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BC Lions Free Agency Report – Day One

February 9, 2016 By Brian Wawryshyn

Traditionally Wally Buono has never been big on building his team through free agency. But after four years of a declining on field product and with the man himself returning to the sidelines, Buono signed three players on day one of CFL free agency. There is also the change of landscape that Buono has spoken of, where turnover of players is much greater with the elimination of option years for veteran players, meaning free agency has become a more valid route for the Lions GM.

The Lions day began with speculation that the club had signed Edmonton running back John White, thanks to tweets by News 1130 sports that White was on the way to Vancouver to take a physical. This tweet made no sense since White had tweeted weeks ago that he would be back in Edmonton. Yours truly questioned that report, but when Dave Campbell of 650 CHED in Edmonton seemed to confirm that White was signing with the Lions, myself and other Lions fans got pretty excited.

Hearing #BCLions are flying EDM running back John White into Vancouver for a physical.

— NEWS 1130 Sports (@NEWS1130Sports) February 9, 2016

Looks like RB John White will indeed sign with the B.C. Lions. #Eskimos #CFL

— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) February 9, 2016

Alas, it wasn’t to be and the Eskimos officially announced he had re-signed later in the day.

The Lions also made an offer to offensive lineman Corey Watman, but lost out to the Argos for his services who also plucked Josh Bourke out of Montreal to beef up their offensive line.

It’s also been reported that BC has made an offer to Canadian defensive lineman Justin Capiciotti but with Ted Laurent re-signing later in the day in Hamilton and setting the bar, the Lions will have to wait and see what it will take to get him and whether their offer can lure the Simon Fraser product out West.

Now for the players the Lions did snag on day one.

Nick Moore – Wide Receiver – International (Winnipeg)

This one came out of the blue, but I guess it’s true that you can come home again. After a two-year stint with the Bombers in Winnipeg, Nick Moore returns to the Lions on a one year deal that will pay him considerably less than the $185,000 he left BC for when he was last a free agent.

Wally Buono said that both Khari Jones and new addition Marcel Bellefeuille pushed hard to bring the former Leo in. Moore is of course familiar with BC and Wally Buono and should give another deep threat for the Lions offence. He runs excellent routes and has a penchant for making the big catch.

The knock on Moore is his ability to stay healthy, but even with missing considerable time last season, he still finished with 889 yards of receiving.

Mike Edem – Defensive Back – National (Hamilton)

During the 2013 draft the Lions tried to move up to select Mike Edem, but were unable to do so. He was an all-star in his first CFL season and the Lions are thrilled to get him into the den. Edem is big, physical and a solid contributor on special teams as well. He should plug a hole in the secondary after the departures of Steven Clarke and Josh Johnson to the NFL and has the right amount of youth, experience and potential growth to make Lions fans excited about this signing.

The Lions now have two possible Canadian starters in the secondary after re-signing safety Eric Fraser earlier this off-season.

Brandon Stewart – Defensive Back – International (Hamilton)

The Lions added some solid CFL experience to their secondary when they inked Brandon Stewart. The veteran defensive back will be entering his 10^th CFL season when he suits up for the Lions. A versatile player, Stewart has played for Calgary, Winnipeg and Hamilton over his nine CFL seasons. The Lion feel he can play corner or nickleback and will try to use his experience and big play ability to solidify their secondary.

Who the Lions Lost

The club announced prior to the start of free agency that several players would either not be offered contracts or would be free to test the market and three players found new homes on day one.

It was no surprise that Andrew Harris landed with the Bombers, who were throwing out money like they printed it. Pascal Lochard followed Harris to the Bombers, while Alex Hoffman-Ellis found a home in Hamilton with the Ticats.

CFL.ca Free Agent Tracker | @BCLionsDen #CFLFA Twitter List | TSN.ca CFL Page

Buono: BC Lions Won’t be Offering Andrew Harris a Contract

February 2, 2016 By Brian Wawryshyn

The Lion is out of the bag regarding the status running back Andrew Harris.

