Jason Halstead/CFL.ca
TORONTO — Saturday brought us a flurry of activity as CFL teams reduced their roster to 46 active players ahead of the regular season. Yet with kickoff arriving on Thursday, the last-minute shuffle may not be done.
Drew Willy, Shakir Bell and Tori Gurley are just a few of the big-name players now without a team but if the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that players let go on cut down day could hold plenty of value on the open market.
Two years ago it was Brandon Whitaker; last year Mitchell White. Both players were surprise cuts but rebounded elsewhere, the latter helping the REDBLACKS capture the 104th Grey Cup last November.
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And some of us might recall how the writing was on the wall when Clarence Denmark was dropped by the Riders last camp, only for Denmark to return to Winnipeg mid-season.
With the 2017 regular season just days away, we look at some of the names released on Saturday and who could contribute this season:
Shakir Bell | RB
It was strange to see Bell take so long to find a team in free agency, let alone see him on the free agent wire again at this time. Bell has two things on his side: 1) he’s only 25; and 2) he’s produced every time he’s been in the lineup. He’s one injury away from not just joining a new team but owning an offensive backfield all on his own.
Possible Fits: Montreal, Ottawa
Shakir Bell’s time in Ottawa was short-lived after he was released Saturday (Chris Hofley/Ottawa REDBLACKS)
Tori Gurley | WR
Gurley’s release from the Argos last October was a shock but after subsequent short stints in Winnipeg and Ottawa, this is becoming a trend. It’s hard to believe the lengthy, big-play receiver can’t help somewhere but he may have to bide his time until injuries open up a spot.
Possible Fits: Edmonton, BC
Drew Willy | QB
Had Scott Milanovich stayed in Toronto, things might have been different for the veteran Willy. Marc Trestman and Jim Popp felt no attachment to the former Bomber and decided to say goodbye, instead going with Jeff Mathews as the backup quarterback. Willy has lots to offer as a CFL backup but it won’t be in Toronto.
Possible Fits: Saskatchewan, Montreal
Wayne Moore | RB
Chosen 11th overall in last year’s CFL Draft, it’s hard to imagine Wayne Moore being without a team for long. He could re-join the man who drafted him in Jim Popp in Toronto; or he could be a replacement for the retired Aaron Milton in Saskatchewan.
Possible Fits: Saskatchewan, Toronto
Ben D’Aguilar | DE
A reliable special-teamer in his four CFL seasons, D’Aguilar hasn’t been able to crack the Stamps’ defensive lineup. The McMaster graduate could return home to Hamilton and help Kent Austin’s special teams.
Possible Fit: Hamilton
Bryan Bennett | QB
Once thought to be leading the pack in the battle for second-string quarterback in Regina, things took a bad turn for the 25-year-old out of Southeastern Louisiana. Bennett’s athleticism and work ethic should get him a chance elsewhere.
Possible Fits: Hamilton, Ottawa
Bryan Bennett’s release was somewhat unexpected on Saturday afternoon (Riderville.com)
Jarriel King | OL
King started six games for the Riders in 2016 and has four years of CFL experience on the O-line. The 30-year-old could be a fit in Montreal, where the Als might benefit from some depth behind their two international starting tackles in Jovan Olafioye and Brian Simmons.
Possible Fit: Montreal
Dominique Ellis | DB
The move to SAM linebacker didn’t work for Ellis, who jumped into the spot for the Ticats this pre-season. Ellis can play multiple positions and seems like an immediate fit in Toronto, where Corey Chamblin currently works with a very young secondary.
Possible Fit: Toronto
Aaron Berry | DB
Berry was among Saturday’s bigger surprises, let go by the Argos after starting 12 of 13 games at corner in 2016. The 28-year-old can provide immediate help at that position for any team in need.
Possible Fits: Hamilton, Edmonton
Joe Craig | WR/RET
Considered one of the fastest players in the CFL, Craig even tried playing DB before failing to crack a deep and talented Riders receiving corps. The 25-year-old should be returning kicks and catching passes somewhere in the league before Labour Day.
Possible Fits: Winnipeg, Edmonton, Montreal
Anthony Allen | RB
A productive player last season with the Lions, all Allen can do now is wait for an opening at RB. There aren’t many in this league but they do come around often as teams deal with injuries or players lose a step.
Possible Fit: Montreal
Anthony Allen will have to wait for a new opening somewhere at running back (Riderville.com)
Kendial Lawrence | RB/WR/RET
The CFL’s Swiss army knife, Lawrence was one of the CFL’s most versatile players three years ago as a member of the Edmonton Eskimos. At 26, there’s still upside there as an explosive player who can run the football, catch passes and handle returns.
Possible Fit: Edmonton, Saskatchewan
Don Unamba | DB
After his release from the Als, Toronto comes to mind as an immediate landing spot for Don Unamba. Unamba played for Chamblin in Saskatchewan in 2015.
Possible Fit: Toronto
