THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — CFL.ca has you covered with all the latest chatter and rumours regarding free agency from CFL.ca writers, players and FA insiders.
The Free Agent deadline was Feb. 14 at Noon ET – to see a full list of those still on the market, click here.
:: Riders’ busy off-season continues: According to Gary Lawless, the Riders have signed former Stampeders Bakari Grant and Glenn Love
Bakari Grant and Glenn Love agree to terms with @sskroughriders @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 17, 2017
:: Argos bolster their secondary: The Argos have reportedly re-signed Matt Black and added free agent Johnny Sears Jr., according to Justin Dunk
#Argos agree to terms with Canadian DB Matt Black https://t.co/5hpoJRhZAg #Toronto #CFLFreeAgency #CFLFA #CFL pic.twitter.com/3B8Mi94cQJ
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 17, 2017
DB Johnny Sears Jr. agrees to terms with #Argos https://t.co/uDBMYPYikt #Toronto #CFL #CFLFreeAgency #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/kAtJ1dEL2e
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 17, 2017
:: Dyakowski, Fuller headed to Argos: According to Gary Lawless, the Argos have signed Jeff Fuller and Peter Dyakowski on the third day of free agency
confirmed WR Jeff Fuller and OL Peter Dyakowski have signed deals with @TorontoArgos #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 16, 2017
:: Sinkfield thinking Ticats? It appears that it’s the NFL or the Ticats for free agent receiver Terrell Sinkfield, who tweeted as much on Wednesday night
Lord willing if it ain’t the shield it gotta be a 🐯👀
— Terrell Sinkfield Jr (@Solo_Sink2) February 16, 2017
Looks like WR Terrell Sinkfield well down the road with @Ticats @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 16, 2017
:: Jackson decision looming?: One of the top free agents has yet to make a decision but is toying with a few offers according to TSN’s Gary Lawless.
Multiple offers in on WR Ernest Jackson and sounds like a decision could be coming soon @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 15, 2017
:: Lions secure Bucknor’s services?: Lions have signed DB Matt Bucknor to a two-year deal, according to Farhan Lalji
DB Matt Bucknor has agreed in principal to a 2-year deal with #BCLions. Final details being ironed out, but he’ll be in BC. #CFLFA
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 15, 2017
:: Muamba gaining interest from a pair of teams: Veteran safety Cauchy Muamba has been in touch with the Riders and als according to Lawless.
hearing both @sskroughriders and @MTLAlouettes showing interest in DB Cauchy Muamba. @EdmontonEsks still interested if price is right #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 15, 2017
:: Chris Williams BC Bound?: TSN’s Farhan Lalji is reporting that speedster Chris Williams is headed to the BC Lions
Chris Williams has agreed to terms with #BCLions pending a physical. 2 year deal with a sizeable increase in year 2. #CFLFA @CFLonTSN
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 15, 2017
:: Owens Flyin’ to Riderville?: TSN’s Matt Scianitti reporting that veteran Chad Owens is headed to the Riders.
Hearing Chad Owens is heading to #Riders on a two-year deal according to #CFL sources #CFLFA
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 15, 2017
— Chad Owens (@ChadOwens2) February 15, 2017
:: Riders looking for love? According to Scott Mitchell, the Riders are currently courting linebacker Glenn Love
Sask #Riders are in on Stamps LB Glenn Love, per source. Third in the #CFL with 21 tackles on teams last year.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottMitchellPM) February 15, 2017
:: Hunt close to staying put: TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reports that Phillip Hunt is close to an extension with the Esks
Eskimos are close to signing Phillip Hunt, who wanted to test the market, but seems to have settled on staying put.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 15, 2017
:: Brouillette heading West to Riderville? According to Justin Dunk, Marc Olivier Brouillette is heading west to Saskatchewan
#Riders agree to terms with all-star Canadian DB Marc-Olivier Brouillette.#CFLFreeAgency #CFLFA #AlsMTL #CFL https://t.co/BaK85CgUZn pic.twitter.com/GYs7fOre52
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 15, 2017
:: Argos make a move, bring in Venable: The Toronto Argonauts have made their first significant move of the day, inking former Montreal linebacker Winston Venable according to Gary Lawless
Confirmed @TorontoArgos sign LB Winston Venable @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 15, 2017
:: Hall looking at Riders, Argos: The Argos are still holding talks with Bryan Hall, TSN’s Matthew Scianitti says
Hearing DL Bryan Hall getting interest from #Argos & #Riders #CFLFA #CFL
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
:: Als close to adding Westerman? Jabar Westerman is reportedly nearing a deal with Montreal according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji
Hearing DL Jabar Westerman is close to signing with #Als. Same for LB Sam Hurl, likely to re-sign with #Bombers @CFLonTSN #CFLFA
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 14, 2017
:: Spencer, REDBLACKS close to a deal: Could Diontae Spencer be about to join Kenny Shaw in the nation’s capital?