BC Lions General Manager and Head Coach Wally Buono told the TEAM 1040 Tuesday afternoon that the Lions would not be making an offer to the 8-year Lion and pending free agent.

“At this point, I’m not saying we’re going to make him an offer. I don’t believe that we will. I think that at this point, it’s time for the club to look at doing things differently.” When you look at the eight years he’s had here – he’s had eight great years. There’s times that you say, ‘okay, we’re going to go in a new direction. We appreciate all an individual has done, and sometimes it’s just good to find a new place to go.” – Wally Buono on Andrew Harris.

It didn’t take long for the popular player to acknowledge that his time in BC was done as he took to Twitter to thank the fans, his teammates and like the classy person he is, he thanked Wally Buono and Neil McEvoy for giving him a chance.

Well I guess that's it BC Lions fans. Thanks for all the love and support throughout my journey here in BC! ???? https://t.co/v4fHd5Ttxc

— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) February 3, 2016

Gonna miss my @BCLions #teammates most of all.. You all know who you are.. When you shed blood, sweat and tears.. That's BROTHERHOOD! ??

— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) February 3, 2016

I wouldn't be where I am today if @GM_Brillo and Neil McEvoy never gave me a shot.. I appreciate and thank you for the opportunity!

— Andrew Harris (@andrewharris33) February 3, 2016

This is yet another in a long line of tough decisions the CFL’s all-time winningest head coach has made in his career. In his line of work, he can’t be concerned with the public opinion, which is largely in the camp of Harris based on early reactions from fans on social media.

Some have questioned based on Harris’ tweets whether he found out Buono’s plans through the media. If that’s the case, it’s unfortunate and it should not have been handled that way.

That said, both sides likely knew that this was the outcome they were headed for. Harris made no bones about doing what was best for himself at the end of last season, and has been visibly frustrated with the offence here on multiple occasions the past couple of seasons.

Buono publicly voiced his displeasure over some of the comments Harris made and gave early hints that the Lions could be looking at making the running back position more of an import position going forward and it seems as though they will look to do just that.

Buono became aware of Harris in 2008 and quickly made the young junior player a territorial protection of the club. It wasn’t until 2010 that Harris claimed a starting spot on the Lions roster, despite looking like the best running back in training camp in 2009.

He was named top Canadian of the 2011 Grey Cup, his only championship with the team.

Last off-season Harris moved to Vancouver full-time and started a local restaurant here, saying he wanted to lay down roots here for his post-football career. That career will now likely continue in Winnipeg if the Bombers are interested, as Harris’ young daughter lives there, and it is his hometown.

Harris’ time as a Lion ends with 4,259 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns across five seasons. He also added another 2,639 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air.

Being Buono: A BC Lions Wish List Ahead of CFL Free Agency

January 29, 2016 By Brian Wawryshyn

The CFL off-season is about to begin its next momentous period on February 9th when the league’s free agents will be on the market. Fans across the league are wishing with Christmas like anticipation that their GM’s can find a few treasures to add to the line-up of their favourite team.

At his end of the season address Wally Buono was asked whether or not the BC Lions would change their approach to free agency this off-season. Traditionally, Wally Buono has not been a big believer of building a team through CFL free agency. However, in his reply he said that the team had to have a different approach, because the “landscape had changed”.

With the elimination of option year contracts (excluding rookies), CFL players are becoming free agents more frequently in hopes of getting a look down south. This is making it harder to find, develop and keep players to build your team around.

This year’s crop of available players is large and impressive, and you can bet the international players on the list are going to be looking at the most they can get given the weak Canadian loonie.

Last week we looked at the Lions remaining free agents, so let’s take a look at who outside of the organization might have Buono’s interest (okay, more like who I would be interested in if I was him) come February 9^th.

We may be reaching for the stars with some of these, but hey it’s fun to dream right?

Ted Laurent – DL (Hamilton) – National

There is no better interior defensive lineman in the league today then Ted Laurent. When you combine that with the fact he is Canadian, it’s no surprise that many consider him the prize catch in this year’s crop of free agents.

