Another vet gets cut: Adam Konar released by Esks

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

After a free agent spending spree that saw them bring in a trio of American linebackers, the Edmonton Eskimos have released Canadian Adam Konar.

The Esks signed internationals Larry Dean, Don Unamba and Jovan Santos-Knox and in February, a sign that they were looking to go all-American at that position group. That left Konar, the weak-side starter last season, on the outs.

According to 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk, Konar was due a report and pass bonus. But it was more about Konar being asked to take a pay cut and answering no that led to his release.

The 25-year-old Konar was Edmonton’s third-round pick in 2015 and has played in 34 games over the last four seasons including 18 starts. He won a Grey Cup championship his rookie season but has battled injuries throughout his career.

Konar, who was making in the $160,000 range, joins Chris Van Zeyl, Bear Woods and Rolly Lumbala as veteran players released on the eve of training camp. The new CBA, which will see the salary cap increase by just $50,000 this season (assuming its ratified) certainly isn’t doing some established CFLers any favours so far.

No outrage that they release him on medical day?? No opportunity to compete for his spot? Could they not have released him months ago and given him a chance to find another job? People wonder why the players are fighting so hard for a fair #CBA

— Grant Shaw (@grantshaw11) May 18, 2019