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BC Lions Day 1 Free Agency Recap

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Mike Reilly - BCLions.com
Mike Reilly: Photo BCLions.com

The worst kept secret in the CFL was finally unveiled by the BC Lions shortly after the opening of CFL Free agency. Ed Hervey got his man, and could barely wipe the smile off of his face.

Mike Reilly is back with the BC Lions, where he said he intends to play until he’s at least 40. His current deal will take him to the age of 37.

A four year deal worth $2.9 million is what it took to get the man many consider to be the premier quarterback in the CFL. That and the vision of Ed Hervey, who Reilly has complete confidence in to build the Lions into a contender for years to come. The added bonus of having his family near by was the clincher.

The deal set off a chain reaction through the league, as the Eskimos immediately shifted gears, successfully targeting Trevor Harris in Ottawa. Bo Levi Mitchell put a scare into Stampeders fans by listening to the Argos and Riders, but in the end chose to stick with the familiarity of Calgary, inking a deal similar to Reilly’s at four years, $2.8 million.

Judging by reaction on my Twitter feed, the signing of Reilly has fans excited about Lions football again, and don’t think that didn’t factor into the signing as well. The market here needed a shakeup, and this should provide it. Reilly is a proven winner, a consistent performer, and durable. He’ll also have no problem getting out in the community to be the face of the franchise. The club wasted little time getting Reilly’s face out there.

“This is a historic day for our organization and for fans of the B.C. Lions,” said Lions general manager Ed Hervey. “Acquiring one of the CFL’s elite quarterbacks is an extremely rare opportunity and we’re thrilled to welcome Mike home to the Lions.”

Reilly seemed extremely confident and excited to be joining Ed Hervey in BC.

“It’s an amazing feeling for me, my wife and our extended families to know I am back with the Lions,” said Reilly. “I am grateful for my time in Edmonton and it will always hold a very special place in my heart, but the opportunity to rejoin Ed and return to Vancouver to be part of what he is building was too good to pass up at this point in my career.”

Mike Reilly can’t win games on his own, and the Lions added some pieces today that will help with that. Let’s break down day one of free agency in the Lions Den.

Additions

Mike ReillyInternationalQB(EDM)
Sukh ChunghNationalOG(WPG)
Lemar DurantNationalWR(CGY)
Aaron GymesInternationalDB(EDM)
Duron Carter (Unofficial)InternationalWR(TOR)
Chris EdwardsInternationalDB(EDM)
Josh StanfordNationalWR(MTL)
Josh WoodmanNationalDB(EDM)

Obviously when you’re looking to protect your new shiny quarterback, you’re going to need to make sure he’s protected. The Lions took steps towards doing that by re-upping Hunter Steward the day before free agency and added some nasty to the interior of the line by plucking Sukh Chungh out of Winnipeg and inking him to a 3-year deal at a reported $250,000/year.

Chungh is exactly what Hervey is looking for.; an extremely physical presence on the interior of the offensive line. Still to be decided is the spot at centre and right tackle, where I’ve been told the Lions will audition for the position, moving on from Jovan Olafioye.

Many feel that national receiver Lemar Durant started to break out in Calgary last season. Like Chungh, the BC player comes home to play for the Lions, and will likely slot in for Shaq Johnson, who I’ve been told the Lions may move on from.

To help stretch the field the Lions went out and have reportedly signed the colourful and controversial Duron Carter. Carter spoke with the Lions last year after being released by the Lions. Hervey made overtures that it might be something he would look at in the future, and he’s done just that.

Carter is of course a risky signing. For whatever reason, he hasn’t been able to find a place to call home, but Hervey is gambling that BC will be the place. He definitely fits into that image Hervey is moulding for the Leos. He wants them to have swagger, and Carter fits that bill, and oh yeah, he’s a pretty good player as well.

It’s hard to imagine DeVone Claybrooks or Mike Reilly putting up with any nonsense in their locker room, so maybe this will be a good fit for Carter to buckle down and play some football.

