Just a running list of players that have had workouts for NFL teams. Contract offers can be made starting Jan 5. I may have missed a couple of others.
I can imagine at least a few will get some offers although who jumps for a TC chance with no guaranteed money is TBD. Not sure if any on this list gets some guaranteed money. There are some talented players here though.
1. Vaval
2. Julien
3. Meyers
4. Veresuk
5. Slywka
6. Carter
7. Casey
8. Wooden
9. Braxton
10. Talbert
11. Chatfield
NFL workout tracker: The latest on CFL players down south
By Coty Wiles
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/article/nfl-workout-tracker-the-latest-on-cfl-players-down-south/
Lots more tryouts than I expected.
Looks like Trey got the most workouts with 6...
Who do these guys played for?
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 21, 2025, 02:08:19 PMJust a running list of players that have had workouts for NFL teams. Contract offers can be made starting Jan 5. I may have missed a couple of others.
I can imagine at least a few will get some offers although who jumps for a TC chance with no guaranteed money is TBD. Not sure if any on this list gets some guaranteed money. There are some talented players here though.
1. Vaval
2. Julien
3. Meyers
4. Veresuk
5. Slywka
6. Carter
7. Casey
8. Wooden
9. Braxton
10. Talbert
11. Charfield
Out of 11 maybe 2 hang around the NFL outskirts for a season, and for this small number the CFL bends over backwards to accomodate the NFL option for all players.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 22, 2025, 09:04:20 PMOut of 11 maybe 2 hang around the NFL outskirts for a season, and for this small number the CFL bends over backwards to accomodate the NFL option for all players.
I'm not a fan of the option year clause but it's part of the deal with the players association. IMO it does nothing to attract more player to the CFL and just causing roster instability.
Regardless, will watch to see who lands a TC tryout and the trickle down effect.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 22, 2025, 09:14:47 PMI'm not a fan of the option year clause but it's part of the deal with the players association. IMO it does nothing to attract more player to the CFL and just causing roster instability.
Regardless, will watch to see who lands a TC tryout and the trickle down effect.
Technically it's no longer an option year clause because players can try out for NFL teams regardless of how many years they have left on their contracts.
Also, I think allowing players to try out for the NFL after 1 year in the CFL may attract guys that may have otherwise signed in the UFL.
If you want to get a tryout in the NFL win the CFL rookie of the year award and some teams will want to take a look.It sees to happen every year although they don't always get to go to the main camp.
Quote from: gobombersgo on December 22, 2025, 09:52:55 PMTechnically it's no longer an option year clause because players can try out for NFL teams regardless of how many years they have left on their contracts.
Also, I think allowing players to try out for the NFL after 1 year in the CFL may attract guys that may have otherwise signed in the UFL.
The players from the UFL have largely been looked at by NFL teams. Many have played NFL games etc etc. The fact they choose to sign in the CFL suggests they weren't being looked at again by the NFL.
So I stand by my statement I don't think it does much to attract players for that reason. Since contracts aren't guaranteed it's a two way street but overall doesn't change my opinion.
Teams add many UFL players to TC rosters. A few stick.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 22, 2025, 11:22:20 PMThe players from the UFL have largely been looked at by NFL teams. Many have played NFL games etc etc. The fact they choose to sign in the CFL suggests they weren't being looked at again by the NFL.
So I stand by my statement I don't think it does much to attract players for that reason. Since contracts aren't guaranteed it's a two way street but overall doesn't change my opinion.
Teams add many UFL players to TC rosters. A few stick.
I remember it causing a lot of bad press when players were getting contacted by NFL teams but weren't allowed to go try out.
It's important to the players.
No help oh boy?
The option year can be a very potent recruiting tool to get players to sign multi year rookie deals, because there is that opt out. But we retain them long enough to develop their CFL talent and give them a home to put down roots.
Knowing that if they light it up in the CFL (most recruits think they are going to), they can parlay that into NFL tryouts they are not presently seeing can be the difference in signing a Dee Alford, or any player that thinks he's the next Dee Alford.
It doesn't happen often, its not a statistically significant number of players affected, so it can't cause significant roster instability. And for every player that does break an NFL AR through this is another endorsement for the league, both from a recruitment standpoint for players, and for fans.
Quote from: theaardvark on December 23, 2025, 04:20:51 PMThe option year can be a very potent recruiting tool to get players to sign multi year rookie deals, because there is that opt out. But we retain them long enough to develop their CFL talent and give them a home to put down roots.
Knowing that if they light it up in the CFL (most recruits think they are going to), they can parlay that into NFL tryouts they are not presently seeing can be the difference in signing a Dee Alford, or any player that thinks he's the next Dee Alford.
It doesn't happen often, its not a statistically significant number of players affected, so it can't cause significant roster instability. And for every player that does break an NFL AR through this is another endorsement for the league, both from a recruitment standpoint for players, and for fans.
I strongly disagree. Every import thinks he'll end up in the NFL. Reality is that isn't true.
