B.C. Lions
2020 CFL free agency day one: LIVE
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3Down StaffThe first day of CFL free agency in 2020 following the installation of the new negotiating window was absolutely wild.
3DownNation brought you up-to-the-minute coverage all day long on February 12 — there were 50 players who changed teams. Relive the entire day and get caught up with how it all went down by going through our live coverage.
3DownNation tracked the signings, rumours, and analysis as the day progressed. All signings are written in bold for easy navigation.
9:35 PM ET — Toronto has added another starting Canadian, via Justin Dunk. This time it’s linebacker Chris Ackie. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1227422419872309248
9:01 PM ET — As per Justin Dunk, the Argonauts have signed another stud Canadian in cornerback Arjen Colquhoun. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1227411750212993036
8:10 PM ET — B.C. Lions add to their National depth by acquiring LB Kevin Francis.
https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/1227398884097286144
7:40 PM ET — Farhan Lalji with the numbers for Micah Johnson in B.C.
https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1227391436900843520
7:38 PM ET– There is still lots of talent available towards the end of day one.
https://twitter.com/JohnDHodge/status/1227386892070596608
7:12 PM ET — Star defensive tackle Micah Johnson has agreed to play in Vancouver next season, according our own Justin Dunk. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1227383683868438529
7:00 PM ET — The B.C. Lions have beefed up their offensive line with stalwart tackle Ryker Mathews heading to the West Coast. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/BCLions/status/1227381279168974848
6:37 PM ET — Versatile DE Adrian Tracy is now a Montreal Alouette, per Herb Zurkowsky. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/1227374530630496256
6:33 PM ET — Fresh off the presses from Justin Dunk, Larry Dean is headed back to the Hammer after a year in Edmonton. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1227374473747337216
6:13 PM ET — Micah Johnson has made his decision according to Justin Dunk.
https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1227369462703304704
6:08 PM ET — Tiger-Cats are teasing a big signing still to come…
https://twitter.com/Louis_Butko/status/1227361702389276672
https://twitter.com/Louis_Butko/status/1227368024451231749
6:05 PM ET — Former Grey Cup hero Abdul Kanneh returns to Ottawa. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS/status/1227367765876539392
6:00 PM ET — The Tiger-Cats fill a need at National linebacker by signing former Argonauts’ Justin Herdman-Reed.
https://twitter.com/Ticats/status/1227365877416259584
5:58 PM ET — It’s one right after the other with the Argos adding Alex Bazzie as well.
https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1227364669179994112
5:55 PM ET — Another top National lands in Toronto. The Argos have inked former second round pick Fabion Foote, as per John Hodge.
https://twitter.com/JohnDHodge/status/1227365081450713089
5:20 PM ET — Hamilton adds some DB depth with the addition of Qudarius Ford. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/Ticats/status/1227356059754348545
5:18 PM ET — Toronto continues to reel in the established names. DE Craig Roh is the latest to be announced. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos/status/1227354909265276931
4:56 PM ET — Toronto has signed veteran National LB Nick Shortill away from the Tiger-Cats.
https://twitter.com/CFL/status/1227350120162832385
4:45 PM ET — There is lots of talent still available as we near hour five of free agency.
https://twitter.com/JC_AbbottCFL/status/1227347245160206336
4:43 PM ET — Jonathan Jennings continues to play the waiting game as the top QB available, per Dave Naylor.
https://twitter.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/1227347073760186368
4:09 PM ET — RB Jeremiah Johnson is off the board. He’s retiring, per Farhan Lalji. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1227338164139773958
4:08 PM ET — Quarterback Dakota Prukop has signed with the Stampeders. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/calstampeders/status/1227337746399653888
4:00 PM ET — Biggest loser so far? Analyst John Hodge thinks it might be Ottawa.
https://twitter.com/JohnDHodge/status/1227335473426845696
3:56 PM ET — Some hefty numbers coming into focus for the DaVaris Daniels contract, per Farhan Lalji.
https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1227332349387509762
3:50 PM ET — Interest in National DT Fabion Foote is coming from both B.C. and Toronto.