#CFL sources say WR Diontae Spencer is close to signing with the #RedBlacks #CFLFA
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
:: Munoz released: Not long after reportedly signing Khalil Bass, is Damaso Munoz on his way out of Ottawa?
Damaso Munoz released by #Redblacks
— Tim Baines (@TimCBaines) February 14, 2017
:: Sink back in the Hammer? According to Drew Edwards, the Ticats are still looking to strike a deal with Terrell Sinkfield
Hearing the #Ticats are still pursuing REC @Solo_Sink2. #CFL #CFLFreeAgency #BCLions
— Drew Edwards (@scratchingpost) February 14, 2017
:: Adams on the outs? According to Herb Zurkowsky, Vernon Adams Jr. could be on his way out of Montreal
Hearing more and more if #AlsMTL sign QB Jacory Harris, fellow pivot @vadams_qb will be traded or released.
— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) February 14, 2017
:: Argos adding to huddle? The Argos may be adding a new quarterback to their huddle in Jeff Mathews
.@garylawless hearing Jeff Matthews is heading to the #Argos #CFLFA #CFL
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
:: Riders get their tackle: It appears the Riders have landed one of free agency’s biggest fish, left tackle Derek Dennis
OL Derek Dennis and @sskroughriders have agreed to terms @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
:: Shaw to the nation’s capital: Word out of Ottawa is Kenny Shaw has landed a deal with the Ottawa REDBLACKS
American receiver Kenny Shaw agrees to terms with #Redblacks https://t.co/xtjHuQvMg8…s-with-redblacks/ #Ottawa #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/lglWAZJQJc
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 14, 2017
:: Riders after J’Michael Deane? The Riders have reportedly made a serious offer to national offensive lineman J’Michael Deane
#Riders have a serious offer in on J’Michael Deane. #CFL via @garylawless
— CFL News (@CFL_News) February 14, 2017
:: Bombers, Nevis come to terms: According to Dave Naylor, the Bombers have inked defensive tackle Drake Nevis to a free agent deal
DL Drake Nevis has agreed to a deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. #CFL #Bombers
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 14, 2017
:: REDBLACKS come to terms with Khalil Bass: The Ottawa REDBLACKS have reportedly agreed to a deal with linebacker Khalil Bass
Bass and @REDBLACKS have agreed to terms. finalizing paperwork @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
:: Stubler lending a hand for Argos: Rich Stubler is offering his help in the Argos’ free agent war room according to Scott Mitchell
DC Rich Stubler is in the #Argos FA war room providing a veteran voice, I’m told. #CFL
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottMitchellPM) February 14, 2017
:: Shaw, Als in talks? The Alouettes are reportedly in talks with receiver Kenny Shaw, according to TSN’s Joey Alfieri
Source tells me #AlsMTL are in on WR Kenny Shaw. No deal done, but they’re interested
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) February 14, 2017
:: Spencer, Jefferson and LaFrance getting attention: According to Matthew Scianitti, Diontae Spencer, AJ Jefferson and Kienan Lafrance have all been popular early in free agency
Multiple teams already inquiring about WR Diontae Spencer #CFL #CFLPA
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
DB/WR AJ Jefferson also getting lots of interest #CFL #CFLPA
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
Four teams looking in on RB Kienan LaFrance #CFL #CFLPA
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
:: Bombers in pursuit of Nevis: The Bombers could look to fill a void on their D-line by chasing Drake Nevis, says Gary Lawless
sounds like @Wpg_BlueBombers making a push for DT Drake Nevis @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
:: Kanneh, Ticats a match? Tim Baines of the Ottawa Citizen says shutdown halfback Abdul Kanneh could land in Hamilton
Hearing #Ottawa #Redblacks DB @King_dul could wind up with #Ticats when #CFL free agency opens at noon.
— Tim Baines (@TimCBaines) February 14, 2017
:: Shaw will find out what he is worth: Gary Lawless stating that it is unlikely the Argos will have a last minute deal with Shaw done.
after lots of back and forth WR Kenny Shaw won’t re-sign with @TorontoArgos and will test free agent market @cfl #cfl deep list of WRs
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
:: Bell, Bailey likely to test free agency: It appears that Devon Bailey and Shakir Bell will be heading to market at the 12 p.m. ET deadline
Bailey and S. Bell most likely headed to market and moving on. Expect a subtle approach from Hervey with Hunt situation as a priority
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 14, 2017
:: Fantuz with offer on table from ‘Cats?: A pair of TSN reporters are s reporting that Andy Fantuz has an opportunity to remain in Hamilton despite recovering from an ACL injury.
