Canadian linebacker Henoc Muamba has been laying low. That’s polar opposite from the Canada-wide tour the 27-year-old went on last fall.
Ever since Muamba was released by Montreal on February 16, it’s been quiet with regards to where he might play football next. He’s likely looking for an NFL contract to come his way, but if that doesn’t happen the 2011 No. 1 CFL overall pick would turn his focus to the three-down league. Should that happen, a ratio-breaking linebacker would be on the market.
There’s no chance Muamba ends up back with the Alouettes, so eight teams remain. With that said, who might be the best fit for the 2013 CFL All-Star?
Edmonton Eskimos: Family ties, cap room and Ed Hervey’s affinity for Muamba makes the 2015 Grey Cup champions front-runners for his services. Cauchy Muamba, Henoc’s brother, plays on defence for Edmonton. The Eskimos general manager wanted to have a “war chest” available to sign defensive back Aaron Grymes if he doesn’t make it in the NFL. Plus, Edmonton selected receiver Tevaun Smith and cover man Arjen Colquhoun in with their first two CFL picks in the 2016 draft, that means more money is free with each of those players currently under contract with NFL teams.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4dRz9Kl3QE
Hamilton Tiger-Cats: The loss of Craig Butler for most or all of the 2016 season could cause the Tabbies to rekindle their interest in Muamba – he visited Steeltown last September. Inking him would give Hamilton some improved ratio flexibility. The Ticats’ starting middle linebacker from last season, Taylor Reed was allowed to leave for Calgary in free agency. And Canadian Frederic Plesius was re-signed which provides instant depth if paired with Muamba.
Ottawa Redblacks: One darkhorse might just be the team in the nation’s capital. When Justin Capicciotti headed to Saskatchewan that delivered a hit to Ottawa’s ratio versatility. Signing Muamba would mean exchanging one ratio-breaker for another.
Saskatchewan Roughriders: The Riders are looking under every stone for Canadians who can help replenish their national depth and Muamba could help do that in a big way. And we know the talented linebacker likes what Chris Jones does on defence.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers: With three American starters seemingly entrenched in the ‘Peg – Khalil Bass, Ian Wild and Maurice Leggett – Muamba might not make sense. And Winnipeg has created more Canadian depth on the roster and in turn it doesn’t make them desperate to pay a lot of cash for a national talent.
B.C. Lions: Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill play the spots where Muamba would fit on defence, that means the Leos likely won’t be a fit. Plus, Canadian linebacker Boseko Lokombo is looking to make large strides in 2016.
Calgary Stampeders: John Hufnagel rarely – if ever – pays premium prices for free agents. That makes it a longshot that Muamba could come to Cowtown. And the Stamps picked a potential ratio-breaking linebacker, Alex Singleton, with their first-round selection in the CFL draft.
