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CFL FREE AGENT SHOPPING LISTS
CFL free agency opens in 24 hours. Here's one observer's view of what each CFL teams' shopping list should look like.

MONTREAL - The Alouettes biggest need is in their secondary. We aren't sure why the Lions are leaving Ryan Phillips unsigned but he is a versatile veteran who could bolster the Als especially if Marc Estelle isn't re-signed. With Anwar Stewart released and the potential departure of Jermaine McElveen, Eskimos DE Greg Peach could be on Jim Popp's shopping list. Popp might also be tempted to take a run at the CFL's best punter Calgary free agent Burke Dales or return man Tristan Jackson.

TORONTO - The Argos have multiple needs but GM Jim Barker's emphasis should be on enhancing the receiving corps for Ricky Ray. Andy Fantuz would be tops on that wish list but the CFL's most coveted free agent will come at a high price. If not Fantuz, Bomber free agent WR Greg Carr is a must. Of note, the Argos have signed veteran offensive lineman Marc Parenteau but incumbent hoggies Rob Murphy, Taylor Robertson and Dominic Picard are headed to free agency.

HAMILTON - The Tiger Cats could also be in the Fantuz sweepstakes which would give Henry Burris one of the elite receiving corps in the CFL. But with the departure of DE Justin Hickman, Greg Peach might be less money better spent. Although I'd be tempted to add veteran Montreal castoff Anwar Stewart, to show the younger Tabbies the route to the Grey Cup.

WINNIPEG - After signing all 3 QBs Pierce, Brink and Elliott, the Blue Bombers most pressing need may not be exposed until all star Guard Brendon Labatte signs elsewhere. If that happens GM Joe Mack's first order of business is likely to add a Canadian offensive lineman which could pave the way for the return of Dominic Picard. Otherwise, Eskimos free agent Rod Davis might be a target to strengthen the linebackers or the return of Arjei Franklin or Matt Carter to deepen the Bomb squad's Canadian receiving corps. First priority for Mack is to re-sign the free agents who helped the Bombers reach last year's Grey Cup game.

SASKATCHEWAN - A lengthy shopping list and a salary cap to stay under. Aside from re-signing Fantuz, the Riders biggest catch would be to land Weyburn native Labatte from the rival Bombers. Jermaine McElveen or Peach would be a badly needed addition to the defensive line and Rod Davis would be a solid replacement for NFL bound star Jerrell Freeman. I'd also be tempted to add Jarious Jackson as a backup for Darian Durant. Jackson is a classy veteran who would provide leadership, support for Durant and a suitable insurance policy at the most important position.

CALGARY - The Stampeders biggest need is on defence and Lions free agent defensive tackle Aaron Hunt fits the bill with the retirement of Devon Claybrooks. Grabbing Rod Davis from their northern rivals wouldn't hurt either. Chris Baumann has already been added to the Stamps offence.

EDMONTON - GM Eric Tillman made a preemptive strike by acquiring offensive lineman Simeon Rottier from Hamilton to play right tackle. With the departure of Jerome Messam to the NFL's Miami Dolphins, a spot at Running Back is open. Avon Cobourne is an ideal fit here. Cobourne will be motivated after the abrupt change of direction in Hamilton, he's a leader, good blocker and his presence would take some pressure off QB Steven Jyles who will have plenty of it replacing Ricky Ray. Tillman cleared cap space in the off season with the trading of Ray and release of Patrick Kabongo. Andy Fantuz would also help take plenty of heat off Jyles but Tillman has been poker-faced on the subject of signing Fantuz.

B.C. - The defending champions look like they want to retool their defence to suit new coordinator Rich Stubler. Stubler has plenty of familiar faces in free agency to choose from. Wide side Corner Byron Parker, a Stubler protege, has already been lobbying for a job on Twitter and if he could fit under the cap Willie Pile would end the Leos concern at Safety. Not sure how many Boatmen can move west but the Lions have also expressed interest in DB Lin J Shell.

Glen Suitor @GlenSuitor
Eric Tillman gets a former Rider rec. but it is not Fantuz.....Cary Koch signs in Edm.

Wpg Blue Bombers @Wpg_BlueBombers
Blue Bombers re-sign offensive lineman Glenn January http://tinyurl.com/7w38jk3

Mike Beamish @sixbeamers
B.C. Lions issue official release, confirming re-signings of DBs Dante Marsh and Ryan Phillips. GM Wally Buono to address media today at 2.

The BC Lions Football Club announced today that defensive backs Ryan Phillips and Dante Marsh have agreed to terms on contracts with the team.

“Anytime you can hold onto your best players in the face of free agency it’s a win for your club,” said VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “Ryan has been very consistent during his time here in BC and he’s a big part of a very solid foundation in our secondary.”

In Dante’s case,” Buono continued, “we have reached an agreement that is subject to him receiving medical clearance to play. We’re confident that hurdle will be cleared and we’ll officially complete the transaction at that time.”

“The success of our defence in recent years is due in large part to having a core of experienced veterans playing key positions,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “Ryan and Dante’s athleticism and ability to make big plays when we need them the most make them vital parts of our team.”

Phillips returns for his eighth season with the defending Grey Cup champions and was eligible for free agency. The Seattle native and two-time CFL All-Star has appeared in 126 games for the Lions racking up 320 defensive tackles and 31 interceptions, five of which he has returned for touchdowns.

Marsh will enter his ninth campaign with the Lions and comes off a 2011 season that saw him earn his third West Division All-Star honour. The Fresno State grad piled up 60 tackles last season, third on the club, giving him 434 for his career to go along with 23 interceptions.

B.C.FAN wrote:Ex-Rider Cary Koch signs in Edmonton.

Glen Suitor @GlenSuitor
Eric Tillman gets a former Rider rec. but it is not Fantuz.....Cary Koch signs in Edm.

David William Naylor @TSNDaveNaylor
Details DB Paul Woldu has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Regina native. #CFL

Jamie Nye @jamienye
#Riders and #Esks look to be in war over LaBatte - he's priority over Fantuz

Wpg FA Donny Oramasionwu signs in Edm. This guy flew under the radar but could be a real good one for the Esks.

@GlenSuitor

Heard from another source that Fantuz is still in Africa so his decision may be delayed. Hearing that Ham/TO/Sask/Edm are going after him.

Rammer wrote:Fantuz news update from Suitor...

@GlenSuitor

Heard from another source that Fantuz is still in Africa so his decision may be delayed. Hearing that Ham/TO/Sask/Edm are going after him.

EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos took another important step towards upgrading their Canadian talent with the signing of non-import defensive tackle Don Oramasionwu.

A fifth round pick (39th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2008 CFL Canadian Draft, Oramasionwu or “Donny O” as he’s known, has spent the past three seasons with the Bombers where he posted 39 defensive tackles, nine sacks and two fumble recoveries.

“Kavis Reed asked me to make Donny a priority as soon as we began discussing potential free agents. He played for Kavis in Winnipeg where they developed a very strong relationship. Quality Canadians are the backbone of all successful franchises and, at age 25, we feel he has tremendous upside," Eskimo General Manager Eric Tillman said.

The 6-3, 289lbs native of Winnipeg was a standout for the University of Manitoba and played a key role in the Bisons’ 2007 Vanier Cup win.

joe kapp22 wrote:Wpg is being gutted, they are bleeding talented players right now.