Free-agent anxiety

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This article was published 18/01/2018 (3137 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With less than a month before CFL free agency opens on Feb. 13, all nine teams will be spending the next few weeks wrestling with their roster, figuring out which players they can afford to keep and who they can’t afford to lose for the 2018 season.

In a perfect world, general managers across the CFL would be able to meet the demands of every player they hope to retain. But nothing is ever perfect, and there is certainly no exception here. The salary cap is set to go up by just $50,000 this season, leaving little wiggle room for many pending free agents, especially those wanting hefty raises.

“Every team is going through it right now and you have to make good decisions and you have to realize that despite who you may want back, financially it’s going to be very difficult to make it work,” Bombers general manager Kyle Walters said in an interview with the Free Press last week during the annual general manager meetings in Banff. “We’re in discussions with these guys and it’s a slow, slow grind and we’ll see how it goes.”

Here is a list of players on the Bombers without a contract, along with some analysis as to whether or not fans should expect to seem them back in blue and gold for another year.

 

CB Chris Randle

There is zero doubt that the Bombers want Randle back. Randle is coming off his best season in Winnipeg, where he was named the team’s most outstanding defensive player and for the first time was named a CFL all-star. He finished the 2017 campaign with 60 tackles, one sack and a career-high five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also returned a fumble for a score.

But as good as Randle is on the field – where he also plays a key role on special teams – he’s just as important off it. The undisputed leader in the Bombers secondary, the 29-year-old is a calming influence for younger players and someone who should only be better with another healthy off-season. He gets paid good money, north of $120,000, and will likely fetch even more in 2018.

Verdict: Back with the Bombers.

 

HB T.J. Heath

After spending years in the NFL, T.J. Heath is proof that is doesn’t always take a while for American players to adjust to the Canadian game. Starting his CFL career with the Toronto Argonauts in 2016 before being acquired by the Bombers midway through that year, Heath was named a CFL all-star in both his seasons north of the border.

He finished tied for the CFL in interceptions in 2016, with seven, and reeled in five more – including one pick-six – last year. He’s considered by many to be the best halfback in the CFL.

Coming off a team-friendly contract, Heath is expected to get a big raise and that’s where the trouble for the Bombers comes into play. Though he was a threat to steal the ball every time it was thrown his way, and was the perfect compliment to Randle on the boundary side, it’s seems difficult that the Bombers will be able to invest in a salary that could be as much as nearly double Heath’s price tag from last season. Especailly when the secondary ranked among the worst in the CFL.

Verdict: Great player but hard sell to keep.

 

LB Maurice Leggett

Had Maurice Leggett not suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 17 that ended his season, there would be little outside concern for his inclusion in 2018. Leggett has been the most dominant player on the Bombers defence over the past two years and had the injury not occurred, it’s likely he could have earned the West Division nomination for most outstanding defensive player – and, ultimately, gone on to win the best in the CFL.

But the injury did happen and Bombers management must consider that when they mull over whether to offer him a contract extension. It’s safe to say Leggett will want top dollar, and no one can blame him for that. Whether Winnipeg is willing to pay that remains to be seen.

At 31, Leggett should still have a few good seasons left in him. But he has been hit with the injury bug over the past year – he missed all of last year’s training camp with a lower-body injury – and will likely miss another as he works hard to heal. It’s hard to imagine a Bombers defence without Leggett, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.

Verdict: Bombers find the money and patience to pay him.

 

SB Clarence Denmark

Clarence Denmark was the feel-good story of 2016 after the Bombers beckoned him from his coach in Jacksonville weeks into the season after cutting him in training camp. For a while, everything that Denmark touched turned to gold as he’d go on to record a career-best eight touchdowns that year despite playing in just 10 games.

He still finished with seven in 18 games in 2018 but he wasn’t nearly as flashy. When the Bombers needed the veteran – or anyone, really – to step up while Darvin Adams and Weston Dressler were out with injury, Denmark couldn’t deliver. With an emphasis to bring in taller receivers, the 32-year-old, who stands a generous 5-10, is likely to get the short end of the stick.

Verdict: Deserves another year in CFL, just not in Winnipeg.

 

OL Travis Bond

He’s one of the few jewels the Bombers scouting staff has been able to find in recent years in their search south of the border. A hulking presence at 6-7, 365 pounds, Bond cemented his spot at left guard after an injury to Patrick Neufeld in Week 6 of the 2016 season.

But after an all-star season in his first year with the Bombers, he started to fall out of favour late in 2017. Bond was eventually replaced by Neufeld late in last year’s season after suffering an injury and was ultimately benched in the playoffs as the Bombers saw little drop-off with Neufeld in his spot.

Like Heath, Bond is coming off his final season at favourable money for the team. And with Neufeld inking a two-year deal, the writing seems to be on the wall. Neufeld isn’t necessarily better than Bond, but as a Canadian he gives them more flexibility with the ratio, and comes at a cheaper rate.

Verdict: Bond will be an all-star somewhere other than the Bombers.

 

DE Jamaal Westerman

No one has more quarterback sacks for the Bombers than Jamaal Westerman over the past three seasons (32). And nobody has a bigger voice on the team (he leads the Bombers pre-game speech).

But he is turning 33 in February and the Bombers got a first-hand look at what’s behind him after he suffered a torn triceps muscle in Week 12 – an injury that ended his season. Tristan Okpalaugo and Jackson Jeffcoat both played well in his absence and wouldn’t be much of a drop off in play. Westerman is, however, Canadian and his leadership in the locker room is reason to have him back as Winnipeg pushes to win its first Grey Cup in 27 years.

Verdict: Welcome back 55.

 

DT Jake Thomas

What they do with Westerman could seal the fate of Jake Thomas. Thomas, 27, has been an underrated member of the Bombers defensive line for much of his six seasons with the Bombers. The native of Douglas, N.B. had a breakout season with the Blue and Gold in 2016, racking up four sacks and one interception to go with his 21 defensive tackles.

But if the Bombers do go with Westerman, it could single a shift to starting two Americans – Cory Johnson and Drake Nevis – in the middle. Thomas would offer some stability and his passport does offer some options if Winnipeg finds itself in a pinch with the ratio. But odds are the Bombers hope 2017 No. 1 draft pick Faith Ekakitie can help fill that void.

Verdict: Could stay, but likely to go.

 

LB Kyle Knox

Age: 28

2017 season: The projected starter at middle linebacker for 2017, Knox fell out of favour for Hurl. When at his best he’s fast and a hard hitter. He was good for special teams, too.

Verdict: Bombers take a pass.

DB Kevin Fogg

Age: 27

2017 season: Finally was rewarded for a punt-return touchdown after missing out on four due to penalty in 2016. Can play halfback and corner (he had two interceptions last season) and an overall good guy in the room. Has history with injuries.

Verdict: Don’t rule him out.

LB Sam Hurl

Age: 27

2017 season: Perhaps the most polarizing player on the Bombers because of his inconsistency at middle linebacker. A big asset on special teams.

Verdict: Bombers move on from Hurl.

FB Christophe Normand

Age: 26

2017 season: He had just two carries for 21 yards and 33 yards on seven catches. Doesn’t help he’s low on the pecking order in a deep run game.

Verdict: 50-50.

QB Dan LeFevour

Age: 30

2017 season: Won his lone start despite not throwing a touchdown and was great in third-and-short.

Verdict: Not enough upside to keep so Bombers pass.

WR Julian Feoli-Gudino

Age: 30

2017 season: Hauled in 45 receptions for 462 yards and three touchdowns.

Verdict: As fierce a competitor as he is, it’s unlikely he’ll be back.

 

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton