The Calgary Stampeders entered the CFL off-season with one of the highest free agent totals in the league and have since been relatively quiet, re-signing only backup quarterback Tommy Stevens, offensive lineman Josh Coker, defensive end James Vaughters, and kicker Rene Paredes.
Far from the juggernaut of years past, Calgary struggled to find a rhythm in 2023, committing too many turnovers and struggling to protect the quarterbacks after replacing both of their starting offensive tackles.
While the Stampeders may look to free agency to upgrade their roster from outside the organization, here are 10 players the team should re-sign for 2024. They are listed in no particular order.
DL Mike Rose
Rose led the team with 11 sacks this season, tying for the third-most in the league. This was especially impressive for an interior defender and one of many reasons the 31-year-old was named a CFL all-star for the third consecutive year.
The problem for Calgary is that every other team in the league is well aware of what Rose can bring to the field, so he won’t come cheap. The seven-year veteran faces constant double-teams and still finds a way to make impact plays, making him arguably the most important pending free agent to retain.
RB Dedrick Mills
Ka’Deem Carey was the unquestioned starter as the season began, though Mills was the more productive player after taking over once Carey got banged up. Mills averaged 5.6 yards per carry in 2023, while Carey managed 5.3.
Carey is among the highest-paid players at his position in the CFL but has been frequently injured throughout his career. Mills has produced similar numbers in similar circumstances and should be cheaper to retain as a starter. He’s also five years younger than Carey and in running back years, that’s virtually an eternity.
OL Sean McEwen & OL Ryan Sceviour
The two University of Calgary products are both former first-round picks and have helped make the interior of the offensive line one of the league’s best for the past half-decade. McEwen is a four-time CFL all-star, while Sceviour remains underrated as a one-time West Division all-star selection.
McEwen won’t come cheap but this is a position group at which the Stampeders have spent money in the past. Given the play of McEwen and Sceviour and the value of their position on the open market, it seems fair to assume Calgary will continue investing in these two.
DL Derek Wiggan
The Queen’s product has played more games for the Stampeders than any other player drafted in the John Hufnagel era and is one of the club’s consistent Canadian starters. He’s also a two-time Presidents’ Ring winner, an award given annually to the Calgary player who best combines on-field excellence with leadership off the field.
As a team that’s lost many vocal leaders in the last few seasons, losing Wiggan would be another blow to the Stampeder way. Wiggan matched his career high of four sacks in 2023 and is described by the team’s other defensive linemen as the man who calls the shots.
LB Micah Awe
It would be difficult to go any further down this list without adding Awe given that he set a franchise record for tackles in a season. The veteran recorded 140 total tackles in 2023 to go along with three interceptions and a pair of sacks.
Awe is the latest in a long line of linebackers who put up gaudy numbers in Brent Monson’s defensive system, though he remains just 29. If he wants to play for the same team in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2018, the Texas Tech product would be wide to re-up in Cowtown.
OL Bryce Bell
The former second-round pick has served as Calgary’s sixth man along the offensive line for the past few seasons and has drawn comparisons to Spencer Wilson given his ability to play tackle, guard, and centre.
Given his versatility and rare ability to start at offensive tackle, Bell is a perfect complement to a full collection of starters in front of him. He deserves to get paid whether he’s pencilled in as a starter or not.
SAM Titus Wall
The six-foot, 200-pound defender has been a game-changer when healthy, though that’s unfortunately not been the case often enough during his two years in the league.
Wall’s injury history might be a concern for the Stampeders as he’s played only 21 games over the past two years, though that could also scare off other potential suitors. With 93 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions in his career, Wall is likely to be named an all-star should he manage to play 18 games in 2024.
DL Isaac Adeyemi-Bergland
The former third-overall pick hasn’t disappointed during his time in Calgary, though he’s yet to fully establish himself as an every-down starter. He made 20 tackles and five sacks this past season as he continued his overall development.
The Stampeders have invested a lot into Adeyemi-Bergland and his combination of speed and skill means he still has a bright future ahead. An edge rusher with the right passport is something several organizations covet.
RB Peyton Logan
The speedster is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, though he suffered what appeared to be a serious injury during the West Semi-Final against B.C.
If he’s going to be healthy for training camp in 2024, Logan is a must-retain player for the Stampeders. However, if he remains injured, it makes sense for the team to use caution.
