Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO — After two and a half seasons, could Jerome Messam‘s time in Calgary be coming to an end?
The eight-year veteran is poised to hit the market with 5,484 career rushing yards and 34 touchdowns to his name, along with two Most Outstanding Canadian honours, two CFL All-Star nods and the distinction of being the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian last November.
From the Stamps’ perspective, there are both pros and cons to returning the bruising 6-foot-3, 255-pound ratio-breaking running back. What’s clear is that right now, with free agency only a couple of weeks away, there’s a chance Messam moves on this winter.
In the latest debate, we try and find a fit for Messam, one of the most intriguing pending free agents, on every CFL team.
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Calgary Stampeders
Why?
Messam has been a big part of the Stamps’ identity, leading all running backs with 20 rushing touchdowns the last two seasons. ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ might be the approach here for John Hufnagel and the Stampeders when it comes to their ground game.
Should Messam depart, the Stamps would not only have to adjust their ratio after the loss of a key Canadian, they’d also have to replace significant production the team has seen in the running game the last couple of seasons. Roy Finch is a free agent and Terry Williams, despite being an impressive prospect, is still unproven.
Why not?
At 32, Messam is facing the same questions all running backs do after their 30th birthday. Also, his production dipped in 2017, when he averaged 4.7 yards per carry — his lowest average since 2013 — with a 4.0 yards per carry average over the final six games of the season.
While there’s an advantage to having a Canadian running back, one disadvantage is the need for a credible backup, or flexibility to adjust elsewhere, in the event the player gets injured.
If the Stamps are seeking a shakeup, it could start with the running back position where Terry Williams is awaiting his opportunity.
Despite being nicked up, Jerome Messam played 17 of 18 games for the Stamps in 2017 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
BC Lions
Why?
Having a Canadian running back would change the ratio for the Lions, potentially allowing Ed Hervey to start another international on an offensive line that struggled last season. Also, Messam would add character and veteran leadership to a young group looking to bounce back in 2018.
Why not?
The Lions already have two reputable American running backs on the roster in Jeremiah Johnson and Brandon Rutley. With those two fighting for playing time, it doesn’t seem likely that Vancouver is the destination for Jerome Messam.
Edmonton Eskimos
Why?
Messam wouldn’t have to go far, while he’d form a pretty powerful tandem with C.J. Gable. The Eskimos like their Canadian running backs, too. With Edmonton hosting the 106th Grey Cup, why not add a little more star power from a player who’s appeared in back to back Grey Cups?
Why not?
Probably money. The Eskimos have committed plenty of dollars to Gable, Mike Reilly, Derel Walker and Adarius Bowman, so a second running back could be seen as a luxury if the price isn’t right.
Brock Sunderland could look for a second option to C.J. Gable in the Esks’ backfield (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Why?
There’s an opening for a running back in Regina, and Messam’s Canadian passport could make him worth a look in tandem with fellow national Kienan LaFrance.
Why not?
The Riders’ backfield is crowded enough as it is. Cameron Marshall, Marcus Thigpen, Trent Richardson and the aforementioned LaFrance are all in the picture, making it hard to envision Chris Jones going out and getting another big name in free agency.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Why?
Because who wouldn’t love watching an all-Canadian backfield with the two best national running backs of the post-Jon Cornish era? Messam going to Winnipeg would also be practical, as a Canadian backup to Harris would have positive ratio ramifications for Mike O’Shea.
Some added power wouldn’t hurt the Bombers’ ground game and an offence that ranked fifth (53.3%) in red zone production.
Why not?
Running back isn’t a need for the Bombers. They have Andrew Harris and Timothy Flanders, while there’s a bigger need for an explosive receiver and a veteran defensive back.
Messam and Bombers running back Andrew Harris could form a Canadian dynamic duo at RB (The Canadian Press)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Why?
Playing for the Ticats would be a homecoming for Messam, who’s from Toronto but has never played in southern Ontario. Proximity to home isn’t the only reason: Messam could compete with Alex Green for the starting job in the Ticats’ backfield.
Why not?
The aforementioned Alex Green was pretty good in 2017, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns since becoming the Ticats’ starting running back. He’s earned the chance to start again next season.
Toronto Argonauts
Why?
The latest news surrounding James Wilder Jr. makes a Toronto homecoming a potential off-season storylines for Jerome Messam. If Wilder does return, the two could form the CFL’s top rushing duo. If not, Messam might be the best option with Brandon Whitaker‘s career winding down and other options looking scarce.
Why not?
Paying up for Jerome Messam could be difficult for the Argos, especially if Ricky Ray opts to return. S.J. Green, DeVier Posey, Bear Woods and Mitchell White all need new contracts.
The Argos could have an opening at RB if James Wilder Jr. doesn’t play in 2018 (Johany Jutras/Argonauts.ca)
Ottawa REDBLACKS
Why?
Messam would be an insurance policy and a ratio-breaker for one of the CFL’s most explosive offences, complementing the big-play ability of Greg Ellingson and Brad Sinopoli with a power back that can grind out tough yards.
Why not?
It appears the REDBLACKS are already committed to their all-American tandem of William Powell and Mossis Madu. That duo worked well in 2017 and is back under contract after signing a pair of extensions. Ottawa is not likely a landing spot for Jerome Messam.
Montreal Alouettes
Why?
There’s an opening in Montreal after the team traded Brandon Rutley to BC. We know that Kavis Reed likes starting American offensive linemen, and a Canadian running back to go with Tyrell Sutton would give him more flexibility in the numbers game.
Messam would also bring stability and some veteran leadership to an offence that could have some fresh faces in 2018.
Why not?
If Messam wants to win his first Grey Cup, a rebuilding team may not be his first choice.
