Obviously, two high-paid #1s can’t exist within the same salary capped structure.
Doman is willing to violate the structure and pay some fines and prolly lose a draft pick - or 3.
However, he can easily get the draft pics (and maybe some of the fines) back by auctioning off Mr. Adams at the end of year.
Where are the destination “countries” for Adams? Here’s my rankings:
Winnipeg - Bombers hopes this year dangle with the health of Zach Collaros. His uneven performances have shaken Bomber Country to its core. With Chris Streveler in rehab and no guarantee for a health 2025 return the Bombers have to act quickly to restore confidence and mount a serious challenge for 2025. The Grey Cup is in Winnipeg after all. W. Miller could easily restore all monies Doman expended on over capping. Same for draft picks - although Miller would be wise to get some picks back so his draft stock isn’t totally empty.
Calgary - they’ll certainly have the #1 (or #2 at worst) pick for 2024. They’ll need to stabilize their ownership/mgmt group first. Who’s the GM, will there be a new CEO. Is Hufnagel done?
Hamilton - Bo-Levi is having a helluva year but the Cats are still stuck in the mud. They’ll present a juicy high draft pic plus Caretaker Bob can afford some extra juice, too. If Bo retires he’ll either be in the TiCats mgmt/coaching or over on TSN as a panel boy.
Regina - lots of hope in Regina w/ Mace’s ascension and Trev Harris on board. But it will all go to s if something isn’t done. Vernon Adams could be something. Draft picks and money ain’t the problem here - the WILL TO DO IT IS.
$250,000 + 1st round draft pick (perceived #1 or #2) should do the trick.
Wpg might offer $350,000 + 1st round pick #3 to #6 so Lions might go for the better draft pick vs. $100k in extra cash.
Besides - if Wpg. managed to nab VA they’d need Collaros to take a significant financial haircut and prolly lose Streveler, too. Only alternative to Collaros taking a pay cut is a long-term guaranteed contract that keeps him around town for a few years to cash cheques - or release Zach outright which I can’t see Mike O’Loyal doing.
I would add Toronto as a possible suitor; they may decide MBT isn’t worth the trouble and release him … Ottawa could be in the mix as well, if they decide their QBs are not championship calibre.
Agreed on Toronto (and I assume you mean the sexual harasser, not MBT, who is in Edmonton). Disagree on Ottawa – they are stocked up with good QBs in Brown, Masoli, Adams (the other one), and even Crum.
That is fair, but they don’t have leverage here. Every other team knows they cannot afford to keep both QBs in 2025, so they aren’t going to want to overpay. Of the eastern teams, only Toronto might have a need and that’s only if they jettison the sexual harasser. If they pass on Adams, it’s either trade him to a western team for some assets or watch as he signs with a western team in free agency and gain no assets.
Hamilton waited months and held Dane Evans hostage waiting for a western trade partner so anything’s possible.
Hamilton - Who knows what mood Milanovich will be in with Bo once the season ends.
Toronto - agreed. Could move on from the predator.
Ottawa - No guaranteed money to Dru Brown, who knows how much longer Masoli is gonna play especially as a backup. Could easily go after VA. One and done in the playoffs could mean they make a play for him.
Also possible an East team steps up only to turn him around to a West team.
I agree with your post overall, but I’ll also say that Hamilton wasn’t paying Evans anywhere close to what BC is paying Adams, so maybe they could afford to wait longer?
Anyway, should be very interesting. I hope Vernon lands with a team that will commit to him.
To keep Adams out of the west is certainly within reason (by CFL terms). Ottawa would be a good suitor - they could send back Crum or even Masoli to replace the hole in BC’s lineup left by Adam’s departure - PLUS a grade A hog to help BC build back its woeful o-line. Not too much to ask but I still think Doman will instruct his GM to get back a high draft pick to replace the one he’ll invariably lose once his salary cap books are audited.
I am in the camp that doesn’t believe VAJ is likely to end up in the West (barring a trade BC can’t refuse). I’d like to see the Riders make a play for Davis Alexander but I’m sure Montreal will want to find a way to keep him and he appears to be “the next one”.
I stand corrected.