R.J
02-14-2012, 07:48 PM
Not the most informative, but not a bad article. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/time-to-restock-cfl-cupboards/article2338514/page2/
General managers in the CFL have carefully minded their words and played their cards close to the vest.
When the doors fling open on free agency at noon (EST) on Wednesday, many will decide how much they would pay to land this year’s top perceived catch: receiver Andy Fantuz.
The 2010 most outstanding Canadian appears set to test the free-agent waters as the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been so far unable to re-sign him. He’s a ratio-changer who could be a good fit for a number of teams.
More related to this story
Jason Barnes signs with Argonauts
When it comes to tax write-offs, the breaks go hockey’s way
B.C. Lions running back Jamall Lee retires
“Everybody’s interested to some degree,” Hamilton Tiger-Cats vice-president of football operations Bob O’Billovich said. “He’s a proven Canadian receiver in this league.”
Many GMs have said they don’t plan to be very active in free agency or that they won’t pay inflated prices. With new head coaches and starting quarterbacks in place around the league after off-season deals, many teams have changed their philosophies about the kind of player they will chase.
“[Fantuz] is a marquee name with a marquee price,” Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman said. “If we can’t sign him, there are other guys on the market to use that money on.”
For teams who need a good receiver but can’t/won’t shell out Fantuz-tier bucks, import Greg Carr may be a good fit if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers don’t re-secure him.
Another player likely to garner top attention will be non-import Brendon LaBatte, who was a CFL all-star at offensive guard for Winnipeg in 2011, but is versatile enough to play centre. There will likely be several experienced linemen available as many teams make some changes up front, so the price for offensive line help may be hefty.
East Division
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Last year: 8-10, third in East Division, lost in East final
Personnel losses: Traded QB Kevin Glenn and OL Mark Dewit to Calgary, released RB Avon Cobourne and OL Simeon Rottier, DL Justin Hickman and WR/KR Marcus Thigpen left for the NFL
Pending free agents: FB Agustin Barrenechea, WR Matt Carter, OL Jason Jimenez, DL Matt Kirk, LB Isaac Brown, DB Jason Shivers, K Justin Medlock
Needs: Bob O’Billovich is awaiting word on whether Medlock will go to the NFL or remain a Ticat. That decision may affect Hamilton’s import/non-import ratio, as would Sam Giguère’s, a 2008 draft pick who has been toiling on NFL practice rosters. The Tabbies may consider OL replacements and may take a stab at Fantuz, a solid pass-catcher for new QB Henry Burris.
Montreal Alouettes
Last year: 10-8, tied for first in East, lost in East semi-final
Personnel losses: Released DL Anwar Stewart, DL Eric Wilson, WR Danny Desriveaux and WR Tim Maypray, WR Kerry Watkins retired
Pending free agents: DL Jermaine McElveen, LB Walter Spencer, DB Mark Estelle, DB Paul Woldu
Needs: The Alouettes pushed to re-sign many of their own players, namely veteran OL Scott Flory, who they secured late Tuesday. With much turnover on the Als defensive line, the team may opt to kick the tires of the free agents who could help in that area.
Toronto Argonauts
Last year: 6-12, last in East, missed playoffs
Personnel losses: Traded QB Steven Jyles and PK Grant Shaw to Edmonton, released DBs Lin-J Shell and Wes Lysack
Pending free agents: DB Byron Parker, DB Willie Pile, OL Rob Murphy, OL Taylor Robertson, OL Dominic Picard, DL Alex Buzbee, DL Ben Ishola, LB Jason Pottinger, LB Kevin Eiben, QB Dalton Bell
Needs: Expect Toronto to eye offensive linemen. It may also need secondary help if Parker and Pile find better offers elsewhere. Many former key Argos may be moving on. Acquiring QB Ricky Ray was pricey, so the team is reworking finances and replenishing with players that suit the new coaches. Inking WR Jason Barnes on Tuesday likely means it won’t chase Fantuz.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Last year: 10-8, tied for first in East, lost in Grey Cup
Personnel losses: DL Doug Brown likely to retire
Pending free agents: WR Greg Carr, WR Aaron Hargreaves, OL Derek Armstrong, OL Brendon LaBatte, OL Glenn January, OL Andre Douglas, DL Don Oramasionwu, DE Phillip Hunt
Needs: Expect the Bombers to focus on re-signing their own free agents. If they can’t, offensive and defensive linemen are a need. “Historically, we are not that active in free agency, because you overpay a little,” Bombers GM Joe Mack said. “I’d rather put that money into the players we have here now. And we’ve been strong in finding American imports to come in and compete.”
West Division
B.C. Lions
Last season: 11-7; first in West Division, won Grey Cup
Personnel losses: LB Solomon Elimimian signed with the NFL, released QB Jarious Jackson and DB Tad Kornegay
Pending free agents: DL Aaron Hunt, DBs Ryan Phillips and Dante Marsh, OL Andrew Jones
Needs: Help in the secondary. Marsh underwent off-season shoulder surgery and Lions GM Wally Buono isn’t sure how he will respond. On Tuesday, B.C. signed former Toronto Argonauts DB Lin-J Shell, who was released last month. “We’re not a team built on free agency,” Buono said. “When we have gone after free agents, we want good players who are good people.”
