Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — With free agency set to arrive at 12 p.m. ET on Tuesday, we’ve heard plenty about some of the names you can’t miss on Valentine’s Day.
But while everyone will have eyes on the likes of Ernest Jackson and Derek Dennis, who are some of those flying under the radar?
CFL.ca’s Jamie Nye looks at some of the lesser-talked free agents that could becomes steals in the coming weeks:
*Denotes national status
Kienan Lafrance*
RB | OTT
Kienan Lafrance hauls in a pass during the 104th Grey Cup in Toronto (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS running back sure made a name for himself in the playoffs. The Canadian running back could fit into a few teams’ system to add some depth at a ratio breaking spot like running back.
Passport aside, Lafrance at the age of 25 is an appealing prospect to carry the ball for a team for a few years to come.
Jabar Westerman*
DT | BC
Jabar Westerman could be ready to test the market after five seasons in BC (Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca)
Jabar Westerman is a perfect player for the growing trend of rotation along the defensive line. Westerman is versatile and can play both tackle and end. He’s also just 27 years old so this is an investment that could pay off for another few years yet.
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Nicolas Boulay*
LB | MTL
A four-year veteran, Nicolas Boulay brings experience and flexibility as a free agent (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Having players who can rotate in on defence but also contribute very well on special teams is a must in the Canadian Football League. Boulay is that type of player. He would add great Canadian depth for anyone around the league who wants to try to pry him out of Montreal.
Brandon Rutley
RB | MTL
Brandon Rutley could look to become a starter should he hit the open market (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
The 27-year old running back has been in the shadows in Montreal for some time. Rutley’s strength is his ability to get out into the passing game but also add a good solid run game for any team who may need depth at the running back position.
Is the 27-year old ready to take on a full time role? I’m sure he’d tell you he is, but at the very least he gives you a solid second option.
J’Michael Deane*
OL | OTT
J’Michael Deane started all 16 games he played in last season for the REDBLACKS (Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca)
The list of national offensive lineman is not that deep in this year’s free agent class. Deane may be able to cash in as that seems to be the perennial need around the league — to increase the Canadian depth on the offensive line.
Glenn Love
LB | CGY
Stamps linebacker Glenn Love could be an under the radar signing this month (Larry MacDougal/CFL.ca)
Long, lean and mean. Love can play all over the field and the 27-year old could be another Stampeder waiting in the wings after a few seasons, looking for a chance to play considerably more. He has also been around the league for five seasons so he definitely knows his way around.
Love could be a diamond in the rough type find. Otha Foster wasn’t in the top free agents list last year before signing in Saskatchewan and he’s got a gig in the NFL.
Cauchy Muamba*
DB | EDM
Veteran safety Cauchy Muamba should hold plenty of value in free agency (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
The veteran safety had a down year with the Edmonton Eskimos and could be looking for a change of scenery again. At 29, Muamba is a player who could start at safety or at the very least contribute on special teams, while providing good insurance in the secondary with a team’s Canadian depth.
Greg Wilson
REC | CGY
Greg Wilson has shown flashes of potential during his time in Calgary (Larry MacDougal/CFL.ca)
I always thought Greg Wilson could be a decent CFL receiver if given the snaps but he’s always seemed to be behind up and coming stars in Calgary like Eric Rogers or Davaris Daniels.
This is definitely a sleeper pick for a receiver who has only suited up for 10 CFL games but the young receiver could be ready to become a decent go to guy if given the opportunity.
Johnny Adams
DB | HAM
After his release from Winnipeg, Johnny Adams signed with the Ticats in 2016 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Adams had six interceptions three years ago but hasn’t been able to stay on the field over the last two seasons. That means the price could be coming down and Adams should be motivated to get back to the level he was in 2014 with Winnipeg.
Euclid Cummings
DL | WPG
Euclid Cummings (left) celebrates during a game in 2016 (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)
Cummings is going to be just 26-years old when the season begins and he’s already had an eight sack season.
The big man could sure help plug the middle of a defence for anybody in need and is slowly making his way up the depth chart around the league for guys who can play inside on the defensive line.
