CFL veterans being released

Started by Blue In BC, May 03, 2024, 05:10:35 PM

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Blue In BC

Teams seem to be releasing a lot of players that seem a bit surprising. Are they adjusting their SMS spend after signing some free agents in February?

I see Moxie was released by Calgary today. Menard in Vancouver yesterday. Worthy by the Als to name a few.

The fact this is being done so close to TC is an even bigger surprise IMO??
Take no prisoners

Pete

Odd timing right after the draft. it could also do with the xfl being cut down to 8 teams, a lot of talent became available. Frankly I'm surprised how many of our recruits have xfl/usfl experience. I wasn't under the impression they had that many quality players that couldn't make their rosters that cfl teams have picked up
It will be interesting to see how many actually make cfl rosters.

Blue In BC

Agreed the talent pool got a bit deeper with 8 less spring league teams. That applied for them as well. You can't keep everybody.

That said, unless some of these players had bonus's due for reporting to TC, why cut them now?

I have noticed that the Bombers have signed lots of players with XFL or USFL experience. Some with some experience.

Obviously some of these players had significant contracts going into 2024. Worthy was reported to be at $140K for example.
Take no prisoners

theaardvark

If you can't see them making the team, either $SMS or talent wise, then releasing them now gives them a chance to catch on elsewhere... and makes it easier to sign prospects or have them actually come to camp after signing knowing there is an opening to fill.

I don't think teams or players enjoy TC cuts on vets. Ripping the bandaid off now is easier.   
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Pigskin

Steven Richardson retiring. Sad, that his body gave up on him.
Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror.

theaardvark

Quote from: Pigskin on May 03, 2024, 06:41:07 PMSteven Richardson retiring. Sad, that his body gave up on him.

Wonder if this was in any way related to Covington... or mere timing co-incedence
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Pigskin

Timing, the man's body is broken. 
Don't go through life looking in the rearview mirror.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Pigskin on May 03, 2024, 06:41:07 PMSteven Richardson retiring. Sad, that his body gave up on him.

It's tough being a stove.

I'll always remember him as a great Bomber.  One of the best DTs we've had in 10 years.  Instrumental in getting us the cups.

One of the best run stoppers in 2 generations.  He could shed hoggie blocks like they were greased butter.  And had a nose for the carrier.  And when he got through with the bull rush, watch out QB!!

Best of luck Stove, we love ya!!
Never go full Rider!

dd

Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 04, 2024, 12:23:43 AMIt's tough being a stove.

I'll always remember him as a great Bomber.  One of the best DTs we've had in 10 years.  Instrumental in getting us the cups.

One of the best run stoppers in 2 generations.  He could shed hoggie blocks like they were greased butter.  And had a nose for the carrier.  And when he got through with the bull rush, watch out QB!!

Best of luck Stove, we love ya!!

I agree. Our D line has never regained its dominance since he left. We need to find us another Stove!!!

Blue In BC

For what it's worth, Nathan Rourke is being waived by the Patriots. I don't know if he'll be picked up quickly by another NFL team, but I don't expect him back in the CFL at least for another year. He may bounce around for 2024?

He made over $500K usd last year so that can't be ignored in his pursuit of the dream.

Take no prisoners

theaardvark

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 06, 2024, 03:25:47 PMFor what it's worth, Nathan Rourke is being waived by the Patriots. I don't know if he'll be picked up quickly by another NFL team, but I don't expect him back in the CFL at least for another year. He may bounce around for 2024?

He made over $500K usd last year so that can't be ignored in his pursuit of the dream.



Probably because of his comment about Kelly ;) .  Just kidding. 

Pats took 2 (two) QB's in the draft, including Maye at 3 overall... kinda kills Rourkes chances there...
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Blue In BC

Quote from: theaardvark on May 06, 2024, 04:20:19 PMProbably because of his comment about Kelly ;) .  Just kidding. 

Pats took 2 (two) QB's in the draft, including Maye at 3 overall... kinda kills Rourkes chances there...

It may take awhile before Rourke gets a TC tryout elsewhere. Lots of QB's drafted and others moved across the NFL.
Take no prisoners

theaardvark

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 06, 2024, 04:22:48 PMIt may take awhile before Rourke gets a TC tryout elsewhere. Lots of QB's drafted and others moved across the NFL.

Does BC still have his rights?  Or can Tor drop Kelly and sign him?

Would be a great move for the league...
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Blue In BC

Quote from: theaardvark on May 06, 2024, 04:25:07 PMDoes BC still have his rights?  Or can Tor drop Kelly and sign him?

Would be a great move for the league...

Rourke would be a CFL free agent. IIRC, Kelly was given a large signing bonus and / or guaranteed money so that is a no go in theory.

I think most starting QB's have some sort of guaranteed money so it's a problem for Rourke to return in 2024.

