CFL free agency day looms
Receiver Ryan Smith will command interest across the league
Tuesday is free agency day in the CFL. Players who signed through the 2015 season will have their contracts with their respective teams officially expire.
There are approximately 150 players with expired contracts.
Saskatchewan Roughrider receiver Ryan Smith will command a lot of interest across the league once he hits the open market. The 5-foot-7 wide out enjoyed a breakout year in 2015 leading the Riders with close to 1,000 receiving yards. Smith, who is from North Dakota, is reportedly looking for a deal in the $150,000 a year range.
Another Roughrider receiver could be looking at a pay cut. Chris Getzlaf is still without a contract, and barring a last minute agreement with the Riders, he too will become a free agent on Tuesday.
Getzlaf's productivity has sharply declined over the last two seasons largely due to injuries. The Regina product and eight-year CFL vet played only 10 games last year, managing only 400 yards worth.
The Riders promise to be busy on free agency day after clearing up cap space by releasing popular veterans like Weston Dressler and John Chick, and renegotiating the contract of Darian Durant. Players of interest for the Roughriders will be a pair of Canadian defensive tackles.
- Saskatchewan Roughriders release John Chick, Weston Dressler
- Darian Durant agrees to new deal with Roughriders
Hamilton's Ted Laurent will be the most coveted free agent by all, likely creating a bidding war. The Riders may also try to re-acquire Keith Shologan, who they lost in the Ottawa expansion draft two years ago.
The Free agency period begins Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. CST.