Arthur Ward/CFL.ca
TORONTO — After weeks of speculation, free agency is officially open.
As the market takes shape, CFL.ca has you covered with all the latest chatter and rumours regarding free agency from CFL.ca writers, players and FA insiders.
Click here to view the full list of pending free agents on the CFL.ca Free Agent Tracker, as well as CFL.ca’s top 30 pending free agents.
:: Roosevelt returns to Riders: According to John Hodge of 3 Down Nation, receiver Naaman Roosevelt will be back in Riderville in 2019 after agreeing to a one-year contract extension:
The #Riders agreed to terms on a one-year extension with REC Naaman Roosevelt. Read the details here:
▶️▶️▶️ https://t.co/e2X7RkPqWm@3DownNation #RiderNation #CFL #CFLFA
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 15, 2019
:: Has Walker made his decision?: According to multiple reports, Derel Walker has chosen to sign with the Argos:
Nothing official between the @TorontoArgos and Derel Walker but hearing he has told others within the CFL that Toronto is his choice.#CFL #Argos
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 14, 2019
:: Walker leaning towards Argos?: Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation speculates that Walker’s decision to put other visits around the league on hold indicates he’s leaning towards signing with Toronto.
:: Top free agent Walker returns home: After touring with the Argos, Derel Walker has returned home before deciding who he’ll sign with in free agency:
Free agent WR Derel Walker has left Toronto to return home before making a decision on his future. Was at the @Raptors game last night with @TorontoArgos players and staff. #cfl
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 14, 2019
:: Collaros named Riders’ starter: According to Riders GM Jeremy O’Day, Zach Collaros will be the Riders’ starting quarterback:
Among the updates from Roughriders GM Jeremy O'Day: Zach Collaros is the team's starter, Tre Mason will miss some significant time and the team wants Naaman Roosevelt back in the fold. https://t.co/T6QoTnBShM #cfl #riders
— 980 CJME (@CJMENews) February 14, 2019
:: Riders, REDBLACKS looking at Glenn?: Kevin Glenn’s name has surfaced in free agent talks on Wednesday afternoon, as the Riders and REDBLACKS are reportedly interested in the veteran passer:
Veteran QB Kevin Glenn has drawn interest from #Riders and #Redblacks https://t.co/Q3bfArmVUx #Saskatchewan #Ottawa #RNation #CFL pic.twitter.com/6oQDxjzCv5
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 13, 2019
:: Popp says Argos could pursue Travis Lulay: Argos GM Jim Popp has named James Franklin the team’s starting quarterback, but has said he could look at a veteran to come in and help back up, specifically mentioning Travis Lulay.
:: Argos ‘courting’ Derel Walker: It appears the Argos are putting on the full court press for Derel Walker, who’s been invited to tour the BMO Field facilities and attend a Toronto Raptors game Wednesday night:
#Argos showing star receiver Derel Walker around BMO Field facilities and #Toronto Wednesday, taking him to the #Raptors game at night https://t.co/59i8n8TiH2 #DoubleBlue #ArgosFootball #RTZ #WeTheNorth #Edmonton #Eskimos #CFL pic.twitter.com/KDpGvmlkBf
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 13, 2019
:: REDBLACKS to sign Jonathon Jennings: According to Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation, Jonathon Jennings has chosen to sign with the Ottawa REDBLACKS:
QB Jonathon Jennings picks #Redblacks over #Argos https://t.co/HPqwnInMRf #Ottawa #RNation #BCLions #CFL pic.twitter.com/HxGerAwJWB
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 13, 2019
:: Shawn Lemon headed back to Toronto?: Argos GM Jim Popp has told listeners on TSN Radio that the team has signed defensive end Shawn Lemon:
On @TSN1050Radio, Argos GM Jim Popp announces the club has signed DL Shawn Lemon. #Argos
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 13, 2019
:: Als ink Loffler for two years: TSN’s Farhan Lalji is reporting that all-star safety Taylor Loffler has inked a two-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes:
Taylor Loffler has signed a 2 year deal with Alouettes. #CFLFA @CFLonTSN #Bombers
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 13, 2019
:: REDBLACKS, Argos in on Jennings?: According to TSN’s Dave Naylor, Jonathon Jennings’ list of potential landing spots is down to Toronto and Ottawa as the two teams bid for his services:
Sounds like QB Jonathan Jennings choice is coming down to Toronto or Ottawa. #argos #redblacks
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 13, 2019
:: Argos could be in on Derel Walker: Derel Walker seems to be the odd man out in Edmonton with all their signings today but could re-unite with James Franklin in Toronto according to Dave Campbell.