#CFL sources say #Ticats made WR Andy Fantuz a firm offer before #CFLFA, but Fantuz reps could explore options after 12pm before committing
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
told @Ticats making WR Andy Fantuz an offer to keep him in Ham. ACL surgery will keep him off field for long stretch but they want him #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 11, 2017
:: Brooks reportedly inks two-year deal: According to Farhan Lalji, Mic’hael Brooks has agreed to a new two-year deal with the Lions on the eve of free agency
#BCLions have signed Mic’hael Brooks to a 2 year deal. #CFLFA @CFLonTSN
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 14, 2017
:: REDBLACKS, MacMillan come to terms: According to Justin Dunk of 3downnation, Nolan MacMillan has re-upped with the REDBLACKS
Canadian OL Nolan MacMillan agrees to extension with #Redblacks https://t.co/OM7dRZ0BTV #Ottawa #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/s1xGI2F7fL
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 14, 2017
:: Iiannuzi also staying put? More news out of Vancouver as Marco Iannuzzi has also reportedly extended his stay with the BC Lions
Marco Ianuzzi has agreed to terms with #BCLions.
— NEWS 1130 Sports (@NEWS1130Sports) February 14, 2017
Ianuzzi is 2 year deal and Yell is 1 year deal. #BCLions
— NEWS 1130 Sports (@NEWS1130Sports) February 14, 2017
:: Talks break down between Bombers, Denmark: Despite a promising outlook yesterday, seems as though Clarence Denmark will not be retained by the Blue Bombers before the deadline.
Doesn’t look like @Wpg_BlueBombers and WR Clarence Denmark will get a deal before FA opens. Got close but fell apart due to structure #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
:: Argos to make a major play for Derek Dennis: Expect the Argos to make a push for the services of top-ranked offensive tackle Derek Dennis, says Scott Mitchell
Expect the Argos to make a significant offer to Derek Dennis tomorrow. They’ve spent a lot on O-line already, but they’re not done. #CFL
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottMitchellPM) February 14, 2017
:: No new discussions between Argos, Ray: According to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti, there’s been no word between the Argos and veteran quarterback Ricky Ray, who could retire this off-season
#CFL sources say no discussions between #Argos & Ricky Ray about his future. Wait&see approach for team&QB. New GM&HC will determine a lot
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
:: Careful, measured approach likely for Argos in free agency: Don’t expect an overly aggressive Argos team in free agency, TSN’s Matthew Scianitti says, under assistant GM Spencer Zimmerman
#Argos have money to spend, but won’t overspend. Don’t want to limit wiggle cap room for incoming GM & HC to implement their vision. #CFL
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 14, 2017
:: Ojo could be a non-factor in free agency: According to Scott Mitchell, John Ojo should be cleared to play in six weeks, then has at least eight NFL workouts planned
CB John Ojo should have his Achilles cleared in about 6 weeks and has at least 8 NFL workouts, per source. Non-factor in #CFL FA right now.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottMitchellPM) February 14, 2017
:: Talks intensify between REDBLACKS, MacMillan: The REDBLACKS’ star O-lineman might not be headed to free agency after all, as Gary Lawless reports that talks are picking up between the two sides
Sounds like there’s been a break in negotiations with @REDBLACKS and OL Nolan McMillan. Not done but they’re getting close #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
With @REDBLACKS putting dollars into McMillan, sounds like they won’t have cap space for WR Ernest Jackson @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 14, 2017
:: Davis will be sought after when FA opens: Chances are slim that Emanuel Davis will re-sign in Hamilton, this according to Matt Scianitti. The TSN correspondent reports the same for Ottawa RB Kienan LaFrance
Hearing #Ticats DB Emanuel Davis will hit the #CFL free agency market. The same goes for #RedBlacks RB, East final star, Kienan LaFrance
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 13, 2017
:: McDaniel, Stampeders nearing new deal?: According to TSN’s Gary Lawless, veteran receiver Marquay McDaniel will be staying in Calgary and is working on talks with the Stamps.
Marquay McDaniel deal with @calstampeders is for two years #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 13, 2017
:: McDaniel signing could make Grant expendable: According to Danny Austin, should McDaniel re-sign in Calgary expect Bakari Grant’s tenure with the Stamps to end after one season.