https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/1227334006074748928
3:44 PM ET — Edmonton play-by-play man Morley Scott reports that OL Jean-Simon Roy is back into the fold. His colleague Dave Campbell has the tweet.
https://twitter.com/Dave_CHED/status/1227333589278306305
3:39 PM ET — Herb Zurkowsky continues to break news, this time reporting the Alouettes have re-signed DB Ciante Evans.
https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/1227330035406843905
3:30 PM ET — LB Korey Jones is returning to Edmonton, courtesy of Dave Campbell.
https://twitter.com/Dave_CHED/status/1227315411408039939
3:26 PM ET — A third former B.C. Lion (this time it’s LB Frederic Chagnon) has reunited with his college coach in Montreal, per Herb Zurkowsky.
https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/1227326734858629121
3:22 PM ET — REC DaVaris Daniels lands with Toronto, according to Justin Dunk. For more, click here.
https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1227326766806700032
3:00 PM ET — Could the Ryan Brown signing mean the B.C. Lions have lost out on Micah Johnson? Farhan Lalji with the speculation.
https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/1227320736173391872
2:53 PM ET — The B.C. Lions and Montreal Alouettes have swapped defensive linemen with David Menard heading east and Ryan Brown heading west. For more on the Menard signing, click here.
https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/1227317058884505600
https://twitter.com/HerbZurkowsky1/status/1227319283077787650
2:38 PM ET — Our own John Hodge with the scoop, reporting that DT Junior Luke will reunite with former University of Montreal coach Danny Maciocia in La Belle Province.
BREAKING: Former first-round pick DL Junior Luke has agreed to terms with the Montreal Alouettes. #CFL #CFLFA https://t.co/0eZ4UOb954
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 11, 2020
2:35 PM ET — Justin Dunk reports that the B.C. Lions are heavily pursuing Micah Johnson as they continue to upgrade their pass rush.
The #BCLions are making a strong push to ink beast defensive lineman Micah Johnson https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/fDwh3bbLFX
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
2:30 PM ET — Former Riders’ special teamer Alexander Gagne is headed to Montreal. For more, click here.
2:25 PM ET — It’s free agency all over the world, as John Hodge reports that Canadian quarterback and 2019 Hec Crighton trophy winner Chris Merchant is headed to the Finnish Maple League.
I didn't anticipate breaking news today that was unrelated to #CFLFA but here we are.
Call it Finnish free agency, I suppose.
Western QB Chris Merchant to sign with Wasa Royals of Vaahteraliiga. #CFL @USPORTSca @USPORTS_FB @WesternMustangs
🇨🇦🏈 https://t.co/zz9f4tt1Qr pic.twitter.com/nOcqdvJO4f
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 11, 2020
2:22 PM ET — The Riders have re-signed special teamer Jordan Reaves.
More from @JReaves77 in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣.
🗞 » https://t.co/abIEzm2vHq#CFL pic.twitter.com/MSZRY6qaPU
— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) February 11, 2020
2:18 PM ET — Those questions may be eased given that Farhan Lalji reports J.R. Tavai is also joining the B.C. Lions. For more, click here.
#BCLions have added JR Tavai from #RedBlacks. 1 year deal. Another 26 year old DE with 7 sacks last season. @CFLonTSN https://t.co/3VDt2TnVwb
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 11, 2020
2:15 PM ET — Some are questioning the fit of DE Chris Casher in B.C.
The Chris Casher signing is an interesting one. #BCLions have a desperate need to upgrade their DL. He’s only 26 and had 7 sacks last year, but I’m told there are system limitations there. A one year deal at a reasonable number makes me wonder what #Stampeders knew to let him go
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 11, 2020
2:00 PM ET — The Eskimos make official the re-signing of offensive tackle Tommie Draheim.
🇺🇸 OL Tommie Draheim has been re-signed! Welcome back Tommie!
🖥️: https://t.co/EWLxdNJzGv pic.twitter.com/PLHEuStQwk
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) February 11, 2020
1:58 PM ET — Edmonton is out of the running for receivers DeVier Posey and DaVaris Daniels but still have interest in acquiring Naaman Roosevelt.