In regards to Derel Walker hearing the Argos may be his landing spot. #Eskimos #CFL
— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) February 12, 2019
:: Posey headed back East, signs with Als: After a brief stint with the BC Lions, DeVier Posey is headed back East, signing with the Montreal Alouettes, according to Dave Naylor.
The @MTLAlouettes have signed WR Devier Posey. #CFLFA
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 12, 2019
:: REDBLACKS close deal with Jennings?: With Trevor Harris departed, the Ottawa REDBLACKS are reportedly about to sign free agent quarterback Jonathon Jennings:
Per report by @JDunk12, the @REDBLACKS are expected to announce the signing of QB Jonathan Jennings. #CFL #Redblacks
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 13, 2019
The @REDBLACKS have interest in former @BCLions QB Jonathan Jennings. Hear he is looking for a significant salary increase. #CFL #redblacks
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 12, 2019
:: Riders land defensive tackle Micah Johnson: Justin Dunk is reporting the Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed free agent defensive tackle Micah Johnson:
#Riders agree to terms with DL Micah Johnson https://t.co/0LjRAWiIbk #Saskatchewan #YQR #Riderville #CalStampeders #CFL pic.twitter.com/f1hTwEtfC3
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
:: Alouettes reportedly sign Levels: The Als have signed former Stampeders defensive back Patrick Levels, according to a report from TSN’s Joey Alfieri:
#Alouettes have signed Patrick Levels from Calgary #TSN690
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) February 12, 2019
:: Three teams in on Bo Sweepstakes?: According to Justin Dunk and Dave Naylor, the Stamps, Argos and Riders are all in on trying to get the services of MOP Bo Levi Mitchell. Mitchell remains the only top tier quarterback on the market with Trevor Harris and Mike Reilly signed in Edmonton and BC.
#Riders in the running for QB Bo Levi Mitchell https://t.co/mUGv69cyYG #Saskatchewan #YQR #Riderville #CalStampeders #Toronto #Argos #CFL #NFL pic.twitter.com/xwlXhZ5dFJ
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
The @TorontoArgos have made their offer for Bo Levi Mitchell. #CFL #Argos
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 12, 2019
:: Ja’Gared Davis headed to Hamilton to meet with Ticats: Former Stampeders rush end Ja’Gared Davis is rumoured to be flying to Hamilton to meet with the Ticats brass with the intention of inking a deal, according to Justin Dunk.
#Ticats flying DL Ja’Gared Davis to #Hamilton for a visit with the intent of signing a contract https://t.co/eJoJvbAAWn #HamOnt #CalStampeders #Calgary #CFL pic.twitter.com/uaUDGhjoq3
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
:: Lions adding close to signing Grymes; Anthony Orange to the Esks: TSN’s Farhan Lalji is reporting that a pair of all-star DBs are on the move. BC Lions are close to signing DB Aaron Grymes and the Esks are looking to get back the services of Anthony Orange.
