CFL free agency is set to get underway on Tuesday, Feb. 13 and 3DownNation is looking ahead by ranking each group of pending free agents by position.
We’ve already looked at the quarterbacks, running backs and fullbacks, receivers, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen currently set to hit the open market. Today, we shift our focus to those that roam the second level of the defence.
The league’s negotiating window is set to open on Sunday, Feb. 4, allowing 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 the week-long window.
Please note that “N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians), “A” denotes American players, and “G” denotes Global players.
Weak-side and Middle Linebackers
1. Jameer Thurman, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
Thurman has yet to be named an all-star in his five-year CFL career but remains arguably the league’s most underrated linebacker. He’s coming off a career year defensively, having racked up 98 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in his first season outside with the Tabbies.
At just 29 years old, the six-foot, 227-pound defender still has a couple of prime years left and has been exceptional since returning from the NFL three seasons ago. He could upgrade the middle of virtually any defence, having accumulated 367 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, eight interceptions and 10 forced fumbles in 82 games with Hamilton and Calgary.
2. Ben Hladik, B.C. Lions (N)
Hladik is just the fourth Canadian player to notch 100 tackles in a season since the statistic was first recorded in 1987 and has yet to turn 25 years of age. There is little question that the Lions got a steal when they snagged the UBC product in the third round of the 2021 CFL Draft but a deserved pay raise might be too rich for his hometown team.
The six-foot-four, 234-pound middle linebacker should be a priority target for multiple franchises looking to swap their ratio. In 50 CFL games, the Vernon, B.C. native has collected 161 defensive tackles, 14 special teams tackles, seven sacks, three interceptions and a forced fumble.
3. Micah Awe, Calgary Stampeders (A)
Only Hall of Famer Solomon Elimimian — albeit on two separate occasions — has ever recorded more defensive tackles in a season than the 134 that Awe posted in 2023. However, the reigning CFL all-star at the position somehow hasn’t cultivated the type of game-changing reputation that might push the linebacker pay scale.
The 30-year-old was a cheap add off the scrap heap for Stampeders last season, earning the league minimum salary before cashing in on a number of performance incentives. Now a veteran of six CFL seasons, he has 384 defensive tackles, 37 special teams tackles, six sacks, five interceptions, and six forced fumbles spread over stints with B.C., Toronto, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary. Kevin Glenn better watch his back!
4. Adam Auclair, Ottawa Redblacks (N)
While his older brother, NFL tight end Antony Auclair, might have retired earlier this week, the 2017 President’s Trophy winner as U Sports’ top defensive player is just hitting his stride in the pros.
Originally selected sixth overall in the first round of the 2020 CFL Draft, Auclair has collected 119 defensive tackles, 30 special teams tackles, two sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles in 42 games for the Redblacks. The 27-year-old made seven starts in the final year of his rookie contract and has the skill set to be a ratio-breaker at weak-side linebacker in the right system.
5. Larry Dean, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)
After notching the fourth divisional all-star selection of his career in 2023, there is no sign that Dean is declining and the analytics show that he is still the best run-stopping linebacker in the league. That isn’t the cash-cow claim that it once was though and teams may be wary of holding this hot potato when he turns 36 in August.
The six-foot, 226-pound middle linebacker remains a plug-and-play defensive leader for any team that needs one. With 570 defensive tackles, 15 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, seven interceptions, and eight forced fumbles in 108 career games, Dean is one of the most productive players of the last decade.
6. Simoni Lawrence, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
After being nearly written off following a down 2022 season, Lawrence proved he could still be an impact contributor at weak-side linebacker in 2023 by collecting 84 defensive tackles, five sacks, an interception and three forced fumbles.
That still might not save the 35-year-old franchise icon from a rumoured ratio change in Hamilton — an idea that was unconscionable just a few years ago. The five-time all-star and three-time East Division nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player may have to finish his Hall of Fame resume in another jersey after amassing 758 total tackles, 34 sacks, 15 interceptions and seven forced fumbles in 150 career CFL games
7. Micah Teitz, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)
Teitz was viewed as the next great Canadian linebacker following a breakout 2021 campaign but fell out of the limelight after missing the entirety of the 2022 season with a groin injury. The second-round pick from the 2018 CFL Draft returned to the starting lineup in 2023 but saw his production dip, finishing with 57 defensive tackles and six special teams tackles.
At nearly 28 years of age, the Calgary product can still bring a ton of value for a team looking to flip the ratio at weak-side linebacker or bake in some flexibility to their roster. The six-foot-two, 225-pounder could be a steal if he recaptures his former glory.
8. Avery Williams, Montreal Alouettes (A)
After four productive seasons in Ottawa, Williams’ time with the Alouettes proved to be somewhat disappointing — save for the Grey Cup ring. He was limited to just nine regular-season games due to injury and saw his role diminish with the acquisition of Darnell Sankey, finishing 34 defensive tackles and three more on special teams.
