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Bomber Report

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Riders QB Trevor Harris (above) broke into the CFL in 2012 with Bombers QB Zach Collaros.

Veteran CFL QBs aging well

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

It’s hard to believe the Toronto Argonauts once had Ricky Ray, Jarious Jackson, Zach Collaros and Trevor Harris all in their quarterback room in 2012.

If you ask Harris, it’s even harder to believe he and Collaros — who broke into the CFL that season together as rookies — are still in the three-down loop today slinging it.

“I remember our first year in the league, we (were leaving after the season) and Swayze Waters (the Argos kicker at the time) was like ‘Man, we’re never going to see Zach Collaros ever again,’” said Harris.

“Because he was ready to go home. He was like ‘I’m done, I’m ready to get out of here.’ And here he is all this time later. I thought he’d get into coaching a little bit sooner, but he’s really turned himself into a first ballot hall-of-famer. He’s been absolutely incredible.”

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Riders O-lineman says playing in Winnipeg helped make him a man

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Riders O-lineman says playing in Winnipeg helped make him a man

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025

Peeking out of Jermarcus Hardrick’s Saskatchewan Roughriders Grey Cup hoodie on Wednesday was a tattoo that you wouldn’t expect to see on someone in green and white.

Displayed on his left forearm is the Grey Cup trophy, featuring the Winnipeg Blue Bombers logo and their unofficial mantra: FIFO — which stands for Fit in or F-off.

Hardrick, a standout right tackle for the Bombers from 2016-23, got inked shortly after Winnipeg captured the top prize in Canadian football in 2019. He wasn’t the only one.

“We literally got (to the tattoo parlour) at eight in the morning and we left by midnight. Every other hour a truck (with players) was pulling up… and next thing I know we looked up and everyone had blood on their arms,” said Hardrick during media day at the RBC Convention Centre.

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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Hardrick savours memories of Big Blue

Bombers sign receiver Tim White

Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed former Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White to a one-year contract. 1 minute read Preview

Bombers sign receiver Tim White

Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed former Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White to a one-year contract. 1 minute read Yesterday at 8:40 PM CST

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed All-CFL receiver Tim White to a one-year contract.

White was released by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Monday ahead of the free agent market opening on Feb. 10.

White, 31, appeared in 83 games over his five seasons with the Ticats and has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, including pulling in 84 passes for 1,016 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

He was named All-CFL three times (2022, 2023, 2024) and East Division All-CFL on four occasions (2021-24).

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Yesterday at 8:40 PM CST

Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White (12) runs downfield as Toronto Argonauts linebacker Jack Cassar (45) defends during second half CFL football action in Toronto on Friday, August 26, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Tim White (12) runs downfield as Toronto Argonauts linebacker Jack Cassar (45) defends during second half CFL football action in Toronto on Friday, August 26, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Bombers’ Jefferson wants to solidify his legacy in Blue and Gold

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Jefferson wants to solidify his legacy in Blue and Gold

Joshua Frey-Sam 7 minute read Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

How close Willie Jefferson came to wearing a different jersey in 2026 might never be uncovered, but it’s an outcome he at least considered.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers star pass rusher revealed Friday that returning for a seventh season with the Blue and Gold — and 12th in the CFL — proved more challenging than it has been in other years, something that was made evident by the timing of his deal earlier this week.

The soon-to-be 35-year-old had never signed a contract this late in the off-season since becoming a member of the Bombers, and that was for a couple of reasons.

It took longer for the club and Jefferson — who represents himself in contract talks — to reach a mutual agreement on a salary, and the defensive end also claimed he wasn’t in a hurry either.

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Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Willie Jefferson re-signed with the team Thursday. The defensive lineman is chasing franchise and CFL records.
JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Willie Jefferson re-signed with the team Thursday. The defensive lineman is chasing franchise and CFL records.

Bombers’ Castillo, Sheahan praise organization after signing extensions

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Castillo, Sheahan praise organization after signing extensions

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

A kicker and a punter re-signing with their team typically doesn’t warrant a 30-plus minute Zoom call with reporters.

But that’s exactly what happened on Tuesday in a wide-ranging, engaging and thoroughly entertaining chat with Sergio Castillo and Jamieson Sheahan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The pair of specialists inked extensions with the Blue and Gold — two years for Castillo, one for Sheahan — on Monday.

In typical Castillo fashion, he kicked things off with a memorable one-liner.

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Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press files

Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (right) went 28-for-56 on three-point attempts last season while punter Jamieson Sheahan (left) enjoyed a career year with a 47.8-yard average, the second highest in franchise history.
Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press files Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo (right) went 28-for-56 on three-point attempts last season while punter Jamieson Sheahan (left) enjoyed a career year with a 47.8-yard average, the second highest in franchise history.