#Eskimos are out of the running for REC DeVier Posey. DaVaris Daniels asking price is out of the Esks range. Hearing they are still in on Namaan Roosevelt. #CFLFA
— Dave Campbell (@Dave_CHED) February 11, 2020
1:55 PM ET — Dave Naylor is reporting that Hamilton is now out of the Larry Dean sweepstakes.
Neither @Ticats nor @REDBLACKS in on LB Larry Dean. #CFL
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
1:50 PM ET — It appears former first-round receiver Brian Jones is back with the Tiger-Cats alongside Courtney Stephen. For more on Stephen’s signing, click here.
.@TicatsInsurance Player Transaction Alert:
We've signed two 🇨🇦 players, including defensive back Courtney Stephen (@TheCStephen) and wide receiver Brian Jones (@Bjoness17).
🗞️ > https://t.co/z2JMDqAIKG#Ticats | #CFLFA | @InsuredWithMIB pic.twitter.com/ccwTaeqSdz
— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) February 11, 2020
1:44 PM ET — Tim Baines reports that National LB Chris Mulumba-Tshimanga has inked with Ottawa, giving them some ratio flexibility.
#Redblacks have signed LB Chris Mulamba. #CFL
— Tim Baines (@TimCBaines) February 11, 2020
1:40 PM ET — Justin Dunk reports that talks are ongoing between LB Larry Dean and the Tiger-Cats, while Dave Naylor says the Redblacks are out of the sweepstakes.
Some Larry Dean to @REDBLACKS rumours out there but I’ve been led to believe that is NOT a possibility.#CFL #Redblacks
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
1:36 PM ET — The Stampeders have re-signed backup QB Montell Cozart, according to play-by-play man Mark Stephen. For more, click here.
BREAKING; @calstampeders re-sign QB Montell Cozart #qb #yyc #cflfa
— markonfootball (@Markonfootball) February 11, 2020
1:30 PM ET — The B.C. Lions have added some veteran National depth in the form of Cameron Walker.
🔏SIGNED: #BCLions add free agent DL Cameron Walker.
Welcome to BC Cameron!
MORE: https://t.co/apaMPMV9VW pic.twitter.com/jjIHIpXzZC
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) February 11, 2020
1:20 PM ET — The new Canadian Air Force is taking off from BMO Field.
Juwan Brescacin, T.J. Jones, Llevi Noel & Natey Adjei in the same receiving corps?
That hardly seems fair. Suddenly the #Argos have arguably the best group of Canadian receivers in the #CFL. #CFLFA https://t.co/A2bx5Njkhq
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 11, 2020
1:16 PM ET — The Alouettes have finally entered the building, signing DB Tyquwan Glass for 2020 according to 3Down’s Justin Dunk.
BREAKING: #Alouettes sign DB Tyquwan Glass for one-year through the 2020 season https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #Montreal #AlsMTL #CFL pic.twitter.com/hbstZNFR2T
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
1:12 PM ET — Dunk has the B.C. Lions adding some National safety help in the form of two years from former Bomber Derek Jones.
BREAKING: #BCLions sign former #Bombers Canadian DB Derek Jones for two years through 2021 https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/VXyTJqk6jE
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
1:06 PM ET — More on one of today’s biggest signings, Cleyon Laing’s three-year deal with Ottawa, can be found right here.
1:02 PM ET — National DB Courtney Stephens will reunite with the Tiger-Cats on a one-year deal, per our own Justin Dunk.
BREAKING: #Ticats reunite with Canadian DB Courtney Stephen, one-year agreement for the 2020 #CFL season https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #HamOnt #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/Utu1dHa8lH
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
1:00 PM ET — The Eskimos have added returner Shakeir Ryan, according to Dave Naylor.
WR/KR Shakeir Ryan to the @EdmontonEsks. Recently released by the @MTLAlouettes. #CFL #Esks
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
12:59 PM ET– OL Dariusz Bladek will join OL Philip Blake in Toronto, according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji. For more, click here.
Hearing OL Darius Bladek has agreed to terms on a 1 year deal with #Argos. @CFLonTSN #Riders
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 11, 2020
12:56 PM ET — Another bombshell from Dunk, as he reports the Lions will sign former Stampeder DE Chris Casher. Some desperately needed pass rush help.
