Our Free Agent's Signings Are in Limbo Until Brady & Dalton Make Their Moves

[theaardvark]

Most GM's will know that any players success is dependent on the team around them, and that individual talent aside, they aren't guaranteed the same success from a player that they had here, especially on offence, with our Oline and MOP QB.  Now, the Oline and QB might look better than they are because of the RB and WR, and any WR might look better because of teh other WR and RB taking the heat off them.

They don't pay for players in a vaccuum.  At least they shouldn't.  But we know some will, and that's always a risk in us not breaking the bank for key players.

We seem to have no issues filling holes, however, and our scouts are likely going to have a tougher job than ever finding prospects.  But having them back as a group should mean they can use the pipe they've filled.  And we will see csome of those PR players this spring, and more.

[Ridermania]

I can see Montreal throwing big money at Dalton to replace Austin Mack.

[blue_gold_84]

I can Montreal throwing money at Dalton to replace Austin Mack.

I imagine several teams will be willing to throw money at a top FA like Schoen, similar to what happened with Lawler after the 2021 season.

[Jesse]

I imagine several teams will be willing to throw money at a top FA like Schoen, similar to what happened with Lawler after the 2021 season.

Yup - it?s a top receiver. He will probably have offers from every team.

[Blue In BC]

Yup - it?s a top receiver. He will probably have offers from every team.

He's a top # 2 receiver since he doesn't have that great deep ball speed. He won't get Lawler or Lewis money but he'll certainly get good offers. IMO he tops out at $200K unless some team just goes nuts with their SMS and have extra room.

I also think some higher paid receivers might be asked to take a cut.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yup - it?s a top receiver. He will probably have offers from every team.

I think most teams will drop out when the bidding gets to $200k+, only a few teams believe top end receivers are worth that much.

[Jesse]

Gonna disagree with you guys on this one - I think bidding starts at 200k these days.

[Blue In BC]

I think most teams will drop out when the bidding gets to $200k+, only a few teams believe top end receivers are worth that much.

As I've said in the past it's a 1st come 1st serve issue as SMS is spent.  Those that wait may find teams interested no longer have that SMS space available. Now Schoen could be signed in the first few hours of free agency. If he holds out for a week, some teams may no longer have that capacity.

Bombers are in a difficult position with so many high cost players including Oliveria. It's been mentioned we may lose one or the other due to SMS issues and high offers elsewhere.

I'll be a bit surprised if either sees any true NFL offers.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Gonna disagree with you guys on this one - I think bidding starts at 200k these days.

I don't disagree that will be the case with Schoen, but don't see many teams willing to pay his price.  Ottawa is somewhat lacking in high end receivers, could see Schoen tagging along if they sign Brown.  Maybe the new owner in Mtl. wants to replace Austin Mack with another big name, don't see BC, Cgy, Edm. or the Argos being that interested.

[Blue In BC]

Gonna disagree with you guys on this one - I think bidding starts at 200k these days.

There is also a supply and demand in play here. Only 9 teams and not every team needs a very good receiver. OTOH, there are several good receivers that are potential free agents. The original list by position or potential free agents included 40 receivers. Some of them are top receivers. So which move and require replacements on which teams.

That said, Schoen was less than 50 more yards from being the leading receiver in the CFL. So it could be debated he is a # 1 receiver. However, a team like the Bombers with a balanced attack, top QB and RB create more opportunities for other players. That's not a given with every team.

[Jesse]

There is also a supply and demand in play here. Only 9 teams and not every team needs a very good receiver. OTOH, there are several good receivers that are potential free agents. The original list by position or potential free agents included 40 receivers. Some of them are top receivers. So which move and require replacements on which teams.

That said, Schoen was less than 50 more yards from being the leading receiver in the CFL. So it could be debated he is a # 1 receiver. However, a team like the Bombers with a balanced attack, top QB and RB create more opportunities for other players. That's not a given with every team.

I don't disagree that will be the case with Schoen, but don't see many teams willing to pay his price.  Ottawa is somewhat lacking in high end receivers, could see Schoen tagging along if they sign Brown.  Maybe the new owner in Mtl. wants to replace Austin Mack with another big name, don't see BC, Cgy, Edm. or the Argos being that interested.

In terms of not every team being interested, I think more teams will than wont. Calgary tends not to over spend in FA. Edmonton has Geno, so same position as us with Kenny. As far as I'm concerned, every other team is in serious play.

Schoen's production over the last 2 years dwarfs every other receiver. You can make the argument that it's due to the Bombers balanced attack, but that's immediately countered with, how high is his ceiling when he's featured without sharing the load with Brady, Kenny, Nic, etc?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Realistically, Schoen is very likely going to be $300,000 or thereabouts. We can fit him if we want - it's just the opportunity cost. I would sign Schoen and release Bighill to make it work but that's just me.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

Realistically, Schoen is very likely going to be $300,000 or thereabouts. We can fit him if we want - it's just the opportunity cost. I would sign Schoen and release Bighill to make it work but that's just me.

Pretty sure they aren't letting him go as he was having a good season up until his injury.....I believe he has another year on his renegotiated contract from last season.    I was hoping he would retire after winning a Cup.....however that wasn't in the cards.    He'd be good coaching material after he retired....

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

In terms of not every team being interested, I think more teams will than wont. Calgary tends not to over spend in FA. Edmonton has Geno, so same position as us with Kenny. As far as I'm concerned, every other team is in serious play.

The Argos just re-signed their top receiver DaVaris Daniels for around $200k, they also pay Kurleigh Gittens $200k which are fairly sensible numbers, don't think they'll have extra money for Schoen after they pay Chad Kelly.

[theaardvark]

SMS cap - 5.5million.  Roster 53 men.  So, average about $100k per player (a little less, really, when you take into account AR and PR costs).

QB at $500k?  That means 11 players at league min to afford that.  $600k?  14 players.

For every player you sign for $300k, you need 5 players at league min.

For every player at $135K, you need one at league min.

So, if you have a $600k QB, a $300k WR, 4 $150k linemen (O and D), you now need fully half your roster at min salary. The other 21 you can play with averaging $100k each...

Its not impossible, but as each player comes off an ELC and deserves any kind of raise, it gets harder.  We have to have a certain number of Nats, which actually helps this, as many in suporting/ST roles are able to play for less, and many are willing to play for less, even after their ELC's.  

There are not a lot of teams that can afford $300k for a player, or even $200k.   Getting value out of your top players is very, very important.  And, when you factor in post season money, that can he a huge incentive for players to sign with a consistent playoff contender, for many players, the GC winner bonus is like getting a 50% raise.