CFL commissioner talks expansion, new rules at winter meetings

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

CFL commissioner talks expansion, new rules at winter meetings

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

After three days of discussions with general managers and head coaches from around the league in Calgary, CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston faced the media on Wednesday to share a glimpse of where the three-down game could be headed.

Like any Q+A session with the commish, the topic of conversation was wide-ranging and, of course, Johnston would only pull the curtain back so far. With that said, there were a few key takeaways.

Expansion

No chat with the commissioner would be complete without mentioning the possibility of expansion.

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Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said he’d like to see a 10th team join the league by 2030.

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said he’d like to see a 10th team join the league by 2030.

Bombers score well-above average on CFLPA report cards

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Bombers score well-above average on CFLPA report cards

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

The CFL Players’ Association released their second annual team report cards Wednesday afternoon and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers scored well above average.

The CFLPA distrbuted a 78-question survey to all players and 381 responded. The survey included multiple choice, rating and open-ended questions on 10 different categories related to their workplace environment.

“It’s not always an easy exercise, but I know the guys are happy to have a voice especially when they know that change is being made,” CFLPA executive director David Mackie told the Free Press.

“And then, guys are just happier within the club and that’s what’s important. You want guys happy to show up and if the working conditions improve, you’re ultimately going to get a better product on the field.”

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Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers reported multiples scores in the B-range on the CFL Players’ Association report cards.
Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers reported multiples scores in the B-range on the CFL Players’ Association report cards.

Busy day of moves in Bomberland

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Preview

Busy day of moves in Bomberland

Joshua Frey-Sam 5 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released their starting centre.

The club cut pending free agent Chris Kolankowski on Monday, allowing the 33-year-old to hit the open market early. He was slated to become a free agent on Feb. 10.

Kolankowski started every game over the last three seasons for the Bombers, and appeared in 73 contests — making 69 starts — overall since arriving in 2020. He won the 2021 Grey Cup with the Blue and Gold as a backup.

Kolankowski’s departure adds to the mystery around what the Bombers’ offensive line will look like next season. Tui Eli —the club’s sixth offensive lineman in 2025 — re-signed before the calendar flipped, while starting left guard Gabe Wallace and right tackle Kendall Randolph are already under contract, but the most veteran starters, Stanley Bryant and Patrick Neufeld, remain unsigned.

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Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
Busy day of moves in Bomberland

O-lineman Eli signs two-year deal to stay with Bombers

Free Press staff 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced Tuesday the club has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with veteran Canadian Tui Eli. He was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

The 2026 season will be Eli’s sixth season with the Blue and Gold.

The 6-3, 287-pound O-lineman appeared in 18 games and the Eastern semifinal last season and caught Zach Collaros’s pass for a touchdown against the B.C. Lions in June.

The 29-year-old native of Richmond, B.C., has seen action in 70 CFL games and won Grey Cups with the Bombers in 2019 and 2021.

Bombers’ Demski signs two-year contract extension

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Demski signs two-year contract extension

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have retained their star pass catcher.

Nic Demski agreed to a two-year extension with the club on Thursday, hours after it was announced that defensive back Deatrick Nichols had signed a one-year deal.

Both players were scheduled to be free agents in February.

Demski’s 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury but the 32-year-old Winnipegger still managed to catch 67 passes for 1,0001 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games en route to being named a West Division all-star for a fifth consecutive season.

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Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers star receiver Nic Demski is staying in Blue and Gold, inking a two-year contract extension with the club Thursday.
John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers star receiver Nic Demski is staying in Blue and Gold, inking a two-year contract extension with the club Thursday.

Bombers’ Nichols inks one-year contract extension

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Nichols inks one-year contract extension

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

One of the CFL’s best defensive backs is staying put with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The club announced Thursday morning that halfback Deatrick Nichols has agreed to a one-year contract extension.

Nichols was scheduled to hit free agency in February.

The University of South Florida product initially joined the Blue and Gold in 2021 and is a two-time CFL All-Star (2021 and 2022). Nichols finished 2025 with 37 defensive tackles and 13 pass knockdowns which was second in the league behind teammate Willie Jefferson who had 16.

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Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Deatrick Nichols (right) blocks a pass to B.C. Lions’ Ayden Eberhardt. Nichols finished second in the league in pass knockdowns with 13 this past season.
Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Deatrick Nichols (right) blocks a pass to B.C. Lions’ Ayden Eberhardt. Nichols finished second in the league in pass knockdowns with 13 this past season.

Bombers’ Kramdi happy to stay in Blue and Gold

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Kramdi happy to stay in Blue and Gold

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

Redha Kramdi felt like an imposter.

