This week’s Insider Talk is full of discussion about Saskatchewan’s four Achilles tears, the league’s most expensive offensive lines, and whether or not XFL talks are truly dead.
Insider Talk includes anonymous quotes from people around the CFL — players, coaches, personnel experts, and agents — regarding the latest news around the league. It’s a combination of insight, analysis, rumours, and friendly gossip.
Enjoy this week’s quotes and come back next Wednesday for another edition of Insider Talk.
***
I believe this XFL business is dead. If not 100 percent dead, I think it’s 99 percent dead. Why else would the CFL have put out a statement saying the leagues are no longer pursuing something? Nothing concrete was being leaked and they had NDAs in place. Training camps getting underway would have been the perfect distraction to continue talks quietly behind the scenes if there was still hope of a partnership. The CFL could have just been mum on the issue until after the Grey Cup. The fact that they made this statement tells me it’s dead.
***
I don’t think this XFL business is over at all. With a shortened schedule and limited attendance in 2021, those in favour of a collaboration or merger will just have a stronger argument that sweeping change is needed. Randy (Ambrosie)’s staked his reputation on this vision. If he’s still commissioner in six months, I think this XFL stuff heats back up again.
***
Some people don’t have any creativity to come up with their own ideas. If we make it cool to come to CFL games in big markets, the league will thrive.
***
I could see every team eventually going with young Canadians or Globals at kicker. Kickers go late in the draft, so they’re locked into cheap three-year deals and Globals make less than the league minimum. For instance, the Bombers are saving almost $100,000 with (rookie Canadian Marc) Liegghio taking over from (Justin) Medlock.
***
I’ve never heard of a team having four Achilles tears in one season, much less one day. Needless to say, they scared the s*** out of us. I’m sure every other team feels the same way.
***
Some players who haven’t shown up to camp yet just don’t understand how this quarantine works. They think they can avoid it by showing up a few weeks late, but the reality is they’ll just have to quarantine then.
***
The two teams paying their offensive lines the most are Edmonton and B.C.
***
I don’t care which team has the best five or ten players this year. The team with the best *depth* will win. If the backend of your roster is full of guys who can step into a starting role without hurting you, you’ve got a good chance to win your division.
