Feb 4, 2015
Ten top free agents and where they could end up
With CFL free agency set to open up on February 10th, here is a list of 10 of the best free agents and where they could end up.

With CFL free agency set to open up on February 10th, here is a list of 10 of the best free agents and where they could end up.
Editor’s note: Some of these players might end up signing with their teams before February 10th.
Brett Jones – Two-year Stampeder has already won a Most Outstanding offensive lineman award, was a Western All-Star both years, and a CFL all-star in 2014. He could command $200 thousand-plus due to his National status. Look for him to stay with Calgary, sign an NFL contract, or maybe end up in his hometown province of Saskatchewan. The Roughriders saved on salary by releasing centre Dominic Picard and letting go Ben Heenan so that he could sign in the NFL. If the Stampeders lose Jones they have last year’s first overall draft pick Pierre Lavertu waiting in the wings.
My prediction: Re-signs with the Stampeders.
Stanley Bryant - Five-year Stampeder who was named to the CFL All-Star team in 2013 and 2014. He has played both left tackle and right tackle.
My prediction: Look for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos and Ottawa Redblacks to make a strong pitch for this International veteran. Ottawa has the most money to spend.
Brandon “Speedy” Banks – Two-year Ticat who was a CFL All-Star last season as a returner and was hoping to sign with an NFL club. Banks is a player that Kent Austin wants back dearly, but look for the Redblacks to bid large. He would be a great addition and an immediate fan favorite. Ottawa has money to spend and GM Marcel Desjardins can make a splash with this signing.
My prediction: Banks re-signs with Hamilton and makes north of $200,000 per year.
SirVincent Rogers – Argonauts starting left tackle for the past two seasons. If the Blue Bombers can’t sign Bryant they will look to SV to improve a poor offensive line. Winnipeg has the Grey Cup this year and they would like to ignite their fans with a quality o-line and to help second-year starter Drew Willy. Picking up Picard earlier this season will help and with Rogers at tackle the Bombers will have a shot at the playoffs.
My prediction: Signs with Winnipeg.
Dan LeFevour – Played well for the Tiger-Cats when Zach Collaros went down early in the season. He is coming off a torn knee ligament but should be good to go for training camp. Look for BC, Ottawa and possibly Montreal to make a bid. LeFevour wants to start and can’t do that with Collaros in the Hammer.
My prediction: LeFevour would look good in a Lions uniform. Travis Lulay is always going to be a question mark with his shoulder issues.
Brian Peters – Had a terrific season with the Roughriders. Richie Hall, who coached Peters in Regina last season, would love to have him in a Blue Bombers uniform. Peters is a stand-out on special teams and would be a great replacement for Ian Wild who signed last week with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
My prediction: It will be hard to leave Saskatchewan but Winnipeg is his next best option.
Greg Ellingson – Why he fell out of favour in Hamilton is anyone’s guess. Ellingson was brought to the Hammer by former Ticats great Danny McManus who is now with Winnipeg. The Blue Bombers could be interested. Ottawa will also look to the 6’3 receiver who had chemistry with Henry Burris.
My prediction: Ottawa will prevail if they can’t snag Brandon Banks.
Samuel Giguere – Going into his fourth CFL season, a change in scenery might be nice for this Sherbrooke native. Montreal would seem like a logical choice but Jim Popp very seldom delves into free agency. Toronto needs a National receiver if Spencer Watt leaves, as does Winnipeg with the trade of Cory Watson.
My prediction: Popp roles the dice and hopes it doesn’t come back to bite him like the Corey Grant free agent signing in 2002.
Rennie Curran – If Curran decides to test free agency and leaves, Edmonton will be fine with JC Sherritt in the middle. Curran would look good in a Winnipeg uniform. The Bombers just released Ejiro Kuale who played in the middle last season. Curran would be a great locker-room addition and a favourite of head coach Mike O’Shea.
My Prediction: Signs with Winnipeg.
Ernest Jackson – Was amazing down the stretch for the BC Lions. He caught over 450 yards and three TDs in his last four games. He played four seasons at the University of Buffalo with current Blue Bomber QB Willy. Interesting!
My prediction: Winnipeg will be a busy team in free agency.