Hearing the #Eskimos have agreed to terms with all-star DB Anthony Orange. #BCLions meanwhile appear to be closing in on a deal with DB Aaron Grymes. #CFLFA @CFLonTSN @TSN_Sports @TSN1040
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 12, 2019
:: Esks add DaVaris Daniels to their haul: TSN’s Farhan Lalji is reporting that DaVaris Daniels is the latest free agent headed to Edmonton, leaving the rival Stampeders:
And the deals keep coming for #Eskimos. DaVaris Daniels the latest to agree to terms. #CFLFA @CFLonTSN
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 12, 2019
:: Eskimos preparing for overhaul?: TSN’s Dave Naylor is reporting that the Eskimos are also adding linebackers Jovan Santos-Knox and Larry Dean — on top of earlier reports the team has added Trevor Harris, SirVincent Rogers and Greg Ellingson:
The @esks need a QB but that’s not stopping their spending spree … Rogers, Ellingson, Santos-Knox, Dean. #CFL #Esks
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 12, 2019
:: Esks snag Unamba from Ticats: According to Justin Dunk, LB Don Unamba has agreed to sign with the Eskimos:
#Eskimos agree to terms with LB Don Unamba https://t.co/TJCyzyDC3D #Edmonton #CFLEsks #HamOnt #Ticats #CFL pic.twitter.com/KvwdiCPg2Q
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
:: BC getting LeMarvelous: According to Dan Barnes, the BC Lions have inked local receiver Lemar Durant:
Hearing receiver Lemar Durant going to B.C. Lions. #CFLFA
— Dan Barnes (@sportsdanbarnes) February 12, 2019
:: Chungh lands in BC: Farhan Lalji is reporting that former Bombers OL Sukh Chungh is the latest signing in what has been a big early free agency for Ed Hervey and the BC Lions:
Hearing that #BCLions have agreed to terms with Sukh Chungh. #Bombers @CFLonTSN @CFL
https://t.co/AdKVDzJqLn— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 12, 2019
:: Riders land running back William Powell: 3 Down Nation‘s Justin Dunk is reporting William Powell has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders:
#Riders agrees to terms on a two-year contract with RB William Powell https://t.co/rocqzWb7ZF #Saskatchewan #YQR #Riderville #Ottawa #Redblacks #RNation #CFL pic.twitter.com/TRLKSptxiP
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
:: SirV Headed to Edmonton: According to Justin Dunk, international offensive tackle SirVincent Rogers has inked a deal with the Edmonton Eskimos, leaving Ottawa.
#Eskimos agree to terms with big blocker SirVincent Rogers on a contract to make him the highest paid American OL in the #CFL https://t.co/vQqqpu5Jum #Edmonton #CFLEsks #Ottawa #Redblacks #RNation #CFL pic.twitter.com/io8mpSnDjS
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
:: Spencer Wilson headed to Als: According to Herb Zurkowski, the Alouettes have signed Canadian offensive lineman Spencer Wilson.
I’m told #AlsMTL have signed Canadian OL Spencer Wilson from Calgary
— Herb Zurkowsky (@HerbZurkowsky1) February 12, 2019
:: Esks reportedly get Larry Dean: According to Justin Dunk, the Eskimos have signed star linebacker Larry Dean:
LB Larry Dean agrees to terms with Eskimos https://t.co/Cf63sDGTr8 #CFL #Esks via @JDunk12
— CFL News (@CFL_News) February 12, 2019
Hearing a 1 year deal for Larry Dean at 210k with # Eskimos. Original signing first reported by @JDunk12 @cfl #CFLFA @CFLonTSN
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 12, 2019
:: Lions looking to stock up: Ryan Rishaug, who broke the Mike Reilly signing, says that now that they have their quarterback in place, they could be after some big names to build around him.
Hearing Sukh Chung to BC is likely to get done. Duron Carter as well as has been reported. Aaron Grimes may be heading to BC as well. Hervey as expected being aggressive in making improvements today beyond Reilly.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) February 12, 2019
:: Key REDBLACKS heading West?: Jeff Hamilton of the Winnipeg Free Press is reporting that Trevor Harris, Greg Ellingson and SirVincent Rogers could all be headed to Edmonton.
Sounding more and more like QB Trevor Harris is headed west to Edmonton. Also hearing the Eskimos are among the favourites to get receiver Greg Ellingson and OL Sir Vincent Rogers.
— Jeff Hamilton (@jeffkhamilton) February 12, 2019
:: Micah Johnson could look east: According to Dunk, Micah Johnson may be looking to move closer to home, making Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal possible landing spots.
