Receiver Carter among team’s 22 free agents
The business side of the CFL offseason officially kicked off Thursday with the release of the league’s pending free agents.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have 22 players of that description, including receiver/defensive back Duron Carter, defensive end Willie Jefferson, quarterback Brandon Bridge and defensive back Jovon Johnson. The aforementioned players are eligible to file for free agency Feb. 13 if they don’t re-sign.
Nine of the Riders’ potential free agents started in the Green and White’s 27-24 loss to the Toronto Argonauts Nov. 19 in the East Division final. The list includes Carter, who led the Riders with six receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown in that game.
Carter was also the Riders’ regular-season leader in receiving yards (1,043). He tied for the team lead with Naaman Roosevelt for touchdown catches (eight), was third in receptions (73) and was named a West Division all-star.
The 26-year-old Carter displayed his versatility while filling in at cornerback. He had nine defensive tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Carter is among the league’s elite receivers and has reportedly drawn interest from NFL teams. Carter recently said he would like to return to the Riders because “Saskatchewan feels like home.”
Bridge is another headliner among the Riders’ pending free agents. He didn’t start against the Argonauts, but replaced starter Kevin Glenn in the first half.
Bridge’s primary roles were as a backup to Glenn and coming off the bench in relief. Bridge’s mobility and strong arm were often the change of pace the Riders needed when Glenn struggled or wasn’t able to handle the pressure.
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, told reporters he would like to see both quarterbacks on the roster in 2018. Bridge and his representatives have already opened contract talks, which is an indication of the quarterback’s interest in re-signing.
There are free-agent options if the Riders go a different route. James Franklin of the Edmonton Eskimos may have the brightest long-term future of the 11 pending free-agent quarterbacks. While being used sparingly, he has thrown 12 touchdown passes against one interception in 13 games over three seasons with the Eskimos.
Franklin, 26, is familiar with the Riders’ coaching staff, having served as a backup quarterback on the Jones-coached Eskimos in 2015. Franklin is reportedly interested in testing the NFL waters before making a decision on his CFL future. How that scenario plays out may determine where he signs.
Johnson solidified the Riders’ defensive backfield after being released by the Montreal Alouettes at the end of the pre-season. The 34-year-old finished the regular season with two interceptions.
The Riders have apparently addressed the re-signing of one of their pending free agents. According to 3DownNation, Jefferson has agreed to a contract extension. There hasn’t been any confirmation from the Riders.
Here is a complete list of the Riders’ pending free agents. An asterisk denotes an international player. Quarterback: Bridge.
Running backs: Shakir Bell*, Spencer Moore, Greg Morris. Offensive tackles: Bruce Campbell*, Thaddeus Coleman*. Centre: Dan Clark.
Receivers: Devon Bailey, Carter*, Nic Demski, Chris Getzlaf. Defensive ends: Jefferson*, A.C. Leonard*.
Defensive line: Eddie Steele, Zach Minter*, Ese Mrabure. Linebackers: Jeff Knox Jr.*, Cameron Ontko*.
Defensive backs: Otha Foster Jr.*, Johnson*, Kacy Rodgers II*. Kicker: Quinn Van Gylswyk.