White ‘good fit’ in Blue and Gold

Tim White didn’t anticipate becoming the newest member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The three-time CFL all-star receiver was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Monday after the two sides couldn’t come to terms on a contract extension.

Several teams reached out to the 31-year-old’s agent shortly thereafter before the Bombers swooped in and inked him to a one-year deal on Wednesday.

“Winnipeg really came in last minute,” said White in a Zoom call with reporters on Thursday.

“I really wasn’t expecting it and they just kind of came through and it felt like the right fit. I’ve heard some things from guys in the locker room about how the culture is, but for the most part I know those guys are great guys so I felt like it would be a good fit.”

White, who is coming off four consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns, signed a deal reportedly worth $225,000 in hard money and a $75,000 signing bonus. Last season the Santa Clarita, Calif., product had 84 catches for 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns.

“Obviously change is something that can spark somebody, and I feel like that’s what it’s done for me already. Maybe I was ready for the change beforehand. But it seemed like the right time for me, and it seems like the right place for me, as well, and that’s important,” said White.

“And it also feels good for my family, as well. They’re excited about it. They like the colour blue. So that’s obviously motivating for me. So we’re definitely ready for this next chapter.”

White said he already feels welcomed by the Blue and Gold, having spoken with quarterback Zach Collaros, running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Nic Demski and defensive end Willie Jefferson.

“This team is stacked with great leadership. So when they heard there was interest and that there was communication, a lot of guys reached out,” said White.

“And when they were doing that, it kind of made me understand like, yeah, this is why they have winning football over here.”

White, who broke into the three-down circuit in 2021 with Hamilton after finishing his college career at Arizona State, has no ill will towards his former club even though they didn’t pony up the cash to keep him around for 2026.

“At this very moment that’s not even that important to me,” said White. “I think just figuring where I was going to go in this next chapter was the next step.”

Heading to Winnipeg isn’t a step into the unknown considering he has experience with recently hired offensive co-ordinator Tommy Condell. The two were in Hamilton together for White’s first three seasons.

“It’s just his ability to be creative — that’s something I’m familiar with and he likes to throw the ball and understands the pass game in the CFL,” said White. “It definitely drew me in and it was definitely something I wanted to be a part of.”

That, and joining a receiving corps that already features Demski and Ontaria Wilson.

“Just looking at it I felt we could definitely take the pass game and make it one of the best in the league,” said White.

It can’t get any worse. The Bombers ranked last in passing in 2025, largely in part to turnovers and not having enough difference-makers in their receiving room with Dalton Schoen tearing his ACL and Dillon Mitchell being a massive bust.

“I feel like I’m extremely electric,” said White.

“If you look at me like a weapon, I’m like a utility knife where you can use me all over. But I can also be dominant in one area.”

There is one notable critique that has followed the 5-9 receiver throughout his career: a tendency to drop routine passes.

It’s a flaw he’s aware of — and one he hopes to leave behind in southern Ontario.

“I’m my harshest critic,” he said. “The catching is something that I really work on improving every single day. It’s an area that I actually grew a strong passion to improve in. I know in 2024 I had struggles, and then in 2025 I improved on it… and this looks to be my best year.”

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