Matt Smith/CFL.ca
TORONTO — It appears the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are front-runners to land free agent linebacker Henoc Muamba.
Plus, new Alouettes quarterback Josh Freeman is making his rounds in Montreal as he sets his sights on a starting job.
As free agency wraps up and testing season approaches, let’s look at the latest headlines across the league in Checking Down.
Jump to team:
| BC | Calgary | Edmonton | Saskatchewan | Winnipeg | Hamilton | Toronto | Ottawa | Montreal |
BC LIONS
Joel Figueroa was one of the top-graded free agent additions across the league (Walter Tychnowicz/CFL.ca)
– While they weren’t necessarily the ‘sexy’ signings, Lions GM Ed Hervey says he got his top two targets in free agency (CFL.ca).
– The secret’s out on Joel Figueroa, who earned recognition as one of free agency’s biggest pickups this week on The Waggle (CFL.ca).
– The BC Lions joined more than 1,000 students to take part in a flash mob as part of anti-bullying efforts for pink shirt day (CFL.ca).
– Could Vancouver be a possible landing spot for Henoc Muamba? CFL.ca considers the Lions one of four possible fits for the recently-released star (CFL.ca).
EDMONTON ESKIMOS
Buddy Jackson gives the Esks some more depth in their defensive backfield (Jimmy Jeong/CFL.ca)
– The Eskimos have added some veteran depth to their defensive backfield, signing former Lions corner Buddy Jackson (CFL.ca).
– Offensive tackle and four-year CFL veteran D’Anthony Batiste has announced his retirement (Instagram).
– The Esks announced this week they will hold their annual mini-camp in Las Vegas, Nev. from April 21 to 24 (Esks.com).
CALGARY STAMPEDERS
After a year away, national safety Adam Berger is excited to rejoin the Stampeders this season (David Chidley/CFL.ca)
– With a ratio change on the Stamps’ defence, Adam Berger could take advantage of the opportunity to play safety along with Tunde Adeleke (Daniel Rocchi, CFL.ca).
– Stamps linebacker Alex Singleton took a cold plunge for a good cause this week, taking part in the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Alberta (CFL.ca).
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS
Chris Jones hopes some key veteran additions can put his team over the top in 2018 (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)
– Chris Jones has taken a New England Patriots approach to the Riders’ off-season, but can a few veteran additions really push his team over the top? (CFL.ca).
– While they’ve never played on the same team, new Riders teammates Zach Collaros and Naaman Roosevelt have a long history together (Ian Hamilton, Riderville.com).
WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS
The Bombers appear to be the favourite to land free agent linebacker Henoc Muamba (Matt Smith/CFL.ca)
– With the Bombers potentially starting two receivers on offence, 2017 supplemental pick Drew Wolitarsky could push for a starting role this training camp (Darrin Bauming, TSN 1290).
– According to Justin Dunk, the Bombers are the favourite to land Henoc Muamba following a recent visit from the free agent linebacker (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation).
– Nothing is official yet, but Mike O’Shea says he’s excited about the ratio flexibility Muamba would bring to the Bombers on both sides of the ball (Bob Irving, CJOB).
HAMILTON TIGER-CATS
Former NFL coach Jerry Glanville will be the Ticats’ defensive coordinator in 2018 (The Associated Press)
– A long-time NFL coach, Jerry Glanville admits he’s got some learning to do as he takes on the task of coaching the Ticats’ defence (Chris O’Leary, CFL.ca).
– While Johnny Manziel’s CFL career remains on hold, the former Texas A&M star is still eyeing a return to the NFL (Mike Garafolo, NFL Network).
– With Orlondo Steinauer back on staff, have the Ticats set out a contingency plan on their sideline? (Pat Steinberg, CFL.ca).
– The Ticats have added four international free agents to their roster in DB Jumal Rolle, DE Julian Howsare, LB Junior Sylvestre and WR Harvey Binford.
– One of the off-season’s most underrated moves may have been the return of Orlondo Steinauer to Hamilton (The Waggle, CFL.ca).
TORONTO ARGONAUTS
Tommy Condell could be next in line to be the Argos’ offensive coordinator (Ticats.ca)
– With Marcus Brady taking an NFL job, it appears Tommy Condell is next in line for the Argos’ offensive coordinator position (Dave Naylor, TSN).
– According to Dave Naylor, the Argos have offered a contract extension to James Wilder Jr. that would make him one of the league’s highest-paid running backs (Dave Naylor, TSN).
– While the speculation continues, there’s been no confirmation on the status of defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin, who’s rumoured to be leaving the Argos.
OTTAWA REDBLACKS
New REDBLACKS linebacker Kyries Hebert has enjoyed being reunited with the city of Ottawa (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
– With Brock Sunderland in a full-time GM gig in Edmonton, the REDBLACKS have a new assistant GM to Marcel Desjardins in Jeremy Snyder (OttawaREDBLACKS.com).
– Kyries Hebert says he’s feeling at home with the REDBLACKS, as he returns to the city where his CFL career first began (CFL.ca).
MONTREAL ALOUETTES
New Als pivot Josh Freeman got a little more acclimated with Montreal this week (The Associated Press)
– A former first round NFL draft pick, Josh Freeman says his lessons south of the border have better equipped him for success in the CFL (Herb Zurkowsky, Montreal Gazette).
– While some have accused the Als of over-spending in free agency, Kavis Reed isn’t losing any sleep during what’s been a productive off-season (CFL.ca).
– The Bombers might be considered the leader in the Henoc Muamba sweepstakes, but the Als have also hosted the veteran national linebacker (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation).
