BC Lions trade rights to QB Vernon Adams to Alouettes for 1st RD Pick

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCLions?src=hash">#BCLions</a> send Vernon Adams Jr. to Montreal for 2017 1st round pick.<br><br>MORE DEETS  <a href="https://t.co/UkglXMT4jc">https://t.co/UkglXMT4jc</a> <a href="https://t.co/mIjE2eTq7n">pic.twitter.com/mIjE2eTq7n</a></p>&mdash; BC Lions (@BCLions) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/733788808240594944">May 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adams wanted a 1+1 deal which <a href="https://twitter.com/GM_Brillo">@GM_Brillo</a> wasnt interested in. Plus a lot more $ than a rookie level deal. Plus Jennings isn't going anywhere</p>&mdash; Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/733790456203509760">May 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
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http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/6565466-lions-swap-qb-prospect-adams-to-als/
http://www.bclions.com/2016/05/20/lions-ship-qb-vernon-adams-jr-alouettes/

Brilliant move by Wally IMO. Sounds as if Adams will sign with the Alouettes.

[OV Argo]

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http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/6565466-lions-swap-qb-prospect-adams-to-als/
http://www.bclions.com/2016/05/20/lions-ship-qb-vernon-adams-jr-alouettes/

Brilliant move by Wally IMO. Sounds as if Adams will sign with the Alouettes.

I hope Adams realizes the Als have vet Kevin Glenn, plus a couple of good young QB prospects in Cato & Bridge; maybe he expects to get handed the starting job there - and with Poop in charge, that would not surprise me.<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

[argolio]

Worth the risk for a guy I think has the ability to be a long-term answer at QB.

If nothing else, the league just got even more interesting.

[KCargosfan]

Wow. Very interesting move. How many QBs do the Als have now? 8?

[OV Argo]

Wow. Very interesting move. How many QBs do the Als have now? 8?

Adams may be a raw rookie - but IMO, he looked fantastic in that US Shrine game - looks like a QB with a CFL skill-set too IMO.

Poop might want a vet QB on the roster - Glenn or Crompton - but IMO he might be better off to try and roll with 3 young guys (Cato, Bridge & Adams) and see if one or maybe all of them turn out to be good CFL calibre QBs; cut over-rated Crompton and stash Glenn on the IR in case all of the young guns bomb.

[jerrym]

Wow. Very interesting move. How many QBs do the Als have now? 8?

On the other hand, the Lions were worried about having to many QBs in training camp with five.

[jerrym]

Wally lives up to his frugal and shrewd reputation in this deal.



The B.C. Lions had a problem. The Montreal Alouettes took if off their hands. Now the Lions’ main difficulty is trying not to look smug about it.
Unable to reach agreement with prized quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. on a contract, both in terms and dollars, the Lions traded the playing rights of the former Oregon Duck to the Montreal Alouettes for a first-round draft pick Friday.
The trade not only alleviates a potential logjam at training camp — Adams would have been one of five quarterbacks taking reps in Kamloops next week — but leaves the Lions with a powerful bargaining chip in the 2017 Canadian Football League draft.
“We couldn’t agree on term. We couldn’t agree on monetary issues,” said Lions GM Wally Buono. “We tried to maximize the leverage we had as much as possible. Their demands (Adams and his agent) were higher than our expectations, after we put money into (starters) Jon Jennings and Travis Lulay. They can ask but we felt it wasn’t right. When we weighed everything, it was a good trade for us, and a good trade for Montreal.”
According to the Lions’ GM, Adams was seeking no longer than a two-year deal, in the expectation of establishing himself quickly in the CFL, then taking another run at NFL employment. He failed to catch on with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins following tryouts in the wake of the 2016 NFL draft.
In addition, the Lions say, Adams was seeking a contract in excess of what the team was prepared to pay for a quarterback who would have been competing with Keith Price and Greg McGhee for the third-string job.

http://vancouversun.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/alouettes-snap-up-quarterback-vernon-adams-jr-in-deal-with-b-c-lions

[KCargosfan]

Adams may be a raw rookie - but IMO, he looked fantastic in that US Shrine game - looks like a QB with a CFL skill-set too IMO.

