Veteran Release Day

[bluto]

It's February 1st which is the traditional day when veteran players receive a roster bonus...

...and consequently this is also the day that interesting players get made free agents by teams who are seeking to avoid paying these bonuses.

Saskatchewan starts us off this year by dropping 35 year old NI OT Alexandre Gauthier and 25 year old import WR Freddie Barnes.

could Gauthier getting chopped be paving the way for a big money contract to steal Brendan Labatte out of Manitoba to sweet home Saskatchewan? i doubt anyone here would bite on Gauthier but Barnes might be another story...

here's the link: http://www.riderville.com/article/ri...wo-from-roster

[bluto]

http://www.cfl.ca/article/cobourne-a...icats-released

HAMILTON -- The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced today that the team has released import running back Avon Cobourne, non-import defensive lineman Luc Mullinder and non-import offensive lineman Simeon Rottier.

Vice president of football operations Bob O'Billovich made the following statement concerning the release of Simeon Rottier, who was slated to become a free agent on February 16:

"Over the last few months, we've presented multiple contract offers to Simeon and his representatives, including our most recent offer that would have made him one of the league's highest paid linemen. After our latest offer was rejected, it was clear Simeon would not return to Hamilton in 2012. It's time for us to focus on the players that want to be here. The Ticats appreciate everything that Simeon gave to the team during his three years with us."

Regarding the release of Avon Cobourne, O'Billovich said:

"We spoke with Avon following the addition of Martell Mallett to our roster to determine what course of action he would prefer. After speaking with him again today, we are granting Avon's request to be released. We would like to thank Avon for his outstanding contributions to our team last season and wish him all the best in the future."

Regarding Luc Mullinder's release, O'Billovich commented:

"When we signed Luc last August, we agreed that we would grant his release if we weren't willing to sign him to a new deal early in the new year. We thank Luc for his hard work last season and wish him continued success."

So Hamilton projects to have Mallett as their featured back after cutting veteran Cobourne. Rottier looks destined for his home province as the Eskimos look to sign the NI O-Lineman. Luc Mullinder is an NI linebacker that may get some interest as well.
All 3 will likely be in the league this season... or so i would think...

[R.J]

Jarious Jackson was also cut today (wonder how many Argo fans still want him here ?), from the reports I've read Paris Jackson could be sticking around in BC, with a smaller deal on the way. Winnipeg has just signed Elliot (only a 1 year deal though). Carr seems close to signing a new long term deal, Bucks new deal is close and Brink wants to stay in the Peg. Labatte could be on his way to Riderville or Edmonton. This years off season for most teams has been great with all the moves, can not remember the last time the league had this much talk and turnover in one off season.

[R.J]

Esks have just signed K-P Eric Wilbur, previously with the TiCats in 2010

[Area 51]

Mullinder's a DT, not a LB. Played for three different teams last year and I don't think he's a starter that can play every down, but if the Argos can sign Donny O from Winnipeg to play DT it would make sense to also bring in Mullinder and split the time between the two NIs.

[ArgoGabe22]

Damon Duval also got the boot. Of course won't be Argos bound.