While fans in Edmonton let the release of Adarius Bowman settle in, fans across the country are already thinking about how he might fit in on their favourite teams.

The 32-year-old slotback played 88 games for the Eskimos over the last seven years, racking up 7,050 of his 9,024 career yards in Edmonton. He was a key part of that 2015 Grey Cup-winning team, but saw his numbers dip in 2017. A hamstring injury, plus the emergence of Brandon Zylstra, Duke Williams, Vidal Hazelton and the mid-season return of Derel Walker saw him pull in just 45 passes for 534 yards and five touchdowns. Those were his worst totals since the 2012 and 2013 seasons, when an ACL injury disrupted the annual 1,000-plus-yard pace he had in Edmonton.

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Going into last season as the league’s highest-paid receiver, a contract restructuring attempt from Esks’ GM Brock Sunderland was clearly on the horizon. 630 CHED’s Dave Campbell reported that restructuring talks took place, but the pay cut would have been substantial. The fact that Bowman was due a $150,000 signing bonus on Monday likely also factored into his release.

If you’re playing armchair GM and looking at Bowman, it’s easy to wonder what he could do if he were more a focal point in a team’s offence. While his numbers were small in the playoffs (compared to his previous work), it’s worth noting that he made big plays in the Western Semi-Final against Winnipeg, with a pair touchdown catches to go with his 71 yards receiving.

Bowman’s addition to the free-agent market will have GMs across the league at least considering how they could work a three-time CFL All-Star into their offence. Here are what we consider the top-three options for him.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

The Bombers had just one 1,000-yard receiver last year, in Darvin Adams, with do-it-all dynamo Andrew Harris second in receiving with 857 yards. Bowman has a great respect for former Esks’ QB Matt Nichols and would likely love to get back on the field with him again. On a day-to-day basis, he’d also love being on a team with Darian Durant again, having started his career in Saskatchewan in 2008 before spending two seasons with the Bombers. Clarence Denmark — the team’s fourth-leading receiver last year — remains un-signed as of Monday, potentially leaving an import receiver spot open on the roster. One factor that could push the Bombers over the top: stability. Coach Mike O’Shea has built a culture in Winnipeg and Bowman could slide into that locker room, find his place and help the team in its pursuit of a Grey Cup.

BC LIONS

In terms of familiarity, a move to the Lions might be the easiest one for Bowman. He’s been close with Odell Willis since the two were in Winnipeg and were roommates for years in Edmonton. There’s also a mutual respect between Bowman and former Esks GM Ed Hervey, who traded for Willis on Friday. Bowman’s services might not be at the top of the list for Hervey, who’s trying to get the Lions back into the playoffs after a 7-11 season that had them at the bottom of the West standings. There could be salary cap and roster room for Bowman in BC, though. The Lions traded receiver Chris Williams, whom they paid well last season, to Montreal for defensive end Gabriel Knapton on Dec. 12. Import receiver Nick Moore put up similar numbers to Bowman last year (37 catches for 547 yards and two touchdowns) and as of Monday was slated to head to free agency.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

Bowman was a big fan of Kavis Reed’s when Reed was the Eskimos’ head coach from 2011 to 2013. There would be opportunity in Montreal, but also many question marks. Josh Freeman is an intriguing signing at QB, but he’s never played in the CFL. Head coach Mike Sherman has a good reputation and gave a great first impression upon his hiring in December, but also will be a first-timer in the CFL when camp opens this spring. The Als have missed the playoffs the last three years and closed out the 2017 season with an 11-game losing streak. As a player in the later stages of his career, a rebuild may not be high on Bowman’s list of destinations.