February 14, 2013

FA13 Preview: Needs, wants and wishlists

CFL.ca

CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO — As the today’s free agency deadline nears, CFL.ca has been breaking down each team’s potential needs, wants and wish list.

Below is an in-depth look at each team’s potential plans for free agency, including the work they have done so far, who might be on their way out and who they might be looking at bringing in.

Now, here’s a preview at what might be in store for your team today and in the coming weeks.


BC Lions
It has been an interesting off-season to say the least for General Manager Wally Buono and the BC Lions.  A pair of somewhat  shocking cuts, a big trade and the ending of an era are just a few of the moves headlining the last few months in Vancouver. Read More.
» Lions trade QB Reilly to Eskimos
» Superman Simon traded to Saskatchewan


Edmonton Eskimos
One can argue that the Eskimos’ brass has been hard at work at re-structuring their roster since mid-November when they parted ways with General Manager Eric Tillman a week before their Eastern Semi-Final clash with the Toronto Argonauts. Read More.
» Eskimos, Tiger-Cats complete 5-player deal
» Canadian RB Messam shipped to Als for draft pick


 Calgary Stampeders
Looking back on the 2012 season, one thing that made itself clear as the Stamps marched their way  towards an appearance in the 100th Grey Cup is that they are loaded with depth in key positions. And John Hufnagel whatever he can to get them back. Read More.
» Stampeders release veteran receiver Romby Bryant
» Taylor Made: Stamps ink electric returner to extension


Saskatchewan Roughriders
Priorities may be a lot different for the Saskatchewan Roughriders entering this year’s free agency period compared to last. Last year, it was all about improving one area. This year, General Manager Brendan Taman has a bit more work to do. Read More.
» Remaining Riders likely to test free agent waters
» Morris: Simon has a lot to prove in Riderville


Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Joe Mack has already done some work in keeping several of his team’s key assets in the same locker room, but how much more will he have to do to make the Winnipeg faithful forget about last season’s frustration?  Read More.
» Clarence Denmark next on Mack’s to-do list
» Turner agrees to terms with Blue Bombers


Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Hamilton may enter free agency as the most unpredictable based solely on the fact that the man making the decisions has no prior experience.  Will new GM Kent Austin be a ajor player or will he sit back and wait to harvest his team through the draft? Read More.
» Tiger-Cats lock up a pair prior to free agency
» Esks and Ticats complete five-player deal


Toronto Argonauts
Jim Barker has made it clear over the last few off-seasons that he does not use building or sustaining a club through free agency as an overwhelming philosophy.  However, Barker may be looking to make some depth moves and fill some gaps. Read More.
» Barker still hoping to re-sign Foley and Kackert
» Don’t expect Argonauts to make a splash during free agency


Montreal Alouettes
To say Jim Popp has been busy this off-season would be an understatement. Popp, who is set to enter his 18th year as Montreal’s GM, has had more than player signings to deal with since his Als last took to the field. Read More.
» Alouettes acquire Messam in deal with Eskimos
» Bratton, McPherson, Guy all released by Als