The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are hoping to open a new chapter in 2024 but that could include writing out one of the franchise’s most popular players.
Speaking to the media this week, general manager Ed Hervey was coy about the future of Simoni Lawrence, declining to commit to extending the veteran linebacker ahead of the expiration of his contract in February.
“I think at this point, we’re just in disputes and discussions. I think a lot of stuff is still up for conversation,” Hervey said of Lawrence’s status. “That’s not something that I can say yes or no to. The reality is that we’re just in the early process of discussing what our roster’s gonna look like and how we want to build this football team.”
Lawrence has been a staple of the Tiger-Cats’ defence since 2013, becoming the face of the franchise over 10 seasons with the team. The five-time East Division all-star and three-time finalist for Most Outstanding Defensive Player is Hamilton’s all-time tackle record holder, having amassed 758 total tackles, 34 sacks, 15 interceptions and seven forced fumbles in 150 career CFL games.
However, the native of Upper Darby, Pa. is scheduled to hit free agency next month, just two weeks after he turns 35 years old. After Hamilton re-shuffled their front office and coaching staff this offseason in the hopes of returning to Grey Cup contention, an aging veteran like Lawrence may not be a priority.
“The fact that we haven’t had much success the last couple of years with respect to record-wise, we have to look at everything,” Hervey insisted. “We haven’t gotten into the full details of discussing our personnel to the level of what we’re doing with guys or where guys are as far as returning. But when we look at the roster, we have to look at it objectively and make determinations as to what players look like on the field as well. I think that’s kind of important.”
Lawrence faced accusations of declining performance after his production dipped in 2022 and was not guaranteed his starting job last season. However, he posted a bounce-back year in 2023, staying healthy for all 18 games while recording 83 defensive tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
No player can hold Father Time at bay forever though and the Ticats are facing age-related decisions on a number of core players, including Lawrence, defensive linemen Ted Laurent, Dylan Wynn, and Ja’Gared Davis, defensive back Richard Leonard, and offensive lineman Chris Van Zeyl. After loading up on veterans in the past, the organization may take a different tact this year.
“In all fairness to the fans who are expecting us to have success, we have to look at our roster as a whole and make determinations and then from there we’ll have a chance to really decide what this team is gonna look like moving forward,” Hervey said.
“There’s a place for veteran presence and all those things, but just know that also there’s an expectation that comes with how we look when we hit the field and that’s the conversation for myself, the coaching staff, Scott (Milanovich) and Orlondo (Steinauer), moving forward.”
CFL free agency is slated to open on February 13 at noon ET. The Ticats will begin their 2024 season on Friday, June 7 when they visit the Calgary Stampeders.
