The offseason is crucial in the CFL, where teams acquire the players, coaches and resources to succeed in the regular season and earn a trip to the Grey Cup. In this post, the 9 CFL teams are ranked in terms of how successful their offseasons have been so far, and what impact it will have on the regular season. While 1st in the offseason power rankings might not convert into a perfect regular season, this ranking will give you a sense of which teams to watch closely in 2020.
1. Ottawa Redblacks
So far, the Redblacks have had a pretty stellar offseason, one that might turn last year’s disappointment into a power season. Ottawa has retained star players such as WRs Dominique Rhymes and Brad Sinopoli and RB Mossis Madu, and have made some crucial acquisitions that takes this team to the next level. The conditional signing of Stampeders QB Nick Arbuckle should solve Ottawa’s quarterback problems and give them more stability, while new Head Coach Paul LaPolice will hope to sprinkle the team with the same magic he used to win the 2019 Grey Cup as Winnipeg’s OC. This is definitely a team to watch in 2020.
2. Toronto Argonauts
While the Argos haven’t made a lot of additions to their roster and the loss of RB James Wilder Jr. will definitely sting, they’re looking better than most, especially with the probable re-signing of QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson who was 3rd on passing yards and led the league in passing TDs last season. Additionally, Toronto still has many of its big-name players, and new HC Ryan Dinwiddie – former QB coach for Calgary – will also bring years of experience and success to a team that struggled with coaching last season.
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
In one of the best moves of the offseason, the Ticats have re-signed all-star QB Jeremiah Masoli, which will ensure that Hamilton has plenty of star talent at the helm alongside Dane Evans. The loss of Bralon Addison to the NFL isn’t massively impactful, as the Tabbies have an great roster of receivers to replace him. One loss that will prove problematic is that of kicker Lirim Hajrullahu (Free Agency So Far: Assessing the biggest transactions and what they mean for the league), but Hamilton has done well to retain all the coaches that led their team to success in 2019, including HC Orlondo Steinauer.
4. Edmonton Eskimos
The Eskimos have lost very little in the Free Agency so far, which can only be a good thing since they have so many star players such as RB C.J. Gable, DB Don Unamba and LB Larry Dean up for grabs. While they also haven’t signed anyone, they don’t have a lot of holes to fill, and new HC Scott Milanovich will bring new vigour to a team that struggled last season under Jason Maas.
5. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Another team that hasn’t seen many additions or losses so far, Saskatchewan still remains a strong team, showing in 2019 that they have the skill and drive to go all the way in 2020. The addition of Jason Maas as Offensive Coordinator will surely diversify the Roughrider’s offensive playcalls and give them new ideas on how to improve on last year.
6. Montreal Alouettes
Though the Als have lost star RB William Stanback to the NFL, the have a good replacement in Jeremiah Johnson; apart from that they haven’t really lost or gained anything. With Veron Adams Jr. likely to remain at the helm for 2020, a maturing group of rookie receivers and a strong coaching staff, Montreal looks to be in a good position to remain in its spot as a contender for the Eastern title.
7. BC Lions
Another team that hasn’t won or lost much in terms of player trades, BC will need to use both the Free Agency and the Draft wisely to find players that complement the skills of QB Mike Reilly, WR Bryan Burnham and RB John White, to name a few star players for the Lions. The firing of DeVone Claybrooks is a good move for the struggling Lions, but new HC Rick Campbell may not bring much to the table.
8. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Although they’re coming off a Grey Cup-winning season, the Bombers may not have the same momentum in 2020. The loss of DBs Marcus Sayles and Winston Rose will hurt Winnipeg’s defence, and with both Chris Streveler and Zach Collaros – as well as other key players – on the market, the Blue and Gold will have to make sure they form a lineup that is ready to defend their title. In terms of coaching, the loss of OC Paul LaPolice spells danger for Winnipeg’s killer offence – LaPolice needs a replacement, and fast, for the Bombers to suceed in 2020.
9. Calgary Stampeders
Calgary has lost a lot so far this offseason, from QB Nick Arbuckle moving to Ottawa to the move of WR Reggie Begelton to the NFL. While the Stamps still have a lot of their star talent, including QB Bo Levi Mitchell, 2020 may be a tough year for them unless they find adequate replacements for those they’ve lost, along with a new QB Coach to fill the spot of departing Scott Milanovich.
What do you think of these rankings? Agree? Disagree? Confused that the defending Grey Cup Champions are No. 8? Let me know in the comments!
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