http://www.cfl.ca/article/steady-signin ... stayed-put
Steady Signings: 11 Free Agents that stayed put
Posted: March 10, 2015 12:00 PM
Updated: March 10, 2015 12:18 PM
CFL.ca Staff
TORONTO -- A lot was made of the free agents who tested the market and secured contracts with other clubs last month but CFL.ca takes a look into 11 players that decided to stay and how critical doing so could be to their club's success.
It is important to note that while building the list, we took into consideration only those players that were threats to test the market or did indeed test the market in the days surrounding the February 10th Free Agent deadline.
1. Brandon Banks, WR, Hamilton
Arguably the most dynamic player in the CFL right now, re-signing receiver and kick returner Brandon Banks was a no-brainer for the Tiger-Cats. His role continues to increase and he ate up yards as last year progressed. His presence alone will force oppositions to once again game plan for him as an individual which is never something a foe wants to do.
2. SJ Green, SB, Montreal
With a receiving coprs that is still changing and an offence that is developing, the Alouettes signing of SJ Green was critical. A steady presence and a constant playmaker is hard to come by and Green has been one of the most consistent pass-catchers over the last number of years.
3. Geoff Tisdale, CB, Montreal
If signing Green was critical for the Alouettes' offence, so to was Geoff Tisdale to the defence. A veteran who fell off the radar a bit the last time he was about to hit the market, but his stock has done nothing but rise. Finding an experienced shutdown corner is something every team was looking for. One could argue that the last two years have been his best, combining for 13 interceptions throughout that span.
4. Luke Tasker, WR, Hamilton
With their best special teams player locked up, the Ticats proceeded to sign their quarterback's go-target, getting Luke Tasker under contract. Tasker is just getting started and more than compliments a receiving corps that already has Andy Fantuz.
5. Kendial Lawrence, RB/SB, Edmonton
One of the most versatile players in the CFL, Lawrence`s play down the stretch last season is what put him atop our list for Top 20 FAs. Import running backs are not hard to find but ones that can line up in the slot, make plays in the flat, and take one to the house in the return game are an obvious asset.
6. Dan Clark, OL, Saskatchewan
A productive guard who is set to enter his fourth CFL season. A National offensive lineman is always coveted come free agency time and Clark is no different. His services will be warrented even more in Regina following the loss of Dominic Picard and Ben Heenan.
7. Curtis Steele, RB, Toronto
First used to spell Chad Kackert and then split reps with Steve Slaton, the Argos tailback has shown spots where he can take over the ground game. His value may be even more on special teams as his work as a blocker in Toronto hasn't gone without notice.
8. Tristian Jackson, DB/KR, Saskatchewan
Jackson got a second lease on his Riderville career last season when he re-joined the club. A solid coverman with great speed and game-changer capabilities as a returner. Could be even more valuable now that the club has lost their other defensive halfback in Rod Williams.
9. Nic Grigsby, RB, Hamilton
Somewhat of a fall from grace after such a hot start last season for Grigsby, but he is a talented playmaker. That said, he finished in the top-5 in rushing last season and will provide depth at tailback. Could be the most important retention of the FA class should starter CJ Gable not be ready for camp after suffering an injury midway through 2014.
10. Justin Hickman, DL, Hamilton
It didn't take Hickman long to get re-acquinated in Hamilton. The Ticats have one of the deepest defensive lines in the league and a proven pass rusher that gets at the quarterback is something that you can never have enough of.
11. Jerome Messam, RB, Saskatchewan
Messam is a solid re-signing for a few reasons outside just his ability to run the ball and catch out of the backfield. He is not only a ratio-buster should he establish himself as a starter, but also provides depth at a position that was more or less by committee last season and looks as though it may continue in 2015.
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