Cautious optimism for free agents
REGINA — Corey Chamblin’s enthusiasm for the CFL’s potential free agents is tempered by reality.
The Saskat chewan Roughriders head coach has had a chance to look at the list of 100 free agents released by the CFL on Wednesday. The players are eligible to file for free agency on Feb. 15 if they don’t re-sign with their current teams. The amount of time until the deadline and the possibility of players re-signing has cooled some of Chamblin’s excitement about the list.
“There are a couple of good guys on that and I’m surprised that some of them are free agents,’’ Chamblin said during a media conference Wednesday at Mosaic Stadium. “It’s still too early at this point because they could sign a guy tomorrow and he’s off the list. The list comes out now, but by Feb. 15 you can figure half of their team will be re-signed. Talk to me on Feb. 10 on who is still a free agent and I’ll be more excited.’’
The Riders have 15 players eligible to file for free agency. Players can file free agency after playing out the option year of their contracts. The CFL’s list of free agents is based on when a player’s contract wraps up. Veteran offensive lineman Gene Makowsky is included on the CFL’s list, even though he retired prior to the 2011 season.
Dan Goodspeed, another offensive lineman, is also part of the league’s list. Goodspeed spent the 2012 season as an assistant offensive line coach while on the injured list with a knee injury.
Chamblin said Wednesday he wasn’t sure if Goodspeed is willing to conclude his playing career. Chamblin said he would consider adding Goodspeed as an assistant coach if he was interested.
The majority of the Riders’ free agents come from a defence that finished second in the CFL while allowing 22.7 points per game. The list includes defensive ends Odell Willis and Tearrius George, linebackers Tyron Brackenridge and Shomari Williams and defensive backs Chris McKenzie and Eddie Russ. Backup linebacker Mike McCullough, who also contributed as the special-teams captain, has also completed his option year.
“I don’t feel those guys are free agents yet because (the deadline) is Feb. 15,’’ Chamblin said. “We get the first crack at them ahead of the other teams. I’m sure we’ll make some good moves there.’’