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BC Lions Day 1 Free Agency Recap

February 12, 2019 By Brian Wawryshyn

Mike Reilly sports a smile, a beard and a greased up orange hat as he faces the media in Vancouver. (Photo: @TSN1040 / Twitter)

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.

He's back.#CFLFA @Rikester13 @CFL pic.twitter.com/wxLXJ1YToC
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) February 12, 2019

“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 Reilly	International	QB	(EDM)
Sukh Chungh	National	OG	(WPG)
Lemar Durant	National	WR	(CGY)
Aaron Gymes	International	DB	(EDM)
Duron Carter (Unofficial)	International	WR	(TOR)
Chris Edwards	International	DB	(EDM)
Josh Stanford	National	WR	(MTL)
Josh Woodman	National	DB	(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 Lokombo	National	LB	(MTL)
Anthony Orange	International	DB	(EDM)
Ricky Collins Jr.	International	WR	(EDM)
Chris Rainey	International	KR/RB	(TOR)
Dyshawn Davis	International	LB	(SSK)
Devier Posey	International	WR	(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.

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BC Lions Free Agency Preview: A New Direction

February 9, 2019 By Brian Wawryshyn

Reports on Saturday indicate Mike Reilly will sign with the BC Lions on Tuesday

#IsItJuneYet is a popular hashtag in CFL off-season chatter. But for fans of the BC Lions, #IsItTuesdayYet might win the weekend.

The 2019 off-season is certainly anything but dull. With pending CBA negotiations to start in early march, the CFL Draft, expansion talk, and the league going global with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie’s vision of CFL 2.0.

However, it’s the opening of free agency that CFL fans are clamouring for and Lions fans have every reason to be excited as the bell rings on Tuesday at 9:00am PT, 12:00pm ET.

With the retirement of Wally Buono the Leo’s are now firmly under the guidance of Ed Hervey, who during his wrap up press conference at the end of last season, declared his club would be “extremely aggressive” in free agency.

With just 4 of his 38 pending free agents signed at the time this was written, it appears the boss of the Leos is saving his pennies to see what he can land in free agency and at the same time asking those on his roster to buy in to his plan

Trying to predict how this will all pan out is about as likely as winning the lottery.

Reports on Saturday infer that Mike Reilly will indeed sign with the BC Lions, but it’s not official until the Lions say it is, and until then almost everything else is in a holding pattern.

Word came Friday that the Lions and other CFL teams had been given permission by the Edmonton Eskimos to speak with their prized quarterback. It’s believed the Lions have met with Reilly recently, and most CFL “insiders” are suggesting the Lions have the inside track on signing him, for reasons that have been widely speculated on.

But nothing is guaranteed, and there is no doubt Hervey will have multiple plans to bounce to if needed.

There is a lot of work to be done. His entire secondary is unsigned, many on the offensive line, and none of his top receivers. He also needs to find a kicker and a punter, or someone who can do both, after the departure of Ty Long to the NFL.

Let’s break down the areas that Hervey could be targeting on Tuesday.

Quarterback

The whole CFL community knows the Lions plan to take a shot at bringing Mike Reilly back to Vancouver. It’s been reported that this is a two horse race between the Eskimos and Lions, with his current club saying they won’t be outbid to retain their starting pivot.

What this will come down to for Reilly are the intangibles and with the proximity to his home and family in Washington State, the Lions might hold the best hand. Of course winning is important as well, and if the Lions are to be successful obtaining Reilly’s services, they’ll have to lay out a vision for a return to dominance.

Should Reilly choose to remain in Edmonton, or choose another destination, the plan will have to quickly change directions. With only 2^nd year man Ricky Lloyd under contract, and despite the fact they do see promise in him, the Lions surely need to find a more experienced QB to start the season with, never mind to sell tickets around.

With the money already budgeted, the Lions could change their target to Trevor Harris or Bo Levi Mitchell, should they be there and willing to listen.

Travis Lulay has yet to declare his intentions for 2019, and would be the perfect number two behind his best friend Reilly, but at this stage in his career and where the Lions are as an organization, it would be hard to sell him to a fan base craving for a new direction. Combine that with the salary the Lions would paying to Reilly, and Lulay may not even be affordable, clearing the way for Lloyd to be Reilly’s understudy.

