2025-2026 Offseason thread

[Sectionq]

where did you hear this? Would be interested to hear what he said.

Gregor had Hervey on his show on Jan 29th.

[Looner]

Gregor had Hervey on his show on Jan 29th.

thanks I'll give it a listen

[Sectionq]

I like that Hervey so far is making his signings very targeted.

I thought the receiving core has a bunch of guys who are all good but as the season went on, it clearly lacked a go to guy. A guy who when you needed a big catch, he could do it. Mack was able to do that for the Als, he's got history with Fajardo which is a plus and the price point didn't sound over the top like a Lawler or Lewis.

The Dline was supposed to be a strength last season to start the year. It struggled at the start but slowly got a little better as the season went on but was mostly due to vets going down and young guys stepping up. I felt they could still use more pass rush and Carney seems like a guy who should help with that.

I thought the Oline would be better than it was to start the season because I felt it end the 24 season playing decent, they brought back most of it and added in Beard. I didn't think the Oline was good last year. I thought Ivey and Boyko took a step back. Beard and Korte were solid but the other guard position also struggled. I think bringing in O'Donnell late in the season helped some but there was still parts of it that under performed. So I like that this was a target for Hervey.

Back up QB. Remains to be seen if Powell is the guy. On paper, I think he fits more into what the Elks want in a QB and looks more like a what you'd expect a QB to look like. Ford IMO was a pure athlete that can throw a bit. To me he looked like a guy who you give him a play and he can execute that play usually but if that play isn't open right off the snap, it's free style time. While it's exciting to fans to see a guy running all over the field, making guys miss, rattling off unscripted spectacular runs or having him spinning donuts in the backfield to avoid tackles then chucking the ball up hoping your receiver comes down with it, I could see that being very hard to play with as a player and a coach. As an Oline, how do you know where to block or what to do when you QB is running all over the place almost every play. IT would be mass chaos for the Oline. As a receiver, you are given a pattern, you run the pattern and expect to see the ball at a certain time and place. It doesn't come, you look back and see your QB running back and forth. Now it's chaos time and guys are just running all over the place. As an OC, how do you make a game plan or know what play to call when your QB aborts almost every play as soon as the ball hits his hands from the center. I can see how that would be frustrating for teammates and coaches. So hopefully Powel is more of a predictable QB that you can build a sustainable offense around.

These guys of course need to actually perform to be a win but so far, the GM seems to be going after positions of need. I also don't see any of the players they either didn't bring back, released or traded as losses.

[Looner]

I like that Hervey so far is making his signings very targeted.

I thought the receiving core has a bunch of guys who are all good but as the season went on, it clearly lacked a go to guy. A guy who when you needed a big catch, he could do it. Mack was able to do that for the Als, he's got history with Fajardo which is a plus and the price point didn't sound over the top like a Lawler or Lewis.

The Dline was supposed to be a strength last season to start the year. It struggled at the start but slowly got a little better as the season went on but was mostly due to vets going down and young guys stepping up. I felt they could still use more pass rush and Carney seems like a guy who should help with that.

I thought the Oline would be better than it was to start the season because I felt it end the 24 season playing decent, they brought back most of it and added in Beard. I didn't think the Oline was good last year. I thought Ivey and Boyko took a step back. Beard and Korte were solid but the other guard position also struggled. I think bringing in O'Donnell late in the season helped some but there was still parts of it that under performed. So I like that this was a target for Hervey.

Back up QB. Remains to be seen if Powell is the guy. On paper, I think he fits more into what the Elks want in a QB and looks more like a what you'd expect a QB to look like. Ford IMO was a pure athlete that can throw a bit. To me he looked like a guy who you give him a play and he can execute that play usually but if that play isn't open right off the snap, it's free style time. While it's exciting to fans to see a guy running all over the field, making guys miss, rattling off unscripted spectacular runs or having him spinning donuts in the backfield to avoid tackles then chucking the ball up hoping your receiver comes down with it, I could see that being very hard to play with as a player and a coach. As an Oline, how do you know where to block or what to do when you QB is running all over the place almost every play. IT would be mass chaos for the Oline. As a receiver, you are given a pattern, you run the pattern and expect to see the ball at a certain time and place. It doesn't come, you look back and see your QB running back and forth. Now it's chaos time and guys are just running all over the place. As an OC, how do you make a game plan or know what play to call when your QB aborts almost every play as soon as the ball hits his hands from the center. I can see how that would be frustrating for teammates and coaches. So hopefully Powel is more of a predictable QB that you can build a sustainable offense around.

