Winnipeg Blue Bombers cut veteran defender Alijah McGhee, seven others

Photo: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released American defensive back Alijah McGhee, who signed with the team in November.

The six-foot-one, 195-pound native of Warner Robins, Ga. played six regular-season games with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2025, recording 22 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, one interception, and one touchdown. He made four starts at field-side cornerback and one start at boundary cornerback.

The 26-year-old has played 19 regular-season games since joining the Redblacks in 2023, making 72 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one touchdown. He was released by Ottawa in August.

The Blue Bombers have also cut American receiver Jahmal Banks, American offensive linemen Joe More and Tariq Stewart, American defensive lineman Eric Black, American linebacker Aaron Smith, and American defensive backs Michael Dixon and Jordan Taylor.

All nine CFL teams were required to trim their rosters to 75 players (not including draft picks) by 11:59 p.m. local time on Tuesday, May 12.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened training camp on May 10. Winnipeg will play its first preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, May 23 and second preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Friday, May 29. Final roster cuts are due on Saturday, May 30, after which the team will play its first regular-season game against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, June 5.

Winnipeg recently selected Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding to the club’s pass rush. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Tim White, offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna.

In 2025, the Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes.