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Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2020 2:10 pm
by B.C.FAN
The Lions cut their list of pending free agents Monday by re-signing WR Dominique Rhymes, a speedy former Redblack who was a key free-agent signing of the Lions last February after a 1,000-yard 2019 season in Ottawa.

https://www.bclions.com/2020/12/14/lion ... ymes-2021/

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:25 pm
by B.C.FAN
B.C.FAN wrote:
Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:00 pm
Not directly free-agent news as he was under contract, but the Lions released QB Ricky Lloyd today, according to a social media post from his father. The Lions still have Mike Reilly, Nathan Rourke, Vinny Testaverde Jr. and K.J. Carta-Samuels under contract, as well as pending free agents Will Arndt and Grant Kraemer.
It turns out that QBs Ricky Lloyd, Vinny Testaverde Jr. and K.J. Carta-Samuels were among 27 players cut by the Lions last week. That leaves Mike Reilly and Nathan Rourke as the only QBs signed for 2021 so far. The list is available at cfl.ca under transactions:
2020-12-11 BC
WESTBROOK, A.J. DB N Florida State
TURNER, Tyler WR N Alberta
TESTAVERDE JR, Vinny QB N Albany
SMITH, Emmanuel WR N
SIMMONS, Joshua WR N Prairie View A&M
SIMMONS, Robert LB N Purdue
RAMSEY, Kurron DB N Alabama State
PRICE, EJ OL A Kentucky
PAYER, Brandon LB N Colorado State - Pueblo
OLUGBODE, Kenneth LB A Colorado
LLOYD, Ricky QB A Minnesota State Mankato
LAOLAGI, Bailey LB N UNLV
JONES, Ulric DL N South Carolina
JILES JR, John WR N Fort Scott C.C.
JACKSON, Nih-Jer WR N Southeastern Louisiana
HAWKINS, Taylor DB N
GUERRIER, Romell WR N
GREGORY, Montre DB N Bowling Green State
FULSE, Ryan RB N Wagner College
DEAN, Quinlen LB N New Hampshire
CARTA-SAMUELS, KJ QB N Colorado State
BURTON, Jordan LB N Oklahoma State
BRIGGS, Chauncey OL A Southern Methodist
BOWERS, Stephen DL N
BALDWIN, Charles OL N Youngstown State
AUGUSTIN, Joey WR A Charleston
ASSUOA, Eric DE N Western Michigan

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:34 pm
by Hambone
Other than the QBs only recognizable name is Augustin. No surprise though that they and all other teams wouldn't want to start fresh again on recruiting players with no previous CFL history unless there was something they really liked about a given prospect. There's a whole new batch, albeit smaller, of college grads and others who didn't make NFL rosters or otherwise had their situations change since this time last year.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 10:25 am
by Murdoch
Curious if a new precedent has been set with Mike Reilly and his guaranteed contract since player contracts are not guaranteed. I understand a special clause was used for the purpose but at the same time he was a player that had a guaranteed contract.

I still think honoring contracts is a minimum show of respect to move forward. Season ticket holders don't have the option to walk away halfway through their deal without paying. I think it is a big thing. Imagine the player you could get by establishing some trust on a two year deal. Win, win.

Neil McEvoy should think also about Sol E and try to bring him home for a final go around. Who ever said he was done two years ago was wrong on that. Best MLB in the league imo at a bargain price as well. That could also be a move that might sell some tickets and possibly benefit Kevin Williams from too much too soon.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 11:12 am
by Hambone
Murdoch wrote:
Tue Dec 15, 2020 10:25 am
Curious if a new precedent has been set with Mike Reilly and his guaranteed contract since player contracts are not guaranteed. I understand a special clause was used for the purpose but at the same time he was a player that had a guaranteed contract.

I still think honoring contracts is a minimum show of respect to move forward. Season ticket holders don't have the option to walk away halfway through their deal without paying. I think it is a big thing. Imagine the player you could get by establishing some trust on a two year deal. Win, win.

Neil McEvoy should think also about Sol E and try to bring him home for a final go around. Who ever said he was done two years ago was wrong on that. Best MLB in the league imo at a bargain price as well. That could also be a move that might sell some tickets and possibly benefit Kevin Williams from too much too soon.
It wasn't that Reilly's contract was guaranteed but rather a portion of his 2020 salary (roughly 1/3) was guaranteed. Under normal circumstances he would have earned that money 6 games into the season rendering the guarantee moot. Nobody could have predicted Covid and that the guarantee actually would have come into effect. I believe it was actually what amounted to a poison pill at the request of his agent. It would have made for a significant deterrent should the Lions try to get out the contract by simply releasing him.