Rouke would be one of the top paid QB's when he returns but what team can absorb another SMS hit at this point of the season.

Clearly he'd be better than several starting QB's but I don't see this happening for 2024. IMO he will keep trying / waiting for another NFL opportunity.
Take no prisoners

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 06, 2024, 04:30:04 PMRourke would be a CFL free agent. IIRC, Kelly was given a large signing bonus and / or guaranteed money so that is a no go in theory.

I think most starting QB's have some sort of guaranteed money so it's a problem for Rourke to return in 2024.

Rouke would be one of the top paid QB's when he returns but what team can absorb another SMS hit at this point of the season.

Clearly he'd be better than several starting QB's but I don't see this happening for 2024. IMO he will keep trying / waiting for another NFL opportunity.

Yep, no team could make room for a contract of that size without making severe cuts elsewhere.  The Lions might be able to swing it by axing Vernon Adams and one or two established players outright, but with the advent of guaranteed money that becomes less likely.

The team that should be preparing for this opportunity is the Riders, dumping an old Trevor Harris in exchange for Rourke would be a master stroke that would be unbearable to witness.

theaardvark

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 06, 2024, 04:30:04 PMRourke would be a CFL free agent. IIRC, Kelly was given a large signing bonus and / or guaranteed money so that is a no go in theory.

I think most starting QB's have some sort of guaranteed money so it's a problem for Rourke to return in 2024.

Rouke would be one of the top paid QB's when he returns but what team can absorb another SMS hit at this point of the season.

Clearly he'd be better than several starting QB's but I don't see this happening for 2024. IMO he will keep trying / waiting for another NFL opportunity.

If Kelly were to be let go "for cause", I am sure there is 100% clawback of any payments made to him.  Getting the actual cash back might be tough, but the $SMS hit would be nullified, as far as I can see.  Especially since the incident was before the payments.

That'd be the perfect storm for the CFL.

Eliminate the issue, replace with a Canadian who could very well be better than Kelly...

Win/win/win.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Blue In BC

Quote from: theaardvark on May 06, 2024, 05:39:04 PMIf Kelly were to be let go "for cause", I am sure there is 100% clawback of any payments made to him.  Getting the actual cash back might be tough, but the $SMS hit would be nullified, as far as I can see.  Especially since the incident was before the payments.

That'd be the perfect storm for the CFL.

Eliminate the issue, replace with a Canadian who could very well be better than Kelly...

Win/win/win.

Yeah maybe but we don't know there is a real mechanism to achieve that. It's also a timing issue where we might not get a decision on Kelly for months. That may also result in some sort of claw back if he's found guilty etc.

However, the thing is that I don't think Rourke is going to be coming back to the CFL in 2024. It certainly isn't likely by the start of TC.

I think the Argos would take Rourke over Kelly in an instant. Just being a Canadian improves their ratio.

Take no prisoners

theaardvark

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 06, 2024, 09:00:25 PMYeah maybe but we don't know there is a real mechanism to achieve that. It's also a timing issue where we might not get a decision on Kelly for months. That may also result in some sort of claw back if he's found guilty etc.

However, the thing is that I don't think Rourke is going to be coming back to the CFL in 2024. It certainly isn't likely by the start of TC.

I think the Argos would take Rourke over Kelly in an instant. Just being a Canadian improves their ratio.

Rourke now has to compete with a new crop of draft picks.10 total drafted, 6 in the first round. Not horrible numbers, but still, he just lost his job to one.  But he knows he's guaranteed $600k in Canada, and will get playing time and adulation.  He could just be what the league and Toronto needs. 

It would be interesting if Kelly gets "fired" for cause because a coach wasn't extended because of his actions.

If Kelly got released, how long until Jones signs him?
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

bluebeard

Quote from: theaardvark on May 06, 2024, 10:27:58 PMRourke now has to compete with a new crop of draft picks.10 total drafted, 6 in the first round. Not horrible numbers, but still, he just lost his job to one.  But he knows he's guaranteed $600k in Canada, and will get playing time and adulation.  He could just be what the league and Toronto needs. 

It would be interesting if Kelly gets "fired" for cause because a coach wasn't extended because of his actions.

If Kelly got released, how long until Jones signs him?
Kelly would not sign with Edmonton before playing in TO.  What makes you think he will sign now.  I think he might sign in Hamilton as it is close to Buffalo

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 06, 2024, 04:30:04 PMI think most starting QB's have some sort of guaranteed money so it's a problem for Rourke to return in 2024.

Ya, but this is the CFL and in the last 3 seasons it's been QBs-dropping-like-flies.  Guaranteed some team* (or 3) loses its star by labor day and is in desperation mode.  Dangling play-now money in front of Rourke might work... and give him more film for another NFL try in 2025?

