CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO -- Day one of CFL free agency is officially in the books.

While fans were expecting a blizzard of signings to take place once the clock struck noon, what they actually experienced were scattered flurries all throughout the day.

Prized free agents Andy Fantuz and Brendon LaBatte still remain on the free market, as they continue to field offers from various CFL clubs.

However, while the Fantuz/LaBatte sweepstakes were the main focus for some, other GM's across the league were busy doing some house-cleaning.

Out West, the BC Lions continued to secure key parts to their defending championship roster, as Wally Buono re-signed Ryan Phillips and Dante Marsh to new contracts.

"Anytime you can hold on to your best players in the face of free agency it's a win for your club,'' Buono said. "Ryan has been very consistent during his time here in B.C. and he's a big part of a very solid foundation in our secondary.

"In Dante's case, we have reached an agreement that is subject to him receiving medical clearance to play. We're confident that hurdle will be cleared and we'll officially complete the transaction at that time,'' he added.

BC's opponent in the 99th Grey Cup, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, also saw some movement on their roster. In addition to potentially losing LaBatte to another team, the Bombers said good bye to defensive tackle Don Oramasionwu, who signed with the Edmonton Eskimos.

However, the Bombers did manage to lock up veteran offensive lineman Glenn January.

"We are very happy to have Glenn back in the fold for next season,” said Winnipeg Vice-President and General Manager Joe Mack.

“Coming off a serious injury to being named a Divisional All-Star is something to be proud of and we’re very happy we were able to keep another member of our offensive line in tact.”



Sticking with the East Division, the Toronto Argonauts continued to revamp their roster after a disappointing 2011 season. One day after signing free agent receiver Jason Barnes, the Argos managed to to re-sign Canadian linebacker Jason Pottinger to a two-year deal.

"I’m absolutely ecstatic to re-sign in my home town of Toronto. I now have one less thing to worry about and I can focus on my Corporate Finance midterm tomorrow. I love the direction that the Argos front office staff and coaches are taking and I’m happy they want me to be a part of it," said Pottinger in a release.

"It’s about time we bring pride back to the Double Blue and a Grey Cup to our dedicated fans. It’s great to be able to continue to play in front of my family and friends and nothing would be sweeter than competing for a Grey Cup on home soil this year.”

Toronto's provincial rival, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were relatively quiet on day one, but did announce that they have re-signed linebacker Ike Brown.

“Ike is an outstanding special teams player who brings versatility to our defence. We’re looking forward to seeing Ike healthy and competing at a high level this season,” said Hamilton Vice-President of football operations Bob O’Billovich.

One of the more active teams on opening day of free agency were the Eskimos. General Manager Eric Tillman aggresively targeted players that he felt would improve a team that was one win away from a trip the Grey Cup in 2011.

In addition to signing Oramasionwu, Tillman also managed to to sign receiver Cary Koch.

"Cary missed much of 2011 with an injury, but within the football fraternity his talent is widely recognized. We really like is how Cary approaches the game when he isn't the primary receiver. He runs every route full speed and he blocks extremely well, too. Championship clubs do all the little things right and Cary certainly fits that mold," said Tillman.

Koch will likely be counted on to replace the departed Barnes.

Finally, Rider Nation saw one of its native sons return home on Wednesday evening, as cornerback Paul Woldu, a Regina native, signed on as a free agent.