Time to take a look at the Roughriders’ many free-agent candidates
We’re making a list — and checking it twice — of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ prospective free agents.
The number of Saskatchewan players who can hit the CFL’S open market Feb. 12 has been pared to 23 after this week’s re-signings of receiver/fullback Patrick Lavoie and defensive tackle Zack Evans. So who’s left? Tobi Antigha (DE): Quintessential Chris Jones player — someone who can line up virtually anywhere on defence.
Rob Bagg (WR): Mis-used by 2018 Roughriders. Cut after pre-season (despite nursing an injury), returned in August, but dressed for only four games — without catching a pass — with a team that was starved for offence. Classy, dedicated veteran deserved much better.
Devon Bailey (WR): Can make plays when healthy, but injuries have held him back.
Brandon Bridge (QB): Regressed in 2018, when the coaching staff seemed to lose faith in him. Needs a fresh start, along with a coach who can refine his throwing mechanics.
Mich’ael Brooks (DT): Roughriders’ defence was at its best when Brooks was a run-stuffer. Marc-olivier Brouillette (DB): Best legal mind on the team, but a spare part. Seven defensive tackles in seven games last season, at age 32.
Zach Collaros (QB): Next ...
Mike Edem (DB): Found a home at safety with Saskatchewan. Sam Eguavoen (LB): Coming off a sensational year, he could very well get an NFL opportunity. Kevin Francis (LB): Versatile athlete contributes on special teams. Makana Henry (DT): Reliable national option on interior of defensive line.
Caleb Holley (WR): What happened? He looked so impressive in 2016. Since then, contributions have been sporadic at best. Sam Hurl (LB): Deserved more credit for solid performance at middle linebacker in 2018. Free-agent signing raised some eyebrows, but he contributed to one of the league’s premier defences.
Willie Jefferson (DE): THE must-sign free agent. Named the Roughriders’ most outstanding player in 2018, he can change a game in many ways.
Cory Johnson (DT): Perhaps the best nickname — Poop — in CFL history.
Jovon Johnson (CB): Absolute gem in the community but, at 35, is unlikely to return. Did not dress for a game beyond Sept. 30.
Brian Jones (WR): Picked fourth overall, by Toronto, in 2016 but has yet to live up to draft status. Cameron Marshall (RB): Effective runner, but Roughriders already have tailbacks Tre Mason and Marcus Thigpen under contract. Is there room?
Loucheiz Purifoy (DB): Excelled as defensive halfback and kickoff returner after being dumped by Ottawa Redblacks.
Naaman Roosevelt (SB): A twotime 1,000-yard receiver, his numbers were down in 2018. However, was that his fault? Roosevelt was open in 2018 West Division semifinal on two plays that should have been touchdowns. Bridge misfired both times. Kenny Shaw (WR): Attempted to catch a touchdown pass with his face mask.
Josiah St. John (OL): Drafted first overall in 2016, St. John looked like an all-time bust until stepping in for an injured Darius Bladek late last season. St. John responded with commendable performances.
Eddie Steele (DT): The Steele Curtain. Registered all five of his sacks over Roughriders’ final six games, playoff loss included, in 2018.