Running backs have been fighting to prove their value for many years at all levels of football.
Seems they have some traction heading into this year’s edition of CFL free agency.
While running backs have often been seen to be easily replaceable, some of the most notable free agents this year play that position. Four of the top eight rushers from last season are up for grabs.
The CFL free-agency communication window opens on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT.
The next steps, per the league:
“When the window closes on Feb. 11, pending free agents move into an exclusive 48-hour communication window with the teams that hold their present contracts. At that time, every club in the league will be provided with the registered offers the pending free agents have received. Teams have until 10 a.m. ET Feb. 13 to make an offer to their pending free agents, including a copy of it to go to the league office and the CFLPA.
“Pending free agents will then have from 10 a.m to noon ET on Feb. 13 to accept any offers that have been made to them by any club. If the player chooses to not accept any of those offers, they officially become free agents at 12:01 p.m. ET on Feb. 13.”
With that timeline in mind, let’s look at some of the top names on the market (with their 2023 team in brackets):
RB Brady Oliveira (Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
Not only did Oliveira lead the league in rushing last year, he’s Canadian — making him very helpful for the ratio.
The Winnipeg native, 26, was named the West’s most outstanding player and the league’s top Canadian. Can the Blue Bombers find enough money to keep the homegrown player around?
RB AJ Ouellette (Toronto Argonauts)
The 28-year-old Ouellette finished fourth in the league in rushing and was the first Argos 1,000-yard rusher since 2016.
Oullette is a bruising runner, playing with a physical edge like Oliveira.
RB Jamal Morrow (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
Finished sixth in the league in rushing last year with 907 yards in his third season in the league. His numbers have gone up each year.
RB William Stanback (Montreal Alouettes)
Had a down year last season and the Alouettes released him late last month to allow him to test the market early.
But the 29-year-old had a 32-yard touchdown run in the Alouettes’ Grey Cup win and was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2019 and 2021. He’ll get a chance somewhere.
RB Ka’Deem Carey (Calgary Stampeders)
Injuries hurt his production last season after Carey led the league in rushing in 2022.
DL Mathieu Betts (B.C. Lions)
Set a CFL record for sacks by a Canadian with 18 last season and was named the league’s top defensive player in a true breakout campaign.
The Montreal native, 28, has earned a great paycheque.
WR Dalton Schoen (Winnipeg Blue Bombers)
The league’s rookie of the year in 2022, Schoen has been one of the top targets for Zach Collaros.
The league’s most successful franchise the last four years, the Blue Bombers are now facing major questions on offence in free agency with Schoen and Oliveira.
WR Tim White (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)
Has put up more than 1,200 receiving yards each of the past two seasons — and led the league last season — despite having no stability at the quarterback position.
New Ticats head coach Scott Milanovich has an offensive background, and White undoubtedly could help Hamilton as it tries to return to contending status.
LB Adarius Pickett (Toronto Argonauts)
Was excellent in his first season with Toronto, finishing third in the league in tackles for a 16-2 team after leaving Montreal in free agency.
Was named the top defensive player in the East Division.
LB Micah Awe (Calgary Stampeders)
Led the league with 134 tackles last season.
The 30-year-old Awe already has been a member of six of the nine CFL teams.
Returner Javon Leake (Toronto Argonauts)
One of the league’s most electrifying players, Leake returned four punts for touchdowns last season.
QB Jake Dolegala (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
It’s not a strong quarterback class in free agency, but Dolegala showed some promise last season on a Saskatchewan team that had many problems.
The Buffalo native has been linked to Calgary, where the Stampeders have Jake Maier trying to cement his status as a No. 1.
