The Winnipeg Blue Bombers planned ahead to have $50,000 extra to spend in CFL free agency, courtesy franchise quarterback Zach Collaros.
General manager Kyle Walters had a simple conversation with the two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player and three-time Grey Cup champion about reducing his 2026 compensation from $600,000 to $550,000 before the signing period.
“I asked Zach if that’d be something he’d be interested in. He said, ‘If it helps the team, for sure.’ That was about the extent of it,” Walters shared.
“When we laid out the plan to Zach and said, ‘Here’s what we’re thinking, this would help.’ He’s like, ‘Whatever I can do to help, I’m on board.’ Despite it coming out a little bit later — the paperwork — it was all decided prior to those signings.”
In February, Jarell Broxton signed a two-year contract with the Blue Bombers worth $250,000 per season, which made him the highest-paid American offensive lineman in the CFL. Jake Ceresna is set to earn $235,000 in hard money in 2026, making him one of the highest-paid defensive linemen.
American receiver Tim White inked a deal worth $222,000 in hard money for the upcoming season, while Canadian Tommy Nield put pen to paper for $175,000. Defensive back Jonathan Moxey signed on for $135,000 in hard money.
Clearly, Winnipeg put Collaros’ funds to use with an aim to take at least one more shot at a Grey Cup with him as QB1. The Blue Bombers upgraded at right tackle with Broxton, signed an all-star-calibre pass catcher, and a Canadian target with upside.
These moves should give No. 8’s offence a chance to improve. Winnipeg ranked seventh in offensive points scored last year with 416. Ottawa and Edmonton had fewer as both teams missed the playoffs. If the Bombers want to get back on top in the West Division, more points need to be scored.
“Zach’s a stud, that guy is amazing,” head coach Mike O’Shea said. “He’s a terrific leader. Zach can win us a championship. Zach can be a part of a team that wins a championship.”
There’s limited playing experience behind Collaros at the quarterback position in the Manitoba capital. Terry Wilson has not started a CFL game but he’s taken meaningful snaps in a Grey Cup. Walters stated he and assistant general manager Danny McManus have a list of quarterbacks with playing experience in case one is needed.
“We’re still waiting on Taylor Elgersma. I think they’re still trying to work through the work permit down there (in the UFL). I’m not sure how that’s all going to shake down, so still an unknown,” Walters said. “I’m going to see how all that shakes down with training camp numbers and quarterbacks.”
The Blue Bombers do not anticipate signing a veteran quarterback — such as McLeod Bethel-Thompson — prior to training camp, but that could change between now and Sunday, May 10.
