CFL free agency is officially two weeks away. We’ve already looked at the best quarterbacks, running backs, and fullbacks currently set to hit the open market. Today, it’s all about the receivers. Don’t forget to check back on Wednesday for the offensive linemen.
The league’s negotiating window is set to open on Sunday, Feb. 4, which will allow all pending free agents to speak to interested teams without restrictions. Though players can’t officially change clubs until Feb. 13, a number of deals will be agreed upon in principle during this week-long window.
Please note that “N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians) and “A” denotes American players.
1. Dalton Schoen, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)
The 27-year-old was named a CFL all-star in both of the past two seasons, recording 141 catches for 2,663 yards and 26 touchdowns over 34 games. The only thing more surprising than how quickly Schoen took the CFL by storm is how his success hasn’t translated into any opportunities in the NFL.
The six-foot-one, 218-pound slotback is the perfect option for any team looking to add explosiveness to their receiving corps. Though he doesn’t beat man coverage as well as some other receivers, Schoen is as good as any when it comes to bringing down tough balls or finding space downfield after the play breaks down.
Schoen is coming off his rookie deal and is looking to become one of the league’s highest-paid receivers, per source, with an ask close to the $300,000 mark. With the Blue Bombers already paying Kenny Lawler $285,000 in 2024, it seems unlikely that he’ll be back in Bomberland.
2. Tim White, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
The 29-year-old overcame a slow start this past season to record 75 catches for a career-high 1,269 yards and eight touchdowns, leading the league in receiving yards and second-down conversions. He was named a CFL all-star for the second consecutive year and an East Division all-star for the third straight season.
White was already among the league’s highest-paid receivers in 2023, so he could be hard-pressed to earn a substantial raise. Regardless, sources have indicated that he’s looking for one after another top season in Steeltown.
3. Shawn Bane Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)
The five-foot-eight, 178-pound target joined the Riders in free agency last off-season as a relatively low-end signing, earning close to $100,000 including playtime incentives. He turned that into a career year with Saskatchewan as he made 93 catches for 1,104 yards and four touchdowns despite the club’s revolving door at quarterback.
Bane Jr. has a lot more leverage this time around after showing how effectively he can stretch the field with his speed. Though his value as a receiver will probably make teams hesitant to use him on special teams, the 28-year-old from Sarasota, Fla. has also proven he can also be an effective returner.
4. Damonte Coxie, Toronto Argonauts (A)
The six-foot-three, 200-pound target is one of few big-bodied receivers currently set to hit the market and he’s coming off a strong year during which he made 39 catches for 787 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 20.2 yards per catch to lead the entire CFL.
The native of Reserve, La. was named an East Division all-star and only recently turned 27. For a team looking to add size and explosiveness to their receiving corps, Coxie fits the bill.
5. Terry Godwin II, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
The Georgia product made 68 catches for 864 yards and six touchdowns this past season, his first as a regular starter for the Tiger-Cats. The former seventh-round NFL draft pick has shown that he can get open without the waggle as he’s played primarily the boundary wide receiver spot in Steeltown.
Godwin has only had one career 100-yard game, though it feels like there are more in the 27-year-old’s future.
6. Cam Phillips, Toronto Argonauts (A)
The former XFL standout has been quietly productive as part of a well-rounded receiving corps in Toronto over the past two seasons, bringing in 119 passes for 1,076 yards and four touchdowns over 24 games. He uses the waggle effectively and has proven he can find open space on intermediate routes.
The six-foot, 202-pound target remains only 28 and should have plenty of good football left in him. Whether he stays or leaves Toronto, expect Phillips to be paid significantly more than the $79,000 he earned in 2023.
7. Lucky Whitehead, B.C. Lions (A)
The former CFL all-star saw his production decline for a second straight season in 2023, posting 58 catches for 728 yards and three touchdowns as part of a crowded B.C. receiving corps. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Whitehead won’t be back in Vancouver, so he’ll be looking to turn back the clock in 2024 with a new team.
The 31-year-old doesn’t appear have the same burst he once had but can still separate. For the right price, he’d be a nice addition for a team looking to add a deep threat who’s also capable of helping out in the return game.
8. Dejon Brissett, Toronto Argonauts, (N)
The former first-round draft pick had somewhat of a breakout performance in 2023, though it still feels like the best is yet to come for this 27-year-old. Brissett averaged 15.6 yards per reception as he hauled in 38 passes for 594 yards and five touchdowns.
There aren’t a lot of Canadian receivers who are still pending free agents, which should help raise Brissett’s value. Expect the Argonauts to fight hard to keep the native of Mississauga wearing double blue.
9. Justin Hardy, Ottawa Redblacks (A)
The five-foot-ten, 192-pound target was named an East Division all-star in 2023 after he set all-new career-highs with 85 catches for 1,009 yards and three touchdowns.
The 32-year-old’s average depth of target was only 8.6 yards in 2023, the fewest of any CFL player with over 750 receiving yards. He won’t stretch the field but has great hands and can produce on second down, helping covert 22 of them one season ago.
10. Rasheed Bailey, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)
The 30-year-old caught 46 passes for 508 yards and six touchdowns last season, though his best quality might be his ability as a blocker. The six-foot-one, 217-pound target doesn’t shy away from contact and is one of the reasons Winnipeg’s run game has been so successful since he joined the Blue Bombers in 2019.
11. Luther Hakunavanhu, Calgary Stampeders (N)
The former fifth-round pick caught 23 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns this past season, though one could argue he’s yet to reach his full potential. He has impressive athleticism for someone with a six-foot-four, 209-pound frame but has dropped too many passes over the past two seasons to be ranked higher on this list.
12. Duke Williams, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
The former CFL all-star’s tenure as one of the league’s highest-paid players has clearly come to an end after he made only 36 receptions for 510 yards and one touchdown in 2023. The Ticats shut down the six-foot-three, 225-pound target midseason and have already made it clear that he won’t be back with the team in 2024. If Williams plays another snap in the CFL, it’ll be on a greatly reduced salary.
Best of the rest: Manny Arceneaux, Edmonton Elks (A); Juwan Brescacin, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N); Greg Ellingson, Montreal Alouettes (A); Shaq Evans, Ottawa Redblacks (A); Jake Harty, Montreal Alouettes (N); Colton Hunchak, Calgary Stampeders (A); Hergy Mayala, Montreal Alouettes (N); Siaosi Mariner, Ottawa Redblacks (A); Brendan O’Leary-Orange, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N); Chris Osei-Kusi, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N); Daniel Petermann, B.C. Lions (N); Tevaun Smith, Ottawa Redblacks (N); Tyler Ternowski, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N); Derel Walker, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A); Jake Wieneke, Free Agent (A).
