CFL free agent rankings: Kickers and Returners

As we approach the opening of CFL free agency on Tue., Feb. 13, 3DownNation’s Justin Dunk, Drew Edwards and John Hodge are ranking every player potentially available by position. Here are the specialists with kickers and returners.

Kickers

1. Lirim Hajrullahu, TOR
Age: 27
Stats: 47-of-58 field goals (81 per cent), 44-yard punting average
Notes: The Canuck kicked the Grey Cup-winning field goal to clinch the Argos 27-24 victory. He’s the only Canadian that handles all the kicking duties in the league, fourth all-time in field goal conversion rate and consistent punter. Cheaper than have two different kickers on the roster and allows a designated import to be used elsewhere on the roster.

2. Brett Maher, OTT
Age: 28
Stats: 41-of-50 field goals (82 per cent), 46.7-yard punt average
Notes: Maher played all 18 games for the Redblacks and was very reliable. He was the East all-star punter in 2017.

3. Swayze Waters, EDM
Age: 30
Stats: 5-of-11 field goals
Notes: Waters saw action in five contests for the Eskimos as a field goal kicker.

4. Quinn Van Gylswyk, SSK
Age: 26
Stats: 1-of-3 career field goals
Notes: Big leg with potential but hasn’t gotten a lengthy opportunity yet.

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Returners

1. Roy Finch, CAL
Age: 26
Stats: CFL-leading 1,200 punt return yards and three touchdowns
Notes: The 2017 Most Outstanding Special Teams Player is a dynamic playmaker with the football in his hands.

2.Nic Demski, SSK
Age: 24
Stats: 19 catches for 222 yards and one touchdown, 227 punt return yards
Notes: Young and tons of potential in the return game.

3. Jamill Smith, EDM
Age: 26
Stats: 24 punt returns for 220 yards, eight kick returns for 201 yards
Notes: Pint-sized returner still has some juice.

4. Travon Van, EDM
Age: 26
Stats: six kick returns for 148 yards, seven punt returns for 83 yards
Notes: Added punt returning to his repertoire in 2017.

5. Kendial Lawrence, EDM
Age: 26
Stats: seven kick returns for 158 yards, 13 punt returns for 100 yards
Notes: Return opportunities diminished last season.

6. Greg Morris, SSK
Age: 25
Stats: 32 kick off returns for 732 yards
Notes: Canadian who can be a primary kick off returner.

7. Junior Collins, HAM
Age: 26
Stats: five kick returns for 83 yards, three punt returns for 18 yards
Notes: More usage in the return game could display Collins true abilities.