No real tears or anger from Bomberland in wake of Jesse Lumsden’s decision to sign with the Calgary Stampeders – that announcement likely to come on the weekend after Friday’s Stamps-Roughriders game.

He wasn’t going to start here any time soon and would likely have seen just spot duty out of the backfield or as a kickoff returner. So this didn’t seem to hurt as much as a big free-agent star they may have been chasing in the offseason. But the Stamps sure get a player that gives them some depth and makes them a better squad in pursuit of a championship.

Lots of love for the Lumsden signing out of Calgary, even if it isn’t official. And this gem from Stampeder slotback Nik Lewis in a shot at former teammate Jesse Newman (courtesy Al Cameron of The Calgary Herald):

"I thought about it, and the first thing that came to mind was, ‘I hate Jesse. But I love Lumsden.’

"I have a lot of respect for him, and he adds to our Canadian depth. And it’s not just having him on the field, but a positive guy in the locker-room. It’s a long season, and if something does happen, we have a guy that we can go to."

-Interesting signing in Hamilton with Stevie Baggs landing there as a free agent. He got big coin, just as Ricky Foley did in Toronto ($90,000 pro-rated this year with a $50,000 signing bonus and a $2,500 housing allowance and other bonuses; source Arash Madani, Sportsnet). That kind of money will definitely have an impact throughout the CFL. Consider, as well, how that might affect further negotiations between the Bombers and their ends Phillip Hunt and Odell Willis. Hunt signed an extension in June, but will likely garner NFL interest this winter.

As part of the Baggs’ signing in Hamilton the Ticats released defensive end Khari Long. It seems the Bombers aren’t interested, but I’d be tempted. He had just one sack this year, but 11 a year ago. He’s only 28 and in 20 CFL games has 12 sacks. He’d be decent insurance in case Hunt and/or Willis bolt.