THE CANADIAN PRESS
CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO — The list of potential free agents hitting the market in February came out on Tuesday, generating plenty of speculation among fans and media as to who goes where.
It’s early, but this year’s crop features a host of game-changing talent that could single-handedly change a team’s fate in 2015.
While the focus is always on the big names that could move, there are some players we fully expect to stay put. In no particular order, here’s our list of the top six players likely to return to their current team for the next season.
Bear Woods
The Alouettes spent some time waiting for Woods to get healthy and used to the CFL game, and in 2014 they were rewarded in a big way. Woods exploded onto the scene as the league’s second-ranked defensive player overall, averaging just above six tackles per game for a team-high 89 tackles.
After spending three years developing now their most talented linebacker, it’s unlikely the Als will let Woods out of their grasp. Likewise, it’s probably in Woods’ best interest to stay in Montreal, where he’s comfortable in the system and with the players that surround him.
Brandon Banks
Banks is expected to take another shot at the NFL, but building up a CFL career where he can potentially star as an offensive player has to be enticing. He’s already stated that Hamilton is the place he wants to be should he stay north of the border, meaning it comes down to the NFL or the Ticats.
The electrifying 26-year-old is talented enough to land a spot down south, but he has unfinished business in the Hammer and most likely a chance to take on a much larger role.
| Stay up to date with the 2015 Free Agent Tracker |
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 Free agency opens on Feb. 10, 2015 and teams are already busy re-signing talent. See who could remain up for grabs and who’s been signed with the CFL.ca Free Agent Tracker. |
Luke Tasker
The Ticats’ emerging star receiver enjoyed a new level of personal success in 2014, and already has a solid relationship with Head Coach Kent Austin dating back to their time together at Cornell University. It’s hard to imagine Tasker, who makes his off-season home just down the road, leaving Hamilton to play anywhere else.
Tasker likely has the brightest future of any Ticats receiver and you can be sure he’ll be the team’s top priority among several free agent receivers this off-season.
Ricky Foley
It’s eye-opening that the Riders and Foley have waited this long to do up a contract, but maybe not surprising considering the number of free agents the Riders have this season. The team currently stands to lose Tyron Brackenridge and Tearrius George to free agency, but Foley has been more open about his hopes of returning to Regina.
Saskatchewan’s changing defensive situation and potential cap situation could complicate things, however, but for now it looks like Foley should be back in Saskatchewan in 2015.
Odell Willis
The Mayor of Commonwealth enjoyed resurgence in 2014, tying a career-high 13 sacks while wreaking absolute havoc on opposing offensive lines. He thrived under first year head coach Chris Jones’ system, and is likely prepared to settle in on a group that looks poised to deliver a championship in the near future.
Expect big things from Willis in this opportunistic Esks’ defence in 2015.
Nik Lewis
With his role in the Stamps’ offence on the decline and an expiring contract, Nik Lewis’ CFL future is in doubt. But while his offensive production didn’t play a major role in Calgary’s run to the 102nd Grey Cup, his leadership proved invaluable.
From a speculative standpoint, it’s highly unlikely Lewis plays anywhere other than Calgary in 2015. The Stamps should be happy to have his veteran leadership back in the room, while he should be happy to try and win another Grey Cup with right now the CFL’s number one team.
