B.C. Lions are “95 percent out” on Derel Walker: report

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The market for the CFL’s top remaining free agent might be getting even slimmer.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji appeared on TSN1040 on Wednesday and it seems the Lions might be losing interest in Derel Walker.

According to Lalji, the Lions are “95 percent out” on Walker — one of the best receivers in the CFL over the last number of years. Of course, things could change down the road, but for the time being, the Lions appear to be content with who they have.

Walker has been on the open market since the doors swung open on free agency on February 11.

According to 3DownNation insider Justin Dunk, Walker signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Argonauts for the 2019 season that was worth $280,000. That’s the type of money Walker has come to expect, but the salary cap squeeze is real.

The 28-year-old made 65 catches for 1,040 yards — 16 yards per reception — and six touchdowns during his first year as an Argo in 15 games. He was named an East Division all-star for being a consistent go-to target for Toronto quarterbacks McLeod Bethel-Thompson and James Franklin.

Through 64 games in the CFL, Walker has 363 receptions for 5,248 yards and 32 touchdowns. He’s averaging 82 receiving yards per outing in the three-down league. Walker’s consistently high production could earn him one last shot at the NFL, but that seems unlikely.

Walker is considered to be among the best pass catchers in the CFL and he appears content to play the waiting game until the offer rises to his liking.