Stampeders in no rush to extend Mitchell’s deal
The Calgary Stampeders are obviously interested in locking up Bo Levi Mitchell long term, but it doesn’t sound like they’ll be trying to extend his contract soon.
Mitchell signed a four-year contract in early-2015 and has emerged as one of the league’s most consistently valuable players.
He’s a big part of the Stamps’ plans, but president/GM John Hufnagel explained at the CFL’s annual GM meetings in Banff that the team wouldn’t be trying to re-up his contract until next off-season.
“I think we’ll wait,” Hufnagel said. “No. 1, because 2019 is a (collective bargaining agreement) year. We really don’t know what the salary cap is and that really makes it difficult to sign players, especially a high-profile, highlypaid player like Bo.”
As for whether Mitchell will resign, Hufnagel sounded confident.
In an ESPN.com article last year, Mitchell said he wanted to explore his NFL options if he was given the opportunity, but he has given no indication he’s actively pursuing that road.
“I believe Bo signed a four-year contract three years ago because he wanted to set roots in Calgary,” Hufnagel said.
“I don’t believe that has changed. I believe we’ll be able to get a deal once this contract expires.”
NFL COMPETITION
As the Stampeders try to assemble their roster for 2018, they’ve been left waiting on word from several key free agents exploring options in the NFL.
Earlier this week, last year’s starting SAM linebacker Shaquille Richardson announced he signed a contract with the Oakland Raiders.
The Stamps are waiting on word from kick returner Roy Finch, receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive end Ja’Gared Davis and corner Ciante Evans, all of whom have had workouts with NFL teams.
“Let me be truthful, I’ve wanted to talk to all of them,” Hufnagel said Wednesday. “Their agents are saying ‘let’s wait, let’s wait’ because they don’t want to get involved in something that might deter or sway their clients’ mindset.
“I’ve been continuing to talk to a few of those players’ agents. Hopefully, they will make a decision on whether the NFL dream is still there. If it’s not there, we can get into some serious negotiations.”
Hufnagel said he would ideally like to know which players will be returning by the end of January, although conversations with Davis’ agent may begin much sooner.
Davis finished tied with Micah Johnson for second on the team in sacks behind Charleston Hughes, and likely would have won the leaguewide sack title had injuries not kept him out of the lineup at several points.
“(Davis) had one or two workouts, I’ve been in contact with his agent,” Hufnagel said. “Hopefully, I can get back into talks with him when I get back from these meetings.”
NO GOOD NEWS
Hufnagel didn’t have any good news regarding two Stampeders who missed the entire 2017 season.
While the team had been optimistic all-star linebacker Deron Mayo would recover from a gruesome leg injury, the 29-year-old never made it back into the lineup.
“Deron is still having problems with his knee,” Hufnagel said.
“He had another procedure and is awaiting results on what the length of the rehab would be.
“I’m hoping Deron can get back on the field, but it’s been a tough battle for him.”
Similarly, Pierre Lavertu, the first-overall pick in the 2014 CFL draft, missed all of last year and most of 2016 due to injury, and Hufnagel had no update on whether he might ever return.
“It’s a really sad story, no question about it,” Hufnagel said.
“He’s supposed to have gotten a second opinion when he went home to Montreal, but I’m not quite sure that has been done yet. I need to talk to Pierre, in fact. I’ve reached out to his agent.
“It was tough for him, both for him and for Deron, being off the field for the whole year.”