Speaking as someone who hasn't followed too much NFL preseason, I had to take note of Lawless' comments prior to the BC/TOR game tonight.

Surprising no one, Muamba is likely to stick with the Colts. Also Dontrelle Inman looks to be in good shape with the Chargers.

Dressler and Sheets however may be in a bit tough. Could see both back in the CFL this season. Dressler would be an FA and Desjardins is already saying he is interested, but so is Taman.

Anyway, all food for thought.

 

From what I'm hearing Sheets has a decent shot of sticking with the Raiders.  Not sure why Lawless is so convinced that he is coming back.  

 

Dressler is almost certain to re-sign with the Riders if released.  He has tons of off-field connections there (including a girlfriend and off-season job) and he is a virtual god in Regina.

 

Taman will almost certainly give him a generous offer and a few more dollars from another team will not make a difference given his history with the team.

 

Similar to Kohlert re-signing in Winnipeg this is a bit of a no-brainer.

 

He sold his house in Regina in the offseason and his girlfriend now lives with him in Kansas City. Unless she has a piano tied to her arse she can move with him elsewhere in the CFL. You are probably right that he ends up back in Regina, but it won't be the no-brainer you think it is. There are 2 teams who have already confirmed they will be throwing their hat in the ring on Dressler. (Ottawa and Toronto)...wouldn't surprise me if there are more.

It never ceases to amaze me how Rider fans seem to think there team and city is some kind of Shangri-La that players would never consider leaving elsewhere for. Heard the same tripe about Andy Fantuz, Craig Butler, etc etc.

Taman will need to break out the cheque book in a big way for Dressler, if he doesn't he will lose him to someone else. Unfortunately for the RIders that probably handcuffs them if Sheets comes back or in renegotiating new contracts for guys like Chick, TBrack etc. before FA. Taman may be considered a hero now over there, but they are about to find out that his long term SMS strategy is not fundamentally sound.

 

Andy re-upped in Saskatchewan not once but twice.  He left after a dismal 2011 season and actually played for the Riders briefly after returning from the NFL.  Most understood he was leaving and most were okay with it as the money we saved on Andy helped to sign LaBatte who is much more vital.

 

Butler was essentially as good as gone (and most knew it) as soon he was replaced by Brackenridge at safety.  He was fairly clear that he wanted to play safety and preferred Ontario or BC over Saskatchewan.

 

Not sure why you guys hate Taman so much.  He is truly one of the good guys of the CFL and although he is rough around the edges a pretty solid guy who most in the CFL have a lot of respect for. 

Saskatchewan has the money because they have proven that they don't give a **** about going over the cap. If Dressler or Sheets or both shake free they'll back a dump truck full of money up to them and to hell with the cap. Which is greatly ironic since it was the Riders who cried the loudest when the Esks would do the same. 

If you ain't cheatin you ain't tryin.

 

I'll be pretty stoked when we end up over the cap after signing Dressler, Sheets, Bilukidi and Mulumba.

 

 

From what I'm hearing Sheets has a decent shot of sticking with the Raiders.  Not sure why Lawless is so convinced that he is coming back.  

 

Dressler is almost certain to re-sign with the Riders if released.  He has tons of off-field connections there (including a girlfriend and off-season job) and he is a virtual god in Regina.

 

Taman will almost certainly give him a generous offer and a few more dollars from another team will not make a difference given his history with the team.

 

Similar to Kohlert re-signing in Winnipeg this is a bit of a no-brainer.

 

He sold his house in Regina in the offseason and his girlfriend now lives with him in Kansas City. Unless she has a piano tied to her arse she can move with him elsewhere in the CFL. You are probably right that he ends up back in Regina, but it won't be the no-brainer you think it is. There are 2 teams who have already confirmed they will be throwing their hat in the ring on Dressler. (Ottawa and Toronto)...wouldn't surprise me if there are more.

It never ceases to amaze me how Rider fans seem to think there team and city is some kind of Shangri-La that players would never consider leaving elsewhere for. Heard the same tripe about Andy Fantuz, Craig Butler, etc etc.

Taman will need to break out the cheque book in a big way for Dressler, if he doesn't he will lose him to someone else. Unfortunately for the RIders that probably handcuffs them if Sheets comes back or in renegotiating new contracts for guys like Chick, TBrack etc. before FA. Taman may be considered a hero now over there, but they are about to find out that his long term SMS strategy is not fundamentally sound.

