Jimmy jeong/CFL.ca
MONTREAL — After flying under the radar for four seasons in Montreal, B.J. Cunningham is poised to become one of the more intriguing free agents to hit the open market.
The 29-year-old pass-catcher, a college star at Michigan State, Cunningham saw his numbers decline in 2018, recording 631 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 52 catches.
However, Cunningham is just a year removed from a 1,100-yard season, and has flashed high-end talent despite playing on one of the league’s most inconsistent offences.
“BJ Cunningham is the most dynamic receiver in the Alouettes lineup,” said CFL.ca’s Marshall Ferguson. “He had a down year in 2018 but I’ve often wondered if he played with a Bo Levi or Trevor Harris rather than a fluid quarterback situation in Montreal would we view him differently? I think we would see him as one of the best up and coming CFL receivers in that setting.”
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Cunningham is one of several enticing receivers scheduled to become free agents on Feb. 12. With Ticats receiver Brandon Banks off the market, Derel Walker, Bryan Burnham and Greg Ellingson are the top-ranked receivers on CFL.ca’s top 30 list, followed closely by Cunningham at 19th on the overall list. Duron Carter, DeVier Posey and Eric Rogers round out the receivers who made the top-30.
Despite the volume of available receivers, proven pass-catchers should get plenty of attention on the open market, especially following some key departures to the south including Bryant Mitchell, Duke Williams, Marken Michel and Diontae Spencer.
Whether he ends up back in Montreal or elsewhere, Cunningham could be one of free agency’s sneakiest, most under-the-radar signings when all is said and done.
