Insider Talk: Adam Bighill’s pay cut, the cap crunch & Greg Ellingson to Saskatchewan?

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

It’s Wednesday morning, which means it’s time for another edition of Insider Talk.

Each week I speak with people in CFL circles — front office staff, scouts, coaches, agents, players, etc. — and publish a handful of their anonymous quotes. It makes for a fun combination of news, insight, analysis, and friendly gossip.

This feature has become increasingly popular with each passing week. Thank-you to all who have taken the time to read and share it.

Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next Wednesday for another edition of Insider Talk.

***

Considering he only has one year (as a starting quarterback) under his belt, the Riders are paying Cody Fajardo too much money.

***

When he’s healthy, Adam Bighill is still the best linebacker in the CFL. With (star defensive end) Willie (Jefferson) taking $205,000 on his new deal, I thought Biggie would be getting around $150,000. Winnipeg got a bargain.

***

I was hoping (Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ offensive guard) Brandon Revenberg was going to reach free agency. He’s a stud in the run game and he can pass block well, too.

***

I don’t see Edmonton bringing back (Almondo) Sewell. They paid (American defensive tackle) Mike Moore a lot of money and they’ve got better Canadian talent on D-line than any other team in the league. There’s just no room for him anymore.

***

Nick Arbuckle was successful in Calgary because of the system and the talent around him. Even then, he only went 4-3 as the starter. I think he’s going to be the next James Franklin — a guy who’s a solid No. 2 but not someone who’s going to lead your franchise.

***

I’m pissed that Calgary got (2019 fourth-round draft pick) Fraser Sopik re-signed. He’s small but his instincts are really good. He’s probably the best linebacker that’s been in any of the last three drafts.

***

(Saskatchewan Roughriders’ offensive coordinator) Jason Maas is banging the table for Greg Ellingson. He loves him and has let that be known throughout their front office.

***

I saw that comment in your article last week about capping quarterback salaries. Let me ask you this — why don’t we do the same for GMs? Where are they gonna go? If quarterback salaries are capped, we should cap GM salaries, too.

***

The linebacker market is all f***ed up now with Adam Bighill taking such a large pay cut. The three best Canadians (Henoc Muamba, Cam Judge, Chris Ackie) are all still pending free agents, which just makes it more volatile.