THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — The first few days have brought plenty of action. On Thursday, day three of free agency, two big receivers in Ernest Jackson and Jeff Fuller came off the board.
Still, especially for those less active teams so far, there’s plenty to be salvaged in CFL Free Agency 2017.
Who are some names that might come into play on Friday, the fourth day of free agency?
We take a look.
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Recently-signed Ernest Jackson celebrates after a touchdown in 2016 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
1) Shakir Bell, RB (EDM)
The Riders likely dented the market for American running backs by signing two nationals in Kienan Lafrance and Aaron Milton. For now, the Argos appear to be the only team without a clear-cut starting back and they’ll have their share of options, including the shifty Shakir Bell.
2) Terrell Sinkfield, REC (BC)
For teams that lost out on the elite, Terrell Sinkfield is a pretty good alternative option. He’s improved every season as a pro and his speed is second to none. While true game-changers are dwindling on day three, Sinkfield is one.
3) Greg Van Roten, OL (TOR)
Word out there is he’s looking at NFL opportunities. But if someone in the CFL can lure him, Greg Van Roten is a solid American tackle and a nice consolation prize for teams that lost out on Derek Dennis.
4) Andy Fantuz, REC (HAM)
A return to Hamilton seemed like a foregone conclusion — yet it hasn’t happened yet. He’s 33 and coming off a season-ending knee injury but the 6-foot-4 Western grad was as productive as ever in 2016.
5) Cory Greenwood, LB (TOR)
He’s Canadian and he can play WILL or MACK, making Cory Greenwood one of the more appealing remaining free agent options out there. The question: are teams willing to pay the price for a 31-year-old who’s missed 16 games over the last two seasons?
Versatile linebacker Cory Greenwood could be a free agent domino (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)
6) Euclid Cummings, DT (WPG)
One of the top-ranked free agents a year ago, Euclid Cummings has been a forgotten man this time around. He didn’t have his best season with Winnipeg but the 6-foot-3, 298-pound interior lineman would still be a nice pick up for a number of teams out there.
7) Dan Federkeil, OT (CGY)
It’s surprising that Dan Federkeil hasn’t re-signed with Calgary yet. The Stamps need a tackle after losing Derek Dennis and Federkeil, despite his age (33), is as solid as it gets at the position.
8) Tori Gurley, REC (WPG)
With the first wave of free agency come and gone, Tori Gurley is one of the premium options for teams looking for a proven veteran pass-catcher. Gurley can dominate physically and is just hitting his prime.
9) J’Michael Deane, OL (OTT)
While Ottawa’s O-line was a bit of a revolving door last year due to injuries, J’Michael Deane was a lock at the left guard spot, starting 16 games throughout the REDBLACKS’ Grey Cup-winning season. The 30-year-old national shouldn’t be on the market much longer.
10) Brandon Whitaker, RB (TOR)
Brandon Whitaker proved in 2016 that age is just a number, logging arguably the second most productive season in his career. Aging American running backs aren’t typically valued but one of the league’s most well-rounded backs should be considered an exception.
11) Patrick Watkins, CB (EDM)
While the Esks may look to get younger, Patrick Watkins put in another strong season at age 33 in 2016. The 6-foot-5 corner might be slowing down but still offers value after playing 16 games and logging a career-high 73 tackles last season.
Despite his age, Pat Watkins could still be coveted as a capable starting corner (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
12) Jovon Johnson, DB (MTL)
Despite his age (now 33), Jovon Johnson put in a strong season at halfback on Noel Thorpe’s defence, starting all 18 games, providing strong coverage and even racking up a career-high six sacks. Don’t sleep on him on day three of free agency.
13) Chris Getzlaf, REC (EDM)
In his first year out of Riderville, Chris Getzlaf played in all 18 games for the first time since 2012, catching 41 passes for 455 yards and a pair of touchdowns with the Eskimos. The 6-foot-1 receiver can still be a valuable piece.
14) D’Anthony Batiste, OT (EDM)
For any team in need of a reliable veteran tackle that can step in and start right away, this is the guy. Batiste, an international, started all 18 games for the Eskimos at tackle and has the ability to switch sides as needed.
15) Glenn Love, LB (CGY)
His name has come up a lot, and not just because Tuesday was Valentine’s Day. Glenn Love stepped in admirably for the injured Deron Mayo last season, including a 10-tackle performance in the 104th Grey Cup vs. Ottawa.
Glenn Love (pictured) filled in admirably for the injured Deron Mayo in 2016 (The Canadian Press)
16) Alan Michael Cash, DT (MTL)
There are a few solid interior linemen still up for grabs, including the veteran Alan Michael Cash. Cash has been reliable over five seasons with Montreal, recording 20-plus tackles every season and playing all 18 games in each of the last three years.
17) Bryan Hall, DT (TOR)
Another big man, Bryan Hall took his time choosing a free agent destination last season and we could see the same again this year. The 28-year-old recorded 33 tackles and four sacks to go with a forced fumble for the Boatmen in 2016.
18) Clarence Denmark, REC (WPG)
Released by both the Bombers and Riders last off-season, it seemed like Clarence Denmark’s CFL career was fading. Then, asked to come back, the 31-year-old racked up 705 receiving yards and a career-high eight touchdowns in only 10 games. He will land somewhere.
19) Devon Bailey, REC (EDM)
Safe to say Devon Bailey hasn’t lived up to the hype since going sixth overall in the 2014 CFL Draft. But the potential is there and all the 6-foot-5, 202-pound Mississauga, Ont. native needs is a full-time opportunity. Bailey could be a nice pick up for the right team.
20) Bakari Grant, REC (CGY)
Bakari Grant played an effective role on the 15-2-1 Stampeders in 2016, hauling in 44 passes for 625 yards and four touchdowns in only 10 games. With 62.5 yards per game, the six-year vet had the most productive season of his career.
