The Winnipeg Blue Bombers operate under the CFL’s $6.065 million salary cap for 2025. Quarterback Zach Collaros earns $600,000 as the league’s third-highest paid player after leading the franchise to five consecutive Grey Cup finals.
Winnipeg signed running back Brady Oliveira to $240,000 deal making him the CFL’s highest-paid running back and 2023 Most Outstanding Canadian. Head coach Mike O’Shea signed three-year extension after compiling 107 regular season wins, seventh all-time among CFL coaches.
The dynasty-era Bombers generated $54.7 million total revenue in fiscal year 2024 with $7 million operating profit. They led the CFL in attendance for third consecutive season averaging over 31,000 fans.
Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid Winnipeg Blue Bombers Players
| Rank | Player | Position | Est. Salary (CAD) | Contract Type | Notes |
| 1 | Zach Collaros | Quarterback | $600,000 | Through 2026 | 2x MOP, 5 Grey Cup finals |
| 2 | Stanley Bryant | Offensive Line | $285,000 | Multi-year | 8x All-Star, $150K bonus |
| 3 | Brady Oliveira | Running Back | $240,000 | Through 2025 | CFL’s highest-paid RB |
| 4 | Drew Desjarlais | Offensive Line | $189,800 | Multi-year | $195K max, All-CFL 2024 |
| 5 | Willie Jefferson | Defensive Line | $158,000 | Multi-year | 4x All-Star anchor |
Zach Collaros’s $600,000 flat salary ranks third among CFL quarterbacks without performance bonuses. The 36-year-old Steubenville, Ohio native signed one-year extension through 2026 after posting 57-18 record as Winnipeg’s starter.
His three-year contract totaled $1.8 million through 2025 earning consistent $600,000 annually. He led the CFL with 4,336 passing yards in 2024 before extending another $600,000 for 2026.
Brady Oliveira’s $240,000 hard money includes $85,000 offseason roster bonus, $105,000 base salary, and $50,000 marketing money. The 27-year-old Winnipeg native rushed for 1,534 yards in 2023 earning Most Outstanding Canadian, second-most rushing yards by Canadian in CFL history.
Stanley Bryant’s $285,000 compensation makes him the CFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman with $150,000 signing bonus. The eight-time All-Star anchor provides elite protection creating Winnipeg’s championship foundation.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Coaching Staff & Management
Mike O’Shea serves as head coach earning estimated $350,000-425,000 CAD annually after signing three-year extension through 2027 season.
The 54-year-old North Bay native compiled 107 regular season wins ranking seventh all-time among CFL coaches.
O’Shea surpassed Winnipeg legend Bud Grant’s 102 victories as franchise record holder. His 57-18 playoff record includes five consecutive Grey Cup finals with championships in 2019 and 2021.
General manager Kyle Walters commands estimated $275,000-350,000 annually under separate contract through 2026. The 50-year-old Winnipeg native built dynasty-era roster through strategic Canadian talent development and veteran American acquisitions.
Assistant coach salaries range $85,000-130,000 CAD annually. Offensive coordinator Buck Pierce and defensive coordinator Jordan Younger earn upper range around $125,000. Total coaching staff budget estimated at $1.6-1.9 million represents CFL’s upper tier.
How CFL Salaries Work at Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The CFL’s $6.065 million hard salary cap increased $412,365 from 2024. Winnipeg allocates 9.9% to Zach Collaros’s quarterback position at $600,000—slightly above league average.
Winnipeg’s Dynasty Core Investment:
- Zach Collaros (QB): $600,000 – Two-time MOP leadership
- Stanley Bryant (OL): $285,000 – Eight-time All-Star anchor
- Brady Oliveira (RB): $240,000 – Highest-paid Canadian RB
- Drew Desjarlais (OL): $189,800 – All-CFL protection
- Willie Jefferson (DL): $158,000 – Defensive game-changer
Winnipeg’s balanced philosophy spreads 42-45% of salary cap across offensive starters emphasizing run game and elite protection. Defensive spending reaches 40-43% with remaining 12-15% on special teams depth.
The Bombers employ 20-24 players earning $85,000-155,000 creating roster depth sustaining five-year championship window. This contrasts Toronto’s 25-30 minimum-salary approach sacrificing depth for stars.
Zach Collaros Contract Breakdown
Zach Collaros signed one-year extension through 2026 maintaining $600,000 annual salary. His contract structure includes base salary around $375,000, undisclosed signing bonus, $15,000 marketing money, and $14,700 housing allowance.
Unlike Chad Kelly’s incentive-free Toronto deal, Collaros maintains standard CFL bonus structure. Specific amounts remain private per Winnipeg policy.
His 2024 season produced career-high 4,336 passing yards ranking second league-wide with 70.1% completion rate. He threw 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions leading Winnipeg to another Grey Cup final.
Collaros’s dual-threat rushing added 243 career yards plus 10 touchdowns across 158 CFL games. His 32,935 career passing yards rank 17th all-time with 199 touchdowns nearing 200-TD milestone.
Financial Reality for Winnipeg Blue Bombers Players
Average Winnipeg Blue Bombers salary approximates $115,000-125,000 CAD, above league average. Only 7-9 players earn above $180,000, with the dynasty approach rewarding proven veterans.
Most offensive linemen earn $120,000-195,000 while receivers average $95,000-164,000 creating competitive depth. Winnipeg benefits from affordable cost of living with average rent around $1,450 monthly consuming just 16-19% of rookie salaries.
Off-season employment remains necessary for 60-70% of roster earning under $130,000. Common positions include personal training, construction, sales, and coaching high school football.
Princess Auto Stadium’s 32,343 capacity generated franchise-record $15.9 million ticket sales in 2024. Five sellouts with 31,000+ average attendance demonstrate passionate fanbase support.
Total revenue of $54.7 million with $7 million operating profit supports competitive spending while investing $7.6 million in capital improvements.
FAQs
How much does Zach Collaros make?
Zach Collaros earns $600,000 annually through 2026 after signing one-year extension. His three-year contract totaled $1.8 million through 2025, extended another $600,000 for 2026 after career-high 4,336 passing yards.
What is Brady Oliveira’s salary?
Brady Oliveira earns $240,000 for 2025 including $85,000 offseason roster bonus, $105,000 base salary, and $50,000 marketing money. He’s the CFL’s highest-paid running back after 2023 Most Outstanding Canadian award following 1,534 rushing yards.
How successful is Mike O’Shea as Winnipeg coach?
Mike O’Shea compiled 107 regular season wins ranking seventh all-time among CFL coaches. His 57-18 playoff record includes five consecutive Grey Cup finals with championships in 2019 and 2021, surpassing Winnipeg legend Bud Grant’s franchise record.
Can Winnipeg Blue Bombers players afford living year-round?
Top 7-9 earners like Zach Collaros ($600K) and Brady Oliveira ($240K) live comfortably year-round. Most players earning $85,000-130,000 require off-season jobs, though Winnipeg’s affordable rent ($1,450 monthly) stretches salaries better than Toronto or Vancouver.