The instability is caused by NFL teams just signing players for TC fodder and CFL teams losing that player for half a season.
Having Wilson for game 1 would have been much better. It would have changed the choices made to add other depth during free agency. That's what I mean about instability. We lost him for 12 games due to the NFL option.
Other teams had the same issue. Sure it's a benefit to those that get that new chance at the NFL but bad for the player released when they return. At some point there is a net reduction upon the return. How many receivers did we bring to TC to win that spot? How many actually played a few games before Wilson returned?
The NFL option hasn't always existed. There was no shortage of talent available prior to that existence.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 23, 2025, 05:29:21 PMI strongly disagree. Every import thinks he'll end up in the NFL. Reality is that isn't true.
The instability is caused by NFL teams just signing players for TC fodder and CFL teams losing that player for half a season.
Having Wilson for game 1 would have been much better. It would have changed the choices made to add other depth during free agency. That's what I mean about instability. We lost him for 12 games due to the NFL option.
Other teams had the same issue. Sure it's a benefit to those that get that new chance at the NFL but bad for the player released when they return. At some point there is a net reduction upon the return. How many receivers did we bring to TC to win that spot? How many actually played a few games before Wilson returned?
The NFL option hasn't always existed. There was no shortage of talent available prior to that existence.
Agree, CFL scouts and agents need to change their recruitment narrative and stop promoting false or highly unlikley scenarios to naive young players, the promise is more or less a lie and it causes the CFL much inconvenience for little payoff.
Stick to recruiting players that want to continue playing football below the NFL level and tell them to take the CFL for what it is and leave it at that. NFL options could still be doled out individually if a player succeeds wildly after 2 seasons in the CFL, but that has only happened a handful of times in recent decades.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2025, 06:04:40 PMAgree, CFL scouts and agents need to change their recruitment narrative and stop promoting false or highly unlikley scenarios to naive young players, the promise is more or less a lie and it causes the CFL much inconvenience for little payoff.
Stick to recruiting players that want to continue playing football below the NFL level and tell them to take the CFL for what it is and leave it at that. NFL options could still be doled out individually if a player succeeds wildly after 2 seasons in the CFL, but that has only happened a handful of times in recent decades.
They can promise the NFL or not. Players are still going to want the ability to leave if the NFL comes calling.
Prior to the option, teams would release players to pursue the NFL - and lose the rights to the player. The option allows teams to keep the player when/if they do return.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 23, 2025, 05:29:21 PMI strongly disagree. Every import thinks he'll end up in the NFL. Reality is that isn't true.
The instability is caused by NFL teams just signing players for TC fodder and CFL teams losing that player for half a season.
Having Wilson for game 1 would have been much better. It would have changed the choices made to add other depth during free agency. That's what I mean about instability. We lost him for 12 games due to the NFL option.
Other teams had the same issue. Sure it's a benefit to those that get that new chance at the NFL but bad for the player released when they return. At some point there is a net reduction upon the return. How many receivers did we bring to TC to win that spot? How many actually played a few games before Wilson returned?
The NFL option hasn't always existed. There was no shortage of talent available prior to that existence.
How many players missed substantial action though the NFL window signings last year, or in the previous 5 years?
If you think that any young player comes north with the intent to happily play his career in the CFL, you cray cray. Every one wants another shot at the NFL, they may not have been drafted, or done poorly in a TC, or even been behind better players. Whatever "injustice" that was done, they are looking for redemption.
The NFL window actually promotes that dream. It literally says "play well, play hard and WE are going to get you another NFL shot." Every rookie signed has been made aware of that option, and it creates even more motivation to bring his best to the CFL.
A lot of guys that just missed the NFL think they are coming up here to dominate. They find out pretty quick. But they also find out that this can and will improve their game and chances at an NFL shot.
Quote from: theaardvark on December 23, 2025, 06:09:14 PMHow many players missed substantial action though the NFL window signings last year, or in the previous 5 years?
If you think that any young player comes north with the intent to happily play his career in the CFL, you cray cray. Every one wants another shot at the NFL, they may not have been drafted, or done poorly in a TC, or even been behind better players. Whatever "injustice" that was done, they are looking for redemption.
The NFL window actually promotes that dream. It literally says "play well, play hard and WE are going to get you another NFL shot." Every rookie signed has been made aware of that option, and it creates even more motivation to bring his best to the CFL.
A lot of guys that just missed the NFL think they are coming up here to dominate. They find out pretty quick. But they also find out that this can and will improve their game and chances at an NFL shot.
Every player that gets a TC offer loses at least half the season. As I pointed out, Wilson lost 12 games. So to answer your question, it would be 100% miss substantial time.
If a player doesn't originally invited to NFL TC then he's essentially out of football and has no chance to continue the NFL dream by not playing. His chances improve more by playing well for 2 years instead of one.
The CFL doesn't need to promote the NFL dream.
