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.

 

 

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.

 

No chance, the ego is too great. He'll play at a lower salary rather than retire. 

 

 

 

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.

 

No chance, the ego is too great. He'll play at a lower salary rather than retire. 

 

 

No chance, the ego is too great.  He'll retire before playing for anything less than a starter's salary.

nope the competitiveness would out weigh the "**** this ****"

nope the competitiveness would out weigh the "**** this ****"

 

Nah bro

 

nope the competitiveness would out weigh the "**** this ****"

 

Nah bro

 

 

Or in this case...no brah.

Nice comeback, I like that.

If Burris is the QB solution after all this, the Bombers can enjoy my deposit.

Hank is short term at best, JBR. Band aid but not the solution. Hey, get the best YOUNG qb. I want Collaros no doubt. But there are some members here who really like Drew Willy so I'd go with that.

Penton's article is fairly speculative. Three sources? Who? GMs of three clubs is far different from other members of the media say.

 

I'd take Burris as a stop gap.

Bottom line is we have to win games. We can't have another season like last year. Build the team around the qb. Give him real weapons & a line that can block so any qb can come in here & have a chance to be successful. We have to start somewhere.

We could always make a trade to bring in a young QB...............................

If we can't get Collaros I'd love a scenario like this:

2014: Burris starter, Willy backup

2015: Willy starter, Burris backup

If Willy succeeds he could be our starter for the next decade. And if not, we have a vet backup in 2015 to step in.

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

Hamilton is the more logical choice, they have a lot more to offer him (a team on the rise and winning, better coaching staff, location, etc). The only thing the Bombers can sell Collaros on is that he'd be the guaranteed starter.

We could always make a trade to bring in a young QB...............................

wonder what Wally would give for one of his two backups....hmmmm....

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

%&$* you!!!

Sincerely,

KBF's liver

If Burris is the QB solution after all this, the Bombers can enjoy my deposit.

I was wondering who left that "pile" I stepped in at the game I went to this year.

If Burris is the QB solution after all this, the Bombers can enjoy my deposit.

I was wondering who left that "pile" I stepped in at the game I went to this year.

And the one I sat in

 

We could always make a trade to bring in a young QB...............................

wonder what Wally would give for one of his two backups....hmmmm....

 

Not the potential player I was thinking of.

We could always make a trade to bring in a young QB...............................

wonder what Wally would give for one of his two backups....hmmmm....

Not the potential player I was thinking of.

Maybe if we can re-sign Henoc we can trade him for Buck Pierce and Joey Elliot? That should solidify our QB position.

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

"Hasn't sniffed the playoffs in" 2 seasons.

Ugh, well if we're going to miss out on collaros, a Burris/Willy combo would be what id want...

Is Hamilton really a team on the rise or did having Burris help them have a good year in a weaker division? You can make an argument that Toronto is the team to beat still in the East and that Montreal is as on the rise as Hamilton.

Better location? Hamilton isn't on anybody's list of places to live that I've ever read.

Hamilton's new stadium pales in comparison to ours.

Winnipeg has a larger and more passionate fan base.

Kent Austin has never nutured a QB, both years he won with vets.

Reebus, agree with most you say. I think Hamilton is a choice destination for FA's only because of geographic location in Southern Ontario. Our own HC made a career out of switching back & forth between the Argos & Ti Cats. You don't see that so much out West or in Ottawa & Montreal because you'd actually have to move if you switched teams.

Good Point Iso.

 

Still feel the article is speculative at best. Penton has never been one to break a lot of scoops or frankly actually bust his hump and research a story.

I just hope the delay in announcing our DC means that Etcheverry may not be hired!