Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
TORONTO — More than 40 players signed new deals on Tuesday, as the Eskimos and Lions took several of the top headlines on the opening day of free agency.
Some of the biggest-name free agents are off the board, with Willie Jefferson, Micah Johnson, Mike Reilly and Trevor Harris all finding new homes among a handful of others. Yet the free agent frenzy has only just begun.
CFL.ca previews some of the names to watch on Day 2.
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DL JA’GARED DAVIS (SIGNED WITH HAM)
The Stamps’ pass rusher remains on the board despite reportedly being courted by the Ticats on Tuesday. Davis would fill a significant need in Hamilton for a team that struggled to sack opposing quarterbacks in 2018. The 28-year-old has recorded seven or more sacks in each of his three seasons in Calgary.
WR DEREL WALKER
With wholesale change in Edmonton, including the departure of Mike Reilly, there’s a good chance Derel Walker will wear new colours in 2019. The former Texas A&M star is reportedly seeking to become the highest-paid receiver in the league and will have a good chance to do so as one of the top remaining free agents on Day 2.
QB JONATHON JENNINGS (SIGNED WITH OTT)
There are mixed reviews on 26-year-old Jonathon Jennings, who wow’d the CFL his first two years in the league but hasn’t been the same since. Still, with the top tier of quarterbacks off the board, the strong-armed pivot out of Saginaw Valley offers the youth and upside that the remaining passers can’t.
LB MICAH AWE (SIGNED WITH TOR)
Shortly after breaking camp with the Lions, Micah Awe took over the starting WILL linebacker job in 2017. Since then he’s earned a reputation as one of the CFL’s hardest-hitting linebackers, and the numbers back it up with 85 tackles in 25 games. The Ticats, Bombers and Argos could all have a need at linebacker.
DL SHAWN LEMON (SIGNED WITH TOR)
Despite celebrating his 30th birthday last August, Shawn Lemon showed no signs of slowing down after being traded to the Lions, recording 10 sacks in 13 games with BC. Lemon is one of the most productive pure pass rushers in the CFL, recording 61 sacks in 93 career games — an elite rate of 0.66 sacks per game.
WR NAAMAN ROOSEVELT
A year ago at this time Naaman Roosevelt was widely considered one of the CFL’s top receivers. While injuries have held him back the last couple of years, the 31-year-old Buffalo product would benefit from playing with a proven, top-tier quarterback, something he’s lacked with the Riders. Coming off a down year, Roosevelt could offer a team plenty of value.
OL JOVAN OLAFIOYE
A six-time CFL All-Star from 2011 through 2016, Jovan Olafioye proved he’s still one of the most versatile and reliable tackles in the game last season with the Lions. After SirVincent Rogers signed with the Eskimos, Olafioye is the top offensive lineman available on the market and should receive plenty of attention in the coming days.
DB CIANTE EVANS
The top remaining defensive back in free agency might just be Ciante Evans, who’s made it to three straight Grey Cups with the Stamps. The Nebraska product is used to playing for dominant defences led by former Stamps coordinator DeVone Claybrooks, and would bring experience and ability to any prospective match.
OL MIKE FILER
It’s a little odd that Mike Filer, who hails from nearby Brantford, Ont., hasn’t yet re-signed. The 28-year-old centre fits a specific need for the Ticats, who face some key losses on their offensive line following the departure of Ryker Mathews (NFL). There could be a few teams looking for an experienced veteran centre.
DL TOBI ANTIGHA (SIGNED WITH TOR)
Despite being a rotational player on Chris Jones’ defence, Tobi Antigha still managed to showcase his upside as one of the league’s top up-and-coming defensive ends. The 25-year-old had two sacks, three interceptions and a touchdown in 2018, demonstrating an impressive level of athleticism and versatility to fit Jones’ scheme.
LB CHRIS ACKIE
Chris Ackie‘s stock skyrocketed at the 2015 CFL Combine, where he tested as both a defensive back and a linebacker, putting his athleticism on full display. The former fourth overall pick broke out in 2018, recording 81 tackles in 13 games for the Als before being traded to Ottawa. The possibility of him playing WILL linebacker makes him a potential ratio-breaker.
LB MARCUS BALL
The market for free agent linebackers is never hot to begin with, but Marcus Ball isn’t like others at his position. The 31-year-old, who broke into the league with the Argos in 2012 and has since won two Grey Cups, was a safety in the NFL and has the necessary cover skills to play multiple positions on a CFL field.
WR EMMANUEL ARCENEAUX
Despite his season being cut in half, Emmanuel Arceneaux was still on pace for a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season and fifth of his career. Health will play a large role in what’s next for the 31-year-old, who tore his ACL at the end of last August. Assuming he’s fully recovered, Arceneaux could be a free agent steal.
K LIRIM HAJRULLAHU
In a world of supply and demand, Lirim Hajrullahu has the advantage as CFL free agency’s only kicker. The former Bomber, Argo and Ticat made 46 of 54 field goals last season, and has converted on at least 80 per cent of his attempts in four of his five seasons. The Canadian passport and ability to fill both punting and place kicking roles are key assets.
RB TYRELL SUTTON (SIGNED WITH TOR)
There are several free agent running backs available in free agency, but Tyrell Sutton stands out despite the fact that he’s 32 years old. Sutton rushed for 685 yards in 13 games with the Alouettes and Lions last season, helping the latter get into the playoffs after being acquired mid-season. Sutton’s physical, downhill style could appeal to teams in need of running back depth.