These guys of course need to actually perform to be a win but so far, the GM seems to be going after positions of need. I also don't see any of the players they either didn't bring back, released or traded as losses.

I think the biggest question mark on our Oline isn't talent but how they work together. Can O'Donnell play tackle or is he better suited as a guard? As usual I'm optimistic but only time will tell.

[BeaverSports]

I agree, Q. It looks like Hervey and the management team were able to pinpoint areas of need and secure deals efficiently yesterday (and in the case of Mack, before the window opened). I like that they brought in players that Hervey and Zimmerman had familiarity with, and expect that should translate. It also occurs to me that a guy like Beard (who was a big part of Hamilton's line) may have been someone they could lean on to attract all of those former Tiger-Cats who might not have experience with the coaching staff.

What I'm really starting to like is depth at each position. There are four DEs that can play now, for example. If they can mix the veteran signings with some new talent coming through the pipeline it should bode really well. Adding Mack and Robustelli to Julien-Grant and the young guys that many on here have touted highly (Hiliare, Mathis, Victor) is looking like a nice start too.

The assessment of the O-line here seems close to what I saw. Our tackles weren't as strong as in previous years. O'Donnell certainly solidified the interior when he came, but I understand he's better on the outside. Woodmansey allows him to move. I'm still not sold on whether Korte is a guard and not a centre, but if the line around him is improved, he should be able to play. To get both Bordner and Murray ensures some healthy competition and depth at tackle too. If a guy like MacKellar stays, it should be in an appropriate role. I'd expect another young draft or two here too.

From what I've seen of Powell, he just makes reads quicker and can make the play from the pocket or scramble. He might not be the guy, but he's in a position where they're not asking him to be just yet. He, Snyder, and Zebrowski - all in uniform and not on some neg list - are a great foundation for now and beyond Fajardo's years.

With all that done, I wonder if we see any Day 2+ signings that might reflect guys Kilam has familiarity with to replace some of the departures of national special teams guys like Brodrique, Schakel, and others, or defensive depth Sherritt may have coached.

Also, I wonder when we'll see the 2026 coaching staff. As usual, Edmonton is among the latest to announce. Maybe there's some additional former-Hamilton influence on that offensive line group.

[adb]

I agree, Q. It looks like Hervey and the management team were able to pinpoint areas of need and secure deals efficiently yesterday (and in the case of Mack, before the window opened). I like that they brought in players that Hervey and Zimmerman had familiarity with, and expect that should translate. It also occurs to me that a guy like Beard (who was a big part of Hamilton's line) may have been someone they could lean on to attract all of those former Tiger-Cats who might not have experience with the coaching staff.

What I'm really starting to like is depth at each position. There are four DEs that can play now, for example. If they can mix the veteran signings with some new talent coming through the pipeline it should bode really well. Adding Mack and Robustelli to Julien-Grant and the young guys that many on here have touted highly (Hiliare, Mathis, Victor) is looking like a nice start too.

The assessment of the O-line here seems close to what I saw. Our tackles weren't as strong as in previous years. O'Donnell certainly solidified the interior when he came, but I understand he's better on the outside. Woodmansey allows him to move. I'm still not sold on whether Korte is a guard and not a centre, but if the line around him is improved, he should be able to play. To get both Bordner and Murray ensures some healthy competition and depth at tackle too. If a guy like MacKellar stays, it should be in an appropriate role. I'd expect another young draft or two here too.

From what I've seen of Powell, he just makes reads quicker and can make the play from the pocket or scramble. He might not be the guy, but he's in a position where they're not asking him to be just yet. He, Snyder, and Zebrowski - all in uniform and not on some neg list - are a great foundation for now and beyond Fajardo's years.

With all that done, I wonder if we see any Day 2+ signings that might reflect guys Kilam has familiarity with to replace some of the departures of national special teams guys like Brodrique, Schakel, and others, or defensive depth Sherritt may have coached.

Also, I wonder when we'll see the 2026 coaching staff. As usual, Edmonton is among the latest to announce. Maybe there's some additional former-Hamilton influence on that offensive line group.

Am hoping we can still re sign Kobe Williams. Looks like he hasn't signed anywhere yet.

[bombervu]

I like that Hervey so far is making his signings very targeted.

I thought the receiving core has a bunch of guys who are all good but as the season went on, it clearly lacked a go to guy. A guy who when you needed a big catch, he could do it. Mack was able to do that for the Als, he's got history with Fajardo which is a plus and the price point didn't sound over the top like a Lawler or Lewis.