SolE is or was still good. He was solid with the Riders but not the dominant MLB he was in BC. Also by the start of the 2021 season 4 years will have passed since his last truly dominant season. While he'd come much cheaper than what he cost prior to going to Regina he still won't come cheap. As for Jordan Williams he's already 26. I think they have to throw him to the wolves. When you make a move to jump into the 1st overall slot to take somebody like that you aren't doing it if you think the player will need development time. IMO if you bring in 56 again he's not coming here for anything less than being told he will be the starting MLB in Week 1.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 12:52 pm
by B.C.FAN
The Lions have re-signed four national backups: RB Wayne Moore, OL Andrew Peirson, LB Adrian Clarke, and FB Mario Villamizar. Moore was impressive on special teams and in limited duty in the backfield in 2019.

The signings leave the Lions with 36 potential free agents, including three Americans who opted out of their expiring 2020 contracts and are now eligible for re-signing or free agency in February: DL Mat Boesen, DB Kenny Ladler and DL Ryan Brown.

https://www.bclions.com/2020/12/15/lion ... rtet-2021/

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 1:30 pm
by Murdoch
Hambone wrote:
Tue Dec 15, 2020 11:12 am
SolE is or was still good. He was solid with the Riders but not the dominant MLB he was in BC. Also by the start of the 2021 season 4 years will have passed since his last truly dominant season. While he'd come much cheaper than what he cost prior to going to Regina he still won't come cheap. As for Jordan Williams he's already 26. I think they have to throw him to the wolves. When you make a move to jump into the 1st overall slot to take somebody like that you aren't doing it if you think the player will need development time. IMO if you bring in 56 again he's not coming here for anything less than being told he will be the starting MLB in Week 1.
You could also add that he had a big chip on his shoulder and something to prove given the treatment he got from the Lions. Was that Ed?

Andrew Harris with 40 yds rushing in the WF was a highlight of an outstanding 2019 season and tells the true story imo. Sask had an amazing D in 2019 and SolE led the way. Micah Johnson was a purrfect compliment. Looninecap had him at $165,000 so you can't do much better. Bighill is $245,000 plus his side deal.

Caution warning on going all in on the number one draft pick. Faith Ekatie comes to mind along with a few others. You would be the guy to break it down and know. Henoc may have been the last good one and even he was a special teamer for most of the first year. I'd like to see Williams do well but with all the changes Rick Campbell may appreciate a veteran guy. Kevin Brown is a outside shot for that.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 2:20 pm
by David
David wrote:
Mon Dec 14, 2020 10:02 am
There is a reasonably good chance that Sergio Castillo finds his way back to the Den. While he may stick around waiting for another NFL call, the chances of him staying with the New York Jets took a huge hit with 3 consecutive demoralizing field goal misses in yesterday's 40-3 blowout loss to Seattle.

Castillo missed wide from 37, 41 and 43 yards on three consecutive fist-half drives that killed the Jets' momentum and likely led to the hapless cellar-dwellers collapsing. With Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams fired last week for a boneheaded final drive blitz call, I would not be surprised to see our former P/K scapegoated this week if kicker Sam Ficken (groin) is ready to return Sunday.


DH :cool:
As expected...

https://3downnation.com/2020/12/15/new- ... -castillo/


DH :cool:

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 4:00 pm
by Hambone
Not a shocker there David. If Fickens is healthy there's no reason to keep an extra kicker around for injury insurance for what would amount the final 2 games given Castillo wouldn't dress this week. I feel bad for Castillo. He performed well in the first 3 games he suited up for. The last 3 were a great opportunity to audition not just for the Jets for 2021 but for the rest of the NFL too. Unfortunately he soiled the sheets. Regardless opting out of his BC contract worked out quite well. Between PR and game cheques he must have pulled in close to $300K USD. Not a bad Plan B after signing back in BC.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 6:46 pm
by Dusty
Hambone wrote:
Mon Dec 14, 2020 5:34 pm
Other than the QBs only recognizable name is Augustin. No surprise though that they and all other teams wouldn't want to start fresh again on recruiting players with no previous CFL history unless there was something they really liked about a given prospect. There's a whole new batch, albeit smaller, of college grads and others who didn't make NFL rosters or otherwise had their situations change since this time last year.
I don't get why there was a lack of love in BC for Augustin. Yes, there is only a small sample size of his actual time on the field, but I thought he did quite well. IMO, he is the type of player that could do very well in the CFL. I hope his playing days are not over. Mind you, with this season being a wash-out, I guess that a lot of players on the bubble may have had those bubbles burst by not having a chance to be on the game field or practice field...

