Veteran Alouette S.J. Green takes a look at free agency
S.J. Green has spent his entire eight-year career with the Alouettes. He had to remain patient the first three seasons, waiting for his opportunity to earn full-time employment. So he has persevered and proved his mettle.
But his temperament changed in 2014. It seemed as though he was constantly brooding, as though he was mad at the world — or at least the organization that brought him to Canada.
“The early stresses of the season. It was frustrating not getting the ball. A lot of those things were factoring into my demeanour,” he explained on Monday. “I felt like I managed it well. I had a mid-season self-evaluation and just came to terms with what was going on.”
Green, 29, is eligible to become a free agent in February and, for the first time since he arrived in Montreal, there’s a distinct and palpable feeling the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder could be playing elsewhere in 2015 — despite his assertion he wants to return. According to a league source, many veterans want out of the organization, claiming the situation has simply become too dysfunctional.
Negotiations between Green and general manager Jim Popp have started, but, according to the player, work remains to be done.
“I’d like to return and won’t count it out. This is my home,” Green said. “We’ll see how it goes. This is a business. Ultimately, like the Montreal Alouettes have a business to run, I have to run the S.J. Green business. We’ll see how it goes.”
Re-signing Green has to be considered one of Popp’s top priorities — especially since it’s all but certain leading receiver Duron Carter will be in the NFL next season. Green caught six passes for 126 yards, scoring three touchdowns, in the East Division final against Hamilton. The week before, in a semifinal victory over the B.C. Lions, he snared seven balls for 95 yards, scoring once.
“Whether Duron was coming back or not, S.J. Green is by far ... one of the top guys on our list,” Popp admitted. “In our view, he’s a definite re-sign.”
Similarly, Popp might be challenged getting strong-side linebacker Chip Cox’s signature on a new contract before he becomes a free agent. Cox believes he’s the league’s best defensive player and wants to be paid accordingly, according to a source. It’s believed Saskatchewan rush-end John Chick, who earns about $200,000 annually, holds that honour.
It appears Cox means business this time in negotiations. He’s represented by an American-based agent but is contemplating a potential switch to Montreal’s Tim Fleiszer, who has been known to take a hard-line approach to contract talks.
“I expect (Cox) to be here,” Popp said. “He’s the backbone of that defence. He could have been the league’s most valuable player last year and has been the outstanding defensive player the last five years. It’s very imperative to try and get him re-signed.”
Notes: Headcoach Tom Higgins said there could be changes to his staff next season should some assistants have opportunities elsewhere. Only Ryan Dinwiddie and Noel Thorpe, the Als’ offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively, are under contract for 2015 — and neither has an escape clause, according to Popp. ... It wouldn’t be surprising if QB coach Jeff Garcia doesn’t return for family reasons and resurfaces in B.C., as the Montreal Gazette has reported. His departure would create an opening for former pivot Anthony Calvillo to make his coaching debut. ... Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson remains under contract and said he plans on returning. And Popp said he would be welcomed back “as of today.”
Ultimately, like the Montreal Alouettes have a business to run, I have to run the S.J. Green business. We’ll see how it goes.