When CFL Free Agency opened this year, there were 52 pending receivers, give or take a couple late releases such as Brandon Banks or potential trades as BC’s Dominique Rhymes nearly became available before the frenzy of signings.
All things aside, I'm really looking forward to the passing attacks of both BC and Edmonton. They have the potential for some really awesome fireworks.
I agree with you. BC had 3 top 10 receivers. It's interesting to see Lewis, Dunbar & Lawler show up top 3 across the board. I'm less surprised now that Jones was already discussing going big for Lewis in his exit interview with Cornelius in October. Grabbing Dunbar, a very physical receiver, as well gives them a lot of weapons.
For me the most interesting developments have been in Hamilton & Edmonton who may be the biggest movers improvement wise. Both also got offensive talent that matches the skill set of their QB's.
I'll throw the Bombers into that group, with Lawler and Schoen both coming back.
I think the workman like passing game of Calgary supplemented by a strong run game will prove its merit on the field.
Keeping the big play offense on the sideline is a good strategy as well.
The Tiger-cats did a tremendous job in recruiting super, young receivers in White, Acklin, and Dunbar. Why then let 2/3 of them go with the regrettable departure of Acklin, last season, and now, the strongman Dunbar? These departures sting like an egregious injury to me personally and Orlondo will surely find a more ineffectual offence.
The league should look at allowing teams to match what other teams offer their FAs. At least for the first 5 years or so of their careers.
It's a chance you take when you spend like they did on Bo and Butler. Not wrapping those guys (or for a matter of fact pretty much anybody) up before free agency lets other teams make offers you can't meet.
Edmonton wrapped Corny and Brown up early and at what is this season a fair price and that allowed a big spend on receivers.
I understand the frustration too. Great QB and the best receivers are gone.....
Bo LM cost $500,00? So, not too money left for Dunbar
To echo prior comments, Cornelius is getting $238,500 this year. He got a $106,500 signing bonus which counted against last year's CAP. White wanted $240,000, Dunbar got $200,000 so with Bo Levi capped @ $520,000 for year 1, if they kept both guys you're looking @ $960,000 invested in the 3 of them. The Elks could sign both of them AND Cornelius for $678,500 & still have money for Lewis.
It's all about how you invest your money. BC had Rourke last year on his rookie contract which was less than $80,000. So they got Lucky Whitehead to go with Burnham & offered Lawler a 2 year deal @ over $250,000. They signed a bunch of good Cdns on D that didn't come cheap either. A lot quieter this year.
Despite losing 2 good players, the TiCats still have a good top 3 with White, Addison & Duke, who I expect will rebound. Steinhauer wouldn't have signed him if he didn't think he could rein him in.
If you walked in the morning negotiations for free agents opened without a budget plan that let you keep talent you need and allow you to add some talent and without a plan for who that was then you deserve what you get.
Having a plan to pay for above average talent where you need it and manage the price of your above average talent is all part of managing the cap. When you manage those costs you can add more above average pieces like the Elks did and stay within the cap.
Duke Williams will be one of the biggest questions going into the season in the entire league. Potentially a steal but also coming off a 46% completion ratio for the season. Hard to put it all on the QB and coaches.
Good receivers still available and I hope they find a spot rather than lose their job due to salary. Could be a great start for an expansion team if they surprise us to get Derel Walker, Eric Rogers, and Darvin Adams as starters. Maybe some Speedy B.
Ticats have spent most of their money on
QB's
OLine
DLine
LB's
RB's
Tim White