There is officially only 2 weeks remaining until free agency.  As we all know, there is still plenty of time to re-sign potential free agents but many who have waited this long will increasingly be tempted to test free agency.  So without further Apu, I present my authoritative list of the top 5 Canadian Free Agents (from a Blue Bomber perspective).  Here we go!

 

TOP 5 CANADIAN FREE AGENTS

 

1.  BEN HEENAN - This one is too easy.  Everyone knows he is going to be the number one target in free agency, and he may even get some NFL looks.  But with the right offer, maybe the Canadian Big Ben ends up in Winnipeg and moves our OL further towards respectability.  Heenan's value comes from his outstanding play but also his versatility.  Many believe that he would be best-suited as a guard, but his value as a proven starting tackle can't be ignored.  Even if the Bombers only made this one signing, the free agency period would have to be deemed a success.  A ratio changer, and likely even better than any of the American tackle options currently on the roster.  To borrow a term from soccer, this signing is a slam dunk home run.

 

2.  TYLER HOLMES - It should be no surprise that another offensive lineman heads up this list.  Holmes may not be as much of a big-name as Heenan, but he has the potential to make just as great an impact (and probably at a lower cap hit).  After being drafted 7th overall in 2011 (3 spots behind the immortal Jade Etienne), Holmes spent the 2012 season with the Minnesota Vikings, suiting up at Guard in 4 pre-season games.  He played another 2 pre-season games for the Vikes before being cut during camp in 2013.  Shortly afterwards, Holmes signed with the Argos where he spent the last two seasons starting at left guard.  Although Holmes would appear to have settled in as a CFL guard, he was an OT in college and may still have the potential to play tackle.  He is only 26 years old.  The Redblacks are rumoured to have interest in his services, and I imagine many other teams will as well.  Holmes is the son of former CFL RB Richard Holmes, who played 3 seasons in Ottawa and one in Winnipeg.

 

3.  SPENCER WATT - My first non-OL pick in free agency goes to fifth year Argonaut Spencer Watt.  This pick is all about depth and versatility.  While Watt is certainly not a household star, he has been a consistent performer for the Argos at the wide-side receiver spot.  The Bombers only have three Canadian receivers under contract right now, and with the unreliable health of Cory Watson, depth is still needed here.  Adding Watt will give the Bombers a reliable player that coach O'Shea is already familiar with, and one who has five years under his belt while being the same age as Cory Watson was when he was first drafted.  Adding Watt would give the Bombers flexibility in the passing game, perhaps allowing Rory Kohlert to move inside and get more passes thrown his way, or to even have 3 Canadian receivers starting at times.

 

4.  GREG WOJT - We quickly shift our focus back to the offensive line.  If the Bombers whiff on their first two OL targets, Greg Wojt could at least be a decent consolation prize.  Wojt has started many games in the CFL for both Edmonton and Hamilton, mostly at guard but occasionally filling in at tackle.  Wojt could be valuable depth and present stiff competition to both Chris Greaves and Patrick Neufeld for their starting spots, which should not be guaranteed at this point.  Wojt was named a Western Division all star in 2011 but hasn't been able to attain that level of play since then.  However he is still just 29 and could be entering the prime of his career.  A date with Bob Wylie could be just what Wojt needs to rejuvenate his career.  Hell, we'd all love a date with Bob Wylie... did you know he's a magician?

 

5.  DON ORAMASIONWU - Could 2015 see the return of DONNY O to the Blue Bombers lineup?  The Bombers were already thin along the defensive line when DT Ryan Lucas announced his retirement, and they desperately need some help here.  Jake Thomas is a wonderful player but he could use some Canadian help in the middle.  The Bombers also have Louie Richardson and Ameet Pall on the defensive line, but both could be considered "tweeners" and might not fit into Richie Hall's schemes as well as they did for Gary Etcheverry.  Don missed most of last season but if healthy could be a great asset to the Bombers' DL, taking some rotational reps and possibly even starting if necessary.  I would still like to see the Bombers draft a strong DT but Donny O would be good insurance in case that is not possible.  And it's always nice to have a local guy on the roster.

 

So there's the list.  And if you're not down with that, I got two words for you....... WHY NOT???

 

If we were to go crazy in FA, I don't think all 3 of Heenan, Wojt and Don O would be impossible.

 

Im not crazy about Watt, though I do respect his ability, and think its very possibly O'Shea and Walters are targeting him.... but we could be getting a good prospect in Groodrich, and I'm a firm believer that you should always build the foundation of your football team in the trenches... and that's our weakest link right now

 

I think history has shown that going crazy in FA isn't always the best idea (see Hamilton). That said, if we could pick up Heenan, I would be pretty darn happy.