Of the 20 or so currently exploring the NFL option, how many will get another chance or just be lost for half a season to the CFL team?
If those imports think they are coming up to dominate, they are badly informed. They are lucky if they can win a spot on the AR.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 23, 2025, 06:18:10 PMEvery player that gets a TC offer loses at least half the season. As I pointed out, Wilson lost 12 games. So to answer your question, it would be 100% miss substantial time.
If a player doesn't originally invited to NFL TC then he's essentially out of football and has no chance to continue the NFL dream by not playing. His chances improve more by playing well for 2 years instead of one.
The CFL doesn't need to promote the NFL dream.
Of the 20 or so currently exploring the NFL option, how many will get another chance or just be lost for half a season to the CFL team?
If those imports think they are coming up to dominate, they are badly informed. They are lucky if they can win a spot on the AR.
The only payers we lose to the NFL are players that actually sign a contract. They can't wander training camps looking to catch on, they get a look, and if they don't get a deal, they are back under their current contract.
Players that are free agents are a different situation. But that's not what we're talking about.
The NFL window is a rarely taken advantage of clause. And like Wilson, we might lose them for part of a season, or like Alford, we may lose them forever. But for every other player, they got some fun, and came back a little better for the experience. And we retained their rights.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on December 23, 2025, 06:04:40 PMAgree, CFL scouts and agents need to change their recruitment narrative and stop promoting false or highly unlikley scenarios to naive young players, the promise is more or less a lie and it causes the CFL much inconvenience for little payoff.
But it's not. Every year(ish), on average, a CFL ELC IMP will head down
and stick. Singleton, Zylstra, etc. It does happen. Players see that happen.
You're not thinking like a 23yo dude. Every last one of them thinks they are the best, or will be the best. Every one thinks they are NFL material, and the NFL screwed up by not drafting them, or signing them. Every one is a gambler who will do whatever it takes to get the $100 million pay day the NFL may provide. And I would too when I was 23!
There is no world where the sell of "you will only ever be good enough to earn $145k CAD in the CFL" works to lure them up here. That idea only kicks in when they find out they will never make the NFL. Then you offer them that "settle". And that's ok.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 23, 2025, 06:18:10 PMOf the 20 or so currently exploring the NFL option, how many will get another chance or just be lost for half a season to the CFL team?
Again, you're thinking like an old guy (which we both are). Think back to when you were 23. It's all just psychology.
Every single thing you said is true, and correct, and can be told to potential window guys. But every single thing will be 100% ignored. They won't hear it until they take their moonshots. Then, only then, they may listen.
Quote from: Tecno on December 24, 2025, 06:43:45 AMAgain, you're thinking like an old guy (which we both are). Think back to when you were 23. It's all just psychology.
Every single thing you said is true, and correct, and can be told to potential window guys. But every single thing will be 100% ignored. They won't hear it until they take their moonshots. Then, only then, they may listen.
I'm not disagreeing with that. I'm disagreeing that there is an advantage to the CFL having that option.
Quote from: Tecno on December 24, 2025, 06:43:45 AMAgain, you're thinking like an old guy (which we both are). Think back to when you were 23. It's all just psychology.
Every single thing you said is true, and correct, and can be told to potential window guys. But every single thing will be 100% ignored. They won't hear it until they take their moonshots. Then, only then, they may listen.
I'm not disagreeing that is true. I'm disagreeing that is something we should try and eliminate from the CFLPA when we get a chance. I don't see a REAL benefit for the CFL.
Quote from: Blue In BC on December 24, 2025, 01:12:47 PMI'm not disagreeing with that. I'm disagreeing that there is an advantage to the CFL having that option.
I'm not disagreeing that is true. I'm disagreeing that is something we should try and eliminate from the CFLPA when we get a chance. I don't see a REAL benefit for the CFL.
The advantage is that it's something the players want and it was probably used as a part of negotiation to get something else the league wants.
You say there's no real advantage, but there's no disadvantage either and it's important to players and their agents to have that option. Players are going to have successful CFL seasons and earn try outs to the NFL. The only way to change that is to become as huge as the NFL and offer the same salaries.
Having an opportunity to play with top level players, and have top level coaching (as opposed to USFL) while potentially making a highlight reel that can be used to get eyeballs on them for that NFL window is never a bad thing.
For every player that comes here with that dream, and doesn't make it, we have a top level recruit that may spend the rest of his career in the league.
Again, I'm not saying that every import comes here thinking he's going to get an NFL shot from his stint here, but most have it in the back of their minds. And for those whose dream gets shattered when the NFL doesn't bite, we get a Schoen, or a Wilson, or hopefully. more Trey Vaval...
Quote from: theaardvark on December 24, 2025, 05:35:51 PMAnd for those whose dream gets shattered when the NFL doesn't bite, we get a Schoen, or a Wilson, or hopefully. more Trey Vaval...
The CFL: built upon the shattered dreams of IMPs?
Not a very catchy slogan!