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2020 8:11 pm
by OV - 54:40
Hambone wrote:
Tue Dec 15, 2020 4:00 pm
Not a shocker there David. If Fickens is healthy there's no reason to keep an extra kicker around for injury insurance for what would amount the final 2 games given Castillo wouldn't dress this week. I feel bad for Castillo. He performed well in the first 3 games he suited up for. The last 3 were a great opportunity to audition not just for the Jets for 2021 but for the rest of the NFL too. Unfortunately he soiled the sheets. Regardless opting out of his BC contract worked out quite well. Between PR and game cheques he must have pulled in close to $300K USD. Not a bad Plan B after signing back in BC.
Be nice to get Castillo back; cut by the Jets after a bad game should be no surprise for young NFL FG kickers = nature of the beast; if he was a veteran kicker or high draft pick, much less likely to happen IMO. Maybe he gets another NFL look though - all sorts of weak NFL FG kicking on display lately.

As far as Jordan Williams starting right away at MLB - maybe; outstanding athlete but a lot to learn at the pro level, plus the Canadian game; Herdman might be a better choice with his experience now, plus demonstrated nose for the ball; but that's what real TC competition should prove; Herdman at MLB with Williams maybe winning Will OLB might be a good combo, but IMO Adam Konar still could have lots to offer at that OLB spot and way more experience; nice luxury to have with a bunch of Canadian LB talent, but I probably wouldn't bet on 2 Nationals starting in the LB corps - maybe with a different D coaching brain-trust as opposed to Nice Hat Claybrooks (played Willis at DT some last season = LOL + Herdman cast aside)

1st draft pick = i'd be tempted to look at DE D. Stevens (Maine) - some excellent D play-making shown down there, and a real area of need IMO; but Maine did not play with Covid this season? = could he defer to next CFL draft ? There are also some fine looking safety prospects up - another area of need? - like Alonzo Addae (W. Virginia - seen him play a bit and quite impressive); or Nelson Lokombo (Sask. Huskies - U Sports D player of the year in 2019; but he might have deferred to next draft?)

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 4:11 am
by Murdoch
OV - 54:40 wrote:
Tue Dec 15, 2020 8:11 pm
As far as Jordan Williams starting right away at MLB - maybe; outstanding athlete but a lot to learn at the pro level, plus the Canadian game; Herdman might be a better choice with his experience now, plus demonstrated nose for the ball; but that's what real TC competition should prove; Herdman at MLB with Williams maybe winning Will OLB might be a good combo, but IMO Adam Konar still could have lots to offer at that OLB spot and way more experience; nice luxury to have with a bunch of Canadian LB talent, but I probably wouldn't bet on 2 Nationals starting in the LB corps - maybe with a different D coaching brain-trust as opposed to Nice Hat Claybrooks (played Willis at DT some last season = LOL + Herdman cast aside)
Herdman, Konar, and Williams would make for a long season.

My suggestion regarding Elimimian has more to do with not wanting him to be back in Sask rather than a last run with the Lions. Believe it would take away from the Riders who look like they will have a strong team.

As for Odell, I will miss what he brought to the game. The fact that he was moved to tackle is more reflective of him being the guy that knew the job and doing what he could to help the team. Signing Micah Johnson confirmed that tackle was a high priority. I remember Willis from his first days in Winnipeg long ago during Swaggerville times. He brought a lot of fun to go with a high level of skill.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:48 am
by OV - 54:40
Murdoch wrote:
Wed Dec 16, 2020 4:11 am
OV - 54:40 wrote:
Tue Dec 15, 2020 8:11 pm
As far as Jordan Williams starting right away at MLB - maybe; outstanding athlete but a lot to learn at the pro level, plus the Canadian game; Herdman might be a better choice with his experience now, plus demonstrated nose for the ball; but that's what real TC competition should prove; Herdman at MLB with Williams maybe winning Will OLB might be a good combo, but IMO Adam Konar still could have lots to offer at that OLB spot and way more experience; nice luxury to have with a bunch of Canadian LB talent, but I probably wouldn't bet on 2 Nationals starting in the LB corps - maybe with a different D coaching brain-trust as opposed to Nice Hat Claybrooks (played Willis at DT some last season = LOL + Herdman cast aside)
Herdman, Konar, and Williams would make for a long season.

