Heavy waits for Redblacks heading into CFL free agency
It’s not like Ottawa Redblacks GM Marcel Desjardins isn’t open for business.
He’d love to get a few more players from the team that in 2018 advanced to the Grey Cup (losing 27-16 to the Calgary Stampeders) under contract before CFL free agency opens Feb. 12.
No. 1 on that wish list has to be quarterback Trevor Harris. Other key contributors whose contracts will soon expire include running back William Powell, receiver Greg Ellingson, offensive lineman SirVincent Rogers, defensive back Rico Murray, linebacker Chris Ackie and defensive lineman Michael Klassen. While it would sting, it wouldn’t be shocking if most, if not all, of those players become free agents and try to cash in.
Desjardins doesn’t want to get into discussing individual situations.
“It’s a puzzle, that’s what it is,” he said. “In general, let me say this: with most of the guys that remain unsigned, for whatever reason, there has been very little desire (for them) to communicate. Why? You’d have to ask them. There are a couple we’re still talking to, but there are some it’s been a little more difficult.
“To me it’s an indication of willingness to wait until free agency hits and then see what’s out there. How else can I interpret that? That’s fine. That’s their prerogative. But just tell us. I don’t want to bunch everybody together, but in some cases there hasn’t been any communication. What that does, in some ways, it holds us up from potentially finalizing something with somebody else because we do have some kind of pecking order.”
One area the Redblacks have ensured will be very solid is their defensive backfield. Corey Tindal, Sherrod Baltimore and Jonathan Rose (who signed Tuesday) have all agreed to contract extensions. On top of that, all-star Chris Randle, who brings plenty of versatility to the table, was signed after being released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. And while the defence has been solidified, other than bringing back some key offensive linemen, the Redblacks haven’t been able so far to bring back three of their biggest weapons on the offensive side of the ball — Harris, Powell and Ellingson.
“It’s just the way it’s worked out,” Desjardins said. “We stated from the get-go we wanted to get as many of our own guys back as possible. But everybody has to be on the same page for that to happen. We’ve approached this the same way we always have. We’ve been able to bring back a lot of the guys who we didn’t know if they would come back.”
And if some players decide to move on, the Redblacks could become heavy shoppers once the free-agency period begins.