 

 

Oh boy... I've always been of this mindset as well, but either Heenan/Holmes paired with a good OL prospect in the draft would go a long way to way towards fixing both the OL and Canadian skill/depth issues.

 

 

I would rather see if you can get Bryant and Heenan if you had a line of Bryant Greaves Picard Neufeld Heenan that would be big improvement.

Yep that's my dream. That line would be dominant.

 

Dominant's a stretch for sure... Neufeld and Greaves are far from dominant Gaurds...

 

Wojt would be a big upgrade if he's healthy. 

 

 

The Picard add says to me that the Bombers want to fix the OL in short order.  Also says they believe that Goossen might be better off stepping in at guard when he's ready to crack the lineup.

 

While Wojt's a good CDN guard, Walters' actions in signing Picard say to me that I don't think he's too high of a priority, even if we do whiff on both Heenan and Holmes.

i think u see alot dif mr willy this yr, he will get rid of the ball alot quicker, and that will help our oline a great deal, we can not be any worse, we did run the ball better at the end of the yr, so with or with out a high ticket free agent we will be better

i think u see alot dif mr willy this yr, he will get rid of the ball alot quicker, and that will help our oline a great deal, we can not be any worse, we did run the ball better at the end of the yr, so with or with out a high ticket free agent we will be better

 

I agree we'll get a fresh, healthy Willy intent on playing QB the way he did in the first half of 2014. 

 

But more predictable and reliable protection and a little longer to survey the field will only help him develop.  I think he's got decent weapons in Moore, Denmark, Watson, and Kohlert/JFG.  A 3rd import receiver doesn't need to be a big ticket FA... if Willy's got time and reliable protection, a young recruit can develop into a star with Willy if he can get open and catch the ball.

No Donny O, signed a new deal with the ESKS so can scratch his name off the list. 

When he's healthy, I'd say Neufeld is pretty close to dominant. People are looking at "he's injured again" as "he's a bad OL"......

No, just no. There's middle ground you know right? He's a solid player when healthy, he's not dominant. 

there goes your top 5

good thread, very entertaining

 

 

Yes, really well done by atomic.

Personally I just hate Giguere and would have a hell of a hard time cheering for him as a Bomber. And Ottawa certainly could sign both Sinopoli and Giguere... why not?

You just made Rod Black cry.

What is the deeeeeal with bf goodrich!

I would rather see if you can get Bryant and Heenan if you had a line of Bryant Greaves Picard Neufeld Heenan that would be big improvement.

Yep that's my dream. That line would be dominant.

Dominant's a stretch for sure... Neufeld and Greaves are far from dominant Gaurds...

 

Wojt would be a big upgrade if he's healthy.

 

The Picard add says to me that the Bombers want to fix the OL in short order.  Also says they believe that Goossen might be better off stepping in at guard when he's ready to crack the lineup.

 

While Wojt's a good CDN guard, Walters' actions in signing Picard say to me that I don't think he's too high of a priority, even if we do whiff on both Heenan and Holmes.

Why would signing a center stop Walters from signing a former all star Canadian Gaurd who was his teams nominee for most outstanding lineman the last season he was healthy in 2013?

I could see them targeting Holmes/Heenan first along with Rodgers/Bryant and then if they strike out on the 1st two NIs looking at Wojt.

 

I'd prefer Bryant-Greaves-Picard-Neufeld-Heenan with Gossen/1st Rounder.

 

I'd take Bryant/Rodgers-Greaves-Picard-Wojt/Neufeld-Daniels.

When he's healthy, I'd say Neufeld is pretty close to dominant. People are looking at "he's injured again" as "he's a bad OL"......

I really like Neufeld, and individually, I think he's an average to slightly above average OL. But he could certainly form part of a dominant OL, because like I said earlier, a dominant OL doesn't mean each individual on the OL needs to be dominant.

 

 

 

 

I would rather see if you can get Bryant and Heenan if you had a line of Bryant Greaves Picard Neufeld Heenan that would be big improvement.

Yep that's my dream. That line would be dominant.

Dominant's a stretch for sure... Neufeld and Greaves are far from dominant Gaurds...

 

Wojt would be a big upgrade if he's healthy.

 

The Picard add says to me that the Bombers want to fix the OL in short order.  Also says they believe that Goossen might be better off stepping in at guard when he's ready to crack the lineup.

 

While Wojt's a good CDN guard, Walters' actions in signing Picard say to me that I don't think he's too high of a priority, even if we do whiff on both Heenan and Holmes.