Edmonton Eskimos
Last season: 11-7; second in West, lost in West final
Personnel losses: 2011 CFL most outstanding Canadian RB Jerome Messam joined the NFL, traded QB Ricky Ray to Toronto, released WRs Jason Barnes and Chris Bauman, OL Patrick Kabongo and K Damon Duval
Pending free agents: DL Greg Peach, LB Mark Restelli
Needs: Expect the Eskimos to make a pitch for free-agent SB Andy Fantuz, who played in Saskatchewan with Edmonton’s new QB, Steven Jyles. The Esks are also looking for help along the offensive line, where they’ve already signed Simeon Rottier (formerly of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats). Other blocking candidates include Brendon LaBatte and Dominic Picard. LaBatte has been an East Division all-star the last three years.
Calgary Stampeders
Last season: 11-7; third in West, lost in West semi-final
Personnel losses: traded QB Henry Burris, released RB Joffrey Reynolds, DL DeVone Claybrooks retired
Pending free agents: DB/LB Brandon Isaac, P Burke Dales, OL Tim O’Neill, WR Arjei Franklin
Needs: The Stampeders are trying to re-sign Isaac, whose versatility makes him a valuable defender. “From my knowledge, he’s still exploring his NFL options,” GM/head coach John Hufnagel said. Calgary traded for Mark Dewit to shore up its offensive line and signed Chris Bauman to replace Franklin. The Stamps have Ks Rob Maver and Rene Parades to replace Dales.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Last season: 3-15, last in West, missed playoffs
Personnel losses: LB Jerrell Freeman signed with NFL, released QB Ryan Dinwiddie, RB Wes Cates, OL Marc Parenteau, Alex Gauthier. (The Riders are unsure if OL Gene Makowsky will return for an 18th season.)
Pending free agents: SBs Andy Fantuz and Jason Clermont, WR Cary Koch, RBs Stuart Foord and Graeme Bell, DBs Leron Mitchell and Tristan Jackson.
Needs: The Riders have tried since last September to sign Fantuz to a new contract to no avail. Look for some of that cash to be dangled in front of 6-foot-6 WR Greg Carr. Saskatchewan could use some offensive line upgrades, too. “My philosophy is simple,” Riders GM Brendan Taman said. “If a free agent can help us win games, we’re interested. We’re coming off a 3-15 season. If we can get a guy who can help us win, of course we’re going to do it.”
General managers in the CFL have carefully minded their words and played their cards close to the vest.
When the doors fling open on free agency at noon (EST) on Wednesday, many will decide how much they would pay to land this year’s top perceived catch: receiver Andy Fantuz.
The 2010 most outstanding Canadian appears set to test the free-agent waters as the Saskatchewan Roughriders have been so far unable to re-sign him. He’s a ratio-changer who could be a good fit for a number of teams.
More related to this story
Jason Barnes signs with Argonauts
When it comes to tax write-offs, the breaks go hockey’s way
B.C. Lions running back Jamall Lee retires
“Everybody’s interested to some degree,” Hamilton Tiger-Cats vice-president of football operations Bob O’Billovich said. “He’s a proven Canadian receiver in this league.”
Many GMs have said they don’t plan to be very active in free agency or that they won’t pay inflated prices. With new head coaches and starting quarterbacks in place around the league after off-season deals, many teams have changed their philosophies about the kind of player they will chase.
“[Fantuz] is a marquee name with a marquee price,” Roughriders general manager Brendan Taman said. “If we can’t sign him, there are other guys on the market to use that money on.”
For teams who need a good receiver but can’t/won’t shell out Fantuz-tier bucks, import Greg Carr may be a good fit if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers don’t re-secure him.
Another player likely to garner top attention will be non-import Brendon LaBatte, who was a CFL all-star at offensive guard for Winnipeg in 2011, but is versatile enough to play centre. There will likely be several experienced linemen available as many teams make some changes up front, so the price for offensive line help may be hefty.
East Division
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Last year: 8-10, third in East Division, lost in East final
Personnel losses: Traded QB Kevin Glenn and OL Mark Dewit to Calgary, released RB Avon Cobourne and OL Simeon Rottier, DL Justin Hickman and WR/KR Marcus Thigpen left for the NFL
Pending free agents: FB Agustin Barrenechea, WR Matt Carter, OL Jason Jimenez, DL Matt Kirk, LB Isaac Brown, DB Jason Shivers, K Justin Medlock
Needs: Bob O’Billovich is awaiting word on whether Medlock will go to the NFL or remain a Ticat. That decision may affect Hamilton’s import/non-import ratio, as would Sam Giguère’s, a 2008 draft pick who has been toiling on NFL practice rosters. The Tabbies may consider OL replacements and may take a stab at Fantuz, a solid pass-catcher for new QB Henry Burris.