The 29-year-old still provides a known commodity at middle linebacker however and is just two seasons removed from an East Division all-star nod. In 68 career games, he has racked up 327 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, six sacks, two interceptions and six forced fumbles.
9. Silas Stewart, Calgary Stampeders (A)
After recording 35 defensive stops and 20 special teams tackles in 2022, Stewart appeared to be the heir apparent to replace Thurman as the Stampeders’ middle linebacker last year. Instead, a training camp injury opened the door for Awe’s all-star season and limited him to just five games, finishing with 11 defensive tackles.
Now entering his fourth CFL campaign, the 28-year-old could be a sneaky good addition for a team willing to bet on him reaching that starter potential next year.
10. Tre Watson Sr., Free Agent (A)
After spending the 2023 season with the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, where he made 24 tackles, 0.5 sacks and an interception in eight games, Watson is eyeing a return to Canada.
The 27-year-old made 35 total tackles and one sack over 15 regular season CFL games in Montreal and Edmonton, but had tenure derailed by a sideline feud and a PCL tear. He could be an under-the-radar option for a team in need of a cheap starter.
11. Malik Clements, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)
A valuable role player who made six starts in a talented Bombers’ linebacker rotation last season, some around the league believe Clements is ready to take on a more full-time position.
The 27-year-old has been productive through three seasons with Edmonton and Winnipeg, collecting 65 defensive tackles, 12 special teams tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 31 CFL games.
12. Jack Cassar, Toronto Argonauts (N)
Sitting at the head of a long list of solid Canadian special teamers that could potentially be available, Cassar sets himself apart with both his size and level of production.
The second-round pick in the 2020 CFL Draft is a mismatch for blockers in kick coverage due to his six-foot-four, 240-pound frame and has racked up 42 special teams tackles in 38 career games. At 27 years old, his best years may still be to come.
Best of the rest: Dan Basambombo, Ottawa Redblacks (N); Jesse Briggs, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N); Brad Cowan, Calgary Stampeders (N); Shayne Gauthier, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N); Jordan Herdman-Reed, Calgary Stampeders (N); Justin Herdman-Reed, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N); Trevor Hoyte, Toronto Argonauts (N); Charlie Moore, Calgary Stampeders (N); Henoc Muamba, Toronto Argonauts (N); Enoch Penney-Laryea, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N); Jordan Reaves, Edmonton Elks (N); Fraser Sopik, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)
Strong-side Linebackers
1. Adarius Pickett, Toronto Argonauts (A)
Still just 27 years old, you could argue that Pickett is not just the best SAM linebacker in the CFL but the best defensive player in the league period. After putting up exceptional numbers during his first two years in Montreal, he racked up 105 defensive tackles, 19 special teams tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble with the Argos to be named the East Division finalist for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Few players available can affect the game as completely as the five-foot-11, 210-pound CFL all-star and he could soon reset the market for elite players at the position.
2. Branden Dozier, Calgary Stampeders (A)
The 30-year-old Dozier has a well-earned reputation as a steady-handed veteran who you can win with at either SAM or safety. 2023 proved to be his best season since before the pandemic, as he collected 63 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, two sacks and a defensive touchdown.
In 90 career games with Montreal, B.C. and Calgary, the five-foot-10, 200-pound defender has recorded 352 defensive stops, 71 special teams tackles, five sacks, eight interceptions and three forced fumble. Seven years into his CFL career, he still provides high-quality results at a reasonable cost.
3. Chris Edwards, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)
There is no denying Edwards’ talent, as the 31-year-old has recorded 231 defensive tackles, 10 special teams tackles, eight sacks, 10 interceptions, five forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown in 98 career games. It is all the extra stuff that comes with it that will cause him to hit the open market again this year.
With a reputation for bone-headed penalties, fighting fans, and shoving opponents during handshakes, Hamilton doesn’t believe Edwards is worth the trouble. Whoever signs him will have to endure all that plus a three-game suspension to start next season — his punishment for inciting a brawl in the Eastern Semi-Final.
4. Derrick Moncrief, Free Agent (A)
Just a year removed from his second career all-star selection, Moncrief’s fall from grace was swift in 2023. The 30-year-old collected 50 defensive tackles in 14 games but looked like a coverage liability at times, prompting the Riders to release him early despite his active presence in the community.
The six-foot-two, 220-pound strong-side linebacker was the best the league had to offer at the position not long ago. He could be a fascinating reclamation project at the right price point.
5. Nic Cross, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)
A surprise first-round pick in the 2021 CFL Draft, Cross has established himself as one of the league’s best special teams players.
The five-foot-10, 210-pound role player has made 38 special teams tackles in 34 career games. Though he has battled injury issues throughout his pro and collegiate career, the Regina native is still just 24 years old.
Best of the rest: Alden Darby, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A); Jacob Dearborn, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N); Godfrey Onyeka, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)