Poop might want a vet QB on the roster - Glenn or Crompton - but IMO he might be better off to try and roll with 3 young guys (Cato, Bridge & Adams) and see if one or maybe all of them turn out to be good CFL calibre QBs; cut over-rated Crompton and stash Glenn on the IR in case all of the young guns bomb.

Having watched Adams at Oregon, I think he is a perfect fit for the CFL. If he can keep his ego in check, he may be pretty good in 2017 or 2018.

I don't have a clue why Crompton is still on their roster? Dude is not good. I would think that they will roll with Glenn, Cato and Adams and Bridge will be "injured."

[ArgoRavi]

Having watched Adams at Oregon, I think he is a perfect fit for the CFL. If he can keep his ego in check, he may be pretty good in 2017 or 2018.

I don't have a clue why Crompton is still on their roster? Dude is not good. I would think that they will roll with Glenn, Cato and Adams and Bridge will be "injured."

I believe that Crompton is expected to retire - that was the story a few months ago at least - but he hasn't gotten around to announcing it officially yet.

[KCargosfan]

I believe that Crompton is expected to retire - that was the story a few months ago at least - but he hasn't gotten around to announcing it officially yet.

Gotcha. Good luck to him in whatever he does next.

[OV Argo]

I believe that Crompton is expected to retire - that was the story a few months ago at least - but he hasn't gotten around to announcing it officially yet.


Why would he retire at such a young age? All sorts of CFL teams are known to get desperate for "experienced" (guys who have played some in the CFL, even if they were mediocre or worse) QBs - Crompton could get a call from any team; (and IMO he's a better every down, passing QB than MacPherson who is lost in that department)

[ArgoGabe22]

I seem to recall that Crompton got a coaching gig somewhere.

[R.J]

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/22/alouettes-sign-adams-jr-to-a-three-year-deal/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

The Montreal Alouettes announced on Sunday that the club has signed recently acquired quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. to a three-year deal.
???
Pretty sure Buono said one of the reasons behind the trade was that Adams wasn't willing to go beyond a 1+1 deal; maybe Popp offered more money ?

[R.J]

I believe that Crompton is expected to retire - that was the story a few months ago at least - but he hasn't gotten around to announcing it officially yet.


I seem to recall that Crompton got a coaching gig somewhere.
http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-acquire-qb-vernon-adams-from-b-c-lions

Jonathan Crompton, coming off shoulder surgery, will come to camp on the injured list. No timetable has been established for his possible return and, Popp insisted, he won’t be rushed.

[argolio]

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/22/alouettes-sign-adams-jr-to-a-three-year-deal/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

???
Pretty sure Buono said one of the reasons behind the trade was that Adams wasn't willing to go beyond a 1+1 deal; maybe Popp offered more money ?So Wally was full of it? Say it ain't so!

[doubleblue]

I expect The Als ownership has no problem paying for an extra QB or two on the 6 game Injured list to get around the Salary Cap. Braley on the other hand might have a problem with that, going by his stingy Argo ownership days.

Giving up a #1 pick for an untried QB is kind of risky in my books, but Adams sounds like he has all the tools to be a successful CFL QB.

[R.J]

So Wally was full of it? Say it ain't so!
First thing I thought of as well.

[jerrym]

Wally lives up to his frugal and shrewd reputation in this deal.
Unable to reach agreement with prized quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. on a contract, both in terms and dollars, the Lions traded the playing rights of the former Oregon Duck to the Montreal Alouettes for a first-round draft pick Friday. ...
According to the Lions’ GM, Adams was seeking no longer than a two-year deal, in the expectation of establishing himself quickly in the CFL, then taking another run at NFL employment.


http://vancouversun.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/alouettes-snap-up-quarterback-vernon-adams-jr-in-deal-with-b-c-lions


http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2016/05/22/alouettes-sign-adams-jr-to-a-three-year-deal/?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

???
Pretty sure Buono said one of the reasons behind the trade was that Adams wasn't willing to go beyond a 1+1 deal; maybe Popp offered more money ?