Offensive Line

Since his arrival in BC, Ed Hervey has preached a consistent message; he wants to build this team from the trenches out. And if he’s going to invest the money it will take to get an elite quarterback, he had better make sure he has the horses to protect him.

Re-signing Joel Figueroa was positive step, but the thought is Hervey isn’t satisfied with the current make up of this unit. He wants to make it tougher, nastier and into a unit that imposes its will on opponents.

Of last year’s starters, only Figueroa and David Foucault are under contract and you can bet Hervey will be seeing what’s out there on Tuesday before committing on who to bring back.

Possible names that I’ve heard are Sukh Chungh (WPG) John Gott (OTT) and Sir Vincent Rogers (OTT). Chungh is a BC boy who would add that nastiness that Hervey is seeking, while Gott (who has already learned he’s not in Ottawa’s plans) and Rogers have both played under the Lions new offensive line coach Bryan Chiu in the past. Rogers and Chungh would not come cheap, and would almost certainly mean the end for Jovan Olafioye and others Lions.

Receiver

Lions fans would be wise to prepare themselves for the loss of a fan favourite or two here. Both Bryan Burnham and Emmanuel Arceneaux are set to enter free agency, and with potential of a big ticket like Reilly, it’s highly unlikely both will be back.

Will Bryan Burnham be back in orange and black? ( Photo: Gerry Kahrmann / PNG)

There are some that feel that the Eskimos Derel Walker will follow Mike Reilly if he leaves Edmonton, another connection to Ed Hervey that could pay dividends for the Lions. Many feel Arceneaux’s days in BC might be over, and it remains to be seen of Burnham could or would fit in under that scenario.

Of course there are other options out there as well. It will be interesting to see what receivers are left standing, and if the Lions can secure Reilly who they might attract, given the chance to play with the CFL’s premier pivot.

Defensive Line

The Lions defensive line was right up there with the best in the league at sacking the QB in 2018. Where they struggled was against the run, and look for Hervey to try and resolve that when the market opens.

One of the biggest additions he could make is plucking DT Micha Johnson from the Grey Cup Champion Stampeders. He wouldn’t come cheap, but perhaps he could be convinced to join new head coach DeVone Claybrooks west of the Rockies.

DE Odell Willis, who lead the team in sacks last season has been re-signed, but on the other side, Shawn Lemon is still without a deal. Will Hervey look to get a bit younger here and look to the free agent pool?

There’s some younger talent looking for their chance to start as well, but I expect Hervey will stick to his plan to make the lines as strong as he can and try to add a piece or two.

Secondary

The Lions secondary really started to come together in the second half of last season. The problem facing Ed Hervey here is that none of them are signed, or at least haven’t been announced.

The big piece here is TJ Lee who is now considered by many to be one of the best DB’s in the CFL and one of the leaders of that group. There other’s that Hervey brought in last year such as AJ Orange, Garry Peters and Otha Foster and national draft pick Anthony Thompson who made great strides in his second year.

TJ Lee became a leader in the Lions secondary last year and is set to enter free agency.

It’s likely not all of these players will be back, but the Lions would be wise to bring Lee back, then pick and choose from there.

Taylor Loffler (WPG) played his university football at UBC and doesn’t seem to be a fit cap wise for the Bombers. He’s a big physical defensive back that would certainly help the ratio, but the salary he wants may not fit into the Lions plans.

Special Teams

Ty Long has departed for the NFL, a loss that was expected by many. The Lions have signed kicker Lane Clark, but he doesn’t appear to have punting experience, and you can bet competition will be brought into camp.

There is really nothing available in the free agent pool however, so the Lions will need to find help here on their own, either through free agent camps, scouting, or the draft.

These are the areas where the Lions have the biggest needs and how it all will shake down over the next week is anyone’s guess. But if Hervey sticks to his statement about being aggressive, Lions fans can expect a lot of action come Tuesday. Especially if they land their big fish early.

Happy hunting, Ed!

Pawdcast Episode 127: Season Wrap Up

November 14, 2018 By Brian Wawryshyn

Episode 127: Season Wrap Up

Ed Hervey and the BC Lions saw their season come to an end last week and now the GM heads into his second year on the job without Wally Buono’s input and with a ton of questions to be answered this off-season.