Aaron Grymes is one of the best cover DB’s in the Canadian Football League and he’s now a BC Lion. Another former Hevery employee from Edmonton, Grymes brings a physicality that will be exciting for Lions fans to watch.

The club re-signed TJ Lee prior to free agency, but lost Anthony Orange to the Eskimos. They were rumoured to be in on Taylor Loffler, but he ended up with the Alouettes. Hervey went back to Edmonton to sign DB’s Chris Edwards and Josh Woodman. Anthony Thompson, Otha Foster, Winston Rose and Garry Peters remain unsigned.

Rounding out the signings was the addition of national reciever Josh Stanford (MTL) who adds national depth at the position for the Lions, and who very well could cost 3rd year Danny Vandervoort, who hasn’t seen a lot of playing time, a roster spot.

Departures

Boseko LokomboNationalLB(MTL)
Anthony OrangeInternationalDB(EDM)
Ricky Collins Jr.InternationalWR(EDM)
Chris RaineyInternationalKR/RB(TOR)
Dyshawn DavisInternationalLB(SSK)
Devier PoseyInternationalWR(MTL)

The biggest surprise for me here was Bo Lokombo, who really started to show signs last year that he’s ready for a full time starting role. He’s a special teams demon, a local guy as well and the Lions lost a good one here. But as was the case with Adam Bighill, linebacker isn’t a position where Hervey likes to spend a lot of money and Montreal was happy to snap him up.

Chris Rainey was no surprise, after seeming to fall out of favour in the second half of last season, even being taken out of the lineup a couple of times. He’s still a legitimate threat and a fresh start in Toronto might do him good.

Lots Of Work To Do

Hervey got a lot done today, but what you didn’t see was any guys on the current roster who are now free agents, re-signed except for running back Brandon Rutley. The Lions GM dished out some strong hints that Lions fans are going to be saying goodbye to some familiar faces. In his words, “You have to rob from Peter to pay Mike”.

Names like Manny Arceneaux, Jovan Olafioye, Travis Lulay, Jonathan Jennings, Shawn Lemon etc. are likely gone. Other have likely been offered deals and now have to decide whther they want to be part of things going forward.

It’s a new era of BC Lions football, and it’s only just beginning.

More:

Five Thoughts: Mike Reilly and CJ Gable Too Much for the BC Lions

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Jonathon Jennings, Mike Reilly
Jonathon Jennings lost another battle with Mike Reilly Friday – Photo: BCLions.com

Commonwealth Stadium hasn’t been kind to the BC Lions in recent years, more specifically, since Mike Reilly became their quarterback via a trade that makes Lions fans wonder what could have been.

Friday night was no different, as once Reilly and the Eskimos swung momentum in their favour they steam rolled the Lions the rest of the way, pounding them along the ground and throwing on them at will.

Five thoughts on the latest loss to another Western division rival.

Mike Reilly, CJ Gable and momentum killers:

The Lions started the game strongly, putting together solid drives to build up a 14-2 lead. But that should have been a 19-2 lead considering Ty Long left 5 points on the board with two missed field goals.

Then in the second quarter came a challenge for pass interference on Marcell Young on a ball that was thrown 3 to 5 yards out of bounds. Instead of being forced to punt again, Jason Maas won the challenge and from there Mike Reilly and the Eskimos offence started to roll.

The Eskies grabbed the momentum from there and didn’t give it back. Reilly started finding open receivers in the Lions secondary and CJ Gable ran the ball down the Lions throat. When your defence is getting hammered by the run it’s energy draining and demoralizing.

Even when the Lions pulled to within 11 with plenty of time left, the defence allowed the Eskimos to drive the field and score on the very next series.

Where was the run defence:

Through two off-season games and week one it looked as though the Lions had improved their front seven.

CJ Gable begs to differ.

Gable romped for 165 yards on the Lions defence who couldn’t bring him down on first contact all night long. Once he got to the second and third levels of the Lions defence the results were similar. The Eskimos made sure to block up Solomon Elimimian (who still led the team with 10 tackles) and the interior of the defensive line had a rough night.

