Who and Where? Analyzing the CFL free agent pool

The CFL off-season reaches its peak tomorrow, when the free-agency period begins. All eight teams have seen significant coaching changes, with four teams getting new head coaches, and many coordinators shifting scenes.

With this being said, the systems of many teams have also changed, meaning that we could also see some significant changes in the free agent process as teams discard players who don’t fit in to their systems anymore, and seek those players who will. This must all be done while staying within the league’s salary cap, making this free agent class an especially intriguing one, with a few big names set to hit the market.

This week I take a look at each team’s needs, what is available on the market, and who I think they could take a run at and potentially acquire through free agency.

BC Lions:

Potential free agents: Aaron Hunt (DL), Andrew Jones (OL), Jason Jones (WR), Robert Long (WR), Dante Marsh (CB), Ryan Phillips (DB), Anthony Russo (WR)

Who they should re-sign: Hunt, Marsh and Phillips all played big roles on the team that won the Grey Cup in 2011. Those guys should be their priorities when it comes to re-signing.

Needs: Really, there’s no need for the Lions to go looking for anyone, unless they can’t retain any of the three players listed above.

Who they should go after: If one of the DBs named above doesn’t re-sign, Montreal’s Marc Estelle would fit in nicely, while Hunt would have to be replaced through the draft in a weak free-agency for defensive linemen. They may also go after Toronto centre Dominic Picard to replace an aging Angus Reid.

Calgary Stampeders:
Potential free agents: Burke Dales (P), Arjei Franklin (WR), Brandon Isaac (DB), Tim O’Neill (OL)

Who they should re-sign: Dales should be their priority; he’s the most consistent punter in the game, and seems to add a bit of character to the locker room.

Needs: A defensive lineman or back with experience and leadership qualities.

Who they should go after: Toronto’s Willie Pile or Byron Parker (DBs), BC’s Hunt, or Montreal’s Jermaine McElveen. The latter two are Grey Cup-winning linemen who could bring a little strength to the D-Line. They could also look at bringing back running back Wes Cates (Saskatchewan) for a little depth at that position, or recently released Grey Cup MVP Avon Cobourne.

Edmonton Eskimos:

Potential free agents: Rod Davis (LB), Samuel Fournier (RB), Calvin McCarty (RB), Greg Peach (DL), Mark Restelli (LB)

Who they should re-sign: McCarty should be a main priority, with running back Jerome Messam looking set to bolt to the NFL. Davis and Peach have been leaders on the defence for the past two seasons, while the Esks played well without Restelli in the lineup for much of last season.

Needs: Other than on O-Line, they need anyone offensively.

Who they should go after: Andy Fantuz (WR) is going to test the market, but GM Eric Tillman has said he won’t pursue him. If that’s the case, for offensive help he should look to Arjei Franklin or Winnipeg’s Greg Carr. Avon Cobourne would be a great addition to the Eskimos' offence. Also, someone like Parker or Phillips would bring a veteran presence to a young defensive secondary.

Saskatchewan Roughriders:
Potential free agents: Graeme Bell (RB), Wes Cates (RB), Jason Clermont (WR), Andy Fantuz (WR), Stu Foord (RB), Tristan Jackson (DB), Eddie Johnson (K), Cary Koch (WR), Leron Mitchell (DB)

Who they should re-sign: Fantuz is the most prized player on the free agency list, and along with Koch and Jackson should be their priorities. However, as reported, Fantuz is going to listen to offers from other teams.

Needs: Look at the potential list; they need help offensively. It doesn’t help that they only currently have two QBs under contract, and one of them is Darian Durant. It could be a very volatile offensive situation in Regina if they don’t bring in some offensive help. O-Line is a need as well.

Who they should go after: Former Rider QB Dalton Bell is unproven, so could be a risk, but they do need a quarterback, and Bell is probably a safer bet than going through the draft. Toronto’s Rob Murphy could improve the O-Line, while Montreal’s Scott Flory would be tempting considering his Saskatchewanian roots.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers:
Potential free agents: Derek Armstrong (OL), Doug Brown (DL), Greg Carr (WR), Andre Douglas (OL), Aaron Hargreaves (WR), Philip Hunt (DL), Glenn January (OL), Brendon Labatte (OL), Steve Morley (OL), Donald Oramasionwu (DL)

Who they should re-sign: With the number of O-Linemen slated to become free agents, the Bombers should try and get at least two of them back. I would say Labatte and January would be the two best among the bunch, and the Bombers are reportedly prepared to throw a large salary offer to the former. Carr, six-foot-six, is a big target for Buck Pierce, while Hunt is a good compliment to premiere pass rusher Odell Willis.

Needs: An experienced linebacker to play alongside Joe Lobendahn would be beneficial, as might be another strong defensive back

Who they should go after: Kevin Eiben from Toronto or Rod Davis from Edmonton would be a good fit, while Barrin Simpson is also available. Offensive linemen like Murphy, Flory, or Jason Jimenez could fill a void left by any departing linemen.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats:

Potential free agents: Agustin Barrenechea (FB), Isaac Brown (LB), Matt Carter (WR), Jason Jimenez (OL), Matt Kirk (DL), Justin Medlock (K), Jason Shivers (DB)

Who they should re-sign: The defensive secondary was an issue, so keeping Shivers is key. Jimenez plays an important role in the Ticats offence, which could change under new leadership.

