Excellent read here as LU covers today's locker room clean-up and looks at the list of free agents. Wally has some tough decisions.
Really want to see Burnham, Steward, Johnson and, of course, Solly back. I would think Lokombo looks for a better opportunity elsewhere after following out of favour of Washington as the season progressed. Sure hope that doesn't come back to haunt them. Same could be said of Parker too.
The only thing LU left off was club president. Dennis Skulsky resigned back in April only to agree to stay on because of David Braley's health concerns at the time. So where does that stand now? Given the team's status in the marketplace and attendance this past season, this is a significant position moving forward.
It used to be so much simpler for Wally Buono. A season would end, the coach and general manager of the B.C. Lions would try to maintain his coaching staff and keep as many players with expiring contracts as possible.
Free agency?
That’s for everyone else, he’d say. “Why should I overspend for a player who may or may not help us? We’ll find our own.” was his mantra. But that changed hours after the Lions realized how much work lies ahead to catch the Calgary Stampeders, and, as one of only three presently with total operational control of a CFL franchise as coach/GM, the daunting challenge of present-day free agency.
Changes to the most-recent collective bargaining agreement with the CFLPA has meant players with prior CFL experience are no longer subjected to an option-year clause and has completely altered the league landscape.
Buono kept with the changing program last winter, signing four players who became instant starters, plus a handful of backups, and through a restored work ethic became competitive again.
This year, however, represents a greater challenge, if not Buono’s greatest of all then certainly his largest.
No fewer than 24 players are eligible to become free agents in early February, though that includes those heading or returning to retirement, which has the capacity of stripping many key players from the nucleus of the Lions.
Here’s the list:
Offence – Anthony Allen, Bryan Burnham, Marco Iannuzzi, Jeremiah Johnson, Rolly Lumbala, Nick Moore, Tim O’Neill, Terrell Sinkfield, Hunter Steward,
Defence – Alex Bazzie, Mich’ael Brooks, Solomon Elimimian, T.J. Lee, Bo Lokombo, Keynan Parker, Craig Roh, Bryant Turner, Jabar Westerman, Ronnie Yell
Special teams – Mike Benson, Adrian Clarke, Neheme Kankolongo, Richie Leone, Paul McCallum
Decipher the message in the final weekly chat with Buono on 3DownRadio, which began with the obvious free agent priority, pending two-time outstanding defensive player Solomon Elimimian, and you might determine his direction this winter.
“I did visit with Solomon; we want to wish him the best (at the CFL Awards). Last year we made a substantial commitment prior to knowing whether he would be able to play (after Achilles surgery). I believe he thinks this is home. You want to take care of players who help you win and Solomon is one of those players,” Buono said.
“(Free agency) isn’t unique to the CFL but it’s in all pro sports. Free agency rewards some and punishes others. We have a lot of good young players at the low end of the salary structure.” Translated, that suggests Buono will make Elimimian an offer, but won’t break the bank either with so much to do.
A 13-7 record doesn’t mean the Lions are without needs. The good news is that they have two quarterbacks under contract, an established offensive line and other key components. Buono also doesn’t have waste time at Grey Cup week wondering whether to unload Jeff Tedford like last year. The only time to be wasted will be answering that he indeed will be back.
Here’s some of the questions and issues facing the Lions on and off the field during the off-season
Defence: Surrender 524 yards to a superior team in the West Division final Sunday and being rated tops overall without the ball becomes somewhat meaningless. That’s the dicey issue for the Lions, who have no fewer than seven defensive starters as potential free agents.
There’s zero debate as to whether to try and sign Solomon Elimimian, but with all four starters on the defensive line plus Canadian Jabar Westerman potentially free, the Lions can effect a complete remake. The Lions have to decide if George Uko is a better option than Mich’ael Brooks or Bryant Turner. B.C. also desperately needs a rush end that can dominate.
The secondary has promise, but Buono will also have to re-sign his two short-side defenders, injured Ronnie Yell and T.J. Lee, so they can contemplate moving Chandler Fenner and Anthony Gaitor. Then there’s a potential Canadian pairing of Keynan Parker and Anthony Thompson. It all might mean a glorious run by Ryan Phillips will come to an end.
Offence: The tailback tandem of Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Allen worked, but both are potential free agents and might not work with a less-willing pair. Bryan Burnham dazzled in the regular season but fizzled in the playoffs. If he leaves, do the Lions make yet another stab with Nick Moore if he’s healthy? The offensive line had a solid year, but the Lions could get to four Canadian starters by moving free agent Hunter Steward to tackle and pairing him with Charles Vaillancourt.
Special teams: Richie Leone turned into a terrific punter but couldn’t cut it kicking field goals and the kicking roster was no different at the end than it was in training camp at the start of last season. The Lions may have to finally realize no player can handle all three kicking chores and spend a second roster spot next season.
Coaching: Offensive coordinator Khari Jones made strides but Buono believes he also benefitted from the experience of receivers coach Marcel Bellefeuille, making retaining that duo important. Trumping that requirement, however, is to re-sign special teams coordinator Marcello Simmons.
General manager: Next year will be Buono’s last in the CFL and so additional signs the Lions are ready for his retirement must be considered. Personnel director Neil McEvoy already handles much of Buono’s work at present. CIS scouting director Geroy Simon needs to write more contracts next year to aid his development towards potentially becoming the next Lions senior executive.
Ownership: David Braley’s health and absentee status has reached a point where critics are openly suggesting he should no longer wait for his price and sell, which he said he would do prior to his 75th birthday last May.
The time is right. TV revenue is in place and Buono, the franchise’s second-biggest asset, won’t be around forever either. Three local groups have been reportedly short-listed as buyers, and if you were rank the issues finding the right fit remains right at the top, just ahead of who they choose to keep and play for them next year.
