Dane Evans had a valuation for himself and his quarterback services.
The Tiger-Cats met his number which caused him to sign a two-year contract extension with Hamilton, forgoing becoming a free agent in February. That was a quick change from when Evans said in December that he wanted to test the open market.
“I wasn’t just saying that, I truly did mean that — I guess I could’ve elaborated on it and meant that I’m going to go wherever they get close to my value that I’m worth. I told my agent, I told Nikki, I told my family, I said if Hamilton hits that I’m not going anywhere. I told my inner circle that and sure enough Hamilton did it,” Evans said.
“Over the holidays, I thought who are the top guys in the CFL and what have they done compared to what have I done? I found my value there but at the same time weighing I’m not going to take all the money, I don’t want to be that guy. I thought of a fair number for me with my agent talking about it and the Ticats basically met us at it.”
For the 2022 season Evans can earn $417,000 in hard money, including a $170,000 signing bonus, $223,000 base salary, $12,000 in housing with a $10,000 first time active roster payment and a $2,000 travel allowance.
He’ll take home $1,000 per game for playing 51 percent or more of the offensive snaps, $2,000 for being named an East Division all-star, $3,000 for being named a CFL all-star, $3,000 for being named the East Division Most Outstanding Player and $7,000 for being named the league MOP.
The first year could max out at $450,000 while year two has the same figures except the base salary bumps up $25,000 to $248,000 and his $170,000 comes in the form of a report and pass payment if he comes to training camp on time and passes his physical. Evans compensation in 2023 checks in at $442,000 in hard money with $460,000 possible through playtime cash plus the potential for an additional $15,000 in all-star and individual award bonuses.
“I was realistic, I knew I earned ‘X’ number of dollars, but I didn’t want to be the guy that takes it all. I definitely got paid very nice, I’m very thankful for that, but I think we definitely left some money on the table that other guys if they want to come here can come,” Evan said.
“They wanted me here and I wanted to be here, so for me it was really easy once that decision was made and it helps everything else with free agency too. If I know I’m going to be here there is no reason to wait and string other free agents out, guys that we could sign back before it. I think we can build another championship team.”
The 28-year-old Evans has started two straight Grey Cups, both losses, but the Ticats still believe he can be the man to lead them to their first three-down title since 1999 and end the longest streak in the league without hoisting the coveted silver trophy.
