing.

 

In all honesty, I would rather go through another year like last year than cheer for Burris. 

 

You & nobody else.

Instead of some other team screwing around & beating us to the punch again, just go out & sign Collaros. Pay the guy to come here. Match & better the offer from Hamilton. If the Bombers want Collaros, then ffs go after him & get it done. So sick of this **** where we lose the players we want because we don't pay. Hank will expect starter money here like $400,000 a year so how is  signing him any cheaper? 

Instead of some other team screwing around & beating us to the punch again, just go out & sign Collaros. Pay the guy to come here. Match & better the offer from Hamilton. If the Bombers want Collaros, then ffs go after him & get it done. So sick of this **** where we lose the players we want because we don't pay. Hank will expect starter money here like $400,000 a year so how is  signing him any cheaper? 

 

I don't necessarily think that's true. Where's his leverage?

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Instead of some other team screwing around & beating us to the punch again, just go out & sign Collaros. Pay the guy to come here. Match & better the offer from Hamilton. If the Bombers want Collaros, then ffs go after him & get it done. So sick of this **** where we lose the players we want because we don't pay. Hank will expect starter money here like $400,000 a year so how is  signing him any cheaper? 

 

His payday will be far south of $400k.  Especially when his current team doesn't even want to make him a contract offer. Not even one to get the talks going.  

A starter salary in the CFL for a guy of his experience will be a huge chunk of the salary cap. You think we'll pick him up for $150,000? Not a chance. If the Bombers sign him it won't be for chump change even if you think he has no leverage. I don't think that's how this team does business anymore. As I said, they'll pay him for what befits a guy of his experience should make. Whether that's $300, 350 or $400,000 a year. So, therefore I don't t see the advantage of not going out & making sure we sign Collaros instead of meekly going, "Oh, okay... well we can't match that. Good luck in Hamilton" To me, if the Bombers want to quit  being laughed at & disrespected by other coaches, media & fans in the CFL they have to grow a set & go out & make a splash & get the job done here.

Word on the Saskatchewan message board is that O'Shea and Collaros butted heads a few times last season and that O'Shea is the one saying Collaros isn't the answer.

Burris made a maximum of $300k last season.  I'd expect he would make a similar salary as the Bombers starting QB. 

A starter salary in the CFL for a guy of his experience will be a huge chunk of the salary cap. You think we'll pick him up for $150,000? Not a chance. If the Bombers sign him it won't be for chump change even if you think he has no leverage. As I said, they'll pay him for what befits a guy of his experience should make.

 

Why? Because you say so? lol

 

I don't get why you feel like when someone else has a point they're making, you're the first one to demand source materials or some kind of proof but you just think it's okay that your argument can be "because I say so"

 

Burris isn't hitting free agency because he's a hot commodity that will instigate a bidding war. If he hits free agency, it's because the team that had him doesn't want him. It's the same as with any player who is declined an offer by their old team. They don't hit the open market with much, if any, leverage to command whatever they want.

Burris is going to be a free agent because Hufnagel and Austin have got tired of his ****, that should be a giant red flag to everyone. When those guys don't want to work with a qb, come on. Not to mention the fact that when the weather gets cold or there's any kind of adversity Burris is horrible and starts pouting and blaming everyone but himself. Just say no to Burris. 

 

 

 

 

Just say no to Burris. Biggest piece of **** in all sports.

But if Collaros choses Hamilton then what do we do? Go with Willy and Hall this year? I can't stand Burris either but the one thing I can't stand even more is losing.

 

In all honesty, I would rather go through another year like last year than cheer for Burris. 

 

 

Put your angst on the shelf for a second and just really think about what you just typed there.  No one says you have to cheer for Burris.  Cheer for the team.

 

Plus, Burris > Status Quo

 

Oh trust me I have thought about it, and Burris in a Bomber jersey is a nightmare. It would make it very very hard to cheer for the team so I'd rather go through a shitty season where I know I can cheer for them than have to endure Burris in that jersey. Yes I hate Burris that much. 

 

 

Obviously this vendetta is something you're adamant on maintaining.  For your sake though, I hope that you can see past it if this ever does come to fruition.  

Burris made a maximum of $300k last season.  I'd expect he would make a similar salary as the Bombers starting QB. 

 

I predict he will make less than what he made last season, whatever figure it was.

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you,  man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages  with you first before I post them?

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you,  man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages  with you first before I post them?

 

Or you could just, you know ... not be such a whiner when someone replies to your strongly worded opinion with strong words.

Let's be objective here..."fans" if the money were equal would Collaris go to a team in a 4 team division that has just been to the Cup or a team in a 5 team division that hasn't sniffed the playoffs in ........interesting comparison of options

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you,  man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages  with you first before I post them?

And now the tension between the 2 of you has been released.

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you, man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages with you first before I post them?

And now the tension between the 2 of you has been released.

Where was it released?

As a bad fart

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you,  man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages  with you first before I post them?

 

 When you talk hard figures, you should expect to be challenged, especially when you are trying to say it as if it is a fact.  There is no right or wrong here.  People are just trying to give their best guesses to what they think.  In the end, no one really knows what players make anyways,  Try not to take it personally and back up your opinions as much as you can.

 

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you,  man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages  with you first before I post them?

 

 When you talk hard figures, you should expect to be challenged, especially when you are trying to say it as if it is a fact.  There is no right or wrong here.  People are just trying to give their best guesses to what they think.  In the end, no one really knows what players make anyways,  Try not to take it personally and back up your opinions as much as you can.

 

You know, I agree with you. I just don't think that Burris will take a huge pay cut because I believe the Bombers will pay him similar to what he was being paid before because of his veteran status. As far as giving money figures, we all know approximately what he gets paid, so why the need to debate figures? It is what it is.

 

You know what, Mike? You're always right & I'm always wrong when it comes to football so from now on I'll just go with whatever you say. I don't know **** when it comes to you,  man, How could I have thought what I thought? You're the Alpha Male around here. Sorry, I upset you. You want me to clear all my messages  with you first before I post them?

 

Or you could just, you know ... not be such a whiner when someone replies to your strongly worded opinion with strong words.

 

Whiner? Whatever you think, dude, You don't reply. Look in a mirror before you criticize anyone else. 

A starter salary in the CFL for a guy of his experience will be a huge chunk of the salary cap. You think we'll pick him up for $150,000? Not a chance. If the Bombers sign him it won't be for chump change even if you think he has no leverage. As I said, they'll pay him for what befits a guy of his experience should make.

Why? Because you say so? lol

I don't get why you feel like when someone else has a point they're making, you're the first one to demand source materials or some kind of proof but you just think it's okay that your argument can be "because I say so"

Burris isn't hitting free agency because he's a hot commodity that will instigate a bidding war. If he hits free agency, it's because the team that had him doesn't want him. It's the same as with any player who is declined an offer by their old team. They don't hit the open market with much, if any, leverage to command whatever they want.

Burris will still have all the leverage. Because if Collaros is already off the market, the Bombers have no options for a starting QB other than Burris, unless they are really willing to roll the dice on Willy or Hall. And after last season, everyone knows the Bombers do not want to run the risk of another quarterback disaster. Burris could easily just retire. He will be able to squeeze the Bombers for every penny, no question.