Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Holm arrives alongside Schmekel and Cadwalleder

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Lock Down Key Players Ahead of 2026 Season

A few weeks into the new year, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are continuing to re-sign players they believe will be central to their success in 2026.

After a somewhat unusual 2024 off-season, in which the team let many players walk, the Bombers are taking a different approach this year: stability over turnover. Keeping key contributors appears to be the priority.

Evan Holm

Holm, who first joined the Bombers in 2022, has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him in Winnipeg through at least 2027. While Holm had a workout with the Pittsburgh Steelers in December 2025, the Bombers clearly valued his on-field impact.

Holm has been a difference-maker in big moments, including a standout play in the 2024 Western Final that helped send the Bombers to their fifth straight Grey Cup. His efforts in 2025 earned him a CFL All-Star selection and the Bombers’ Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award.

The contract reflects his value: reportedly $180,000 in 2026 and $185,000 in 2027, putting him ahead of many top American defensive backs in the league, including teammate Deatrick Nichols.

Tanner Schmekel

While still somewhat of an unknown, Schmekel impressed before an injury cut short his 2025 season. Drafted in the fourth round (35th overall) in 2023, he wasn’t a top pick, but the Bombers clearly see potential.

Schmekel is expected to take a bigger role in 2026, as the team hopes to see the full extent of his abilities. Fun fact: the Bombers seem to have a thing for players named “Tanner,” as their next re-signing also fits that category.

Tanner Cadwalleder

Cadwalleder, another “Tanner,” also signed a two-year deal. Selected in the 7th round, 64th overall in the 2020 CFL Draft, he has proven that draft position isn’t everything.

Since his rookie season, Cadwalleder has not missed a game. From 2022-2025, he consistently ranked second or third in special teams tackles for the Bombers and is now just four tackles away from the team’s all-time top 10. His reliability and production make him a key piece in Winnipeg’s special teams.

A New Approach for 2026

The Bombers’ strategy for 2026 clearly differs from 2025. Rather than overhauling the roster, the focus is on retaining proven contributors and building stability. While it remains to be seen if this approach will improve results, repeating last year’s strategy would likely have fallen short.