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Blue Bombers GM Highlights Team’s Future Despite Grey Cup Loss

Kyle Walters, the general manager of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, expressed confidence in his team’s prospects for the future, emphasizing that losing a third consecutive Grey Cup does not warrant dismantling the roster. Speaking during the team’s year-end media availability, Walters noted the achievement of reaching the championship game, particularly given the numerous injuries the team overcame throughout the season.

Before the Blue Bombers faced a 41-24 defeat against the Toronto Argonauts in the recently concluded Grey Cup, Walters had already displayed optimism for the upcoming season. “I’m looking forward to next year because of the young talent we have under contract,” he said. He emphasized that the idea of the team being in a downward spiral is not an accurate assessment of their situation. “We have a solid group of players, and we were within a point of winning the Grey Cup with just 10 minutes left in the game,” he added.

Despite a rocky start to the season, where the Bombers found themselves at the bottom of the league with an 0-4 record and later 2-6, they turned their fortunes around, finishing the regular season with an 11-7 record and capturing the West Division title. However, their season was marred by injuries to key players, including star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill, and backup quarterback Chris Streveler, all of whom are now facing uncertainty as pending free agents.

Looking Ahead to Player Contracts

Walters acknowledged that negotiations with 27 unsigned players could be complicated by changes across the CFL, including potential shifts in coaching and player personnel. He revealed that the Bombers have permitted offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to interview for head coaching positions with the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks, while defensive assistant Richie Hall is also a candidate for the Ottawa Redblacks’ defensive coordinator role.

Additionally, Walters mentioned that the team is exploring other options in case of leadership changes, allowing for conversations with Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already shown interest in talking to Winnipeg’s assistant general managers, Danny McManus and Ted Goveia, regarding their own general manager vacancy.

“It’s a delicate situation when you’re in this transitional phase, so we’re currently focusing our discussions on the future,” said Walters.

In light of ongoing player developments, he indicated that an NFL team had expressed interest in potentially working out one of the Blue Bombers, although he refrained from disclosing the player’s identity to respect due process.

Reflecting on Recent Seasons

The Blue Bombers have had a successful run, previously winning the Grey Cup in 2019 and 2021, but they have since faced tough losses, falling to the Montreal Alouettes last season and the Argonauts this year. Recently, the team secured the re-signing of placekicker Sergio Castillo and aims to finalize deals with three or four key players by year-end.

Walters is particularly optimistic about the potential of younger players, who have gained valuable experience during the season. Receiver Ontaria Wilson, who racked up 1,026 receiving yards over 18 games, along with Keric Wheatfall, who accumulated 273 yards in seven games, are both signed for next season.

“The experience they gained this year will be invaluable moving forward,” Walters remarked. However, he acknowledged the complexities in re-signing players who were injured, noting that agents may see things differently and expect athletes to return at full capacity.

Another area of concern for the team is finding a backup for starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a cut on his throwing hand during the Grey Cup. Although Collaros returned to the game bandaged after receiving stitches, he struggled with grip. Walters highlighted that determining the offensive coordinator will be crucial for deciding who will step in as Collaros’s backup, with Terry Wilson and Jake Dolegala currently under contract for the upcoming season.

Source
globalnews.ca