On a day filled with signings, Ted Laurent made the biggest splash in the CFL. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers or Montreal Alouettes were expected to have made the biggest splash, but with Hamilton signing Laurent, the Ticats are the team to beat. Laurent made a decision to turn down more money to stay in Hamilton per Gary Lawless. Laurent was the number one free agent on the market this year and he made a wise decision. This deal came just after the Ticats signed veteran Canadian receiver Andy Fantuz.
It is suspected that Laurent signed a two-year deal paying him $240,000 in his first year and $275,000 in his second. Laurent was the number one as the window opened, and many rumours had him leaving the Tiger-Cats. What does this mean for Hamilton going forward?
They are going to have an outstanding defence with Laurent back and with veterans like Simoni Lawrence, John Chick, Courtney Stephen, Eric Norwood, and recently acquired linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis, who the Lions’ Adam Bighill described as “the most underrated player in CFL free agency”. On top of the already stellar defence they also have offensive future Hall of Famer Zach Collaros, C.J. Gable, Luke Tasker, Mike Filer, Peter Dyakowski, Ryan Bomben, Brandon Banks and Fantuz.
Laurent has set a major precedent with the Tiger-Cats in being willing to take less money to stay with what he believes is a Championship-calibre team this year. Seasoned vets like Bakari Grant, Bryan Hall and Emmanual Davis still have not signed with any team. They could potentially be looking to stay in Hamilton in the hunt for the city’s first championship since 1999. Everyone in Tigertown can breathe a sigh of relief and welcome Laurent back with a huge Oskee Wee Wee.
Main Photo:
Main Photo Caption: HAMILTON, CANADA – JULY 26: Henry Burris #1 of the Ottawa Redblacks throws an incomplete pass under pressure during CFL game action from Delvin Breaux #27 and Ted Laurent #97 of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 26, 2014 at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