Montreal Alouettes
Last year: 10-8, tied for first in East, lost in East semi-final
Personnel losses: Released DL Anwar Stewart, DL Eric Wilson, WR Danny Desriveaux and WR Tim Maypray, WR Kerry Watkins retired
Pending free agents: DL Jermaine McElveen, LB Walter Spencer, DB Mark Estelle, DB Paul Woldu
Needs: The Alouettes pushed to re-sign many of their own players, namely veteran OL Scott Flory, who they secured late Tuesday. With much turnover on the Als defensive line, the team may opt to kick the tires of the free agents who could help in that area.
Toronto Argonauts
Last year: 6-12, last in East, missed playoffs
Personnel losses: Traded QB Steven Jyles and PK Grant Shaw to Edmonton, released DBs Lin-J Shell and Wes Lysack
Pending free agents: DB Byron Parker, DB Willie Pile, OL Rob Murphy, OL Taylor Robertson, OL Dominic Picard, DL Alex Buzbee, DL Ben Ishola, LB Jason Pottinger, LB Kevin Eiben, QB Dalton Bell
Needs: Expect Toronto to eye offensive linemen. It may also need secondary help if Parker and Pile find better offers elsewhere. Many former key Argos may be moving on. Acquiring QB Ricky Ray was pricey, so the team is reworking finances and replenishing with players that suit the new coaches. Inking WR Jason Barnes on Tuesday likely means it won’t chase Fantuz.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Last year: 10-8, tied for first in East, lost in Grey Cup
Personnel losses: DL Doug Brown likely to retire
Pending free agents: WR Greg Carr, WR Aaron Hargreaves, OL Derek Armstrong, OL Brendon LaBatte, OL Glenn January, OL Andre Douglas, DL Don Oramasionwu, DE Phillip Hunt
Needs: Expect the Bombers to focus on re-signing their own free agents. If they can’t, offensive and defensive linemen are a need. “Historically, we are not that active in free agency, because you overpay a little,” Bombers GM Joe Mack said. “I’d rather put that money into the players we have here now. And we’ve been strong in finding American imports to come in and compete.”
West Division
B.C. Lions
Last season: 11-7; first in West Division, won Grey Cup
Personnel losses: LB Solomon Elimimian signed with the NFL, released QB Jarious Jackson and DB Tad Kornegay
Pending free agents: DL Aaron Hunt, DBs Ryan Phillips and Dante Marsh, OL Andrew Jones
Needs: Help in the secondary. Marsh underwent off-season shoulder surgery and Lions GM Wally Buono isn’t sure how he will respond. On Tuesday, B.C. signed former Toronto Argonauts DB Lin-J Shell, who was released last month. “We’re not a team built on free agency,” Buono said. “When we have gone after free agents, we want good players who are good people.”
Edmonton Eskimos
Last season: 11-7; second in West, lost in West final
Personnel losses: 2011 CFL most outstanding Canadian RB Jerome Messam joined the NFL, traded QB Ricky Ray to Toronto, released WRs Jason Barnes and Chris Bauman, OL Patrick Kabongo and K Damon Duval
Pending free agents: DL Greg Peach, LB Mark Restelli
Needs: Expect the Eskimos to make a pitch for free-agent SB Andy Fantuz, who played in Saskatchewan with Edmonton’s new QB, Steven Jyles. The Esks are also looking for help along the offensive line, where they’ve already signed Simeon Rottier (formerly of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats). Other blocking candidates include Brendon LaBatte and Dominic Picard. LaBatte has been an East Division all-star the last three years.
Calgary Stampeders
Last season: 11-7; third in West, lost in West semi-final
Personnel losses: traded QB Henry Burris, released RB Joffrey Reynolds, DL DeVone Claybrooks retired
Pending free agents: DB/LB Brandon Isaac, P Burke Dales, OL Tim O’Neill, WR Arjei Franklin
Needs: The Stampeders are trying to re-sign Isaac, whose versatility makes him a valuable defender. “From my knowledge, he’s still exploring his NFL options,” GM/head coach John Hufnagel said. Calgary traded for Mark Dewit to shore up its offensive line and signed Chris Bauman to replace Franklin. The Stamps have Ks Rob Maver and Rene Parades to replace Dales.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Last season: 3-15, last in West, missed playoffs
Personnel losses: LB Jerrell Freeman signed with NFL, released QB Ryan Dinwiddie, RB Wes Cates, OL Marc Parenteau, Alex Gauthier. (The Riders are unsure if OL Gene Makowsky will return for an 18th season.)
Pending free agents: SBs Andy Fantuz and Jason Clermont, WR Cary Koch, RBs Stuart Foord and Graeme Bell, DBs Leron Mitchell and Tristan Jackson.
Needs: The Riders have tried since last September to sign Fantuz to a new contract to no avail. Look for some of that cash to be dangled in front of 6-foot-6 WR Greg Carr. Saskatchewan could use some offensive line upgrades, too. “My philosophy is simple,” Riders GM Brendan Taman said. “If a free agent can help us win games, we’re interested. We’re coming off a 3-15 season. If we can get a guy who can help us win, of course we’re going to do it.”