Needs: Medlock could test NFL waters, but the Ticats will likely look to the draft for a potential replacement. As mentioned, DB could use a boost, as could the offensive line.

Who they should go after: Byron Parker or Willie Pile from Toronto could bring not only veteran leadership to a young secondary, but also some more heated intensity to the Battle of Ontario. Ditto for Rob Murphy, and don’t be surprised to see the Ticats take a run at Andy Fantuz or Aaron Hunt.

Toronto Argonauts:

Potential free agents: Dalton Bell (QB), Alex Buzbee (DL), Kevin Eiben (LB), Ben Ishola (DL), Rob Murphy (OL), Byron Parker (DB), Dominic Picard (OL), Willie Pile (DB/LB), Jason Pottinger (LB), Taylor Robertson (OL)

Who they should re-sign: Murphy and Picard have been stalwarts on an Argo O-Line which has boasted a punishing running game over the past two seasons. One of either Parker or Pile should be re-signed as well, keeping some consistency in the Argo D, same goes for Pottinger. Bell is also a good candidate to re-sign, with no real CFL experience backing up Ricky Ray.

Needs: Biggest priority is a playmaking receiver, with someone to anchor the O-Line a close second.

Who they should go after: Someone like Andy Fantuz perhaps, although the salary cap becomes an issue with Ray’s salary now to consider. Carr could fit the bill, as could Arjei Franklin. If they lose either Murphy or Picard, someone like Jimenez or January could fill their spots.

Montreal Alouettes:
Potential free agents: Mark Estelle (DB), Scott Flory (OL), Jermaine McElveen (DL), Walter Spencer (LB), Paul Woldu (DB)

Who they should re-sign: Of this list, Flory is of the most importance to the Alouettes, being named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2008 and 2009.

Needs: Any help on defence would be welcomed by the Alouettes, especially given the recent exodus on the D-Line (releases of Jeff Robertshaw and Anwar Stewart, impending free agency of McElveen, and reported soon-to-be-released Eric Wilson).

Who they should  GM Jim Popp has a history of going after veteran players through free agency, so maybe someone like Kevin Eiben or Byron Parker could end up an Alouette. In terms of D-Line, Aaron Hunt or Greg Peach could fill the spots vacated by the released vets.

And now, my top ten most prized free agents, with my thoughts as to where they end up:

1.       Andy Fantuz (WR) – If Ray’s salary wasn’t eating up so much room, I’d say Toronto would be a more likely candidate in the Fantuz sweepstakes. Instead, I’ll say Hamilton would be the highest outside bidder, with remaining in Saskatchewan the other likely candidate.

2.       Rob Murphy (OL) – The recent addition of Marc Parenteau means Murphy’s likely on his way out of the T-dot. Given the apparent exodus of linemen in Winnipeg, watch for Murphy to end up in Blue and Gold this summer.

3.       Scott Flory (OL) – The age of “the Florinator” (35) leaves really only two options: stay put in Montreal, or return to his home province of Saskatchewan. With Anthony Calvillo still in Montreal, I think Flory stays as well. Reports out of Montreal are that Flory could re-sign even before free agency opens.

4.       Avon Cobourne (RB) – Sure, he’s not technically a soon-to-be free agent given his recent release, but someone of Cobourne’s resume and experience is not a dime a dozen. Even though there’s not a high demand for RBs this off-season, he could still play a big role on a team like Edmonton or Saskatchewan.

5.       Brendon Labatte (OL) – In what seems to be the year of the O-Line, Labatte is one of a few high-profile names who could be on the move. As reported, the Bombers are willing to offer him a lot to stay, but in what has suddenly become a frightening Eastern conference, look for him to change scenery to somewhere like Toronto.

6.       Aaron Hunt (DL) – Fresh off  a Grey Cup victory, it isn’t likely that Hunt ends up elsewhere, but the fact that Wally Buono hasn’t re-signed him yet could mean Hunt would like to try hearing other offers. That being said, I still think Hunt stays a Lion in 2012.

7.       Byron Parker (DB) – Although getting up in years by the DB standard (31), Parker has stil got lots to bring to the table. The versatile veteran has played corner in Toronto, but because of his size (6’0, 220 lbs.) he could move around in the secondary or even come up to play linebacker. If he is in fact on his way out of Toronto, I think Hamilton or Edmonton are the likely candidates for re-location.

8.       Greg Carr (WR) – At six-foot-six, Carr is an impressive vertical threat. Winnipeg should keep him, but due to depth at receiver, Carr may be on the move. If he does leave Winnipeg, he might be looked at by Toronto since he’ll come cheaper than Fantuz.

9.       Philip Hunt (DL) – The best defensive end available, now that Justin Hickman is gone to the NFL. While he may garner attention from Montreal, Hamilton, and Toronto, among others, I see him staying put, keeping the one-two punch of him and Odell Willis intact.

10.   Rod Davis (LB) – Probably the best linebacker available, Davis’s intimidating size (6’2, 240 lbs.) and speed make him a fearful sight for offences. With Winnipeg coming up one win short of being champions a year ago, I think they’ll make an impressive offer for him.