Buono has spoken highly of Laurent in the past and wanted to try and get him last time he returned from the NFL. The Lions would dearly love to add Canadian depth to their defensive line and the 28-year-old Laurent would be a key piece to accomplish that.

One of the reasons Laurent signed with Hamilton last go around was a desire to play closer to home, so whether or not he would be open to playing on the west coast is an unknown. He also won’t come cheap and will have several bidders for his services.

Justin Capicciotti – DL (Ottawa) – National

For many of the same reasons the Lions might be interested in Laurent, Justin Capicciottiwould also fit the bill on the defensive line for the Lions. The 23-year-old Simon Fraser University graduate had a monster season for the Redblacks and should he make it to the open market he will be a very hot commodity.

Capicciotti is a relentless pass rusher with a motor that doesn’t quit. He racked up 47 tackles and was third in the league with 12 sacks to his credit. There is no chance the Lions would get both Laurent and Capicciotti, getting one of them would make free agency a success.

Josh Bourke – LT (Montreal) – National

The last time Josh Bourke hit free agency the Lions sent out a tweet saying they were going to be making him an offer. It obviously fell on deaf ears as the 7-time Eastern all-star and lockdown tackle re-signed with the Montreal Alouettes.

The Lions could dearly use some reliable and National depth on their offensive line and starting a Canadian at tackle can have a huge positive ripple effect on your ratio possibilities. The Lions were interested in the past and given the fact Bourke is still at the top of his game, you would think they would be again. But whether Bourke has any desire to move is the question.

The money will have to be top of the pile to get him, but just close your eyes and imagine Bourke and Jovan Olafioye as your starting tackles Lions fans.

Aaron Grymes – DB (Edmonton) – International

Aaron Grymes has been a favourite of mine the last two season playing for the Eskimos. I love how aggressive he is from the half-back spot and he has a great nose for the football. With the Lions absorbing some departures in the secondary, he would be a solid addition to a developing group of young players.

Grymes has had NFL interest himself but to date has not signed a deal. The Eskimos will be eager to keep him and you have to think his previous head coach Chris Jones might come calling as well, but he will be a solid signing wherever he lands.

Whether the Lions try and land a couple of big fish or look for smaller fill-in pieces, it’s going to be fun to watch the fur fly come February 9th.

Who is on your wish list?

The Manny Show Was Must See TV for the BC Lions

December 18, 2015 By Brian Wawryshyn

The ‘Manny Show’ is back for at least the next two seasons and the BC Lions couldn’t be happier to have the show airing at BC Place Stadium once again. When it came right down to it, it was must see TV for the Lions and their fans.

The team announced Thursday that Emmanuel Arceneaux, their leading receiver, had signed a two-year deal with the team, locking up the player who developed great chemistry with new starter Jonathan Jennings. Arceneaux was scheduled to become a free agent in February and there was some though by some, including myself that he may want to test the waters after seeing former teammates Nick Moore and Ernest Jackson cash in the last two seasons.

But GM and head coach Wally Buono realized the value of Arceneaux on and off the field and gave him a deal worthy of a top CFL receiver and team ambassador.

Arceneaux struggled along with the Lions offence early last season. With a new coaching staff and several new players, it took some time for things to gel. There was also an incident following a loss to Montreal where Arceneaux appeared to disrespect his opponent. But if you ask his teammates, that was just “Manny being Manny”, an intense competitor and someone who wants to help his team be the best it can be.

Arceneaux started to generate rave reviews once again with the arrival of Jennings and the young QB showed he wasn’t afraid to let the talented receiver go get the ball, something that wasn’t happening earlier in the 2015 campaign. Arceneaux had a stretch of games where he looked unstoppable, rag dolling defenders for extra yards and making clutch catches.

He finished the season with 76 receptions for 1151, the fourth best total in the league and yards and 9 receiving touchdowns, which was top three.

“Manny is an important part of our offence and leader in our dressing room,” said Buono. “This is a critical signing for the club heading into next season and I know our fans will be very happy to see him remain with the Lions.”

