Free agent QBS the focus of CFL’S winter meetings
MONT-TREMBLANT, QUE. The CFL wrapped up its annual winter meetings on Thursday in Mont-tremblant, Que., and the large number of free agent quarterbacks was the starting point of many discussions during the three days.
Based on most of the discussions, Mike Reilly of the Edmonton Eskimos is expected to set the tone for free agency. At $500,000 per season, Reilly is the league’s highest-paid quarterback and is rumoured to be seeking $600,000 per year on the open market.
However, there’s some speculation that Reilly may be willing to sign for less if the additional cash can be used to bolster other positions.
That’s an indication of Reilly’s football acumen and what he’s willing to do to win another championship.
It should be an interesting time when the bell sounds to signal the official start of free agency on Feb. 12.
RIDERS QB WATCH
There didn’t seem to be an answer to who will be the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ starting quarterback when the 2019 season kicks off.
Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager, said he would look into the free agent pool for a quarterback, and that makes sense, considering the number of pivots who might be available.
Jones didn’t rule out the possibility of Zach Collaros and Brandon Bridge, who are both pending free agents, re-signing with the Riders.
Jones added that he would leave no stone unturned when it comes to landing a quarterback who would complement an already solid defence and special teams.
So why not Reilly? He’s the best option, but he would cost the Riders some cash. Reilly, Jones and offensive co-ordinator Stephen Mcadoo shared in the 2015 Grey Cup title with the Eskimos, so signing him would be a reunion of sorts.
The Riders need a solid quarterback if they’re to continue to progress. Reilly might just be that guy.
ON SCHEDULE
The Riders open the 2019 regular season with back-to-back road games — in Hamilton against the Tiger-cats on June 13 and in Ottawa versus the Redblacks on June 20 — before playing host to the Argonauts in their regular-season home opener on July 1.