My suggestion regarding Elimimian has more to do with not wanting him to be back in Sask rather than a last run with the Lions. Believe it would take away from the Riders who look like they will have a strong team.

As for Odell, I will miss what he brought to the game. The fact that he was moved to tackle is more reflective of him being the guy that knew the job and doing what he could to help the team. Signing Micah Johnson confirmed that tackle was a high priority. I remember Willis from his first days in Winnipeg long ago during Swaggerville times. He brought a lot of fun to go with a high level of skill.

Herdman, Konar & Williams would not all be starting at LB (unless Williams has the speed to play SAM)

Willis was predictably useless at DT - moron move to put him there; way past his prime at DE too and costly, so he should have been punted last season IMO, but some vets get favored by a coaching staff.

Sol-E is still good, but hardly a move for the future and he might be a bit distracted with his CFLPA role now; would be a desperation move to sign him IMO; maybe if the team was a strong GC contender with a vet MLB the missing piece, but hardly the case.

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 12:31 pm
by Murdoch
I think Sask with Jason Maas is a strong contender as much as I dislike saying so. Elimimian would be a loss to that defence if he were to go.

Some players will have moved on already so who knows who will even be back. Anyone remember John White when he first returned with Hamilton and had the ten extra. Off season plumbing can do that. To his credit he rounded back to form very nicely.

With news of vaccine availability improving every day it seems reasonable to assume a 2021 season will be played. Anything less would be serious trouble for the league imo

Re: 2021 CFL free agency

Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 12:40 pm
by Hambone
OV - 54:40 wrote:
Wed Dec 16, 2020 9:48 am


Herdman, Konar & Williams would not all be starting at LB (unless Williams has the speed to play SAM)

Willis was predictably useless at DT - moron move to put him there; way past his prime at DE too and costly, so he should have been punted last season IMO, but some vets get favored by a coaching staff.

Sol-E is still good, but hardly a move for the future and he might be a bit distracted with his CFLPA role now; would be a desperation move to sign him IMO; maybe if the team was a strong GC contender with a vet MLB the missing piece, but hardly the case.
Before anybody worries about where Herdman and Konar play the Lions have to sign them.

I see Konar's value being on special teams as a Jason Arakgi-lite. He also is like a LB version of the way Wally used Paris Jackson late in his career. Handy to have around as a mid-game injury replacement as he knows how to play all positions adequately enough to get you by. As always injuries are a high risk with him. Last year was the first time he came out of a season unscathed. That he wasn't asked to be an every down player had to be a huge factor.

Herdman will bring value as a backup to Williams. There won't be need to make double switches to maintain ratio should an injury happen. Plus he's pretty good on special teams as any LB should be.

Currently BC has 4 Nat LBs under contract; recently resigned vet Adrian Clarke, 2019 draft pick Noah Robinson and 2020 draft picks Williams and Damien Jamieson. Herdman, Konar, Mitch Barnett and Kevin Francis remain unsigned. Plus there could be more added in the upcoming draft. Money could be a deciding factor in who else gets extended. And of course with BC making the moves to land Williams Herdman may be thinking the grass might be greener elsewhere.

I can't speak much to why Stubler moved Willis inside but it could be argued that the DL became more effective as a whole after that. Maybe addition by subtracting him from the end? I would not at all have been displeased if they hadn't brought him back in 2019. I thought despite the big sack numbers in 2018 he was running on fumes.

Agree on SolE. If BC was in the position of being a legit GC contender and MLB was a need then hell yes. They aren't there yet. Disagree on Murdoch's idea of getting him to keep him away from the Riders. That's one of the worst reasons to sign a player. Can't be wasting precious cap space on that. If you're signing a player with that as justification you are obviously in a bidding war which means you have to overpay to win and for a player who isn't in your long term plans.