To beat the Eskimos, you need to make life miserable for Mike Reilly, and while the Lions got to him a couple times, he had far too much time to find open receivers. The Lions, clearly lost the battle in the trenches, on both sides of the ball.

Offensive woes:

On the other side of the ball the offensive line started strong, protecting the quarterback and opening holes for Jeremiah Johnson, but like the rest of the Lions game that changed too. First down production dried up leaving the Lions in 2nd and long too often, and penalties wiped out drive extending plays.

Jennings was only sacked once, but holes for the running game, which the Eskimos have had issues with in their first two games, disappeared.

Primary concerns in the secondary:

I hate piling on players, and look if they weren’t talented they wouldn’t be in the league. But when the Lions signed Marcell Young every single Eskimo fan I know essentially said, “good luck with that!”

Young had some rough moments against the Alouettes in week one, but Friday in Edmonton he was victimized badly by his former club but he wasn’t alone either. Ed Hervey’s revamped secondary has some work to do, and it should start by starting Winston Rose at Young’s corner spot against the Bombers next week. Rose contributed a pick after replacing Young, and also filled in nicely for him in week one when Young experienced cramping.

Wally Buono has often said, “If you can’t do the job, I’ll find someone that will”. Considering they yanked Young on Friday, perhaps Buono has seen enough.

TJ Lee, who is considered the leader of the group also had a tough night.

Taking Chances:

In his preseason conference call Wally Buono made reference to maybe taking more chances in his final year of coaching. Obviously part of that was tongue in cheek, but Friday night he wasn’t in that frame of mind. With 5:03 remaining and down by 17 points, the Lions were at midfield facing a 3rd and 13 and Buono chose to send out the punt team and it resulted in a single point.

Facing that situation, you need to tell your offence to go get you a first down, because quite frankly the Eskimos were having their way with your defence.

There isn’t reason to panic…yet. The Lions now head into Winnipeg to face the Bombers and once again the goal is the same. Get a road victory against a Western opponent. It’s the first of a back to back against the Bombers, who have a young QB who is taking the league by storm and who will be looking to avenge their week three loss to the Ticats.

It’s time to see what this team is made of. Friday night wasn’t anywhere near good enough to change their status in the CFL West. We’ll leave you with Coach Buono’s comments.

CFL/NFL Flag Football Tourney Returns in 2018: Maritimes Stop Added

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New regional tournament added in Atlantic Canada; CFL NFL Flag Championship to take place during Grey Cup week in Edmonton; winner to compete in the NFL FLAG Championships during Pro Bowl Week

TORONTO, ON/NEW YORK, NY (June 20, 2018) – Following the success of the inaugural CFL NFL Flag football tournaments in 2017, the Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL) announced that the joint flag football initiative will continue in 2018 and expand to 10 stops across the country including Atlantic Canada.

The 10 regional tournaments will be held across Canada and will bring together young athletes, CFL stars and alumni, football professionals, parents and communities. A championship will be held in Edmonton, Alberta the week of the 106th Grey Cup presented by Shaw as part of the festivities. The winner of this tournament will travel to the NFL’s Pro Bowl Week to participate in the NFL FLAG Championships.

The program, which is open to 10- and 11-year olds (those born on or after January 1st, 2007), is a way to highlight and showcase flag football as a method of instructing players on football fundamentals, sportsmanship and teamwork while promoting physical activity.

Last year’s inaugural tournament saw the Junior Riders of Saskatchewan put together an overall record of 11-0-1 between regionals and the championship. They outscored opponents 266-47, including a 20-7 win over the Surrey Tigers of BC during Grey Cup week. The win earned them a trip to Pro Bowl Week in Orlando, where they went 2-2, beating two teams from China and falling to Mexico and the United States.

“Last year’s tournament saw hundreds of young football players across the country turning out to learn, play and lead,” said Vanessa Morbi, Vice President, Marketing and Digital, Canadian Football League. “We’re proud to continue our commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and growing the game alongside our partners at the NFL.”