* <knocks wood>
Never go full Rider!

Pete

If I'm Hamilton, Saskatchewan, or Calgary and can get Rourke to sign for 3 years, I'd be all in. If it meant dumping the existing quarterback and being over the cap this year then it would still be worthwhile.(or cutting/trading another high salary player)
I could even see BC making a move such as trading Adams to another team for a pick and cash (if thats possible in the cfl)

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Pete on May 07, 2024, 02:59:41 AMIf I'm Hamilton, Saskatchewan, or Calgary and can get Rourke to sign for 3 years, I'd be all in.

Dis CGY and HAM all you want, but T.Harris in SSK is actually pretty good.  On my rewatch of '23 I was amazed how decent he was before he got hurt.  He makes good decisions and pulls the trigger quickly.  I think he was poised to have one of his best seasons in'23.  If he could just stay healthy he could be top-3 in league.

But we all know he'll likely get injured again, as that's his thing now.  But don't discount him if he's in a game when we're playing them.  When he gets injured, though, it's game over for SSK again, because it massively demoralizes their whole team and fan base.
Never go full Rider!

Blue In BC

#22
Quote from: Pete on May 07, 2024, 02:59:41 AMIf I'm Hamilton, Saskatchewan, or Calgary and can get Rourke to sign for 3 years, I'd be all in. If it meant dumping the existing quarterback and being over the cap this year then it would still be worthwhile.(or cutting/trading another high salary player)
I could even see BC making a move such as trading Adams to another team for a pick and cash (if thats possible in the cfl)

Hamilton might be in the best position to drop BLM and others that may not have had guaranteed money. Or may have the least up front money paid. The big fly in the ointment is the timing if and when Rourke chooses to return to the CFL.

Even if he only came back for 2024, chances that BLM plays in 2025 are also slim IMO.

EDIT: There is a list of top paid QB's going into 2024. All the top QB's got advance money. The best of the best got significant advance money. All that info shows how signing Rourke becomes an issue if he becomes available.
Take no prisoners

theaardvark

If Kelly gets "Fired for cause", you'd have to wonder if Ambroise would place a "do not hire" ban on him.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

VictorRomano

Nathan Rourke grabbed off waivers by the NY Giants according to reports.  Doubt he's back in Canada this year.

TecnoGenius

To hedge their bets, does TOR pickup/trade for Masoli?  Is Masoli owned by anyone right now?  Ya, Masoli's return would be around the same time as Kelly, but there's a greater than zero chance Kelly never returns.

Masoli might just get injured in his first game again, but he might not.  Surely he's a better option than riding with Dukes all season?

OTT grabbing Dru Brown when they did is looking like a stroke of genius... As does us signing Strevie.  If our prospects at various positions do not pan out (most notably OL/DL), might we trade Strevie mid-season for a superstar-but-reasonably-priced DB or DL or OL?  If Zach's doing great and our rookie QBs look non-Brohm, Strevie might not have as much value to us as some Ento/Uguak-level ELC player.  (No idea who fits that bill in TOR though.)

4 weeks till season start and we're already in "silly season"!  It's going to be one of those years...
Never go full Rider!

theaardvark

Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 08, 2024, 07:19:03 AMTo hedge their bets, does TOR pickup/trade for Masoli?  Is Masoli owned by anyone right now?  Ya, Masoli's return would be around the same time as Kelly, but there's a greater than zero chance Kelly never returns.

Masoli might just get injured in his first game again, but he might not.  Surely he's a better option than riding with Dukes all season?

OTT grabbing Dru Brown when they did is looking like a stroke of genius... As does us signing Strevie.  If our prospects at various positions do not pan out (most notably OL/DL), might we trade Strevie mid-season for a superstar-but-reasonably-priced DB or DL or OL?  If Zach's doing great and our rookie QBs look non-Brohm, Strevie might not have as much value to us as some Ento/Uguak-level ELC player.  (No idea who fits that bill in TOR though.)

4 weeks till season start and we're already in "silly season"!  It's going to be one of those years...

No, absolutely not.  Never. Streveler is here for the playoffs, both to play and as insurance trading him mid season would be insane.  We certainly didn't trade Dru Brown mid season even though we could have gotten quite the haul, instead, we kept him and got a 4th round flyer pick for him.

"Silly season" for sure.  Trade Streveler?  *SILLY*
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: theaardvark on May 08, 2024, 03:39:15 PM"Silly season" for sure.  Trade Streveler?  *SILLY*

Then Riderfans suggest Tre Ford is the likely candidate for Kelly replacement (at least short term).

They've got to do something.  I'm not sure fans will put up with Dukes for 9 weeks, especially if he looks really bad in PS and week 1.  Now, if he lights it up, all is forgiven.  But that chance is slim to none...
Never go full Rider!

