With the CFL’s list of pending free agents now live, we can all begin to scour it and form some opinions.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.cfl.ca/2024/11/28/oleary-each-teams-top-pending-free-agent
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.cfl.ca/2024/11/28/oleary-each-teams-top-pending-free-agent
I agree the Ticats priority must be Beard. Especially as he might follow Hervey to Edmonton.
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I largely agree with this list, especially where WPG is concerned. I will take a Tyrell Ford over a Dalton Schoen every time. Time to let Bighill go as well. Burning six figure salaries on guys who are destined to spend half (or more) of every season on the IR is foolish. BB’s need a QB to succeed Collaros within the next two seasons (at most), and we need an O-line to help make that successful succession happen. Give your head a shake Walters…!
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Beard was the top rated CTR in the CFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF) I believe. I do know Korte was the top rated CTR in the West. Korte can, & has, played Tackle, Guard & CTR. When they got him Beard was released because both of them were getting north of $200K.
The Elks likely have higher priorities than Beard, even though he’s a U of A grad who played for Chris Morris.
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I agree with you. If the Bombers are serious about improving, some older guys need to be moved out - way past time Kyrie Wilson was gone. That’s an obvious choice. Dalton carries some risk.
Bighill, Jake Thomas, Alexander, Augustine & Nick Taylor would be obvious choices for me. Whether the brass has it in them to make the call on the 1st 2 I mentioned I don’t know - especially with the GC in Winnipeg. Jones was a very capable replacement for Bighill & can play WIL as well.
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O’Bleary, here to tell us what anyone that pays any attention already knows.
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Many of the old guys you mention are obvious non signings, but I don’t get why you think Kyrie Wilson or Augustine should be gone.
According to the PFF ratings you have been citing Wilson was the #2 rated linebacker in the league last year and #5 this year before he was injured. Or the other way around as I don’t remember for sure.
Augustine is an excellent running back with very little mileage on him considering the years he has played and is familiar with the organization and philosophy.
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The problem with Kyrie IMO is outside of 2019 when he played 18 games, he has averaged 5 games/season in the other 6. There’s an old saying in sports that the best ability is avail"ability". Kyrie’s 32 & has missed 71 games over his career. That’s not depend"ability".
Augustine, similarly, will be 32. Low mileage - yes. Low usage too. Collaros carried for more yds than Augustine last year on less carries. Wpg has the best RB in the league but what happens if Brady is out for an extended time? In his 6 years only once did JA have more than 45 carries - so averaging less than 3 touches a game. The 2 top rushing teams were the Elks & Argo & they both use multiple backs who can step in when an injury comes up. The Bombers MO since LaPo & Pierce came in was run heavy. Having a backup who has less CAREER carries than Brady had last year & expect him to carry the load @ 32?? I don’t think that’s ideal. You also have Streveler.
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With Korte here as centre? Not likely…
Well - they have a bunch of decisions to make at the least. Guys like Gauthier, Feltmate, Haba, Holm, Hallet, Alexander, and Ford will be looking for more money.
As may Lofton, Bryant, Neufeld, and Dobson on the O-line.
It will be interesting to see who they keep and who moves on.
Plus they will want to leave enough in the kitty for Schoen and Lawler.
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Cut Streveler loose. He still can’t throw after all these years and Terry Wilson is just as good on 3rd and short at a way lower contract.
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Sign Lawler and offer Schoen’s $$$ to Tre Ford.
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Agreed.
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