CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — With the open market only days away, CFL.ca ranks the Top 20 pending Free Agents. Taking into consideration overall impact as well as likeliness of testing the market we break down which players could garner the most attention come 12pm ET on Tuesday.
1. Kendial Lawrence, Running Back
One of the most versatile players in the CFL, Lawrence`s play down the stretch last season is what puts him atop our list. Import running backs are not hard to find but ones that can line up in the slot, make plays in the flat, and take one to the house in the return game are an obvious asset. With Brandon Banks now locked down in Steeltown, Lawrence is the best dual-threat available.
2. Geoff Tisdale, Cornerback
A veteran who fell off the radar a bit the last time he was about to hit the market, but his stock has done nothing but rise. Finding an experienced shutdown corner is something every team is looking for and there is no better one on the board right now than Tisdale. One could argue that the last two years have been his best, combining for 13 interceptions throughout that span.
3. Brett Jones, Offensive Lineman
Recognized as the league’s top lineman in 2014, only one year after being named the League’s Most Outstanding Rookie, Jones is not just one of the league’s premier pass-protectors but a ratio-buster as well. It is easy to argue that he should be No. 1 on this list, but the chances of him jumping ship from the Grey Cup champs is slim, therefore making him a bit less impactful for the purposes of this list. Some of the hesitation to re-sign in Calgary could be due to looks from down south.
4. Kevin Glenn, Quarterback
Never underestimate the importance of a proven quarterback. Especially if that quarterback ranks in the Top 10 in all-time league passing yards. Glenn had already donned the name of two teams before he took the field last year, but he’ll surely get a look from a few clubs come February 10. Already slated to leave BC, it could be another year to prove why he has been deemed the best insurance policy in the league.
5. Ernest Jackson, Receiver
If the last third of 2014 was any indication, Ernest Jackson has found his spot in the CFL. After fighting his way up the Lions depth chart, Jackson caught fire late in the year and ended the season with over 800 yards receiving. There is always a market for a big-play, big-bodied receiver, especially one that seems to be hitting his stride.
6. Stanley Bryant, Offensive Lineman
Coming off two consecutive years where he was named an all-star, Bryant is a hulking offensive lineman that can play both sides of the line, primarily at tackle.
7. Glenn January, Offensive Lineman
An international offensive lineman with eight years under his belt, primarily in Winnipeg. A staple at left tackle for the Bombers, January gives instant blindside protection.
8. Rennie Curran, Linebacker
The fierce former Georgia Bulldog had to split reps with a healthy JC Sherritt under Chris Jones’ new scheme last year, which may be an indication that he is looking to make a move. Winnipeg and Ottawa could both be in the market for an established middle linebacker which is exactly what Curran is.
9. Brad Sinopoli, Receiver
Rumours have it he may be headed home to play with the REDBLACKS, but where ever he goes, Sinopoli instantly bolsters a teams starting lineup. A steady set of hands that can be relied upon as a Canadian has Sinopoli sitting inside the Top 10.
10. Nic Grigsby, Running Back
Somewhat of a fall from grace after such a hot start last season for Grigsby, but he is a talented playmaker. There are no teams in desperate need of a tailback, especially since clubs bring so many to training camp. That said, how does a player that finished in the top 5 in league rushing last year not generate some interest from clubs looking to add a playmaker?
11. Dan LeFevour, Quarterback
Lots of questions to be answered regarding a knee injury that ended his 2014 season, but if healthy an athletic pivot that could provide depth on any CFL roster. He has had significant reps and started a handful of games, and with a thin list of QBs this year on the market expect the dual-threat LeFevour to be picked up relatively quickly.
12. Brian Peters, Linebacker
Peters is entering his third CFL campaign after a stellar 2014 that saw him record 78 defensive tackles and 20 more on special teams to go with three sacks. If he doesn’t stay in Saskatchewan he could follow his old DC in Richie Hall to Winnipeg.
13. Johnny Sears, Defensive Back
One of the harder hitting DBs in the game, Sears has had a solid tenure in Winnipeg and has shown the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary.
14. Tristan Jackson, Defensive Back
– EDIT: RE-SIGNED WITH SSK (02/09/15)
Jackson got a second lease on his Riderville career last season when he re-joined the club. A solid coverman with great speed and game-changer capabilities as a returner.
15. Dan Clark, Offensive Lineman
A productive guard who is set to enter his fourth CFL season. A National offensive lineman is always coveted come free agency time and Clark is no different. His services could be warrented even more in Regina following the loss of Dominic Picard and Ben Heenan.
16. Curtis Steele, Running Back
First used to spell Chad Kackert and then split reps with Steve Slaton, the Argos tailback has shown spots where he can take over the ground game. His value may be even more on special teams as his work as a blocker in Toronto hasn’t gone without notice. A shifty tailback that runs hard who could provide depth and push competition come training camp.
17. Aaron Kelly, Receiver
After teasing us for multiple years in Hamilton, we finally saw what Aaron Kelly could do in 2014. The rangy receiver got out to a blazing start and despite a slow finish had a career season with Winnipeg.
18. Jason Barnes, Receiver
The Ray-Barnes connection has been going for six years now but could come to an end should he not re-sign with Toronto. Barnes is tall for a slotback but once their receiving corps is healthy, where does he fit? He remains one of the most productive red zone receivers in the game which makes him an attractive FA.
19. Justin Hickman, Defensive End
It didn’t take Hickman long to get re-acquinated in Hamilton. That said, the Ticats have one of the deepest defensive lines in the league and the other eight clubs could be looking to go after an experienced pass rusher that can still get at the quarterback with consistency.
20. Greg Ellingson, Receiver
We saw what he could do in the first half of 2013. Injuries and the emergence of other players all but closed the chapter on Ellingson last season. Could get some looks as he has an impressive (but short) resume when healthy.