There are more duds than studs in free-agency pool

When the Chris Jones-led Saskatchewan Roughriders make a splash early in the CFL’s free-agency period, it is often by plunging into shark-infested waters.

To be fair, a few of the Roughriders’ February signings have excelled since Jones took over as the head coach and general manager on Dec. 7, 2015.

Most notably, Jones signed Ed Gainey — the CFL’s leading interceptor this past season — in 2016. Linebacker Otha Foster III was also a nice addition before landing an NFL tryout in 2017, returning in September, and playing in only three games due to a back injury. In 2017, Jones’s best signing was Bakari Grant, who amassed 1,033 yards on a team-high 84 receptions.

However, success stories are outnumbered by disappointments. The free-agent class of February 2016 included receivers Shamawd Chambers and John Chiles, defensive end Justin Capicciotti, running back Curtis Steele, tailback/returner Kendial Lawrence, offensive lineman Andrew Jones, linebacker Greg Jones, defensive back Graig Newman and defensive end Dylan Ainsworth.

The latter Jones was a solid performer in the middle, but he was supplanted by Henoc Muamba. Steele was reasonably effective, but injuries limited him to seven games. Chambers, Capicciotti, Lawrence, Newman, Ainsworth and Andrew Jones did not play for the Roughriders beyond 2016.

In 2017, the Roughriders signed Derek Dennis — who, as a member of the Calgary Stampeders, was named the CFL’s top offensive lineman in 2016. He did not enjoy a comparable season last year.

The Riders’ best free-agent signings of 2017 were tailback Cameron Marshall, linebacker Glenn Love and receiver Chad Owens.

But the 2017 free-agent crop also included tailback Kienan LaFrance (recently released), offensive lineman Ryan White (released in October), running back Aaron Milton (retired in May), safety Marc- Olivier Brouillette (retired in May, returned in September, figured in eight tackles in seven games) and defensive tackle Zach Minter (released in December).

As a counterbalance to the February free agent flops, the Roughriders have typically made inspired player moves at different times of the year.

In the fall of 2016, for example, Jones signed Muamba and defensive end Willie Jefferson as free agents following their NFL tryouts. Muamba was a consistent performer during his first full season as a Roughrider. Jefferson was a force.

Signed in January 2017 were Kevin Glenn and Duron Carter. Glenn went on to enjoy a fine season, starting at quarterback in 19 of the Roughriders’ 20 meaningful games. Carter, who had a team-best 1,043 receiving yards, was named a CFL all-star and the Riders’ most outstanding player.

Also worth noting is veteran defensive tackle Eddie Steele.

Jones has also demonstrated a fine touch in terms of signing players to contract extensions within a year of them becoming eligible for free agency.

Based on precedent, and the fact that the 2018 free agent pool is rather shallow, it is advisable to proceed with caution.