The Dline was supposed to be a strength last season to start the year. It struggled at the start but slowly got a little better as the season went on but was mostly due to vets going down and young guys stepping up. I felt they could still use more pass rush and Carney seems like a guy who should help with that.

I thought the Oline would be better than it was to start the season because I felt it end the 24 season playing decent, they brought back most of it and added in Beard. I didn't think the Oline was good last year. I thought Ivey and Boyko took a step back. Beard and Korte were solid but the other guard position also struggled. I think bringing in O'Donnell late in the season helped some but there was still parts of it that under performed. So I like that this was a target for Hervey.

Back up QB. Remains to be seen if Powell is the guy. On paper, I think he fits more into what the Elks want in a QB and looks more like a what you'd expect a QB to look like. Ford IMO was a pure athlete that can throw a bit. To me he looked like a guy who you give him a play and he can execute that play usually but if that play isn't open right off the snap, it's free style time. While it's exciting to fans to see a guy running all over the field, making guys miss, rattling off unscripted spectacular runs or having him spinning donuts in the backfield to avoid tackles then chucking the ball up hoping your receiver comes down with it, I could see that being very hard to play with as a player and a coach. As an Oline, how do you know where to block or what to do when you QB is running all over the place almost every play. IT would be mass chaos for the Oline. As a receiver, you are given a pattern, you run the pattern and expect to see the ball at a certain time and place. It doesn't come, you look back and see your QB running back and forth. Now it's chaos time and guys are just running all over the place. As an OC, how do you make a game plan or know what play to call when your QB aborts almost every play as soon as the ball hits his hands from the center. I can see how that would be frustrating for teammates and coaches. So hopefully Powel is more of a predictable QB that you can build a sustainable offense around.

These guys of course need to actually perform to be a win but so far, the GM seems to be going after positions of need. I also don't see any of the players they either didn't bring back, released or traded as losses.

Steven Dunbar played well prior to his injury. Not sure of his current status but think he might be an underrated signing as he was last year for the Elks imo.

[cmbuk]

Steven Dunbar played well prior to his injury. Not sure of his current status but think he might be an underrated signing as he was last year for the Elks imo.

It didn’t sound like Dunbar was coming back on the last interview Ed did with Gregor

we have a mixed bag at wr… I like our Canadian side but it’s stacked high on potential the import side

however Hervey has proved time an time again that he can get WRs
whether it be fresh from the states.. or a vet who just needs a shot like he did with Vidal

[Looner]

It didn’t sound like Dunbar was coming back on the last interview Ed did with Gregor

we have a mixed bag at wr… I like our Canadian side but it’s stacked high on potential the import side

however Hervey has proved time an time again that he can get WRs
whether it be fresh from the states.. or a vet who just needs a shot like he did with Vidal

With Mack and Robustelli I would suggest we have the vets to shield the up and comers. I'm expecting a breakout year for Hillaire

[cmbuk]

With Mack and Robustelli I would suggest we have the vets to shield the up and comers. I'm expecting a breakout year for Hillaire

We have also signed a few interesting pieces heading into camp…
lots of wingspan and length and others with shift and speed

as an o coach my eyes are there first coming into camp ..

[adb]

Am hoping we can still re sign Kobe Williams. Looks like he hasn't signed anywhere yet.

Great to see Williams back. Was hoping for Bridges out of the Hammer but we got Brendan O'Leary-Orange a big bodied national instead so not a bad pick up. Also Tanner Green hung them up after seven seasons so congrats on a great career all with the Green and Gold. Pretty good for a 4th round pick.

Kobe Williams signs extension with Edmonton Elks - 3DownNation

Edmonton Elks agree to terms with Brendan O'Leary-Orange - 3DownNation

Tanner Green retires after seven seasons with Edmonton Elks - 3DownNation

[Hammer24]

With Mack and Robustelli I would suggest we have the vets to shield the up and comers. I'm expecting a breakout year for Hillaire

Doesn't Robustelli fit in the up and comer category? He played 1 game as a rookie in 2024 and 12 games last year after starting the year on the PR.

[Looner]

Doesn't Robustelli fit in the up and comer category? He played 1 game as a rookie in 2024 and 12 games last year after starting the year on the PR.

You are right as usual, not sure why I had it in my head that he had more experience then that.

[Maas_12]

Tre Ford post release and signing, interview https://3downnation.com/3downpod/

according to him there were zero talks on restructuring etc

[Hammer24]

You are right as usual, not sure why I had it in my head that he had more experience then that.

It does seem like he's been around longer.