:: Argos preparing for Bo sweepstakes: Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation is reporting that the Argos will be in on the Bo Levi Mitchell sweepstakes on Tuesday, as the team prepares to make an offer in free agency:
#Argos preparing monster offer for QB Bo Levi Mitchell https://t.co/Y7zgEe6c53 #Toronto #ArgosFootball #DoubleBlue #CFL pic.twitter.com/Dr3KKXW3BM
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 12, 2019
:: Bombers, Alexander ink two-year deal: According to Darrin Bauming of TSN1290, the Bombers have inked defensive back Brandon Alexander to a two-year contract extension just before free agency:
According to sources, the #Bombers have agreed on a two-year contract extension with defensive back Brandon Alexander, keeping him in Blue & Gold through 2020. Alexander was hours away from hitting the free agent market. Strong signing. #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/68FOHUdgiI
— Darrin Bauming (@DarrinBauming) February 12, 2019
:: Cunningham, Als agree to terms: TSN690’s Joey Alfieri is reporting that Alouettes receiver B.J. Cunningham has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2020:
Sources have informed me that the #Alouettes have re-signed WR BJ Cunningham to a two-year deal. That’s a big-time signing. Free agency opens tomorrow at noon #TSN690
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) February 11, 2019
:: Stamps bring back Brescacin: Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation is reporting that the Calgary Stampeders have agreed to a new deal with national receiver Juwan Brescacin:
#CalStampeders re-sign Canadian receiver Juwan Brescacin https://t.co/ZaCdJOZOxP #Calgary #CFL pic.twitter.com/OWyAOyzKwn
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2019
:: Micah Johnson free agent bound?: According to John Hufnagel, Micah Johnson is expected to become a free agent, while offensive linemen Spencer Wilson and Randy Richards have not received offers.
Not optimistic on Micah Johnson – Hufnagel
— Sports On 770 CHQR (@SportsOn770) February 11, 2019
OL Spencer Wilson and Randy Richards have not received offers- Hufnagel
— Sports On 770 CHQR (@SportsOn770) February 11, 2019
:: Stamps ink Turner, Mrabure: Stamps GM John Hufnagel has told 770 CHQR that the team has signed Canadian defensive tackles Junior Turner and Ese Mrabure to contract extensions.
Signed Jr Turner and Ese Mrabure over weekend- Hufnagel
— Sports On 770 CHQR (@SportsOn770) February 11, 2019
:: Breaux, Ticats close to new deal: Just one day before the start of free agency, TSN’s Dave Naylor is reporting that the Tiger-Cats and Delvin Breaux are close to agreeing to a deal to keep the shutdown cornerback in Hamilton.
Hearing that the @Ticats and DB @BreauxShow24 are close to a deal that would keep him off the open market tomorrow. Considered best DB in the CFL. #ticats #CFL
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2019
:: Burnham, Lions reportedly ink extension: Just two days away from free agency, Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation is reporting that the Lions have agreed to an extension with receiver Bryan Burnham that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league in 2019:
#BCLions re-sign all-star receiver Bryan Burnham https://t.co/i8o9zEvk7i #CFL pic.twitter.com/mZq5yhKqcY
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 10, 2019
:: Reilly granted permission to speak to BC?: According to Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation, the Eskimos have granted Mike Reilly permission to speak to the BC Lions before the start of free agency on Feb. 12.
