Trevor Harris was released by the Montreal Alouettes on Monday, which wasn’t a big surprise after Vernon Adams Jr. signed a contract extension through 2023 last week.
Harris was due a $300,000 roster bonus on Feb. 1 on the contract that he originally signed with Edmonton. With that deal now terminated, he has become a free agent eligible to sign with any team six weeks before other pending free agents hit the open market.
I’ve taken the liberty of breaking all nine CFL teams into one of three tiers based on how likely they are to sign Harris. Assuming he’s back for 2022, the 35-year-old should have a number of suitors across the country after throwing eight touchdowns and two interceptions in late-season action with the Alouettes.
Easy to see
Ottawa Redblacks
The passing game in R-Nation was miserable in 2021, finishing at a league-worst 194.6 yards per game. It’s possible that new general manager Shawn Burke will look to sign one of Hamilton’s two starting-calibre quarterbacks, but Harris played well during his three-year stint in Ottawa and would be a big upgrade over anyone they currently have on the roster.
Toronto Argonauts
McLeod Bethel-Thompson regressed as the 2021 season went on, tossing three touchdowns and nine interceptions over his final five regular season starts. With Nick Arbuckle and vice-president of player personnel John Murphy no longer in Toronto, the club could look to reverse course and start a new chapter with a more proven pivot under centre.
Possible but unlikely
B.C. Lions
Michael Reilly is reportedly considering retirement after missing the postseason for the third time in as many seasons. Harris would provide the Lions with a seamless transition at the game’s most important position while providing young Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke with a mentor as he continues his development.
Edmonton Elks
Would it be crazy for Harris to rejoin the team that traded him away just two months ago? Maybe, but let’s not forget that the Elks have cleaned house since Harris was a member of the team. Edmonton will have a brand new front office in 2022 and the club would be wise to bring in a veteran quarterback to take some pressure off a young Taylor Cornelius.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Ticats currently have the best quarterback depth in the CFL with Jeremiah Masoli and Dane Evans, but both pivots are pending free agents. In the unlikely event that neither player re-signs with Hamilton, Harris would be an excellent replacement capable of leading the club to another deep postseason run.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The two-time reigning Grey Cup champions have the league’s Most Outstanding Player under centre in Zach Collaros, though he’s a pending free agent. Will he choose to leave Winnipeg? That seems unlikely, but this is the CFL — crazy things happen all the time. If Collaros left the Blue Bombers, Harris would provide them with a solid replacement.
Ain’t happening
Calgary Stampeders
Bo Levi Mitchell remains under contract with the Stamps through 2022 and the club is expected to try to retain Jake Maier as their No. 2. When you’ve got a future Hall of Fame inductee as your starter and a really good prospect as his backup, it doesn’t make any sense to sign a 35-year-old free agent.
Montreal Alouettes
Montreal just released Harris after extending the contract of Vernon Adams Jr. through 2023, so it seems highly unlikely that he’d rejoin them in free agency. I’m sure the Als would have loved to keep Harris around as their backup, but the league’s salary cap — which likely won’t increase in 2022 — makes that almost impossible.
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Cody Fajardo is firmly entrenched as the starter in Riderville and remains under contract for 2022. General manager Jeremy O’Day recently gave former North Texas star Mason Fine a vote of confidence as the backup, so it’s tough to see Saskatchewan making a play for an expensive veteran like Harris.
Where do you think Trevor Harris will land in 2022? Be sure to let me know on Twitter.
