Tim Tebow Released by Jets, CFL Bound

Now with word that the NY Jets have released quarterback Tim Tebow, what's the odds that he ends up in the CFL in 2013. Not high, as there has to be some bad team that would pick him up for publicity purposes. Next year in 2014 is more of a possibility, although given Tebow's potential in the ministry, the $500 K maximum CFL salary might be a hindrance.

I'm doubting he would end up in Hamilton (I'm not even sure which CFL team has his negotiation rights), although right now the Cats pretty much just have Henry Burris when it comes to experienced quarterbacks.

Chris Williams Situation

I don't know all the details, but clearly Chris Williams would prefer to not play his option year with the Cats in 2013 and try his luck in the CFL. Obviously he's under contract, so the options are sitting out or playing for the Cats. An issue is that he is under a beginning deal, so his pay is minimal. One problem with paying imports such little money initially is that they aren't really losing out on a lot by sitting out.

As far as I understand if the the Cats and Williams redid his deal, it would have to extend to next year, which is probably unpalatable to Williams. The Cats would certainly miss Williams, although as I have kept repeating in this off-season, they were in last place even with him. My guess is that Williams comes back and plays this season grudgingly, although I could see him saying screw it, why play and have the chance of being injured and complicate his NFL bid in 2014. He would be a free agent so even if he didn't make the NFL he could sign a lucrative free agent contract with another CFL club.

Thoughts on the 2013 Ticats Schedule

Long time no post I know, but I'll try and do something at least weekly during the off-season.

Obviously the Ticats are in Guelph this year which is weird. The Cats start in Toronto on the road which is good for the local fans to easily get too, although the Rogers Centre sucks as a football venue.

That's followed up by two home games in Guelph. Hopefully the Cats don't fall flat the first few games, as they'll need a decent team to fill up in Guelph.

There's no Labour Day game which is sad considering the history. Stranger still that weekend they are playing in BC on the Saturday, obviously not a natural rival. At least BC gets a home game on the Labour Day weekend.

Another Moncton game in September this time against an East opponent in Montreal. I assume the league is hoping for some Alouettes fans to make the journey to New Brunswick. I'm not sure how many Cats fans they will get after just two season from their last appearance in the bilingual province.

The season finishes with five division battles in the row, which could be quite interesting if the playoff race is close, or just depressing if the Cats follow up last year with another honking season.

How will the Cats do attendance wise in Guelph? I have no idea. Will people from Guelph support the team? I again have no idea. Will people from Hamilton make the journey? Yet again, no idea.

Former CFL Players in the NFL

I've been wondering lately how many players in the NFL have played a game in the CFL. Obviously it isn't a big number. I could scrape the current player list from the NFL.com website and search for "CFL" on the web page for each player. Maybe one day I'll get around to doing that.

Obviously the number of current CFL players that played in an NFL game previously will be much higher. That might be an interesting number as well.

Wow, Ticats Just Released Linebacker Renauld Williams

Just saw on the Cats Twitter feed that they released linebacker Renauld Williams. With the Cats signing non-import Shomari Williams who plays linebacker, maybe the Cats are making the move to a non-import playing at linebacker, making Renauld Williams expendable.

Williams had 91 tackles in 2011 and 94 tackles in 2012.

Where's the 2013 CFL Schedule? And TD Atlantic

I was just looking at the official CFL twitter feed and apparently the release of the schedule is imminent, although later than last year. Obviously the Cats playing most games in Guelph, is confusing things, as well as where the other games would be. The feed also said another TD Atlantic is being considered. Frankly with the Cats forced on the road this year, the Cats having another home game in Moncton is a no-brainer. The Cats probably get more revenue than for one Guelph game, plus it builds the fan base out East and lays more ground for an eventual team on the East Coast.

What about a game in London or Quebec City? I wouldn't mind either of those, although with games in Guelph I'm doubting there will be any in London.

Shomari Williams Signs With Ticats

I was somewhat surprised that Shomari Williams signed as a free agent with the Cats. The number one draft choice of 2010, Williams has played three seasons with the Rough Riders. Last year he played both defensive end and linebacker for Saskatchewan with 59 tackles and 2 sacks.

Did Saskatchewan not make much of an effort to resign him? Williams is from the GTA area so maybe playing closer to home appealed to him. A bigger question is whether he will start for the Cats and where? Perhaps he will rotate in on the defensive front four along with a Canadian defensive tackle when he's not in so that a spot on the line is always a Canadian for the ratio. Could he get starts at linebacker or be a capable backup. Having 59 tackles would indicate more of a starting roll.

Good signing for the Cats, as long as they didn't pay to much for him. Talented Canadians on defence are rather rare compared to offence and having someone who can start makes the ratio a lot easier to deal with.