FA Shuffle: Which big names could switch teams?

CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO — The pending free agent class of 2019 continues to be the most hyped ever.

Exactly 244 players are due to become free agents, including big-name stars Mike Reilly, Bo Levi Mitchell and Brandon Banks.

Last month CFL.ca looked at 10 players likely to stay put. Now let’s think about some of the names that could be in play when the clock strikes noon ET on Feb. 12.

MIKE REILLY | QB, EDM

The first and most obvious name on this list is Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly, last season’s passing yards leader and the 2017 Most Outstanding Player. Unlike Reilly’s provincial counterpart in Bo Levi Mitchell — who’s highly unlikely to play for a different CFL team in 2019 — Reilly appears to have a legitimate chance of testing the open market.

Reilly, despite turning 34 before the start of free agency, would be the most coveted player to hit the open market in recent memory, making him a top target for almost every team in the CFL.

JONATHON JENNINGS | QB, BC

Two days after the Grey Cup there was already a report that Jonathon Jennings would be testing free agency come February. Months earlier, there appeared to be some bad blood between Jennings and Lions GM Ed Hervey, which came to light in a public back-and-forth on Twitter through Jennings’ agent.

A change of scenery could benefit both sides. The Lions are considered an early favourite to land free agent superstar Mike Reilly, while Jennings is two years removed from being a budding superstar and potential face of the franchise. He’s struggled since then, but don’t expect other teams to ignore a strong-armed, mobile 26-year-old with nearly 1,500 passing attempts already to his name.

EMMANUEL ARCENEAUX | REC, BC

Staying on the coast, one of the CFL’s most productive receivers over the last decade could be on the move as Emmanuel Arceneaux‘s return to Vancouver is far from guaranteed. It’s a new era in BC, as Wally Buono has retired while DeVone Claybrooks and Ed Hervey are prepared to go to work on a roster that accomplished just enough to squeak into the post-season in 2018.

Arceneaux is 31 and coming off major knee surgery and may not fit into the Lions’ plans. If that’s true, expect plenty of interest in the talented pass-catcher as other teams in the league look for some veteran experience. Even in half a season’s work Arceneaux was still on pace for 1,100 yards last season, while his 17.3 yards per catch were the second-highest total of his career.

JON GOTT | OL, OTT

Despite starting 12 games, interior lineman Jon Gott had to fight for every opportunity with REDBLACKS in 2018, finding himself in a backup role come the post-season. Ottawa GM Marcel Desjardins has been quite successful drafting young Canadian offensive linemen, likely making Gott expendable this off-season.

Dating back the last eight seasons, the durable and versatile Gott hasn’t missed more than four games in a season to injury. His 116 career starts are the third-most among pending free agent offensive linemen. Gott’s experience would make him a valuable asset for any team in the CFL.

SIR VINCENT ROGERS | OL, OTT

Another Ottawa offensive lineman makes the list as there’s a good chance international tackle SirVincent Rogers tests the open market come Feb. 12. Rogers is widely considered one of the best offensive tackles in the CFL, but his age and potential cost could force GM Marcel Desjardins to move on — especially with the influx of talent on the REDBLACKS’ O-line.

Most teams in the CFL deploy at least one, if not two, starting American tackles, meaning Rogers’ 87 career starts will no doubt be in demand come free agency. The 32-year-old has been a cornerstone of the REDBLACKS’ offensive line in four seasons, helping them reach the Grey Cup on three different occasions, winning once.

UCAMBRE WILLIAMS | OL, CGY

In just three seasons, Stampeders centre Ucambre Williams has become regarded as one of the league’s fastest-rising international offensive linemen. After being recognized as the Stamps’ top lineman as a sophomore, Williams followed it up with another strong campaign in 2018, starting 15 games on one of the CFL’s top offensive lines.

We’ve seen young Stamps linemen cash in through free agency before, with Stanley Bryant and Derek Dennis both recent examples of players that have earned big contracts on the open market. Williams should get plenty of opportunity should he go without a contract beyond Feb. 12.

TRISTAN OKPALAUGO | DL, WPG

At age 29, Tristan Okpalaugo has seen his production dip the last two years, recording 11 sacks in 30 games (0.37 per game, down from 0.64 sacks per game in his first two seasons in the league). Still, proven edge rushers are not easy to come by in the CFL, and the Fresno State product has some good seasons left in him.

A different question is whether the Bombers can afford him. The Adam Bighill signing may not leave much money, while Jackson Jeffcoat, Brandon Alexander, Kevin Fogg, Jovan Santos-Knox and Taylor Loffler are likely bigger priorities on the Winnipeg defence.

Tristan Okpalaugo has 34 sacks in four seasons with the Bombers and Argos (BlueBombers.com)

CORDARRO LAW | DL, CGY

Injuries have been unfair to Cordarro Law, but the Calgary Stampeders defensive end has been remarkably productive when on the field, registering 22 sacks in just 32 career games. Law could fly under the radar come free agency, while the defensive end position remains a strength for GM John Hufnagel’s team. At age 30, Law should have lots in the tank, and could be one of the top steals of the off-season if given the opportunity.

KYRIES HEBERT | LB, OTT

Kyries Hebert will look to continue his career elsewhere next season, as the REDBLACKS have decided to move on from their 38-year-old linebacker. Tough luck for Hebert, who was not only a leader in Ottawa but also had a productive season, recording 47 tackles and two sacks in 11 games. The age will scare teams off, but Hebert should have some interest on the open market thanks to his experience, energy and leadership.

JOVON JOHNSON | DB, SSK

Has age finally caught up to Jovon Johnson? After playing all 18 games in eight of his last nine seasons, Johnson found himself sitting at times last year, playing just 10 games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. At 35 Johnson has already had an impressive career, leading all free agent DBs with 187 starts in his career. If the Riders opt to move on, Johnson could garner some interest elsewhere.

COURTNEY STEPHEN | DB, HAM

After 74 career starts, Courtney Stephen was relegated to backup in 2018, starting just one game in Jerry Glanville’s secondary. Stephen is a versatile defender and carries the national designation, having started games at safety and corner for the Tabbies since being drafted in 2013. Perhaps a change of scenery — and a new opportunity — would do him some good.

Follow CFL