Hufnagel says he could only afford one of Bakari Grant and Marquay McDaniel, has informed Grant’s agent there will no longer be negotiations
— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) February 13, 2017
:: Shaw has offer on the table from Argos: Lawless also reporting that the Argos are actively trying to get a deal done with WR Kenny Shaw before the deadline tomorrow.
WR Kenny Shaw has an offer from @TorontoArgos and is mulling it over. Still some time left to get it done @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 13, 2017
:: Whitaker, Greenwood out of Toronto?: Lawless reporting that RB Brandon Whitaker has been told he will not return to Toronto, while national linebacker Cory Greenwood will likely test free agency before deciding whether he will stay or go.
Hearing @TorontoArgos have told RB Brandon Whitaker they won’t be bringing him back. Looks like LB Cory Greenwood will hit market #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 13, 2017
:: Micah Johnson remaining in Calgary?: Appears as though Micah Johnson has re-upped in Calgary, this according to Justin Dunk
2016 #CFL all-star DL Micah Johnson extends for two years with #CalStampeders. #CFLFA
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 13, 2017
:: Clarence Denmark still in talks: With one day left before free agency, the Stamps are still trying to work out a deal with defensive lineman Micah Johnson while the same goes for Clarence Denmark and the Bombers
just over 24 hours until @cfl #cfl free agency. @calstampeders and Micah Johnson still talking, @Wpg_BlueBombers and Clarence Denmark same
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 13, 2017
:: Johnson bids farewell to Montreal? Is Jovon Johnson saying goodbye to the City of Montreal? The Alouette defensive back and pending free agent tweeted his thank yous and reflected on his experiences on Sunday
Montreal it’s been a great year! The city has been nothing less than amazing, but with two days to go I just want to say THANK YOU! #Deuce
— Jovon Johnson (@Mr_Consistent_2) February 12, 2017
:: Talks continue between Hebert, Bede and Alouettes: Veteran linebacker Kyries Hebert and the Alouettes are reportedly optimistic that they can come to an agreement, according to Gary Lawless of TSN. Lawless is reporting a similar situation regarding kicker Boris Bede
#Als could be close to settling with potential FA’s @kyhebert & @NicolasBoulay. But don’t expect anything with @RichBoy49 or @MOBrouillette
— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) February 13, 2017
hearing talks between @MTLAlouettes and LB Kyries Hebert moving in a positive direction. Optimism deal can be reached before FA #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 11, 2017
Sounds like @MTLAlouettes are interested in retaining kicker Boris Bede. talks ongoing. optimism for a deal. @cfl #cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 11, 2017
:: Bombers trying not to let Denmark slip again?: Gary Lawless is reporting that talks between veteran receiver Clarence Denmark and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have began to heat up.
can say talks between @Wpg_BlueBombers and WR Clarence Denmark have intensified. Sounds like there’s a will to get a deal done #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 10, 2017
told @Wpg_BlueBombers love how Denmark handled himself, came & played after previous release left mark on organization. they want him back
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 10, 2017
:: Burnham, Lions come to terms?: Farhan Lalji is reporting that the Lions and receiver Bryan Burnham have a new two-year deal in place.
It appears that Bryan Burnham has agreed to a deal with the #BCLions. Neither side has confirmed it yet, but it’s a 2-year deal. #CFLFA
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 10, 2017
:: Bombers to let Bass, Keeping, others test waters?: Looks like a list of veterans as well as signings from last year’s free agency period will not be Blue Bombers come Tuesday, according to Darrin Bauming.
#Bombers pending FAs who will definitely hit free agency on Feb 14: LB Khalil Bass, DT Euclid Cummings, WR Rory Kohlert, OL Jeff Keeping.
— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) February 9, 2017
:: Jackson and more not likely to sign in Ottawa before deadline: Word out of Ottawa is the REDBLACKS are unlikely to sign any of their remaining pending free agents before Feb. 14 (Tim Baines, Ottawa Sun).
:: Stamps still trying to re-up Johnson; Dennis could hit market: Defensive lineman Micah Johnson remains a priority for the Stampeders according to TSN’s Gary Lawless. The same cannot be said for the league’s Most Outstanding Lineman, Derek Dennis, who looks set to hit the market.
looks like @calstampeders have turned their focus to signing DT Micah Johnson. Talks ongoing. Expect OL Derek Dennis to hit market #cfl @cfl
— gary lawless (@garylawless) February 10, 2017
:: Likely no repeat performance from Bombers: Kyle Walters stole the show last year in free agency but don’t expect him to duplicate the effort in 2017. After spending significant money on re-signing QB Matt Nichols and WR Darvin Adams and inking playmaker WR Kenny Stafford, Winnipeg could be significantly more quiet this time around.
More to come …