 

Andy re-upped in Saskatchewan not once but twice.  He left after a dismal 2011 season and actually played for the Riders briefly after returning from the NFL.  Most understood he was leaving and most were okay with it as the money we saved on Andy helped to sign LaBatte who is much more vital.

 

Butler was essentially as good as gone (and most knew it) as soon he was replaced by Brackenridge at safety.  He was fairly clear that he wanted to play safety and preferred Ontario or BC over Saskatchewan.

 

Not sure why you guys hate Taman so much.  He is truly one of the good guys of the CFL and although he is rough around the edges a pretty solid guy who most in the CFL have a lot of respect for. 

 

Nah. Most here have a decent respect for Taman and actually a fair bit of sympathy for him as tried to build a winning team with Lyle Bauer keeping him on a very short leash. Only those with foam coming out of their mouths really bad-mouth him.

 

Saskatchewan has the money because they have proven that they don't give a **** about going over the cap. If Dressler or Sheets or both shake free they'll back a dump truck full of money up to them and to hell with the cap. Which is greatly ironic since it was the Riders who cried the loudest when the Esks would do the same. 

If you ain't cheatin you ain't tryin.

 

 

and if someone else is cheatin' but you can't afford to ***** about it non stop and then change your tune when you are in that position right? Rider fans disgust me on so many levels. Worst people in the world. 

 

 

Saskatchewan has the money because they have proven that they don't give a **** about going over the cap. If Dressler or Sheets or both shake free they'll back a dump truck full of money up to them and to hell with the cap. Which is greatly ironic since it was the Riders who cried the loudest when the Esks would do the same. 

If you ain't cheatin you ain't tryin.

 

 

and if someone else is cheatin' but you can't afford to ***** about it non stop and then change your tune when you are in that position right? Rider fans disgust me on so many levels. Worst people in the world. 

 

Not like you overgeneralize or anything but carry on.

 

 

 

From what I'm hearing Sheets has a decent shot of sticking with the Raiders.  Not sure why Lawless is so convinced that he is coming back.  

 

Dressler is almost certain to re-sign with the Riders if released.  He has tons of off-field connections there (including a girlfriend and off-season job) and he is a virtual god in Regina.

 

Taman will almost certainly give him a generous offer and a few more dollars from another team will not make a difference given his history with the team.

 

Similar to Kohlert re-signing in Winnipeg this is a bit of a no-brainer.

 

He sold his house in Regina in the offseason and his girlfriend now lives with him in Kansas City. Unless she has a piano tied to her arse she can move with him elsewhere in the CFL. You are probably right that he ends up back in Regina, but it won't be the no-brainer you think it is. There are 2 teams who have already confirmed they will be throwing their hat in the ring on Dressler. (Ottawa and Toronto)...wouldn't surprise me if there are more.

It never ceases to amaze me how Rider fans seem to think there team and city is some kind of Shangri-La that players would never consider leaving elsewhere for. Heard the same tripe about Andy Fantuz, Craig Butler, etc etc.

Taman will need to break out the cheque book in a big way for Dressler, if he doesn't he will lose him to someone else. Unfortunately for the RIders that probably handcuffs them if Sheets comes back or in renegotiating new contracts for guys like Chick, TBrack etc. before FA. Taman may be considered a hero now over there, but they are about to find out that his long term SMS strategy is not fundamentally sound.

 

Andy re-upped in Saskatchewan not once but twice.  He left after a dismal 2011 season and actually played for the Riders briefly after returning from the NFL.  Most understood he was leaving and most were okay with it as the money we saved on Andy helped to sign LaBatte who is much more vital.

 

Butler was essentially as good as gone (and most knew it) as soon he was replaced by Brackenridge at safety.  He was fairly clear that he wanted to play safety and preferred Ontario or BC over Saskatchewan.

 

Not sure why you guys hate Taman so much.  He is truly one of the good guys of the CFL and although he is rough around the edges a pretty solid guy who most in the CFL have a lot of respect for. 

 

Nah. Most here have a decent respect for Taman and actually a fair bit of sympathy for him as tried to build a winning team with Lyle Bauer keeping him on a very short leash. Only those with foam coming out of their mouths really bad-mouth him.

 

Good to hear that.  Brendan truly is a decent guy who really seems to care about the people in the business.  That isn't always the case with management.

 

 

 

 

From what I'm hearing Sheets has a decent shot of sticking with the Raiders.  Not sure why Lawless is so convinced that he is coming back.  