Who will be the new head coach? What coordinators will they bring in? What about the long list of free agents the Lions have to deal with and how will that process be affected by the pending new CBA?

Will the new core include guys like Solomon Elimimian, Manny Arceneaux or Travis Lulay? Or will Hervey put his mark on this team by doing another big roster turnover?

How about ownership? Will Davis Braley still be the Lions owner when the 2019 season starts?

Brian and Mojo take it from start to finish this week in a season wrap up episode that discusses these issues and a lot more.

Brought to you in part by AngusReid64.com

Download this episode!

Missed our last episode? Our chat with TSN’s Farhan Lalji and Podskee Wee Wee’s Josh Smith is here.

From The Stands: Lions 39 Eskimos 19

October 21, 2012 By Brian Wawryshyn

There is nothing like having depth when it comes to assembling a football team and the BC Lions proved theirs once again last night. Mike Reilly steered the Lions to a 39-19 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos to punch their ticket to the 2012 Western Final and I’m pleased to present my first place clinching thoughts, from the stands.

Mike Reilly

After the interception on the first series, Mike Reilly took command of the team and settled in. I thought he made some hasty decisions at times, but that’s being extremely picky on my part. The Lions couldn’t have asked for more from their backup QB who showed all he has the tools to play. Watching his mannerisms on the field one might have thought Lulay was in the game. The offence sputtered a little in the third quarter, allowing Edmonton to stick around, but again I’m being picky. It was a very impressive performance by Reilly. Not only did Reilly prove that he has the skills to play, he also reinforced that no one in this league finds and develops quarterbacks in this league better than the Lions.

Tim Brown

I thought the unsung hero of the night was Tim Brown. Not only did Brown have a great night returning kicks, he was a force on offence as well, particularly on some nicely executed shovel passes. His 23 yard run at the end of the game was a nice way to cap a strong game in which he racked up 268 all-purpose yards. With the Eskimos doing a good job of containing Andrew Harris, Brown’s contribution was solid and well schemed by Jacques Chapdelaine and the Lions.

The Depth

Mike Reilly, Nick Moore, Courtney Taylor, Ernest Jackson, Maurice Evans, Brandon Jordan, Jabar Westerman, Patrick Kabongo, Jesse Newman. All depth guys who have stepped in for starters in the last few weeks and the team hasn’t missed a beat. The Lions now have the chance to get some guys healthy the rest of the way, but they’ll also have some tough decisions to make as it will be really tempting to keep some of these guys in. One could even argue that the offence has been more productive in the last three weeks then it was earlier in the season. Regardless as some of the players on this team near the end of their careers, it leaves you with a good feeling about the future.

Stubler Let’s Em Loose

The Lions defensive pressure was relentless last night. It left them vulnerable to the long pass at times, but for the most part it had the desired effect. Eight sacks were racked up and Kerry Joseph completed just six passes all night long. When the defence wasn’t busy sacking Joseph, they were shutting down Hugh Charles, rendering the Eskimo offence a non factor for most of the night.

Mr. Clutch

Shawn Gore is quickly becoming the Lions go to guy on 2^nd down. His clutch catches haven’t come without a price either as for yet another game he took another big hit when he was sandwiched between two Eskimos in the fourth quarter. Akeem Foster also contributed which was nice to see. His 47 yard reception after the Reilly interception on the first series was important in more ways than one.

Proud Papa Phillips

Ryan Phillips had more than one chance to get an interception for his newborn son and finally got one in the fourth to really put a nail in the coffin of the Eskimos. Phillips had to be shocked after Cary Koch’s highlight of the year candidate catch, but he had a strong game overall and has been really noticeable the last two weeks.

Home Field Advantage

Lions fans are really starting to get it and the crowd of just over 30,000 were again a factor. It’s getting loud on defence, and not just at the end of the game. Imagine what type of advantage the Lions could have at home if it continues to improve, or if we can add another 20,000 people for the Western Final. I just love this time of year as the playoffs approach. The crowds get bigger, the fans get into it, and I just can’t wait for November 18^th.