Before he could sink his teeth into his first training camp with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2021, the rookie defensive back got a call that his older brother and biggest supporter, Sami, had died in his sleep. After flying back home to Montreal to grieve with family, Kramdi returned to Winnipeg and made his debut in a Week 2 contest against Toronto.

“After everything I went through with me losing a family member, I get a chance to play football which, for most of us, is our safe space,” said Kramdi in a Zoom call with reporters on Wednesday to discuss his new two-year contract extension.

“Then I get pushed in the back and tore my hamstring up so I’m on the six-game (injured list) and ended up missing most of my first season.”

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Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / FREE PRESS FILES

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Redha Kramdi inked a two-year contract extension with the club on Tuesday.
Ruth Bonneville / FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Redha Kramdi inked a two-year contract extension with the club on Tuesday.

Oliveira inks three-year extension with Bombers

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Preview

Oliveira inks three-year extension with Bombers

Taylor Allen 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Brady Oliveira is staying home.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced Monday afternoon the star running back has agreed to a three-year contract extension through the 2028 season.

The 28-year-old was scheduled to become a free agent in February.

“I know what I can bring and I know I’m a calibre of player that can help a team win a championship, so I want to put myself in the best situation to win a championship,” said Oliveira in his end of season press conference in November.

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press FILES

Blue Bombers RB Brady Oliveira.
Ruth Bonneville / Free Press FILES Blue Bombers RB Brady Oliveira.

Big Blue sign pending free agent Lawson

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Preview

Big Blue sign pending free agent Lawson

Taylor Allen 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are slowly chipping away at their long list of pending free agents.

A day after inking star receiver Ontaria Wilson to a two-year deal, the club announced Wednesday it has also re-signed Canadian defensive tackle Cam Lawson to a two-year extension.

The 27-year-old appeared in 16 games last season, starting six, and recorded 21 defensive tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. In 69 career CFL games — 15 with the Montreal Alouettes and 54 with the Bombers — Lawson has 41 defensive tackles, seven sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. The Queen’s University product was drafted in the second round, 16th overall, by the Als in 2020 before being traded to Winnipeg on the day of the 2022 CFL draft.

With Wilson and Lawson locked up, the Bombers still have 34 pending free agents to sort through. The CFL free agency window opens Feb. 10.

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Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025

JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced Wednesday they re-signed Canadian defensive tackle Cam Lawson to a two-year extension.
JESSICA LEE / FREE PRESS FILES The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced Wednesday they re-signed Canadian defensive tackle Cam Lawson to a two-year extension.

Bombers receiver arrested after high-speed chase in Arkansas

Adam Treusch 3 minute read Preview

Bombers receiver arrested after high-speed chase in Arkansas

Adam Treusch 3 minute read Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

A Blue Bombers wide receiver set to become a free agent this winter was arrested after a high-speed chase in Arkansas last week.

NEA Report, a news service in northeast Arkansas, said court documents show Dillon Mitchell, 28, was arrested Nov. 17. Part of an affidavit by state trooper Cpl. Jeffrey Irvin posted on NEA report’s website states that a chase involving a black Ford Mustang started in Lawrence County.

Irvin said he saw the car speed past him on U.S. Route 63 and tried to stop it, but the driver kept going at speeds of more than 160 km/h. The driver passed vehicles on the shoulder, went through a stop light and narrowly missed a truck, the affidavit said.

The driver lost control while trying to take an exit along a different highway, and the car hit a metal sign. He has been charged with eight offences, including a felony charge of fleeing police and driving-related offences, the affidavit states.

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Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025

JOHN WOODS / CANADIAN PRESS FILES

Blue Bombers receiver Dillon Mitchell catches a touchdown pass against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Princess Auto Stadium on Sept. 27.
JOHN WOODS / CANADIAN PRESS FILES Blue Bombers receiver Dillon Mitchell catches a touchdown pass against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Princess Auto Stadium on Sept. 27.

Bombers’ GM well aware of needed changes for club to get back to winning ways

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Bombers’ GM well aware of needed changes for club to get back to winning ways

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

Where do the Winnipeg Blue Bombers go from here?

Their starting quarterback isn’t getting any younger, the offensive line is starting to show cracks, their star running back isn’t guaranteed to return, their best receiver is recovering from another major knee injury, and around a dozen starters on defence could potentially hit free agency.

Returning to Grey Cup glory doesn’t seem so simple.

One of the key people tasked with getting the organization back to contender status is general manager Kyle Walters. He spoke to a room of reporters on Wednesday fresh off signing a three-year contract extension.

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Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters spoke to the media for the first time on Wednesday after signing a three-year contract extension with the club.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters spoke to the media for the first time on Wednesday after signing a three-year contract extension with the club.

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