 

Dressler is almost certain to re-sign with the Riders if released.  He has tons of off-field connections there (including a girlfriend and off-season job) and he is a virtual god in Regina.

 

Taman will almost certainly give him a generous offer and a few more dollars from another team will not make a difference given his history with the team.

 

Similar to Kohlert re-signing in Winnipeg this is a bit of a no-brainer.

 

He sold his house in Regina in the offseason and his girlfriend now lives with him. Unless she has a piano tied to her arse she can move with him elsewhere in the CFL. You are probably right that he ends up back in Regina, but it won't be the no-brainer you think it is. There are 2 teams who have already confirmed they will be throwing their hat in the ring on Dressler. (Ottawa and Toronto)...wouldn't surprise me if there are more.

It never ceases to amaze me how Rider fans seem to think there team and city is some kind of Shangri-La that players would never consider leaving elsewhere for. Heard the same tripe about Andy Fantuz, Craig Butler, etc etc.

Taman will need to break out the cheque book in a big way for Dressler, if he doesn't he will lose him to someone else. Unfortunately for the RIders that probably handcuffs them if Sheets comes back or in renegotiating new contracts for guys like Chick, TBrack etc. before FA. Taman may be considered a hero now over there, but they are about to find out that his long term SMS strategy is not fundamentally sound.

 

 

So how would Toronto be able to offer any more money than Sask?  They have just as many big names to 're-sign'...  would think Sask has the advantage in that people actually show up to their games.

 

 

What does attendance have to do with anything? Are you aware of what Toronto's cap situation is, or are you just rambling? The Riders have been documented by several media sources as being very tight to the cap presently. Haven't heard that about Toronto. The fact that their media is reporting that Toronto has strong interest in Dressler leads me to believe that they either have the cap room to offer him a big contract, or they are willing to make cap room for him.

 

Off the books for the Riders this season:

 

• Simon
• Anderson
• Mike McCullough
• Shologan
• Butler
• Rey Williams

Taman has the money to re-sign Dressler and there is little to no doubt that he will.  Anybody thinking otherwise is just wishful thinking.

 

He's "front office staff" now right....there's no carry over from the year before....that's not what's happening....nooooo....

You have to think the Riders would have budgeted to have some money socked away to offer Dressler or Sheets or both a contract if they didn't make the NFL.  

 

If they didn't, then Taman should be looking for his next gig.

 

It has been reported in both the Winnipeg and the Regina media that Taman, even with the 100k overage, doesn't have the cap space to sign both players unless they are willing to go to the Riders for a hefty discount. Taman blew the wad last year. This year he has to budget for that. Not saying it's all Taman's fault. Hoppy wanted the Riders in the Cup at home and likely told Taman he better make it happen.

The longer it takes for Dressler and/or Sheets to return to the CFL, the easier it will be for the Riders will to sign them, mostly because they won't have to pay them a whole lot this season.  Now someone with cap space could write them a $100,000 cheque potentially and claim it against the 2014 cap.  Riders probably couldn't compete financially with that.

Just found some interesting information from an ultra reliable source on Riderfans. He is our Mike. Apparently, when the Riders signed Chick last year they were already tight to the cap so they deferred 120k of his salary to this year in the form of a roster bonus. This apparently happened to various degrees  with a few players. He believes the Riders may have deferred as much as  300k to this year's cap.

Just found some interesting information from an ultra reliable source on Riderfans. He is our Mike. Apparently, when the Riders signed Chick last year they were already tight to the cap so they deferred 120k of his salary to this year in the form of a roster bonus. This apparently happened to various degrees  with a few players. He believes the Riders may have deferred as much as  300k to this year's cap.

Taman's M.O. In full effect. Steal from Peter to pay Paul.

 

Just found some interesting information from an ultra reliable source on Riderfans. He is our Mike. Apparently, when the Riders signed Chick last year they were already tight to the cap so they deferred 120k of his salary to this year in the form of a roster bonus. This apparently happened to various degrees  with a few players. He believes the Riders may have deferred as much as  300k to this year's cap.

Taman's M.O. In full effect. Steal from Peter to pay Paul.

 

Do you think the dogs would be howling here if we did that en route to winning the Grey Cup? Most likely we would be pooh-poohing it as a minor "oversight".

 

 

Just found some interesting information from an ultra reliable source on Riderfans. He is our Mike. Apparently, when the Riders signed Chick last year they were already tight to the cap so they deferred 120k of his salary to this year in the form of a roster bonus. This apparently happened to various degrees  with a few players. He believes the Riders may have deferred as much as  300k to this year's cap.

