With an unprecedented number of free agents available starting Tuesday afternoon, CFL free agency is drawing more attention than usual. And with changes in multiple front offices around the league it is tough to get a read on who is likely to do what.
Even with guys like Greg Ellingson and Bryan Burnham are off the board, this free-agent class still offers help all over the field. Here are the top available guys at every position:
OFFENSIVE LINE
Derrick Dennis
Age: 26
Previous team: Calgary
Potential landing spots: Hamilton, BC, Calgary
Every team should kick the tires on Dennis. He’s already the best offensive lineman in the league and he’s just now entering his physical prime — which is why he won’t come cheap. The only thing that works against him is his American passport.
Calgary would love to bring him back, but will probably be priced out of the running. Assuming he doesn’t get a deal done to stay put, he’ll be the big fish every GM is trying to land.
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QUARTERBACK
Mitchell Gale
Age: 27
Previous team: Saskatchewan
Potential landing spots: Saskatchewan, Montreal, Toronto
The quarterback market is generally settled before unrestricted free agency opens. This is once again the case in 2017. Rakeem Cato is the most accomplished player at the position who could still switch teams, but his baggage will limit the number of suitors interested.
With four seasons in the league under his belt, Gale offers a combination of youth and experience learning the CFL game from top QB coaches. He got into nine games a year ago and completed 57 per cent of his passes.
RUNNING BACK
Shakir Bell
Age: 24
Previous team: Edmonton
Potential landing spots: Toronto, Hamilton, Saskatchewan
In a pass-first league, adding a running back in free agency is a luxury addition — not a necessity. The majority of new running backs in the league next year will be training-camp invites.
That said, you still can get good value via free agency. Brandon Whitaker has the best resume of the available free agents and is coming off of yet another 1,000-yard rushing season. However, signing a 30-year-old running back long term will scare of some teams.
Meanwhile, Shakir Bell has shown flashes of being a potential top-tier back. He averaged over six yards per carry and over 100 yards per game in 2016. With John White entrenched as the Eskimos’ starter Bell will get the chance to lead his own team.
WIDE RECEIVER
Ernest Jackson
Age: 30
Previous team: Ottawa
Potential landing spots: Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton
All you need to know is that he didn’t register a drop last year and made the biggest catch of the season to secure the Grey Cup for the Redblacks. Having said that, he very well might not return because they have already re-signed two players at the position and still have Chris Williams as a free agent to deal with.
Jackson is 30 but his game isn’t built off of great separation — instead, he excels using great body position and hands. Signing the East Division MOP nominee would be a huge score.
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DEFENSIVE LINE
Cleyon Laing
Age: 26
Previous team: Ottawa
Potential landing spots: Saskatchewan, Ottawa, Edmonton, BC
He continues to draw NFL interest after spending the first half of last season with the Miami Dolphins, so the market on him is tough to call. But he’s 26 years old and Canadian, which means he’s ratio buster who can provide flexibility both in scheme and roster management.
Laing is not yet dominant at the position like free agent Ted Laurent was a year ago, but Ottawa would not have won it all last year without him. The Edmonton native might be interested in returning home if he decides to stay up north for a while.
LINEBACKER
Winston Venable
Age: 29
Previous team: Montreal
Potential landing spots: Montreal, Edmonton, Ottawa
As bad as Montreal was last year it wasn’t because of their defence. Last year he played all 18 games, and registered 88 tackles and seven sacks. One of the smartest players in the league, he plays a huge role in getting teammates lined up correctly and keying on the right things. His presence automatically enhances a defensive unit.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Abdul Kanneh
Age: 26
Previous team: Ottawa
Potential landing spots: Edmonton, BC, Toronto, Montreal
Cap issues with Ottawa means it is very likely Kanneh walks even though he’s the heart and soul of the Redblacks’ defence.
Kanneh doesn’t have the best ball skills, but did have three interceptions last year despite not often getting tested. He also brings the wood as a fierce tackler and factor defending the run game. He managed to rack up 52 tackles a year ago.