You're right. I also suspect Montreal would not have given up a first round draft choice unless they knew they could sign Adams, which suggests they either had permission to talk to him before completing the trade or did it on the sly.

[jerrym]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Many think the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash">#Alouettes</a> will finish dead last this year. If that happens, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCLions?src=hash">#BCLions</a> get the first overall pick. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentonKirk/status/733787690299232256">May 20, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[KCargosfan]

So Wally was full of it? Say it ain't so!

Buono kind of seems like a smug jackass sometimes.

[R.J]

Buono kind of seems like a smug jackass sometimes.
Popp is like that too, but now he just makes himself looking stupid because the Als are going down the toilet.

[ArgoGabe22]

If Cato gets released, as speculated, wouldn't it be tempting for the Argos to pick him up?

[AngeloV]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Many think the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash">#Alouettes</a> will finish dead last this year. If that happens, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCLions?src=hash">#BCLions</a> get the first overall pick. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>— Kirk Penton (@PentonKirk) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentonKirk/status/733787690299232256">May 20, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I don't think the Als will finish near the bottom. They have a great D, and have really upgraded at receiver with the return of Carter and Kenny Stafford. They will be better than last year.

[R.J]

If Cato gets released, as speculated, wouldn't it be tempting for the Argos to pick him up?
Riders trade or pick up more likely, and tbh I hope they do - I'm not crazy about Cato. Way too much hype, though I'm probably in the minority.

[Argo57]

I don't think the Als will finish near the bottom. They have a great D, and have really upgraded at receiver with the return of Carter and Kenny Stafford. They will be better than last year.

Agreed Angelo, I expect a really tight race in the East this season.
The Argonauts could win the division or just as easily finish last, Ray's health will be the key factor obviously.

[OV Argo]

If Cato gets released, as speculated, wouldn't it be tempting for the Argos to pick him up?


Is that speculation from the media, or a fan forum?

Can't picture Cato being released after some fine play as a rookie thrust into starting last year (though he did have some predictable rough patches) - IMO one of the most impressive young CFL QBs for a raw rookie and in his first half a dozen starts or so, in a long-time - guy has some poise and a good arm.

They might be very high on Adams and also want some vet experience (Glenn I guess), but no way I can see Cato just being cut - in favor of Bridge or one of the other young QBs ?

[paulwoods13]

Sometimes cuts have little or nothing to do with a player's ability, as even OV knows. The Als are apparently up against the cap even after letting Muamba go. Not surprising given that Carter is apparently making $250k this year. Can't see them keeping three high-priced QBs (Glenn, Adams and Cato).

[AngeloV]

Sometimes cuts have little or nothing to do with a player's ability, as even OV knows. The Als are apparently up against the cap even after letting Muamba go. Not surprising given that Carter is apparently making $250k this year. Can't see them keeping three high-priced QBs (Glenn, Adams and Cato).

Is Cato high priced? I wouldn't think so, being on his first contract.

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Am told QB Rakeem Cato might be one of a number of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a>&#39; veterans released this week. Team tried trading him recently.</p>&mdash; Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/734865669540438016">May 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[OV Argo]

<iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="position: static; visibility: visible; display: block; width: 500px; height: 182.172px; padding: 0px; border: none; max-width: 100%; min-width: 220px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" data-tweet-id="734865669540438016" title="Twitter Tweet"></iframe>
<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Did Bridge maybe impress Poop more in that last game of the season start ?<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

[R.J]

Did Bridge maybe impress Poop more in that last game of the season start ?<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>
Don't know, but Adams is coming in with a lot of hype and if the rumours are true - neither Adams nor Cato are making base league minimum.

