OUT OF THE TUNNEL: THE CFL’S TOP FREE AGENTS

RODPEDERSEN.COM STAFF

With the CFL’s free agency period set to officially begin on February 11, teams are frantically re-signing players and negotiating with potential free agents from other teams. 

Most teams seem to be focussing on re-signing the offensive side of the football because unlike last week’s defensive list that was filled with future hall of famers and all-stars, this week’s top ten potential offensive free agents list feels a bit thin.

There are names to fill out a roster but in past years there have been numerous all-stars, big name quarterbacks and stalwart offensive linemen available. This year there are some big names ready to test the market but if one had hoped to rebuild their offence off free-agents, this likely isn’t the year.

We are partial to the interior and will always place the importance on the offensive line and then of course, quarterbacks. They are the hardest two positions to find quality CFL free agents and potential new signees from south of the border. Unfortunately, American receivers and running backs are a little easier to find because there is such a huge talent pool to pick from.

In no particular order, we begin the top ten potential free agents with the quarterbacks:

Matt Nichols – QB (WPG): With the defending Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers deciding to go in the direction of Zach Collaros, Matt Nichols was deemed expendable and was given his outright release on January 28.

Nichols is at an advantage being one of the few proven free agent CFL starting quarterbacks but at a bigger disadvantage because all but the Toronto Argonauts are satisfied with their current starting quarterback.

McLeod Bethel-Thompson – QB (TOR): For the first time in his short CFL career McLeod Bethel-Thompson was given the reins of a CFL offence. There were flashes of brilliance but he was hampered by a porous offensive line and an offence that would stall at inopportune times. Bethel-Thompson was sacked 38 times and was just able to punch the ball in 30 of 181 total drives.

He will make a fantastic backup anywhere in the CFL but at 32-years-old, Bethel-Thompson is going to want the opportunity to start somewhere in the league.

Chris Streveler – QB (WPG): The ultimate backup and change of pace quarterback, Chris Streveler may be very sought-after in this free agent market.

He flashed on the scene in 2018 as a straight out of college rookie starting the season as the Blue Bombers number one quarterback. Streveler’s strength is running the football and is somewhat limited pushing the ball up the field.

This may be the most interesting quarterback free agent because wherever Streveler goes, he will make a major impact.

Sean McEwen – C (TOR): The first offensive lineman on the list is also the first Canadian. Sean McEwen was a third overall pick of the Argos in 2015 and was a divisional and league all-star in 2017 as well as the East Division nominee for top lineman.

McEwen will be 27-years-old in June so he is still reaching the pinnacle of his career and will be a key addition to any team’s offensive line.

Ryan Bomben – G (TOR): This top-ten list was given a boost when 3DownNation announced that all-star Canadian offensive linemen Ryan Bomben was going to be released by the Argonauts to avoid paying his relatively paltry $10,000 roster bonus.

Bomben is a four-time CFL East Divison all-star and has played for all four East Division teams in his 10-year career.

Derek Dennis – T (CGY): We continue to stick with the offensive line with the first of two American tackles beginning with the Stampeders Derek Dennis.

After a disastrous 2017 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Dennis has bounced back the past two seasons with back-to-back West Division all-star nods as a member of the Stampeders.

Dennis is a beast at tackle and is incredibly athletic. He is able to handle many of the elite defensive ends in the CFL and at 31-years-old there is still a lot of tread on the tires.

Ryker Mathews – T (HAM): At only 26-years-old, Ryker Mathews can be an anchor at tackle for many years to come in the CFL. He picked up his first divisional all-star in 2019.

At 6’6” and 320 pounds, Mathews has prototypical size for a tackle and may give the NFL one last shot but that may not be in the cards for him after two previous attempts. His home is in the CFL and he will be a coveted free agent pickup.

Juwan Brescacin – Rec (CGY): The third Canadian on the list, Brescasin had a difficult 2019. He dealt with a myriad of injuries that left him playing in just four games. Brescacin did catch three touchdowns along with 11 of 14 passes.

He is a big strong target that can help a team’s ratio as well as a great offensive contributor.

Shaq Evans – Rec (SSK): After a solid first year in 2018, Shaq Evans dominated the CFL finshing fourth in receiving with 1,334 yards via a league leading 18.5 yards per catch.

The big play receiver was also tops in the CFL with 15 plays of over 30 yards. Evans is a straight-up burner on the outside and can play in any CFL offence.

Derel Walker – Rec (TOR): While Shaq Evans had his first big year in the CFL, big years are the norm for Derel Walker.

He stormed onto the CFL scene in 2015 winning the league’s top rookie award and since then there hasn’t been a defence that can consistently stop him. 2019 saw Walker pick up his third 1,000-yard receiving season and fourth divisional all-star honour.

Walker can change the outlook of a game in an instant and at under 30-years-old there will be a lot of suitors for his services.

(RODPEDERSEN.COM STAFF)