The CFL has ruled that it is at the club’s discretion as to whether they wish to allow one of their players to speak with another team:
#Eskimos give QB Mike Reilly permission to speak with #BCLions before free agency https://t.co/XKWWaxGmLe #Edmonton #CFLEsks #CFL pic.twitter.com/GMY80mt1r8
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 8, 2019
:: Als, Cunningham trying to avoid free agency: TSN 690’s Rick Moffat is reporting that the Alouettes and receiver B.J. Cunningham are still trying to strike a deal before Feb. 12:
Hearing #Als & BJ Cunningham are still very much trying to get a deal done before #CFL free agency. He'd look great in that sweet new helmet. pic.twitter.com/oxkF4bQyl4
— Rick Moffat (@RickMoffat) February 8, 2019
:: Loffler to test free agency; discussions continue with Chungh: Kyle Walters spoke on the Bombers heading into free agency Friday, and confirmed that safety Taylor Loffler will test the open market. Meanwhile, the team is still working to bring back offensive guard Sukh Chungh:
Kyle Walters heading in to FA—
*discussions continue with Sukh Chungh
*Jovan Santos-Knox and the Bombers are talking but the two sides are far apart
*Taylor Loffler will test open market #CFL— Sara Orlesky (@saraorlesky) February 8, 2019
:: Esks won’t be outbid on Reilly: As reported by Morley Scott of 630 CHED, the Eskimos have told Mike Reilly that money won’t be an issue, as they will match any offer that comes his way in free agency:
Spoke to #Esks GM Brock Sunderland today – he wont comment on rumours about teams having permission to talk with Mike Reilly – but did say They Esks are talking with him and his agent still. Also said Reilly camp has been told the Esks will NOT be outbid on money for 13. #CFL
— Morley Scott (@Morley_Scott) February 8, 2019
On Reilly, – Sunderland says he has made two trips to Seattle to see Reilly face to face – "It wont be a scenario where we are outbid. I have literally told their camp – name your price." #Esks #CFL
— Morley Scott (@Morley_Scott) February 8, 2019
:: Santos-Knox, Bombers aren’t close on deal: Jeff Hamilton of the Winnipeg Free Press is reporting that the Bombers and pending free agent linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox are ‘a long way apart’ on a contract extension.
GM Kyle Walters on LB Jovan Santos-Knox: "We have talked numbers but Jovan’s group and us are a long way apart from getting anything done.” Walters added JSN had a breakout year and doesn't blame him for wanting to capitalize on that.
— Jeff Hamilton (@jeffkhamilton) February 8, 2019
:: Breaux checking NFL options?: According to Frank Zicarelli of the Toronto Sun, one of the top pending free agents in Delvin Breaux is still looking for opportunities south of the border, where he spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
Delvin Breaux has also played in the NFL and talk inside football is that he’s trying to find a landing spot down south, which is what he should do before weighing his CFL options. – Zicarelli #CFL #Ticats
— CFL News (@CFL_News) February 7, 2019
:: Riders to check in with Collaros: Riders head coach Craig Dickenson told CHQR 770‘s Jock Wilson that he will ‘visit with Zach Collaros’ as the team considers its options at quarterback in 2019. Dickenson said he wants to consider the quarterbacks on the roster before looking elsewhere (transcription courtesy of Rod Pedersen).
:: Brouillette calling it a career: It appears pending free agent Marc Olivier Brouillette has retired from the CFL, the veteran safety has indicated on his Twitter account.
:: Argos talking to Carter, Ball and Ray: According to the Toronto Sun‘s Frank Zicarelli, Argos GM Jim Popp says the team has had ongoing dialogue with three of its high-profile free agents. While Ricky Ray’s playing future remains uncertain, the Argos have talked to Duron Carter and Marcus Ball about the possibility of a contract extension.
:: Top REDBLACKS poised to hit free agency: As Tim Baines of the Ottawa Citizen writes, REDBLACKS GM Marcel Desjardins says he’s not optimistic he’ll be able to extend the team’s top pending free agents before Feb. 12 — though he’s not ruling anything out.
:: Bo Levi Mitchell to ‘weigh his options’: It appears 2018 Most Outstanding Player Bo Levi Mitchell will consider other options than just Calgary or the NFL, as Dave Naylor, Farhan Lalji and Justin Dunk are reporting the Stamps’ quarterback could test the open market:
It’s always been assumed that if Bo Levi Mitchell stays in the CFL it would be with @calstampeders. Not so fast … https://t.co/Q9mvthN0YS
— David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 6, 2019
Bo Levi Mitchell open to playing for #CFL teams outside #Calgary https://t.co/RkV1yq94TE #CalStampeders #NFL pic.twitter.com/WhmuZvNEIp
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 6, 2019
"I think Bo Levi Mitchell will consider ALL offers that come his way" – @FarhanLaljiTSN #CFL
— CFL News (@CFL_News) February 6, 2019