While it might not have been how the Bombers thought this would play out, they are certainly happy to have signed QB Taylor Elgersma.

It is no surprise that the Bombers were lacking at depth in the quarterback position. I late March I wrote, “Streveler Retires? MBT on Bombers’ Radar; Bombers Still Lack #2 Quarterback“

In that article I pointed out the following,

“And in more recent weeks I wrote about how the Bombers’ backup quarterback situation (or lack thereof) is still a major issue. “The Bombers were hoping that after the NFL window closed on Canadian QB Taylor Elgersma, that he would come to Winnipeg…but not so fast! On January 13th, Elgersma was selected by Birmingham Stallions in 2026 UFL Quarterback Draft. Canada’s Taylor Elgersma drafted by Birmingham in UFL Draft It appears that he has not given up on the NFL dream, and one can hardly blame him.”

Let us not forget that in 2025 the Bombers had Patterson, and Dolegala, but released both of them before the 2025 season began. That did not work out so well, as Wilson must have been so bad that the Bombers did not want to put him in a quarterback. Do not forget, that was even after the Bombers thought so little of Streveler’s throwing ability that they came up with a game plan where he was not supposed to throw the ball!”

Then I highlighted who the Bombers currently had as quarterbacks.

And then here, I showed all the quarterbacks that the Bombers could have gone after. And finally, I quoted what Kyle Waters had to say about the Elgersma situation, “Walters was asked about bringing in a veteran with CFL experience — McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s name did come up in the question — but said they have a list if need be, while also waiting on Taylor Elgersma, the 2025 second-round draft pick who is currently with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.

“I talked to Fred (Weinrauch, Elgersma’s Canadian agent) last night and I think they’re still trying to work through the work permit thing down there and I’m not sure how that’s all going to shake down. Still kind of an unknown.

“… Each time we talk about it there’s a lot of uncertainty, and I still think there’s uncertainty but the clock is ticking, you’re right. Each one of these conversations, it seems it’s getting less and less likely. But as I said, we’ve still got a few weeks to sort it out.”

What Happened
It looked less and less likely that the Bombers were going to get Elgersma…until they signed him. So what happened?

It all depends on who you ask, but if you ask me it was a culmination of issues. First, Elgersma was trying his hand at the NFL…and quite frankly I do not blame him. “Elgersma was the 2024 Hec Crighton Trophy winner as Canadian university football’s top player after passing for 4,252 yards with 35 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for the Golden Hawks. He was invited to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., the annual U.S. college showcase event, becoming the first quarterback from a Canadian university to receive an invitation.

Elgersma eventually signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent. He completed 16-of-23 passes for 166 yards and a TD in three exhibition games with the Packers before being released.

Elgersma later had NFL looks from the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins before joining the Stallions.” (Source)

Here is how Elgersma explains it:

Although he signed with the United Football League’s Birmingham Stallions he was never able to get the work visa. So, with the NFL window closing, and the work visa issues arising, it made sense for Elgersma (as he says) to ‘come home.’

Unequivocally, this is a big boost for the Bomber’s quarterback room. We still do not know how his university career is going to transfer into the CFL. And by the way, incase you are wondering where the Golden Hawks (where he played university football) are from (as none of the major sports outlets actually mentioned that)…it is the Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks out of Waterloo, Ontario.

I have long criticized the Bombers for not having a legitimate back up/succession plan at the quarterback potion. To be clear, a CFL team’s back up quarterback is not necessarily the same thing. So in the case of the Bombers, they lacked both. And while I am sure the Elgersma signing did not occur the way that the Bombers had planned…it worked.

Now all Bomber fans are hoping that with a change in the offensive coordinator for the 2026 season, and a more threatening quarterback locker room, that the Bombers will be far more competitive in 2026. But wait, in part that depends on if the Bombers can protect their quarterbacks, something that had problem doing in 2025…an issue that I am not fully convinced that they have addressed.

But if all of that happens, and Taylor plays only half of a season, I sure hope that he automatically gets the MOP and Most Outstanding Canadian, just like Rourke did in 2025. (In case you missed it, I am being entirely sarcastic, as I cannot believe that someone who plays half a season should win any most outstanding award.)

What do you think? Let me know in the comments section wherever you are reading this. Catch all my articles here.