Checking Down: Ladler, Richardson NFL-bound?

TORONTO — Kenny Ladler and Shaquille Richardson have reportedly landed NFL deals.

Plus, in Montreal, a decision could come before Monday on the future of Darian Durant as an Alouette.

The latest on all that and more from the off-season in this week’s Checking Down:

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BC LIONS

Ed Hervey may take a slightly different approach to his second job as a CFL general manager (BCLions.com)

– The new BC Lions president Rick LeLacheur says the use of social media is going to play a key role in attracting new fans to Lions games in the coming years (Sportsnet 650).

– The return of Cody Husband scratches off one big free agent to-do for the BC Lions as February approaches (CFL.ca).

– Part of LeLacheur’s time on the job so far has apparently involved a conversation with General Manager Ed Hervey on dealing with the media (Ed Willes, The Vancouver Province).

– Despite a big year statistically, Bryan Burnham laments what was a disappointing 2017 season for his team. The Lions’ receiver is excited for the changes in BC (Matt Baker, BCLions.com).

EDMONTON ESKIMOS

It appears Kenny Ladler is on his way out of Edmonton after signing an NFL deal this week (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– Eskimos linebacker Kenny Ladler has reportedly signed with the NFL’s Washington Redskins (Dave Campbell, CHED).

– While Brandon Zylstra and Kenny Ladler are out, Esks receiver Derel Walker remains among the CFL’s top pending free agents (CFL.ca).

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

Now the Stampeders’ head coach, Dave Dickenson first found fame as Montana’s quarterback (Alex D’Addese/CFL.ca)

– Stamps defensive back/SAM linebacker Shaquille Richardson has reportedly signed a reserve deal with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders (Justin Dunk, 3 Down Nation).

– Known as ‘Super Dave’ or ‘The Legend of the Fall’, Dave Dickenson’s notoriety as a quarterback at Montana continues as he’s inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (George Johnson, Stampeders.com).

– Stamps GM John Hufnagel says a contract extension for Bo Levi Mitchell won’t likely happen until a new CBA is signed (770 CHQR).

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

– Chris Jones says pending free agent receiver Duron Carter has turned down multiple NFL offers after he didn’t find what he was looking for (Dave Naylor, TSN).

– A few years after nearly reaching the top of the quarterback mountain, Zach Collaros is ready to climb again. Can he reach the same heights in Riderville as 2015? (CFL.ca).

– In his first meeting with the Regina media, Collaros endeared himself to reporters with light humour and polite confidence (Rob Vanstone, Regina Leader-Post).

– Collaros joins the long list of prominent CFL quarterbacks to be traded in their career. Matt Dunigan comments on the risk and reward of these deals (Jim Morris, CFL.ca).

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea is expected to have more oversight on defence in 2018 (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– With Ian Wild back in the fold, the Bombers know they’re getting an assignment-sound, versatile linebacker with plenty of CFL experience (Ed Tait, BlueBombers.com).

– Bombers GM Kyle Walters says signing all three free agent DBs Chris Randle, T.J. Heath and Moe Leggett may not be feasible (Ted Wyman, Winnipeg Sun).

– While Richie Hall returns, the Bombers’ defence may have more oversight from Mike O’Shea as well as some influence from new defensive backs coach Jordan Younger (Ed Tait, BlueBombers.com).

– After briefly playing together with the Argos, now O’Shea and Younger will coach together as they try and figure out the Bombers’ defensive puzzle (Paul Friesen, Winnipeg Sun).

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

In an otherwise busy month for the Ticats, Johnny Manziel remains the centre of attention in Hamilton (The Associated Press)

– One person in Hamilton who isn’t worried about Johnny Manziel’s self-imposed contract deadline is Ticats VP of football operations Kent Austin. Austin says the Ticats have made a competitive offer (TSN 1050).

– Is the latest from Johnny Manziel’s agent a sign of what’s to come from the former college star? Steve Milton says it’s not the start anyone was hoping for (Steve Milton, The Hamilton Spectator).

– With free agency less than a month away, Ticats Larry Dean and Ted Laurent remain among possible top targets around the league (CFL.ca).

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

James Wilder Jr. hopes to build on a memorable rookie season as a CFL running back (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– After an historic rookie season, James Wilder Jr. is looking to become the first player to hit 1,000 yards both on the ground and through the air in 2018 (CFL.ca).

– While it’s still early, the Argos-Franklin union looks like it could be a match made in heaven (Frank Zicarelli, Toronto Sun).

– The Argos have signed Cleyon Laing to a new two-year deal, ensuring their whole starting D-line will return in 2018 (CFL.ca).

– The Argos hope that James Franklin is their next franchise QB, but as Matt Dunigan says, there are no guarantees when trading quarterbacks (Jim Morris, CFL.ca).

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

The REDBLACKS are hoping Noel Thorpe will bring a new identity to their defence (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– Ottawa GM Marcel Desjardins says he’s hoping new defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe will give that unit a new identity, one it was previously lacking (Dave Naylor, TSN).

– Another addition to the REDBLACKS’ coaching staff that could make a strong impact in 2018 is John McDonell, who will coach the offensive line (TSN 1200).

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

If Darian Durant is on his way out of Montreal, a move could come within the next week (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

– The Alouettes could make a decision by Monday on quarterback Darian Durant, who is reportedly due a significant roster bonus at that time (Didier Orméjuste, RDS).

– Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers first round pick and quarterback Josh Freeman has reportedly landed back on the Alouettes’ negotiation list (Didier Orméjuste, RDS).

– Former Alouettes DB Jonathon Mincy has signed with the NFL’s Chicago Bears (Chicago Bears).