The transition from the thrilling conclusion of the 110th Grey Cup, where Montreal emerged victorious over Winnipeg, to the anticipation of the 2024 CFL season has been swift.
While the excitement of the recent championship lingers, the focus across the league has already shifted to the off-season, marked by the release of the list of pending free agents.
Several notable names have committed to their current teams, with Darnell Sankey and Shawn Lemon extending their tenure with the champion Alouettes, and Willie Jefferson opting to stay with the Bombers in pursuit of a fifth consecutive Grey Cup appearance.
However, attention is now turning to key players who remain unsigned, adding an element of suspense to the off-season narrative.
One prominent player on the radar is Schoen, the standout receiver who joined the Blue Bombers as a relatively unknown free agent in 2022.
Over the past two seasons, Schoen has delivered exceptional value, amassing 2,674 yards and 26 touchdowns, making a strong case for being considered the CFL’s best receiver. At just 27 years old, Schoen’s impending payday for the 2024 season poses a potential salary cap challenge for Winnipeg, potentially necessitating sacrifices in other areas.
Another player commanding attention is Awe, the linebacker who led the league in 2023 with 134 defensive tackles, earning him a league All-Star designation for the first time.
As he approaches the signing season, the soon-to-be 30-year-old linebacker finds himself in a unique position with increased contract leverage. The Stampeders face the decision of whether to retain Awe, considering past instances where high-leverage players were allowed to explore free agency.
The BC Lions are confronted with decisions regarding their leading receivers from the previous season, including Cottoy, Keon Hatcher, Alexander Hollins, and Lucky Whitehead.
Cottoy, a 27-year-old receiver with a National designation, stands out as a potential target for other teams willing to offer substantial contracts, posing a challenge for the Lions to retain him.
Meanwhile, the defending Grey Cup champions, the Alouettes, have secured commitments from Sankey and Lemon, and attention now turns to Beverette as a defensive priority.
The 28-year-old linebacker, after an explosive 2023 season with career highs in defensive tackles and sacks, is poised to seek a higher salary in free agency.
In a league constantly seeking talented quarterbacks, Brown’s potential availability in free agency adds intrigue. The 26-year-old, who gained valuable experience under Zach Collaros, could attract interest from teams like Saskatchewan, Ottawa, or Hamilton.
The question remains whether Winnipeg is willing to present a competitive offer for a player set to be second on their quarterback depth chart. As the off-season unfolds, these pending free agents add layers of uncertainty and excitement to the CFL landscape.
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