Otis' release was widely speculated. #35 gave the Lions 4 solid seasons and was it his best during the ’06 cup run.Buono rolling the dice with roster moves
by Lowell Ullrich
There was no player anywhere within earshot outside his office when Wally Buono explained his reasoning again Thursday behind the decision by the Lions to cut slotback Jason Clermont.
Anyone who heard had likely taken cover, and they may be wise not to surface for some time for fear they be next.
The release of Clermont and tailback Charles Roberts came only after the Lions had severed ties with veteran linebacker Otis Floyd, The Province learned Thursday, as Buono’s restoration project continued in relentless fashion.
The 32-year-old was hoping to play out the final year of his deal with B.C. but instead learned of his fate in a meeting with Buono earlier this week.
The coach and general manager of the CFL team again tried to suggest that the release of the trio, which will now put their 2009 payroll savings close to the $500,000 mark, was based primarily on performance.
Message not received. That was the sense from a small sampling of players contacted in the wake of the moves, and it was telling that none of them wanted to speak on the topic for attribution, especially on Clermont.
“I always thought that having an ‘N’ [for non-import] beside your name means you were untouchable,” said one Lions’ starter. “Jason was a fairhaired golden boy.”
Not any more. And if a player who still was still obligated to the Lions for another two seasons can be released with nothing in return, there’s no telling what lies ahead.
Buono acknowledged the cuts would free up salary to deal with the five free agents and 18 others heading into their option year (see chart), some of whom have nervously made inquiries in the last week about their future.
He also said, however, that the departure of two former all-stars will not mean a windfall for those left behind. What now? Chances are some retooling will centre around these key areas:
• AGE BEFORE BEAUTY? Not with the Lions. Buono has cut at least one veteran almost every winter in an effort not to grow old quickly, with quarterback Dave Dickenson being the best example last year before Clermont.
The next target this year could be 36year-old defensive tackle Tyrone Williams. “There’s a proper place and time for that discussion,” Buono said. However, safety Barron Miles, also 36, may be spared. “That would not be the highest priority,” Buono said.
• LINE UP THE LINEBACKERS B.C. could make gains in this year’s free-agent market.
But, with no guarantee of success, it may be some time before they gauge their interest in pending Lions free agent Jamall Johnson. Jamall Johnson.
“You might have to sit down with people and see what comfort there is in their role,” Buono said.
Currently, seven CFL linebackers are eligible for free agency, including all three starters with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
But, with no guarantee of success, it may be some time before they gauge their interest in pending Lions free agent Jamall Johnson.
“You might have to sit down with people and see what comfort there is in their role,” Buono said.
• CAN RICKY PLAY? The Lions have to prepare for life without defensive end Cameron Wake, who can sign an NFL contract at the end of the month, and decide whether third-year Canadian Ricky Foley is a natural replacement.
B.C. needs two non-import defensive starters to maintain the ratio, but may not have an answer on Foley until the end of training camp, Buono said.
Much more about the direction of the Lions will be determined long before next spring, however.
Buono tried hard to sound convincing when stating that giving away a three-time award winner like Clermont should not be seen as a sign no job is safe. It may or may not have worked.
“Positive anxiety is very useful at times,” he said. “You have to create a positive environment during the season. During the off-season you do your dirty work.”
But Wally has definitely rocked the foundation of this veteran team with these moves.