BREAKING: #BCLions sign rising pass rusher Chris Casher to a one-year contract for the 2020 #CFL season https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/3WXF0G40Vr
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
12:52 PM ET — The Argonauts improve up front by adding former NFL draft pick and Toronto native Philip Blake, per Justin Dunk.
BREAKING: #Argos sign former #Riders Canadian OL Philip Blake https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #Toronto #TheSix #ArgosFootball #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/MVcc6my0Ah
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
12:48 PM ET — National RB/REC Anthony Coombs will be playing in the Nation’s Capital next season, according to Dave Naylor. For more, click here.
The @REDBLACKS add Canadian RB Anthony Coombs. Played last season with @Ticats. #CFLFA
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
12:43 PM ET — All-Star DB Richard Leonard has signed with the Calgary Stampeders, per Justin Dunk. Also on their way to Cowtown are National DE Connor McGough and punter Ronnie Pfeffer.
#Stampeders sign #CFL all-star DB Richard Leonard https://t.co/kNcFjbos4d #CFLFA
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
12:39 PM ET — TSN’s Matthew Scianitti has the Argos signing Canadian receiver Juwan Brescacin. For more, click here.
According to #CFL sources Canadian receiver Juwan Brescacin is heading to Toronto #Argos
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 11, 2020
12:36 PM ET — John Hodge reports that Edmonton has signed recently released Argo RB Brandon Burks.
BREAKING: RB Brandon Burks is signing with the #Esks. https://t.co/0eZ4UOb954
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 11, 2020
12:32 PM ET — Hamilton has signed former Stampeders’ RB Don Jackson, per our own Justin Dunk. For more, click here.
#Eskimos defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe and free agent SAM linebacker Anthony Cioffi have been linked together https://t.co/qNUK3Cc3bf #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/W06hv2jaMf
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
12:25 PM ET — Do-it-all National LB Thomas Miles is officially back with the Blue Bombers
The team has signed linebacker Thomas Miles (@tmiles48) to a one-year contract extension.
📝 https://t.co/ClHk47qtYW#ForTheW #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/fo07aU3WBF
— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) February 11, 2020
12:19 PM ET — SAM linebacker Don Unamba is headed to Ottawa according to TSN’s Dave Naylor.
Hearing ex @EdmontonEsks LB Don Unamba heading to @REDBLACKS. #redblacks #CFLFA
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
12:11 PM ET — The Eskimos have signed DB Trumaine Washington as per John Hodge. For more, click here.
12:09 PM ET — The Eskimos have added Justin Tuggle and Anthony Covington according to TSN’s Farhan Lalji
Justin Tuggle and Anthony Covington have agreed to terms with #Eskimos @CFLonTSN
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 11, 2020
12:01 PM ET — The Eskimos announce the re-signing of DL Mark Mackie
🇨🇦 DL Mark Mackie has been extended through the 2021 season!
Welcome back Mark!
🖥️: https://t.co/N94SNZpLu8 pic.twitter.com/iqWMBpTSDH
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) February 11, 2020
11:53 AM ET — The Stampeders have found their replacement for the retired Rob Maver according to Postmedia’s Danny Austin.
Stampeders moving fast
Have signed punter/kicker Ronnie Pfeffer— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) February 11, 2020
11:43 AM ET — The Lions are bringing back returner Chris Rainey according to TSN’s Davis Sanchez.
Looks like Chris Rainey is headed back to #Bclions. A guy getting older but can still can flat out fly #CFL
— Davis Sanchez (@DavisSanchez) February 11, 2020
11:40 AM ET — DB Josh Johnson appears to be headed east to Manitoba according to TSN’s Dave Naylor
The @Wpg_BlueBombers addressing a need at DB … expected to add former @EdmontonEsks Josh Johnson. #Bombers.
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
11:31 AM ET — The Calgary Stampeders are likely adding DB Branden Dozier according to Postmedia’s Danny Austin.
I'm told DB Branden Dozier will be joining the Calgary Stampeders.
