RYAN SMITH HEADED TO WINNIPEG
WINNIPEG, MB., February 9, 2016 – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the signing of International receiver Ryan Smith to a two-year contract.
Smith (5-7, 175, North Dakota State, August 19, 1991 in Wahpeton, North Dakota) joins the Blue Bombers after spending his first two CFL seasons with Saskatchewan. The North Dakota State product led the Riders in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, finishing with 59 receptions for 991 yards and seven scores.
“Ryan Smith was ranked very high on all free agent lists heading into today,” said Blue Bombers General Manager Kyle Walters. “He brings dynamic playmaking ability to the offence, and is a hard-nosed receiver. Ryan is the type of player we want in this organization, and we’re thrilled he’s decided to make Winnipeg his home.”
Smith has played in 24 games over two season with Saskatchewan, starting in 22. In 2015, he recorded a catch of 40 yards or more in six of his 15 games, and caught at least one ball in every game he played.
2nd 1000 yd player that the Riders have lost with no proven players to replace them
Just stating a fact
How do the Bombers afford all these players?
3-15 team last season…another fact..
Not surprised. If you listened to his locker room exit interview last year and look between the lines it sounded like he would not be back. I expected Winnipeg to be his new team. I understand, but I still think releasing Dressler was a big mistake. Akin to cutting George Reed.
I originally thought when Dressler left that the Riders that the new management had, instead, decided to keep Ryan Smith… I am sadly mistaken.
Bombers are the big winners so far on this free agency day.
🙁
Kel in Vic
Ryan Smith leaves on his own accord.
Yes one has to wonder how close to the cap they're at. Big signings to say the least. This should make them instant contenders and nothing less than a Grey Cup appearance is on the table. The pressure is on. It's going to be very interesting to see how it all plays out in Winnipeg.
Very disappointed with the direction the Riders are going. Sure hope that things improve before the season starts. So far, it has not been too encouraging!
Walters is taking blowing his wad this year. He knows if he doesn't make some major moves he is done after this year. It is very reminiscent of Raman with Dressler and Chick. One has to wonder how he is affording all these players.
Riders left with one proven receiver – that would be Rob Bagg
no 100 yd receivers left for DD to throw the ball to
lining up to be a bad year for the riders I think
DD should be able to figure it out for himself which receivers to throw the ball to since he's the highest paided QB in the league, a child can do it on the school yard.
How can you say Grey Cup for the Bombers, yes they picked up some good players but it takes more then Dressler,Smith and Andrew Harris to win a Grey Cup. Have they improved, yes probably but lets play the season before handing them the cup. If we get Laurent all those Winnipeg signing wouldn't come close to our one signing
another fact
3-15 season not the offenses fault !!!!!
Love Dressler and love Smith but two of them were not able to give us a winning season last year because it takes much more than two great players. Let's watch a few games before we criticize our management for what they've done. Maybe, just maybe they aren't as dumb as people seem to think they are. Honestly, Dressler looked fairly ordinary last year and Smith has been hurt a few times. Maybe the decisions weren't even that hard for management to make. Hopefully bigger taller faster is going to pay off.
Laurent is going for more than chick.. he ain't commin here
Relax. Murphy and Jones habs lots of time and camps to fill in roster. Free agency us for suckers. Winnipeg took the low hanging fruit. Scouting American talent on the cheap and building through draft is the way to go
Wow! What's with all the negative nellies on here?!?! You don't build through free-agency; you acquire a couple of pieces here and there. The new CFL is taller receivers & taller DB's. We made some good moves to acquire depth and Chiles is a nice addition to the receiving corp! Murphy said before we weren't looking to win free-agency! Our new admin is looking beyond one years' time… they are building a team around a three year plan of players now, players for depth, and future players. They are not going to throw around a big pile of cash to… Read more »
Good receivers signed by Riders today
Love the direction the Riders are headed. If we do sign Chambers there will be two good young Canadian receivers (Demski) to go with Bagg. It would appear that Getzlaf may be headed to retirement. The American receiving core will be big and fast.
Dressler and Smith both did not get to 1000 yards last year. Fact.
Curtis
Dressler and Smith both did not get to 1000 yards last year. Fact.
Curtis
Good ridence Ryan Smith.