“There was only one place I wanted to play and that’s in BC for Wally and Lions fans,” said Arceneaux. “We’re going to be back in a big way in 2016 and I can’t wait to get started.”

Off the field Arceneaux is one of the Lions busiest ambassadors. He loves speaking to children and makes countless appearances around the community and the province on behalf of the Lions. This past season he developed a connection with Dylan, a young boy with Autism.

Arceneaux is a key piece to the Lions offence and it was vital that the team didn’t let another fan favourite leave. Especially considering the thoughts of many that Andrew Harris could be moving on when free agency opens in February. He’ll be counted on heavily on 2016, but there are few that work harder on and off the field.

Stay tuned, a new season of The Manny Show premiers in June and with co-star Jonathan Jennings, there could be an Emmy in the works.

Emmanuel Arceneaux Career Stats:

Critical Decisions Face Wally Buono

December 12, 2015 By Brian Wawryshyn

Coming off a 7-11 year the Lions had enough challenges entering the off-season without throwing in the coaching shake up that has taken place over the last week. Not only has Wally Buono returned to the sidelines, but he has at least two coaching vacancies to fill on his staff, following the retirements of offensive coordinator George Cortez and special teams coach Chuck McMann.

Thanks to the avalanche the Saskatchewan Roughriders have created, the pool is thinning out quickly.

Reports had the Lions interested in both Jarious Jackson and Paul LaPolice for the vacant offensive coordinator role but Jackson is sticking with Chris Jones and heading to Saskatchewan, while LaPolice returns to Winnipeg to team up with Mike O’Shea.

Another name that had been mentioned is current Calgary Stampeders receivers coach Pete Costanza, was drawing interest from multiple teams. Costanza has done his time, spending eight seasons in Calgary with some impressive results, however that possibility was erased when the Stampeders named their coaching staff earlier this week.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji seems to feel like the Lions will look to Khari Jones once again, who held the title in 2014 before giving way to Cortez last season under the one-year experiment that was Jeff Tedford. It was reported that Jones was drawing some interest from Winnipeg but that no doubt dies with the signing of LaPolice.

Certainly appears as though #BCLions will circle back to Khari Jones to be their OC. Had the gig in 2014. Not many exp options left. #CFL

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) December 9, 2015

That Jones led offence in 2014 didn’t exactly light the league up but he has had another year in the organization and did a good job with the receivers last year who turned things on in the second half. There is also a comfort level with Jones and if Buono feels more stability is needed Jones could get the nod.

Twitter had a few interesting suggestions as well. How about speaking with Steve Burrato? A guy coming off a Vanier Cup title with UBC and someone with a ton of CFL knowledge and experience.

How about going off the board a little and talking to Jeff Garcia? He’s expressed interest in coaching and could see it as an opportunity to eventually become a head coach in the future.

Then there is the chance that Jacques Chapdelaine could be on Buono’s radar once again. The long-time Buono OC is likely going to be looking for work and if Buono can’t find a more desirable option, would he reach out to him? That would be a very hard sell to the Lions faithful, who would likely see that as regression and not progression.

On special teams, there was some thought that Craig Dickenson may join brother Dave in Calgary possibly freeing up Mark Kilam for the Lions vacancy. But Dickenson is also sticking with Jones and heading to the Riders, and it was reported on Tuesday that Kilam had agreed to return to the Stamps.

We also haven’t had confirmation that the remainder of the staff will all be back. Doug Malone did a nice job with the offensive line this season and should return. Mark Washington’s defence struggled early but got much better in the second half of the season. He’s also someone Buono likes and trusts so I don’t see him not being back. Johnny Holland has done a fine job with the linebackers and should be safe. Defensive line coach Robin Ross was brought in by Tedford so it will be interesting to see if Buono goes in a different direction there.

It’s ironic that Wally Buono entered the BC Sports Hall of Fame this week in the builder’s category, and with the Lions facing an important off-season on and off the field, his decisions will be a critical part of building his football team back into contenders.