The last few days provided the Bombers with a few key signings; which began with defensive end James Vaughters signing a 1 year deal. Last year he played in all 18 games with Calgary and put up some decent stats; registering 32 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Bomber fans should like all of that as their team in 2024 did not get after the other team’s quarterback enough. In fact, they were last in the league in sacks. Some will argue it was because that was not how the Bombers game planned; but was that the case or was it dictated by personnel? Either way, what seems to becoming more clear is that in the 2025 season the Bombers will be looking to register more sacks.

In his 57 games with Calgary, Vaughters amassed 97 tackles, 21 sacks and three forced fumbles.

So how did Vaughters become available to the Bombers? As is often the case in the CFL, players get their walking papers shortly before their off-season bonus comes due; and that is exactly what Calgary did. But when opportunity came knocking, Vaughters happily opened the door.

And so, when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers came calling on the veteran defensive end following his release from the Calgary Stampeders earlier this month, well, it wasn’t too long before he made up his mind to trade in his red and white for blue and gold.

“This was a no brainer to me, to be honest,” said Vaughters when reached by bluebombers.com from his new home in Atlanta. “I mean, that’s a team that has been so successful — not only in the West but in the entire league — for the past five-six years or so.

“When you’re at the point of your career that I am you really want to be winning as much as possible and going into the most-consistent situation and Winnipeg has had a lot of consistency over the past few years.

“There’s quality players and a quality coaching staff, so this wasn’t a tough decision for me at all.” – source

Bomber fans will also be excited with the return of a great receiver Dalton Schoen! The Bombers put ink to paper on a one year deal with Schoen before he was set to become a free agent on February 11. Maybe it was easier to get a deal done with him as opposed to him trying free agency as he was injured all last year. Either way, this is a great signing and a player that the Bombers truly missed in 2024.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers promised to be more active in free agency this year. But even before that day hits the Bombers are making moves to try and both keep continuity while also get younger at key aging positions.

I know that Bomber fans want to see Lawler also get a deal done. However, with the Bombers still lacking an offensive coordinator you have to wonder if that will cause pause for some players. Or will the potential of playing in the Grey Cup in Winnipeg in 2025 supersede any uncertainty.

The fun part is that time will tell and we will get to find out together!

Maybe you agree. Maybe you disagree.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this!

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