Found this bit interesting as well.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash">#AlsMTL</a> have signed QB Vernon Adams to a three-year contract. Making him available to media Monday morning. He refused 3-year deal from B.C.</p>&mdash; Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/734512853365993472">May 22, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[R.J]

Did Bridge maybe impress Poop more in that last game of the season start ?<iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>
Cato not mentioned here - the plot thickens.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Popp mentions the young QBs like Adams, Popp, Bridge wants to see one of these young guys emerge AC was happy w/ BB&#39;s progression <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash">#Alouettes</a></p>&mdash; Moe Khan (@MoeKhan19) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoeKhan19/status/735126419286728705">May 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Even if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a>&#39; QB Rakeem Cato isn&#39;t traded or released, I&#39;m told he has lost his passport - making it difficult for him to report to camp.</p>&mdash; Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/735162145629966336">May 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sounds far fetched, but if true, maybe Cato just doesn't want to return.

[AngeloV]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Even if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Als?src=hash">#Als</a>' QB Rakeem Cato isn't traded or released, I'm told he has lost his passport - making it difficult for him to report to camp.</p>— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/735162145629966336">May 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sounds far fetched, but if true, maybe Cato just doesn't want to return.

That's my guess. How long does it take to get a passport? I'm sure the Als, or his agent would pay the extra $50 or so to expedite the process. He probably is just waiting to get released so he can pick what team to go to.

[R.J]

That's my guess. How long does it take to get a passport? I'm sure the Als, or his agent would pay the extra $50 or so to expedite the process. He probably is just waiting to get released so he can pick what team to go to.
Riders and Ticats would make sense, but supposedly he didn't want to sign with the riders when he was on their neg list. In a way I'm hoping the Ticats get him, maybe increasing the chance of you know who returning.

[AngeloV]

Riders and Ticats would make sense, but supposedly he didn't want to sign with the riders when he was on their neg list. In a way I'm hoping the Ticats get him, maybe increasing the chance of you know who returning.

If You know who returns to his form of last year, he will be looking to be the highest paid QB in the league, possibly as much as 600k per year. I don't think Tillman would offer anywhere near that, and just let him walk. Remember, both Matthews and Masoli also played under Austin in college. I think they would not blink to let him go if the $$$ he's looking for are deemed too high.

[R.J]

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-banking-on-quarterback-stability-to-generate-more-offence

While Popp gave a ringing endorsement of non-import QB Brandon Bridge, who started the regular-season finale, he stopped short of painting Rakeem Cato with the same brush. Both were rookies last season.

Cato was the starter in four of the Als’ six victories, but twice suffered injuries. And it became clear, once teams had film of him, they grew accustomed to some of his tendencies.

“He beat Calgary as a starter. He’s capable of doing that every week. He’s extremely accurate,” Popp said. “But he was thrown into the fire. Things that worked early didn’t two weeks later, when defences started figuring him out, and he didn’t quite understand the system.”

With six quarterbacks under contract — although Crompton is coming off shoulder surgery and won’t be medically cleared to begin camp — Popp said one or two could be traded or released. But he denied a Montreal Gazette report that Cato is potentially the odd man out, one way or another.

“I don’t know where that information comes from. I’ve had nobody inquire to trade for any of the quarterbacks,” Popp said. “Cato, we know he’s capable of starting and winning games for us. We’re not going to just get rid of him; that’s not going to happen. Someone would have to make us a significant offer for us to move him.”

Nonetheless, a source told the Montreal Gazette Cato has lost his passport and is unlikely to report for the start of camp, provided he remains Als’ property.


If You know who returns to his form of last year, he will be looking to be the highest paid QB in the league, possibly as much as 600k per year. I don't think Tillman would offer anywhere near that, and just let him walk. Remember, both Matthews and Masoli also played under Austin in college. I think they would not blink to let him go if the $$$ he's looking for are deemed too high.
$600k is too rich for me. While I want to see you know who back; I don't want him at that cost - $525k tops.

