Bombers expected to release Stoddard

[TurfToe]

Blue expected to release Stoddard

WINNIPEG-- The continuing makeover of the Winnipeg Blue Bomber roster has cost Jamie Stoddard his job.

The Bombers are expected to announce the release of the 31-year-old receiver — the longest-serving member of the club after the retirement of Milt Stegall this offseason — later today.

Stoddard joined the Bombers in 2000 as an undrafted player after a solid career at the University of Alberta. Never the flashiest or fastest pass catcher, he nonetheless turned his reliable set of hands, team-first attitude and versatility into a nine-year CFL career that included two Grey-Cup appearances (2001 and 2007).

Stoddard, a native of Richmond, B.C., pulled in 191 passes for 2,808 yards and 11 TDs as a Bomber. His best season was ’01, when he finished with 34 receptions for 526 yards and four touchdowns.

The Bombers currently have three Canadian receivers on their roster — Arjei Franklin, Aaron Hargreaves and Brock Ralph — and could select another in Saturday’s Canadian Draft.

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

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[Diesel]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

Productive UofA slotback who carried on the linneage of stellar Golden Bear slotbacks like Poplawski, Fryer, Cyncar etc...

[TurfToe]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

wouldn't surprise me if he got an invite to the 'Cats or Argos.

[Uncle Bobby]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

I always liked him.

[writfiler]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

I've always liked him and wondered what he'd look like in Green and Gold.....but he's a bit too old now (and probably carries a big ticket) and we're in good shape at Canadian receiver.

[Jtuck09]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

Solid, solid NI player. I have always had a ton of respect for him and his game.

[Muley69]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

It's always sad when a veteran is released because they didn't want to retire on their own...

Then again, this could be a cap casualty

[gizmo fan 2]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

Productive UofA slotback who carried on the linneage of stellar Golden Bear slotbacks like Poplawski, Fryer, Cyncar etc...

I always liked him, too...but I can't see us giving him a look.

Like TT suggested, HAM/TOR might be the only places that might offer him a shot, though, IMO - not really many teams for him to go to at this point.

[Swivel Hips]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

I always put him and Dave Stala in the same category.

[Rids]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

It's always sad when a veteran is released because they didn't want to retire on their own...

Then again, this could be a cap casualty

He's only 31 and not much of an injury history I believe. Don't think it was a retire as a Bomber or get released situation. Just not Mike Kelly's guy and with coaching changes the edges around the core get changed out.

[Opus]

Re: Bombers expected to release Stoddard

I always liked him, too...but I can't see us giving him a look.

Like TT suggested, HAM/TOR might be the only places that might offer him a shot, though, IMO - not really many teams for him to go to at this point.

yup, I too am of like mind....never one of those flashy guys, but always a solid and dependable contributor. He's very much like Nowacki in that regard, but a couple years older....I just don't think there is room here for him.