Signing Fajardo a must for the Riders
The team could augment his compensation with promises of off-field opportunities
Contractually, Cody Fajardo isn't yet inclined to go deep — and who can blame him?
Considering the uncertain times in which we live, while factoring in the demand for quarterbacks across the football universe, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' marquee player is well-advised to keep his options open for the time being.
But when the circumstances allow, Roughriders general manager Jeremy O'day must go on the offensive to ensure that the team in general can follow suit for an extended period.
Head coach Craig Dickenson has made it clear that the Roughriders would love to sign Fajardo to a long-term deal. Last year, he was initially offered a four-year extension, but he opted for two in consideration of the fact that there had been overtures from some NFL teams.
That was a wise decision by the CFL'S 2019 all-star quarterback, considering that contracts are not guaranteed. Neither is a 2021 season, for that matter. Hence, Fajardo is in an unavoidable holding pattern.
“I had some NFL interest this past year, but I owe so much to the CFL,” Fajardo said during a recent episode of his popular Rouge Report podcast, which is done in collaboration with fellow Roughriders pivot Isaac Harker.
“I'm super-indebted to the CFL, so I'm going to play out my contract and see what happens after that. I'm very excited to be where I'm at because, without the CFL, me and you wouldn't be playing football.”
The Roughriders' brass simply cannot allow the “see what happens after that” scenario to unfold.
If Fajardo is allowed to test free agency in 2022 — a year in which the Grey Cup is to be played in Regina — the outcome could be costly (see: bidding war) or catastrophic (so long, Cody) for the organization.
Accordingly, O'day must deliver a sales pitch that is of the “shock and awe” variety at the earliest opportunity.
Present Fajardo with a contract that is so enticing that he will sign it as readily as he will autograph a fan's jersey.
It shouldn't be the toughest sell, being that Fajardo recently said that “I would love to spend my entire career playing for the Roughriders.”
One complicating factor will be the salary cap, which could very well be streamlined as another consequence of COVID-19.
As it stands, Fajardo is obligated to the Roughriders for one more season at about $400,000.
There is talk, however, that quarterbacks' salaries may be capped. The days of the $700,000-per-year pivot may be over. The squeeze could extend down the line, making it more difficult for the Roughriders to compensate Fajardo in a manner that is commensurate with his value.
But some ingenuity could save the day. The one thing the Roughriders can offer Fajardo that no other team, NFL or CFL, can match is off-field opportunities — a chance to take his fame and good name to the bank.
In Saskatchewan, he is THE Cody Fajardo — one of the most marketable, likable players in franchise history.
The best incentive for the widely beloved Fajardo to sign an extended deal could be provided by the assurance of alliances with sponsors, advertisers, etc., and by a potentially enriching string of personal appearances.
All of that revenue would land in Fajardo's pocket and fall outside the parameters of the salary cap, without contravening any rules.
There is a precedent for this, dating back to 1997.
After selecting quarterback David Archer in the Ottawa Rough Riders dispersal draft, Roughriders GM Alan Ford offered him what was then supposed to be CFL'S maximum annual salary ($150,000) plus the prospect of doubling that remuneration via corporate affiliations.
Archer opted for the broadcast booth, enlisting with CBC, before returning to the field at age 36 for a forgettable farewell season with Edmonton in 1998.
Fajardo, at 28, has barely scratched the surface. The only time he has thrown a football publicly in our province this year was in January, when he made a guest appearance at the invitation of the Saskatchewan Rush. He tossed spirals to fans at halftime of a National Lacrosse League game in Saskatoon.
Once Fajardo is back in Saskatchewan — a much-heralded arrival that will surely signal better days ahead — it will be time for the Roughriders to make their pitch.