Many variables in Streveler saga

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/01/2024 (641 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There was quite the frenzy following a Free Press report last week that quarterback Chris Streveler was strongly considering a return to the CFL and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are the leading candidate for his services.

People, particularly those in Winnipeg, were predictably excited about the prospect of Streveler returning to the Bombers. The 29-year-old helped snap a nearly 30-year Grey Cup drought and, during that magical run, rose to celebrity status in Winnipeg just in time to jet to the NFL, where he has spent the last four years.

What was equally predictable following the report was fans collective curiosity on how the Bombers, who already pay QB Zach Collaros among the largest contracts in the CFL — around $600,000 per season — could be able to afford Streveler as their backup, even if he isn’t, given his unique skillset, a traditional No. 2.

The reality is if Streveler were to sign in Winnipeg, it would have to be at a discounted price, one the Bombers could make work under a tight salary cap. That means if there were any team in the CFL willing to shell out starter’s money, Streveler would be foolish not to take it.

Take a glance around the league and I’m not sure that opportunity is there. While Streveler has clearly taken steps in his development since leaving Winnipeg in late 2019, he hasn’t exactly earned much playing time in the NFL — and he’s been away from the CFL long enough that it will likely take some time to relearn the nuances of the three-down game. That’s a risk not many CFL coaches are willing to take; a bad performance from your QB can often leave a coach stranded in the unemployment line.

Assuming there isn’t a team looking to make him their No. 1 pivot, Streveler would be just as foolish not to choose Winnipeg, even if it meant taking a bit less money. You only had to witness the lineup of people looking to chat with him at last year’s Banjo Bowl – the Bombers flew him in for the annual event — to understand that his earning potential off the field is just as great on it, a benefit only Winnipeg can offer.

We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks, as Streveler ponders his final decision. Until then, let’s dive into the other top stories from the three-down loop in the latest edition of CFL Rundown.

1) The one place that might be able to offer Streveler a lucrative contract is Ottawa. From everything I’m hearing, it’s starting to feel like a foregone conclusion that Dru Brown will sign there and compete for the No. 1 job. The Redblacks also restructured Jeremiah Masoli’s contract this week, with the new deal laced with playing incentives, making it easy to move on from if needed.

2) Two other key players, Calgary Stampeders QB Jake Maier and Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler, restructured their contracts this week. Both appear to have taken a pay cut on paper, but that “lost” money is recuperated in the form of a larger signing bonus, which is taxed at a lower rate. Teams do this to squeeze a few more dollars from the cap, so I wouldn’t read much into the moves.

3) There was a rare CFL trade this week between the Edmonton Elks and Toronto Argonauts. The Argos received defensive lineman Jake Ceresna and the rights to RB Khalan Laborn, while the Elks picked up Canadian receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and a seventh-round pick in the 2024 CFL Draft. It’s a quality deal for both sides, as Ceresna is a dominant lineman that can play across the D-line and Gittens, who is Canadian, should provide a quality target for QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, as the two spent time together in Toronto.

4) They say Father Time is undefeated. But don’t tell that to Bombers O-lineman Stanley Bryant, who, at 38 years old in May, will be back for a ninth season in Winnipeg and 14th in the CFL. The league is better with Bryant in it.

5) The buzz is the Argos are having a tough time finding common ground with RB A.J. Ouellette on a new contract. The 28-year-old is coming off a breakout season where he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards, in what was his second year in the CFL and first as the club’s undisputed starter. Ouellette is as confident as he is bruising, and with Andrew Harris’ contract no longer on the books, he wants to get paid. He made $114,000 in 2023 and word is he’s asking for north of $160,000.

6) Staying on running backs, nothing new to report on the contract status of Bombers RB Brady Oliveira. Oliveira wants what he wants, and that’s to reset the market for Canadian tailbacks, which would be around the $250,000 mark. Both sides want to make a deal, but it will be interesting to see how negotiations play out.

7) Ditto for Dalton Schoen, who after two stellar seasons leading the CFL in receiving touchdowns, finally wants to get his due. The Bombers would hate to lose Schoen, but it would be difficult to sign him to top dollar, especially with Lawler making $285,000. I believe the Bombers are willing to open the purse strings, but it may be difficult to find a number that works for both sides. My gut tells me Ottawa might come calling. They could certainly use a weapon like Schoen, who is also close with Dru Brown, making what would be a nice little duo in the nation’s capital.

8) The B.C. Lions made some moves with their receiving group, inking Keon Hatcher and Alexander Hollins to extensions and releasing veteran pass catcher Dominique Rhymes. The Lions also signed an intriguing piece in receiver Travis Fulgham, who brings years of NFL experience after stints with Detroit, Philadelphia, Miami, Denver and Green Bay.

9) Other recent signings across the CFL: LB Cameron Judge (CGY); DB Loucheiz Purifoy (EDM); OL Justin Lawrence (MTL); WR DaVaris Daniels (TOR); DL Folarin Orimolade (TOR); WR Kyran Moore (EDM); and WR Reggie Begelton (CGY).

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jeffkhamilton