[AngeloV]

http://montrealgazette.com/sports/football/cfl/montreal-alouettes/alouettes-banking-on-quarterback-stability-to-generate-more-offence



$600k is too rich for me. While I want to see you know who back; I don't want him at that cost - $525k tops.

Really? $75k should not be a deal breaker. I would give him that in a heartbeat if he plays as well as he did in '15.

[R.J]

Really? $75k should not be a deal breaker. I would give him that in a heartbeat if he plays as well as he did in '15.
Aside from Reilly; there are no QB's making $500k or more. $600k in one player is a lot of money and while I believe you know who is the top QB in the League - the margin isn't that large.

[KCargosfan]

That's my guess. How long does it take to get a passport? I'm sure the Als, or his agent would pay the extra $50 or so to expedite the process. He probably is just waiting to get released so he can pick what team to go to.


I just applied for a passport, mailing in stuff last Wednesday. The fee was $110. If I paid an extra $60 they told me I would have it back in 2 weeks or less. Otherwise, they said it would be 3-4 weeks.

I would like to take a look at Cato if he gets cut. He showed some promise, and the fact the Als might be giving up on him is insane.

As you pointed out, he'd be on a rookie contract, so there's no way he's making more than $80K, and probably closer to $60K.

[R.J]

Ziccarelli seems to think the Argos will go after Cato.
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/05/25/argos-could-be-calling-cato

[KCargosfan]

According to Herb Zurkowsky's twitter feed, Vernon Adams has a base salary of just under $100K with bonuses if he starts.

IMO, for a player who has never taken a CFL snap before, this is insane.

[AngeloV]

According to Herb Zurkowsky's twitter feed, Vernon Adams has a base salary of just under $100K with bonuses if he starts.

IMO, for a player who has never taken a CFL snap before, this is insane.

Disagree. High draft picks in every league make a lot more than some vets. The fact that is dependent on starts and likely performance how much he makes, is a gamble you need to take. He's a high profile guy that just may sell more tickets.

[jerrym]

Disagree. High draft picks in every league make a lot more than some vets. The fact that is dependent on starts and likely performance how much he makes, is a gamble you need to take. He's a high profile guy that just may sell more tickets.

In baseball, for example, they even have a scale for paying these draft choices, although teams can choose to pay above or below scale.

[R.J]

According to Herb Zurkowsky's twitter feed, Vernon Adams has a base salary of just under $100K with bonuses if he starts.

IMO, for a player who has never taken a CFL snap before, this is insane.
Popp likes to overpay; which has lead the Alouettes to having cap issues. Lots of veterans could be released within the next couple of weeks.

[KCargosfan]

Disagree. High draft picks in every league make a lot more than some vets. The fact that is dependent on starts and likely performance how much he makes, is a gamble you need to take. He's a high profile guy that just may sell more tickets.

Undrafted free agents don't. I doubt it was necessary to pay him that much, and I'm not sure how high profile he is. It's not like this is Rocket or something. He was a good quarterback at Oregon.

[R.J]

Undrafted free agents don't. I doubt it was necessary to pay him that much, and I'm not sure how high profile he is. It's not like this is Rocket or something. He was a good quarterback at Oregon.
Popp was rumoured to give Troy Smith a huge 1st contract as well. As I mentioned previously - Popp is willing to overpay in order to get players - it's already biting him in the butt (lots of veteran cuts are coming).

[jerrym]

Popp was rumoured to give Troy Smith a huge 1st contract as well. As I mentioned previously - Popp is willing to overpay in order to get players - it's already biting him in the butt (lots of veteran cuts are coming).

As a Heisman Trophy winner who was drafted and had some NFL playing time, it could be argued he was worth a financial gamble, although it didn't work out. Adams definitely has promise but the CFL is littered with the bodies of promising young QBs who didn't last, making overpaying even more problematic.