Taman's M.O. In full effect. Steal from Peter to pay Paul.

 

Do you think the dogs would be howling here if we did that en route to winning the Grey Cup? Most likely we would be pooh-poohing it as a minor "oversight".

 

 

Maybe a few years ago. However, after Taman tried the same thing in 2008 and it left us virtually crippled as an organization through 2009 and 2010, I am not so sure too many people would be happy about it. Thrilled with the GC victory to be sure, but there wouldn't be a parade thrown for how he got it done.

Did the Bombers still have money tied up with Milt the year after he retired because of his contract?

Did the Bombers still have money tied up with Milt the year after he retired because of his contract?

Yup. We went all in to win the 2008 Grey Cup and keep the 2007 brigade together.

 

Just found some interesting information from an ultra reliable source on Riderfans. He is our Mike. Apparently, when the Riders signed Chick last year they were already tight to the cap so they deferred 120k of his salary to this year in the form of a roster bonus. This apparently happened to various degrees  with a few players. He believes the Riders may have deferred as much as  300k to this year's cap.

Taman's M.O. In full effect. Steal from Peter to pay Paul.

 

And when it's he wants to  pay Paul, it's napkin time.

Taman deferred $300k to a year where the cap increased by $600k...  sounds brilliant actually.

Taman deferred $300k to a year where the cap increased by $600k...  sounds brilliant actually.

 

Except at the time he deferred the salaries he had no idea what this year's cap would be. 

 

Taman deferred $300k to a year where the cap increased by $600k...  sounds brilliant actually.

 

Except at the time he deferred the salaries he had no idea what this year's cap would be. 

 

 

But everyone was almost certain it was going to be going up this year -- we didn't know how much, but it was a certainty it would be significant.

 

(Still a bad play, I think. But not as bad as in 2008 for us.)

 

 

Taman deferred $300k to a year where the cap increased by $600k...  sounds brilliant actually.

 

Except at the time he deferred the salaries he had no idea what this year's cap would be. 

 

 

But everyone was almost certain it was going to be going up this year -- we didn't know how much, but it was a certainty it would be significant.

 

(Still a bad play, I think. But not as bad as in 2008 for us.)

 

But the CFL's first public offer was a $200,000 increase. From the CFL's open letter to the CFLPA from May:

 

 Increase the salary cap by 9% this season from $4,400,000 to $4,800,000 per team (and further increasing by $50,000 each year over the following five years to $5,050,000)

 

http://www.cfl.ca/article/canadian-football-league-makes-offer-to-players

 

Yes it was an early stages of negotiations offer but it took a while for the League to bump up its offer. Taman should be considered more lucky than brilliant with that maneuver. 

There was nothing brilliant about it at all. Nearly all the players signed this offseason had bonuses built in for the eventuality of the cap going up. Sure the cap went up but so did bonuses the minute it happened. Couple that with the expansion of the roster and PR and the 600k increase is minimal. We all have seen how brilliant this maneouvering was this offseason already when Taman lost several top notch NIs and other players to FA and was unable to sign anyone of consequence. Further proof will be when he is unable to sign both Dressler and Sheets.

There was nothing brilliant about it at all. Nearly all the players signed this offseason had bonuses built in for the eventuality of the cap going up. Sure the cap went up but so did bonuses the minute it happened. Couple that with the expansion of the roster and PR and the 600k increase is minimal. We all have seen how brilliant this maneouvering was this offseason already when Taman lost several top notch NIs and other players to FA and was unable to sign anyone of consequence. Further proof will be when he is unable to sign both Dressler and Sheets.

 

You forgot the part where he won the grey cup.

 

There was nothing brilliant about it at all. Nearly all the players signed this offseason had bonuses built in for the eventuality of the cap going up. Sure the cap went up but so did bonuses the minute it happened. Couple that with the expansion of the roster and PR and the 600k increase is minimal. We all have seen how brilliant this maneouvering was this offseason already when Taman lost several top notch NIs and other players to FA and was unable to sign anyone of consequence. Further proof will be when he is unable to sign both Dressler and Sheets.

 

You forgot the part where he won the grey cup.

 

Taman has shown himself to be a pretty adept GM in the two years he has been given total control with the Riders.  Previous to that, whether in Regina or Winnipeg, he was always hindered by his overlords. 

Tamans MO has always been the same, he lives year to year, I don't see him changing that thought process any time soon.