“The NFL is proud to partner again this year with the CFL, to continue to grow the game of football in Canada,” said David Thomson, Managing Director, NFL Canada.  “Flag football is a fun, exciting and easy way for youth to get into the game, and can develop important life skills including teamwork, commitment and the value of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Each regional tournament will feature twelve teams with a maximum 10 players each. Participants will interact with current CFL players, meet mascots, and enjoy football-themed games and activities alongside their matches. The top team from each regional tournament will win a trip to Edmonton to play in the CFL/NFL Flag Football Championship during Grey Cup Week.

UPCOMING REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS:

  • BC: June 24th at the BC Lions Training Facility in Surrey, BC
  • Winnipeg: July 8th at Investors Group Field
  • Saskatchewan: September 16th at Mosaic Stadium
  • Calgary: September 22nd at McMahon Stadium
  • Toronto: September 22nd at Birchmount Stadium in Toronto, ON
  • Montreal: October 7th at Percival Molson Stadium
  • Hamilton: October 14th at Tim Hortons Field
  • Ottawa: October 14th at TD Place
  • Edmonton: October 20th at the Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium
  • Atlantic Canada: October 28th at Mount Allison’s Alumni Field in Sackville, NB

Championship TOURNAMENT:

  • Edmonton, Alta..: The week of the 106th Grey Cup Presented by Shaw.

Those interested in registering for the program can find more information at cflnflflag.ca Both the CFL and the NFL will continue to invest in youth football programming and promote physical activity.

The End of an Era in BC

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Ryan Phillips

On Friday, the BC Lions will likely announce the release of veteran defensive back Ryan Phillips. It will mark the end of an era in the Lions Den and will be the final chapter of one of the best defensive backfields the CFL has ever seen.

Like Korey Banks, and Dante Marsh before him, no player can escape the clock that GM and Head Coach, Wally Buono has in regards to players. Phillips and Buono had been in discussions over his role for 2017, and a reported pay cut as well. The two sides couldn’t agree on those scenarios and it’s reported that Phillips asked for his release.


In their prime, Banks, Marsh and Phillips formed “Lockdown U”. A self-named moniker that held true for several seasons and struck fear into receivers and quarterbacks across the CFL. All three should be inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame one day, and if all is right in the world, all three will also be added to the Lions Ring of Honour as well.

Dante Marsh never played again after his release, Banks ended up in Winnipeg and didn’t last long after they decided he wasn’t a starter. Phillips obviously still feels he can play and is also chasing that 50th interception, just two away from the mark.

So he will test the waters and see if there are any takers while leaving behind the only CFL team he has played for.

Following the release of Marsh, I wrote a blog a bout how Phillips was the last man standing from the trio of Lockdown U. It was meant as a tribute to Ryan, but as any proud player would, he took exception to my thought that while he wasn’t the best tackler on the team, his leadership was invaluable. We talked about it, and I apologized if he saw it as a slight, but it was never my intention to insult him. He played two more seasons for the Lions and was a huge contributor in mentoring young players like Keynan Parker, Ronnie Yell and TJ Lee, among others.

At the end of last season, Phillips said he had no desire to play anywhere else but BC. Obviously, he has changed his mind, and he has earned that right to try and continue his career. He’s been around Wally Buono long enough to realize that this day might be coming, and he’s ready to end his career in another uniform, just like Geroy Simon. No player is immune when Buono decides the best before date has come.

But make no mistake, Phillips bleeds orange and understands the business of football. Don’t be surprised that when he finally decides to hang up his cleats, he signs a one-day contract in BC and retires a Lion. Very rarely in sports these days do players finish their careers with one team, and Phillips lasted longer than the average player does.

He’s one of the all-time greats, not only as a BC Lion, but as a CFL player, and we were lucky to have him in orange and black as long as we did.

He’ll always be a Lion, no matter where he finishes his career and Lions fans will be ready to welcome him to the Ring of Honour, along with Banks and Marsh when and if the club deems it appropriate. And if there is any question about that, this blogger will be sure to be campaigning hard for it to happen.

Thanks for the memories RP, and all the best on your new adventure.

