After a crazy couple of days in the CFL free agency, many top names are gone. But are still very productive CFL players on the market, wanting to give it one more shot. Let’s look at the Top 10 remaining free agents and predict where they will land.
Top Remaining CFL Free Agents
1. Aaron Grymes, defensive back (Edmonton): The international defensive back helped lead the Edmonton Eskimos to a Grey Cup championship this year. Prediction: If he doesn’t sign in the NFL, look for Grymes to head back to Edmonton.
2. Emanuel Davis, defensive back (Hamilton): Davis was a huge contributor for Hamilton last season, recording five interceptions, and he’ll be an instant starter on any team. Prediction: If Davis doesn’t sign in the NFL, expect Davis to be back in Hamilton next season.
3. Tristan Okpalaugo, defensive end (Toronto): Okpalaugo was a force on the defensive line for the Argo’s a year ago. He recorded double-digit sacks in his two years in double blue. Prediction: Okpalaugo is giving everything he’s got for an NFL shot. If that doesn’t work, we’ll probably see Okpalaugo heading back to Toronto.
4. Chris Getzlaf, wide receiver (Saskatchewan): No one seems to agree on his value, but the Canadian receiver is a ratio breaker and can give you 750 yards plus and five-plus touchdowns. Prediction: Getzlaf heads to Edmonton and gives Reilly another capable receiver.
5. Bryan Hall, defensive tackle (Hamilton): Hall has been in the shadows of Ted Laurent with the Ticats. Hall has been a productive player, recording 38 tackles and three sacks last year. Prediction: With Laurent getting a big payday, there just isn’t enough left for Hall in Hamilton, so look for him to head west and sign with B.C.
6. Don Oramasionwu, defensive tackle (Edmonton): Oramasionwu can be a starter on some teams but is mostly a good rotational player. The Canadian helped make Edmonton’s defence one of the best last season. Prediction: Edmonton will re-sign Oramasionwu to fill some of the gaps in their defense left by a number of departed free agents.
7. Xavier Fulton, offensive lineman (Saskatchewan): To me isn’t the top offensive lineman available on talent, but with Joel Figueroa and Matthew Norman being unable to stay healthy, Fulton is the top lineman left. Fulton can start and give depth on the offensive line. Prediction: Fulton heads to the nation’s capital and signs with the Redblacks.
8. Justin Hickman, defensive end (Hamilton): He was reliable in Hamilton, but as in Hall’s case, with a lot of money going to Laurent, Hamilton can’t afford the dependable lineman. He’ll be good for three-plus sacks and 20-plus tackles wherever he lands. Prediction: Hickman goes out west to Saskatchewan – because hey, who isn’t signing in the prairies these days?
9. Matt Norman, offensive lineman (B.C.): The most talented offensive lineman on the market, but with his durability and injury problems, many question if he can even play. Norman, though, has said he is 100% healthy. Prediction: Norman signs with the Stampeders.
10. Fred Stamps, wide receiver (Montreal): The veteran receiver had a down year with Montreal last season. Stamps is willing to give it one last shot, as he should. Stamps will give a team 600-plus yards and at least three TD. Prediction: With Owens and Adjey leaving, Toronto has a few openings. Stamps should sign with the Argos.
Honorable Mentions
Cleyon Laing, defensive lineman (Toronto): Probably the best player on the list; however, he is all but set to sign in the NFL. Prediction: Laing signs in the NFL.
Thomas DeMarco, quarterback (Ottawa): DeMarco is the best quarterback on the market. The veteran backup will offer insurance to a team. Prediction: DeMarco signs with Winnipeg as insurance.
Brandyn Thompson, defensive back (Ottawa): Thompson played a key role in Ottawa’s turnaround on defense from 2014 to 2015. Prediction: Ottawa wants him back, and they will get him.
Juwan Simpson, linebacker (Calgary): The veteran was released this off-season in a cap crunching move. The veteran wants one last shot. Prediction: Simpson goes on an incentive based deal with the Ottawa Redblacks.
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