Zach Collaros stepped back into Winnipeg this week after a frenetic CFL free-agency period, greeting fans at an autograph session and speaking to reporters for the first time since last season’s locker-room shakeup. He called the offseason “productive,” described his work learning Tommy Condell’s offense, and laid out a clear objective: get the Bombers back to the sustained competitiveness the franchise expects.
A focused offseason
Collaros framed the months since the season ended as a blend of accountability and preparation. He compared the rebuild to a patient’s recovery—small, evidence-based adjustments that add up over time—arguing that steady, measurable progress in practice and early camp will be the real indicators of improvement. The veteran also said he’s been more involved in building the offense, a role that’s re-energized his daily routine and preparation.
Free-agency shakeup: what it means
GM Kyle Walters was busy in free agency, prioritizing offensive upgrades to improve protection and add pass-catching options. The headline acquisitions on offense are tackle Jarell Broxton and receivers Tim White and Tommy Nield. Collaros called the arrivals energizing and said the locker room buzzed about the moves throughout the window. Coaches expect competition for snaps to intensify, which should sharpen everybody’s play.
Offensive line and receiving additions
The front office made protecting the quarterback a clear priority. Broxton is expected to anchor one side of the line while veteran Stanley Bryant holds down the other—a pairing meant to marry power and experience, reduce pressure on the QB, and open more running lanes.
At receiver, the club added a mix of proven production and upside. Tim White’s history of 1,000-yard seasons gives the offense a reliable intermediate and deep threat; Nield, a younger Canadian, brings athleticism and familiarity with the system. Collaros singled out White’s speed and durability and said an off-season throwing session with Nield left a strong impression—he expects both to integrate quickly into timing-based concepts and contested-catch situations.
Preparing for camp
The Bombers open training camp on May 10, a date Collaros and the staff view as the target for having the offense operate smoothly. The emphasis heading into camp is simple: be in peak condition, execute clearly, and let on-field performance drive depth-chart decisions. Early reps and measurable camp metrics will determine roles—rather than preseason assumptions.
Quarterback depth and roster construction
Walters described the offseason as an aggressive retool: immediate upgrades to compete now, balanced with signings that build depth. The team added experienced defenders like Jake Ceresna and Jonathan Moxey and brought back familiar faces such as Jovan Santos-Knox to raise competition across the roster.
At quarterback, Winnipeg has assembled a layered approach. Alongside Collaros, the club has veterans and developmental options—Terry Wilson, Chase Artopeous, Bryce Perkins, Payton Thorne—plus draft prospect Taylor Elgersma, who remains a possibility if NFL opportunities don’t materialize. The goal is clear: create internal competition so the backup group is ready if injuries or form issues arise. Medical evaluations will also play a role; several free agents returning from knee issues are under ongoing assessment and could affect special-teams and depth decisions.
Tough cuts and the message to the locker room
Some veterans were told they won’t return—linebacker Shayne Gauthier among them—part of the ongoing turnover as Winnipeg balances immediate needs with salary considerations. That’s part of the message from both the locker room and the front office: renewed ambition. The starter has embraced the new playbook, management pursued targeted signings across multiple positions, and coaches are banking on competition to restore consistency.
What to watch
– How quickly Broxton and Bryant mesh on the line, and whether that pairing reduces pressure on Collaros. – The integration of White and Nield into timing routes and contested-catch situations. – Quarterback reps in camp to see who emerges as the primary backup. – Medical clearances for players returning from injury, which could alter late additions. The plan now passes to training camp and early-season game reps—where the team will find out if those pieces can translate into the steady, winning football the Bombers expect. Collaros, motivated and involved in the offense, seems ready to lead that effort in what could be a pivotal contract year.