You're forgetting SolE was already under contract to BC for 2019 for a lot more than $160K, probably a ways north of $200K. I think in negotiating that SolE took a bit of a cut from his old deal.Murdoch wrote: ↑Sat Jan 18, 2020 7:56 amNot sure if the bridge was burnt with no return but Sol Elimimian was one of the best deals in the league last year. Hard to think Ed passed on $160,000 as was rumored to be the number he signed in Sask for. Derek Taylor had him listed as only missing something like 8 tackles all year. Would love to see him back in BC.
AJ Orange is another who had a tough year and might come at a reasonable number. He was good the year before.
Having renegotiated with 56 only a year earlier I think Ed's only options were to:
1) honour the contract and cut some other high priced vets or decline on Reilly to make it fit..
2) cut SolE and use the money elsewhere.
3) try to get SolE to accept aother big pay cut for the 2nd straight year.
4) trade him which they tried unsuccessfully to do for several months.
IMO 1) wasn't an option as it would have totally blown up their offseason plans and priorities. We know 4) was tried for weeks on end. While 3) was an option for Ed it likely was a non-starter for 56 which left 2) as the final answer.