Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The Argos, Ticats and Riders appear to be in on national offensive lineman J’Michael Deane.
Plus, what’s the latest on Vince Young and the Green and White?
That and more in the latest Checking Down:
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
Could the NFL be a possibility for Jonathon Jennings after 2018? (The Canadian Press)
– As Jonathon Jennings heads into his third CFL season, risk vs. reward will continue to guide the discussion (Jim Morris, CFL.ca).
– Speaking of Jennings, could an NFL tryout be in his future? That possibility could come into view after the 2017 season (Mike Beamish, Vancouver Province).
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Matt O’Donnell signed a four-year extension with the Eskimos this week (Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca)
– Free agent linebacker and national Cory Greenwood is reportedly close to signing with the Eskimos (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation).
– Shamawd Chambers has made quite a name for himself in the CFL, but there’s more to his story. Alex Anthony documents the story of Shamawd’s brother Jonathan, who passed away 10 years ago (Alex Anthony).
– Eskmos quarterback Jordan Lynch has reportedly retired to become the RBs coach at Northern Illinois University (Dave Campbell, CHED).
– Matt O’Donnell’s four-year contract is a CFL anomaly, writes Gerry Moddejonge, but the 6-foot-11 guard is a big re-signing for the Esks (Gerry Moddejonge, Edmonton Journal).
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
Antony Auclair would give Dave Dickenson some new options on Calgary’s offence (Yan Doublet/Laval)
– The Stamps have brought back two players from their practice squad last season, including quarterback Nick Arbuckle (Calgary Herald).
– Drafting Antony Auclair would give Dave Dickenson a unique weapon and a chance to do something different offensively (Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca).
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
According to reports, Vince Young could be headed to Riderville before long (University of Texas)
– The Riders have brought back national defensive back Jeff Hecht, the team announced Wednesday morning (CFL.ca).
– After weeks of anticipation, Vince Young is reportedly close to signing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (Gary Lawless, TSN).
– The Roughriders could also be among teams in on free agent offensive lineman J’Michael Deane (Gary Lawless, TSN).
– There’s no doubt Vince Young is a big name, but can the two-time NFL Pro Bowler be more than that for the Riders? (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
Idaho’s Mason Woods is a candidate to go first overall to the Bombers (University of Idaho)
– The draft is still two months away but who will the Bombers pick first? Marshall Ferguson has his inaugural 2017 mock draft (Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca).
– For Winnipeg native Thomas Miles, returning to his roots was a no-brainer following his release by the Argos (Ed Tait, BlueBombers.com)
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Kicker Brett Maher could still be back with the Ticats after all in 2017 (Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca)
– The Ticats are reportedly in the running to land free agent OL J’Michael Deane, who could sign with either Toronto or Hamilton this week (Gary Lawless, TSN).
– While the Tabbies are without a kicker, Brett Maher is reportedly open to returning to the team (Marshall Ferguson).
– The Ticats have reportedly signed former NFL linebacker Cavell Conner, who made 46 starts between the Chargers and Colts (Drew Edwards, 3 Down Nation).
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Marcus Brady will resume his role as offensive coordinator under Marc Trestman (Argonauts.ca)
– According to Gary Lawless, free agent and former REDBLACK J’Michael Deane will sign with either the Argos or Ticats. Deane can play guard or tackle (Gary Lawless, TSN).
– Corey Chamblin (defensive coordinator) and Marcus Brady (offensive coordinator) have been named to the Argos’ 2017 coaching staff (CFL.ca).
– For up-and-coming coaching prospect Marcus Brady, leading the Argos’ offence in 2017 is exactly what he wants to be doing (CFL.ca).
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
Marcel Desjardins holds the ninth overall pick in May’s 2017 CFL Draft (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
– Could the Ottawa REDBLACKS look to land another big defensive lineman in the draft? Iowa’s Faith Ekakitie could be a fit (Marshall Ferguson, CFL.ca).
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
Als general manager Kavis Reed continues to be busy three months ahead of camp (The Canadian Press)
– The Alouettes have signed three new offensive linemen, including 2016 third-round pick Sean Jamieson (MontrealAlouettes.com).
