The biggest names among CFL cuts

CFL teams have made their final cuts ahead of the 2018 season and here are the notable names that are now unemployed.

National receiver Rob Bagg, Saskatchewan

Bagg’s release ends a ten-year run in Riderville for the former undrafted kid out of Queen’s. The 33-year-old is coming off a season in which he recorded just 339 receiving yards — the second-lowest output of his career — and one touchdown. Expect to see Bagg on the field again in the near future.

International offensive lineman Travis Bond, Saskatchewan

The 27-year-old started 16 games for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last season and he was a CFL all-star at guard in 2016. Bond has tremendous size at 6-foot-7, 360 pounds. He was signed by the green and white in free agency to a one-year deal which included a chunk of signing bonus money between $20,000 and $30,000.

National defensive tackle Faith Ekakitie, Winnipeg

The first overall pick in the 2017 CFL Draft, the 25-year-old played in 14 games making five tackles during his rookie year and was expected to compete for a starting defensive tackle position this season. The Bombers wanted to see Ekakitie show up at training camp in better shape, but it didn’t happen and that was the start of the end.

National defensive lineman Randy Colling, Calgary

Last year’s sixth overall pick is without a team following Colling’s release from the Stamps. Colling has played offensive line in the past, which could help him get a second look with another team. Now 28, Colling’s age is working against him if a position change is in the works.

International receiver Bakari Grant, Saskatchewan

Coming off his first 1,000-yard season, Grant became a victim of the numbers game in Regina. Turning 31 next month, the big-bodied possession receiver should still have enough tread on the tire to help out a team this season when injuries inevitably begin to pile up.

National running back Ed Ilnicki, Ottawa

The reigning Hec Crighton winner was cut by the Redblacks and tweeted that he’s on his way back to Edmonton. The problem? Ilnicki doesn’t have any remaining USports eligibility. We’ll see what the future holds for the former Golden Bear.

National defensive back Cauchy Muamba, B.C.

Muamba was thought to be in the mix to back-up starting safety Anthony Thompson in Vancouver, but he was one of the Lions’ first cuts on Saturday. Now 31, this could be the end of the line for the 2010 draft pick and two-time Grey Cup champion.

International receiver Chad Owens, Saskatchewan

The Flyin’ Hawaiian is 36, but still posted respectable numbers in three games last season (235 receiving yards, 17 receptions, one touchdown). There are concerns about his ability to stay healthy, but Owens brought value to the Riders in his ability to mentor enigmatic receiver/defensive back Duron Carter.

National receiver Anthony Parker, Calgary

The local product recently finished his seventh season with the Stamps, recording 2,245 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 108 career games. Still just 28, Parker should have plenty to contribute to a team that is in need of a Canadian receiver.

National quarterback Noah Picton, Toronto

The 2016 Hec Crighton winner is Canada West’s all-time leader in passing yards, but that didn’t translate into any action in the Argos in training camp. Picton is expected to return to the Rams for his final season of USports eligibility, after which he’ll have another opportunity to try the CFL.