Pete

looks like Malik Clemons has retired. don't blame him with the gong show of the argos

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Pete on May 12, 2024, 01:21:02 AMlooks like Malik Clemons has retired. don't blame him with the gong show of the argos

Just to be precise, it's Clements, our former backup MLB/WILL.  Did TOR cut him first?  If he was cut, then that means in a pinch he may be available for us to re-sign if we can't find a legit next man up to backup Biggie.  He was more than serviceable, though clearly not the "next Biggie".  He took a ton of live snaps for us and never stunk up the joint.

Maybe he read the writing on the wall that he probably won't ever be a #1 starter and got fed up with ELC-level $$?
Never go full Rider!

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: TecnoGenius on May 12, 2024, 01:36:02 AMJust to be precise, it's Clements, our former backup MLB/WILL.  Did TOR cut him first?  If he was cut, then that means in a pinch he may be available for us to re-sign if we can't find a legit next man up to backup Biggie.  He was more than serviceable, though clearly not the "next Biggie".  He took a ton of live snaps for us and never stunk up the joint.

Maybe he read the writing on the wall that he probably won't ever be a #1 starter and got fed up with ELC-level $$?


The Bombers have no money to chase after anyone, they're going to dance with the ones they've already signed.  Argos have been pretty deep at LB the last few years, not sure that status going into this season, but thought it strange Clements would sign with them. Probably found out he'd have to pay twice the rent for half the space in T.O.

Blue In BC

#31
Still seeing some veterans released in the early going around the CFL. Olumba, Domagala and Hagerty also released today.

I wonder if we have any interest in Domagala as an insurance player on our PR? He's both a FG kicker and punter. Might depend on how our rookie punter is looking in TC. I was thinking he might stick on the PR as injury depth.
Take no prisoners

Sir Blue and Gold

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 15, 2024, 02:35:15 PMStill seeing some veterans released in the early going around the CFL. Olumba, Domagala and Hagerty also released today.

I wonder if we have any interest in Domagala as an insurance player on our PR? He's both a FG kicker and punter. Might depend on how our rookie punter is looking in TC. I was thinking he might stick on the PR as injury depth.

Rookie punter? Sheahan?

Blue In BC

Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on May 15, 2024, 03:57:19 PMRookie punter? Sheahan?

No. We signed a rookie Canadian Mastrogiuseppe, Dante earlier. I thought he might be kept around as insurance on the PR. OTOH I'm not sure if he is going back to university for 1 more year. He could be worth developing or the next cut. IDK.

There will be a few kicking types released eventually. IIRC, the Lions released one in the 1st round of cuts.

Most teams tend to retain a depth guy on the PR. Domagala has some CFL experience so he might be a guy to take a quick look at depending on what the rookie is showing.

Take no prisoners

theaardvark

Quote from: Blue In BC on May 15, 2024, 04:18:05 PMNo. We signed a rookie Canadian Mastrogiuseppe, Dante earlier. I thought he might be kept around as insurance on the PR. OTOH I'm not sure if he is going back to university for 1 more year. He could be worth developing or the next cut. IDK.

There will be a few kicking types released eventually. IIRC, the Lions released one in the 1st round of cuts.

Most teams tend to retain a depth guy on the PR. Domagala has some CFL experience so he might be a guy to take a quick look at depending on what the rookie is showing.

Unless we want to start Domegala, not sure there is a spot for him here, or any of the cuts.  Because any backups/insurance players will be ELC at best, but most likely PR.  Guys with actual CFL game experience would probably rather wait for an injury replacement opportunity than sit on a PR.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Blue In BC

#35
Quote from: theaardvark on May 15, 2024, 04:23:45 PMUnless we want to start Domegala, not sure there is a spot for him here, or any of the cuts.  Because any backups/insurance players will be ELC at best, but most likely PR.  Guys with actual CFL game experience would probably rather wait for an injury replacement opportunity than sit on a PR.

While that's true a player on the PR can choose to leave at any time. I'm not suggesting Domagala would be a starter. However a spot for a guy during TC is easy for a quick look. We're not gold with our punter and it's an area of concern for the moment.

I haven't seen any other cuts we should consider.  I would have been interested in Makonzo earlier but he's signed elsewhere. A couple of our Canadian DB's have SAM size which might be PR depth options though.

You often suggest some of our final cuts could be of interest later. I don't generally agree with that since every team has their own excess of players headed to their PR's.

That said, we have a bunch of 2023 and 2024 Canadian draft choices fighting for just a few spots. I can't quite tell who will stick and who won't.  Also don't know who is looking better than others.

However, I wouldn't rule out a trade before final cuts of a body or two for a draft choice in 2025 or a neg list guy. Mostly just basing that on the volume of Canadian players at the moment. Particularly at DB and DL.
Take no prisoners