Why would signing a center stop Walters from signing a former all star Canadian Gaurd who was his teams nominee for most outstanding lineman the last season he was healthy in 2013?

 

 

Because Goossen was a 2nd overall draft pick, and I'd think the Bomber brass would believe he's ready to step in at some point this year.  Signing Wojt as an FA would thrust him into a starting role, making one of Greaves/Neufeld the 6th OL, and Goossen/Morley the 7th.  We'll be able to stash a draft pick on the PR, but I doubt we'd be able to keep around 3 more CDN guys on the active or practice roster.  That'll be a fair bit of cash tied up off the active roster.

 

I'd only consider Wojt an option for the WBB if we get neither of Heenan/Holmes.

May be far fetched, but....

Any chance the reason it took so long to officially sign Ritchie Hall is because he was communicating with Heenan for Walters that way he could avoid being accused of tampering?

May be far fetched, but....

Any chance the reason it took so long to officially sign Ritchie Hall is because he was communicating with Heenan for Walters that way he could avoid being accused of tampering?

An intriguing thought, but there is no freaking way Heenan is leaving Regina. How often do you get a hometown athlete who is dominant?

He's not dominant yet, darn good but has his blemishes

 

and money talks...especially when on average a football career isn't that long and can end in an instant.

 

We also have an advantage that most other teams do as well, in that we are a short drive away from Saskatchewan and if he is hedging on not wanting to leave, but we offer something too good to pass up, well being 6 or so short hours from home isn't that big a deal

 

May be far fetched, but....

Any chance the reason it took so long to officially sign Ritchie Hall is because he was communicating with Heenan for Walters that way he could avoid being accused of tampering?

An intriguing thought, but there is no freaking way Heenan is leaving Regina. How often do you get a hometown athlete who is dominant?

 

 

And totally unnecessary.  The only reason Heenan wouldn't be aware of the Bombers interest by now is if the Bombers actually weren't interested.

 

Heenan will already know who the interested parties are going to be in FA.  His agent will also rep other players around the league and have regular communications with all the GMs, and all the hypothetical terms and salaries for Heenan will have been discussed.  Tampering is a constant in the CFL, and no one really cares.  You just have to be not so stupid as to register your contract with the player 4 minutes after the start of free agency - ie Odell Willis.  All that's needed is the appearance of things possibly being done on the up-and-up, and that's good enough for the CFL to wash it's hands of investigating or even caring about tampering.

 

I agree Heenan leaving seems unlikely given all the reasons he has to stay, but if there is any GM who knows which way Heenan is leaning right now it's Taman, and a lot of his recent moves have a certain we're-moving-on nature to them.

If Heenan was so adamant on staying then why haven't they come through with a deal yet?

If Heenan was so adamant on staying then why haven't they come through with a deal yet?

They're still in the pre-foreplay deeply-gazing into each other's eyes stage. but we know where this is going.

I think a lot of fans are speculating about Heenan not wanting to leave SASK. He might not really want too but he hasn't exactly come out and said that, maybe rider fans are just trying to tell themselves that he won't leave, he couldn't leave, he's a local boy who loves the riders... He might love the riders and the color green but... you know what else is green in color? CASH and i'll bet he likes that green more than the rider green. Someone offers him big money and my guess is he leaves in a second. 

The FA list is shrinking. So as of now (Feb 3) only Argos WR Spencer Watt and and Ham OG Greg Wojt from Atomic's original list are still heading toward FA status.

Heenan has been released to test NFL and Holmes and Donny O are re-signed-extended.

If I am Walters & Co. I would not pursue Wojt as the need is for an OT and he is an OG.

I could choose between Spencer Watt and Brad Sinopoli - all things being equal - I would try to sign Sinopoli as 4th QB. But he will likely end up in Ottawa.

What about Jarome Messam? He surprised me for a few games both with Esks and Riders. He can be effective as a blocker and power back on 1st and Goal.

If we acquired Messam, I'd look at moving Volny from RB to SB.

Oh and for non-Canadian FA's my top target would be Stanley Bryant.

Our OG's are equally as bad as our OTs. I don't know how people don't see that

Our OG's are equally as bad as our OTs. I don't know how people don't see that

I don't see any pending free agent NI OGs who would be significant upgrades over Greaves/Neufeld/Goossen.

Our OG's are equally as bad as our OTs. I don't know how people don't see that

I don't see any pending free agent NI OGs who would be significant upgrades over Greaves/Neufeld/Goossen.

Wojt or Eppele could potentially be major upgrades but there are injury concerns. Of course there are injury concerns with Neufeld as well.