Crunch Time is Here For BC Lions Free Agents

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With a week to go before CFL Free Agency opens, Wally Buono and the BC Lions still have some work to do. It’s crunch time for both management and players, and there should be more announcements on signings coming in the week leading up to free agency.

Let’s take a look at where the Lions stand at the moment and some of the key names involved.

Signed:

DB Steven Clarke, LB Solomon Elimimian, RB Jeremiah Johnson, LB Nehemie Kankolongo (N), FB Rolly Lumbala (N), WR Nick Moore, DB Keynan Parker (N), G Hunter Steward (N), DL Bryant Turner Jr.

The Lions got things done early with Solomon Elimimian and it’s a good thing they did with the eventual departure of Adam Bighill. The reigning CFL Defensive Player of the Year will be counted on to continue his all-star play as well as mentor the replacement for Bighill.

Offensively the biggest story so far was getting Jeremiah Johnson signed to a new deal assuring the Lions keep at least half of the CFL’s best rushing attack intact. Farhan Lalji announced on Twitter that the Lions will not be bringing back Anthony Allen, so it remains to be seen what they do with their running game, and if they look at deploying an alternating running back system once again.

On the offensive line, the signing of Hunter Steward will ensure the unit of Jovan Olafioye, Kirby Fabien, Cody Husband and Antonio Johnson will have the chance for continuity, at least to start training camp, with Charles Vaillancourt ready to push for a more prominent role as well.

The rest of those signed, are key depth pieces, and some of them will be looking to play even larger roles this season

Unsigned:

DL Mic’hael Brooks, WR Bryan Burnham, WR Marco Iannuzzi (N), DB TJ Lee, K Paul McCallum (N), WR Terrell Sinkfield Jr., DB Ronnie Yell.

Obviously, the biggest name here is Bryan Burnham who has had numerous NFL workouts this off-season but is still without a contract. The Lions recently re-signed Nick Moore who is coming off an knee injury, but would dearly love to have Burnham back after his breakout season made him a fan favourite and one of the most reliable receivers in the league.

Marco Iannuzzi is still unsigned and it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t want to be back. He’s a reliable receiver that can also return kicks for you. Do the Lions see Stephen Adekolu, Brett Blaszko, or Shag Johnson as players that are ready to take the next step? If so are they willing to let Iannuzzi test the market?

Defensively, the secondary is another key area that needs to be addressed. With Anthony Gaitor released to join Adam Bighill in New Orleans, Ronnie Yell and TJ Lee are pretty important pieces. The issue is that both are coming off pretty serious injuries, and Buono will likely be wary of any huge raises for those players, considering his prudent handling of the same situation with Solomon Elimimian.

That said, the Lions found those players, and they may be confident that can find more if the two sides can’t come to an agreement. Still, a secondary takes some time to gel, and hopefully at least one of the two return.

A tweet by @News1130Sports suggested that the agent for Yell says the two sides are not far apart and his client wants to play in BC, despite some cryptic tweets from Yell early last week.

Farhan Lalji says things aren’t going well on the Yell and Lee front.

News 1130 says there is hope on Yell.

It sounds unlikely that Mic’hael Brooks will be back with the Lions. He is intent on finding work in the NFL and if he doesn’t it sounds like he’s looking for money the Lions might not be willing to pay. The fact is, international defensive lineman are part of a pretty deep talent pool, and the Lions probably feel they can plug that hole and they added some insurance when they re-signed Bryant Turner Junior. Jabar Westerman will be allowed to test the waters of free agency, and will likely get a few offers. Whether this an exercise to determine the value and give the Lions a chance to match remains to be seen. It could also mean a bigger role for David Menard, which would be much deserved.

With Bazzie gone, the Lions have some work to do here, either in free agency, or finding that next Cameron Wake.

Released:

DL Alex Bazzie, DB Anthony Gaitor, P Richie Leone, LB Bo Lokombo (N), LB Adam Bighill (Contract clause).

Retired:

C Tim O’Neill (N)

Will go to free agency:

RB Anthony Allen, DL Jabar Westerman (N)

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