Big day for the Blue Bombers – Winnipeg Free Press

It was a day that left the Winnipeg Blue Bombers faithful in awe and disbelief as the CFL club prevented their hometown star and top receiver from leaving for greener pastures.

While the signings of running back Brady Oliveira and dynamic pass catcher Dalton Schoen within hours of each other have sent waves of excitement among the team's fans, no one is more excited about the moves than Zach Collaros. The Bombers' No. 1 point guard and offensive leader were hoping to land their two biggest weapons this year, but with each player guaranteed significant pay raises in 2023 after stellar seasons, both seemed unlikely to sign.

Then it was Tuesday.

“Both of those guys are integral to the locker room,” Collaros told the Free Press. “Brady is one of the best, if not the best the The best running back in the league and the fact that he has a Canadian passport makes him even more valuable. As for Dalton, there are only so many good things I can say about him. I'm sure he'll love it too, and I'm sure he'll be back.”

The Bombers opened the day by signing Oliveira, 26, on a two-year deal, making him the highest-paid player in the league. While Oliveira is seeking $250,000 a year from the Bombers — while talking to other teams about even higher numbers during this week's waiver window — the Winnipeg product landed a slightly lower $230,000 in 2024 and $240,000 in 2025.

“Both of those guys are integral to the locker room.”– Zach Collaros

That's a significant increase from the $130,000 he earned in 2023. Oliveira will speak to reporters at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, and Schoen will speak Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

Hours later, Schoen penned a one-year deal that would pay him $230,000. Schoen, who led the CFL in receiving yards and touchdowns as a rookie in 2022 and led the league in scoring again last year, is expected to make $300,000 — a premium for top receivers.

Even though Oliveira and Schoen received less money, that doesn't mean they had an easy time negotiating. Collaros said he's been watching things for the past few weeks, and when there were no positive developments in recent days, he began to fear the worst.

“Honestly, I didn't feel that good about it. I heard last night that it might happen, and then this morning it got closer and closer, so I was on pins and needles all morning,” Collaros said. “I'm surprised it's worked out so far, but when you've had the kind of success we've had and you've got players playing really well and they're all coming into contract years, you think things are going to go well. it's hard to get them all back.'

Last season, Oliveira had one of the most impressive campaigns for a Canadian player in league history, combining for more than 2,000 yards, including a league-high 1,534 rushing yards in the CFL's most prolific offense. He led the league with 13 touchdowns, his second game as a starter.

“I was on pins and needles this morning”– Zach Collaros

The request for a pay raise didn't come as a surprise to the Bombers, especially after Oliveira had such a strong year, including winning the league's Most Outstanding Canadian Award and being nominated for West Division Most Outstanding Player. These accolades warranted a substantial pay rise, and for a week it looked as if that would not happen in Winnipeg.

Talks over a new contract with Oliveira have been ongoing for some time, but in recent days talks have picked up steam on Monday night, just days before free agency officially opens on February 13. When the bombers worked closely. Oliveira has been actively talking to the club despite being on a dog rescue mission in Bali, Indonesia with his agent.

Oliveira has received a lot of attention from throughout the CFL. According to league sources, several teams have expressed interest, with BC, Toronto, Calgary and Saskatchewan all linked to the bruiser. While nothing has been officially signed, sources said preliminary talks have reached $270,000 per season.

A similar situation with Oliveira happened with Schoen, who also received interest from all over the league. Ottawa, Hamilton and Montreal were among the clubs that showed a lot of interest. However, throughout the process, Schoen said Winnipeg was his ideal destination.

“Familiarity is a big thing. Continuity and being around people you like is important to a lot of people,” Collaros said when asked why he thinks his teammates are willing to pay less to live in Winnipeg. “When it comes to dollars and cents, you have to weigh it against the circumstances that you feel good about, and I'm sure Brady and Dalton had a lot to do with the decision.”

Players must talk to opposing teams between last Sunday and Feb. 11, officially known as the CFL's free-agency negotiating window, when they have the opportunity to sign a contract, then the 11th before the market opens. CT next Tuesday.

The Bombers lost an important part of the process, Jermarcus Hardrick signed a two-year deal with the Riders, which will make him the highest paid American offensive lineman in the league – $ 230,000 per season. Cornerback Demerio Houston, who led the CFL in interceptions last year with seven, also signed a two-year deal with the Calgary Stampeders.

Winnipeg has been busy, signing linebacker Chris Streveler, left tackle Stanley Bryant, defensive end Jake Thomas, linebackers Nick and Noah Hallett, center Chris Kolankowski, center Johnny Augustin, receiver Drew Wolitarsky and linebacker Brian Cole.

[email protected]

X: @jeffkhamilton

Jeff Hamilton
Multimedia producer

After several injuries playing hockey that included broken wrists, hands and jaws; medial collateral ligament tears in both knees; and with a collapsed lung, Jeff felt his interest in sports was better off the ice and in the classroom.

Read full bio