MADANI: TERMS OF THE DRESSLER DEAL
By: Arash Madani
One of the decade’s most sought-after CFL free agents is remaining in Regina, Sportsnet has learned.
Receiver Weston Dressler, whose services became a sweepstakes-style bidding war league-wide after being released by the Kansas City Chiefs, turned down a higher offer from Ottawa and is returning to Saskatchewan.
The one-year, pro-rated deal is worth approximately $200,000, including a small signing bonus.
The 29-year-old had previously played six seasons with the Roughriders, including the 2013 Grey Cup title run. Because Dressler knows coordinator George Cortez’s offence, and has terrific chemistry with quarterback Darian Durant, it’s believed he will play in Sunday afternoon’s Labour Day Classic against Winnipeg.
Dressler made the decision early Thursday morning, weighing not only the richer opportunity from the expansion RedBlacks, but as Sportsnet first reported Wednesday evening, a sizeable offer from the Stampeders. According to sources, Calgary quietly entered the fray after Dressler became a free agent.
Ottawa had the most money and the longest term to offer Dressler, while Saskatchewan presented a one-year contract to the five-time, 1,000-yard receiver. Because the option-year clause was removed from the latest collective bargaining agreement between the players association and the league, the Riders deal still gives Dressler flexibility to explore the open market this winter, giving him another chance to cash in. It is believed the Roughriders will want to begin talks on an extension sometime this fall to avoid the two-time league all-star getting to free agency.
The Riders offence has been stagnant this season, and the organization’s hope is that adding Dressler can ignite Durant and the passing game.
Dressler signed with the Chiefs last winter, and had made a favourable impression with the NFL club during OTA’s and mini-camps. But he did not survive the first round of cuts this week when rosters had to be pared to 75 players.
Haha, scoop Madani just got scooped by Gary Lawless! That'll be the only thing Winnipeg wins at this week.
I can't even imagine the roar when Dessler comes out this Sunday. It's going to be very special.
Gunderson's Yorkton
This is quite remarkable. Athletes just don't take the second or third best offer. What a guy. I hope he stays forever.
I have no idea what his thought process was, but it sure feels like he just felt the love. Well done Rider fans.
I dig it mon!
He didn't take the second best offer. He took a half year contract and can push for a much better deal the end of this season. It's smart as he could still get what Ottawa offered him on his new contract. I also want to add that my Mother's comments about the guy who uses the same name of the US President and wrote Dressler is out of here is an ass is once again correct. Also I had a good friend that was medicated by his Dr on Oxycodine. He also would babble and ramble on when he took… Read more »
omg omg omg omg!!!!! and rider nation just got that much more annoying.
It's like everyone in saskatchewan's birthday today, we all feel good! Welcome back Weston!
I can breath again…maybe even get some sleep.
Thank you Weston.
Obama, stop calling people racists.
We know this is not going to shut Obama up, cause he knows it all.
YOU WRONG CLOWN.
Did you whiner rider fans actually think for a sec that Weston was even thinking about leaving of coarse not he felt he had to leave or you cry babies would have threats and all the other crap that you whiners would be throwing at him
Go hug a porcupine…loser…lol
The Rock
Oh look! The dufous is back. Which one are you anyways? There is a few of you on here, and you all look alike which can make it hard to tell. Let me guess, your dufous 4 right?
Wow… The competing fans are already throwing hands full of crap at Rider fans for Dressler signing here. What they don't know is Dressler is a Rider. From the tip of his toes to the end of his nose.
In his own words he will tell all fans why he stayed where he feels like he's home.
Nicely done Weston.
Welcome back Weston. Can't wait for the Labour Day game.
p.s. Madani is a bum.
So glad Weston is back in Riderville and that this Obama guy is wrong again! You my friend are the dumbest human being I've ever heard of! You know nothing and everything and need to spend some time in medical institution before you can be declared fit to mingle with the general public! Suck it!!!
-Bobby
Wow I see the jealous trolls are out in full force today! Haha welcome back Weston!
Even the voice of the Riders was wrong
"Looks more & more to me like Dressler won't be back in Sask. How does that sit with you?"
Were is your report Rod? You must have some inside information you can add, after all you are the play by play guy.
We will all welcome Weston back, but we need to relax. This 1 yr deal (actually a 9 game deal) is probably the best situation for Weston. He gets to come to a place were he is comfortable and help lead the Riders to another Grey Cup.
When he become a free agent on Feb. 15 he can take the 'real' offers from the other teams. That way he can work with them in team workouts and training camp.
In 2015 BT will have his hands full with all of the free agents on the team.
Welcome back Weston. We appreciate you and your decision.
Brendan and the Riders office need to follow procedures to ensure he wears number 7 on Sunday. we don't want another Corey Holmes situation.
Mike From the 536
Nice to see he listened to me by reading my comments. Dressler signed for 9 games at a prorated deal. It's a nice landing spot for him, but he's renting not buying. He'll get in an offense he knows, and pump his numbers up for a nice free agent resume. When the off season comes he'll go to the highest bidder and sign a long term contract. When you lay everything on the table, he did what was best for him. Short term pain dealing with you people, for the long term gain payoff. Well played Weston, and glad I… Read more »
Weston won't see free agency. A long term deal will be in place before he becomes a FA. This gets him some income now and in the field now but gives him the flexibility to negotiate while playing.
OK Rod, serious question…SportsNet reports "The one-year, pro-rated deal is worth approximately $200,000". To me, that sounds like Weston will actually have $200K in his pocket after the next 10 games. If true, that has to make Weston one of the highest paid receivers ever ($360K/yr).
However the most realistic interpretation of that report is that Weston will receive approximately $11K per game, for a real contract value of $110K.
Thoughts?
To me the idea that Dressler is here to pad his numbers and take the money in the off – season is little bit ridiculous. Regardless of what he does this season, every team in the CFL knows what he has in terms of talent, heart, etc. He doesn't need to prove himself to any team in this league. I am going to take the 'glass half full' approach and say that by choosing to come here means this is where he wants to be; now, tomorrow, next season and beyond. He could have had the money in Ottawa, said… Read more »