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The Bombers need to fill the void left by Rose and Sayles on defence, there’s no doubt.

As well, run-killing defensive tackle Drake Nevis has been told by the team he will be allowed to go to free agency, leaving American Steve Richardson and Canadian Jake Thomas as potential starters.

The question now is who can they sign and for how much after inking Jefferson to a two-year deal worth $520,000 on Monday? The team already pays relatively big bucks to Collaros, offensive lineman Stanley Bryant, running back Andrew Harris and linebacker Adam Bighill.

One CFL executive said Monday: “Winnipeg will have to trade or make cuts but they did a great job to keep best guys.”

It’s believed the Bombers are interested in cornerbacks Ciante Evans (Montreal) and Josh Johnson (Edmonton). Other DBs who they might be able to fit in include Richard Leonard (Hamilton) and Anthony Orange (released by Edmonton).

They likely would have been in on receiver DaVaris Daniels (Edmonton) had they not signed Jefferson, but likely don’t have the cap room now. They’re certainly not going to be able to go after big-name, big-talent receivers Derel Walker and DeVier Posey.

But that should be OK. The Bombers played the Grey Cup game with Adams, Nic Demski, Drew Wolitarsky, Kenny Lawler and Rasheed Bailey at receiver and all are expected back this season.

Another receiver the Bombers could look at, if they can figure out a way to afford him, is Naaman Roosevelt, who is expected to go free from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He had two 1,000-yard seasons with the Riders and had 946 yards on 77 receptions last season.