2018 East Division All-Star with the Alouettes, had 70 defensive tackles last season with the Lions, the 13th most in the CFL (also had 7 special teams tackles, which you know matters to the Stamps)
— Danny Austin (@DannyAustin_9) February 11, 2020
11:22 AM ET — It looks like DT Dylan Wynn is staying in the Hammer, according to the Ticats Louis Butko
HUGE NEWS: It will be made official soon, but I've been told in the hallways of Tim Hortons Field the @Ticats have re-signed Dylan Wynn to a new deal!! #CFLFA #CFL
— Louie B (@LouieB_TV) February 11, 2020
11:16 AM ET — The Argos have added Canadian receiver T.J. Jones according to Justin Dunk. For more, click here.
BREAKING: #Argos sign former #NFL receiver, ratio-breaking Canadian pass catcher T.J. Jones (@IamTJ_Jones) via @JDunk12 https://t.co/napQteZ2Qs #Toronto #TheSix #CFL #CFLFA pic.twitter.com/oarTy1QkuC
— 3DownNation (@3DownNation) February 11, 2020
11:07 AM ET — It could be a quiet day for the Blue Bombers who used up plenty of cash signing DE Willie Jefferson.
Kyle Walters tells the media there is “not much left” in the way of cap money after re-signing so many of their own players.
I’d set the over-under on free agents the #Bombers sign today at 0.5. #CFL #CFLFA
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 11, 2020
10:51 AM ET — DT Cleyon Laing could be on the move according to TSN’s Davis Sanchez.
Hearing Cleyon Laing is going to #Redblacks. One of the best interior lineman in CFl American or Canadian
— Davis Sanchez (@DavisSanchez) February 11, 2020
10:39 AM ET — The Edmonton Eskimos have signed DB Jonathon Mincy according to Justin Dunk. For more, click here.
10:37 AM ET — TSN’s Dave Naylor reports Riders LB Solomon Elimimian could make as much as $163,500 in 2020
The new @SolomonE56 deal with @sskroughriders pays him $155K in hard money, with incentives to $163.5K. #CFL #Riders
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) February 11, 2020
10:10 AM ET — Saskatchewan Roughriders re-sign LB Solomon Elimimian, as per Justin Dunk. For more, click here.
Second act in #Saskatchewan: #Riders renew contract for star linebacker Solomon Elimimian https://t.co/U8l7GyXznf #CFL pic.twitter.com/6E5TMnSEK6
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
10:07 AM ET — Ottawa Redblacks re-sign LB Kevin Brown II and DB Randall Evans. Both were slated to become free agents at today’s deadline.
9:59 AM ET — 3DownNation’s Santino Filoso has some names for Redblacks’ fans to follow up with today. Check out his thoughts here.
9:39 AM ET — Justin Dunk reports that James Franklin’s new deal with Saskatchewan is worth $115,000 in hard money plus incentives.
#Riders signed QB James Franklin for $115,000 in hard money with possible playtime incentives https://t.co/q81xZiZFsJ #Saskatchewan #CFL pic.twitter.com/AubsBAu2td
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020
8:54 AM ET — 3DownNation’s John Hodge reports that national linebacker Chris Ackie has hit the market early. For more, click here.
Linebacker Chris Ackie has requested and been granted his release by the Montreal Alouettes. The 28-year-old is one of the top national free agents available. #CFL #CFLFA #MontreALS
— John Hodge (@JohnDHodge) February 11, 2020
8:37 AM ET — Cleyon Laing tweets this video of cleaning out his locker in Toronto. The dominant national defensive tackle has suitors in Ottawa and B.C., as per Justin Dunk.
End of a Era @TorontoArgos pic.twitter.com/BLOTNNotCX
— Cleyon Laing (@Biggzz90) February 11, 2020
1:57 AM ET — Saskatchewan Roughriders sign QB James Franklin, as per Justin Dunk. For the full story, click here.
#Riders sign quarterback James Franklin https://t.co/q81xZiZFsJ #Saskatchewan #YQR #Regina #CFL pic.twitter.com/gAz1D0zmz5
— Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) February 11, 2020