Landry's 5 takeaways from the 2025 pending free agent list

Hello Tempus. You’re just going to keep “running away”, right? Is the Gray Cup already a week and a half in the rearview mirror? Slow down, tempus, let me catch my breath a little.

There’s no point in fighting him. Before you know it, Tempus will have “leaked” until mid-February. So here are five takeaways from the release of the 2025 CFL free agency list.

NO LACK OF HEADS

The pending 2025 free agency class is simply incredibly bloated with spectacular receiving talent, and the parade is led by a bunch of pass catchers who can win jump-ball battles and make magic through the air with gymnastic body adjustments.

B.C. Justin McInnis topped the charts in 2024, leading the league with 1,469 receiving yards and he had 10 catches of 30+ yards, 26 of 20+. Those were also the best numbers in the league. Edmonton Eugene Lewis caught fire in the second half of the season to surpass the thousand-yard mark and he led the CFL with 10 receiving touchdowns.

Hamilton’s Steven Dunbar quietly racked up 1,159 yards in 2024, to finish fourth overall.

And imagine this: I haven’t even made it to Toronto Damonte Coxie and that of Winnipeg Kenny Lawlerboth of whom have a propensity to pick off passes they don’t have to catch.

And, oh yeah. that of Ottawa Justin Hardy is also a potential AF. All he did last season was lead the league in receptions (97) and 100-yard games (eight).

If your team is looking for a game-changing receiver, this class is loaded.

BONUS TAKEAWAY: How are you Dalton SchoenIs knee rehabilitation coming? The Winnipeg star, who missed the remainder of the 2024 season after being injured in Week 3, is also out of contract.

NEED A TECTONIC CHANGE? YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET THIS

Say, my friend, is your team tired? Dilapidated? Indifferent? Do they poop at parties?

Don’t despair, go get Wynton McManis.

The spiritual leader and linebacker extraordinaire for the Gray Cup champion Toronto Argonauts would be at the top of the list for any team needing a boost when it comes to their competitive culture.

But wait! There’s more!

The 30-year-old has also been offering search-and-destroy gaming ability for years to back up his point. And that’s not all, friends.

He can play in the middle or on the weak side with equal aplomb.

Now, how much would you pay?

If the Argos make him an offer he can’t refuse and McManis opts out of the deal, other players of his ilk could be available.

Notably, Winnipeg’s ageless superman, defensive end Willie Jeffersonwho has just won one of the best games of his entire career (six tackles, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble), during the 111th Gray Cup.

And then there’s the Saskatchewan linebacker Jameer Thurman who, like McManis, can patrol the WILL or MIKE positions with an equal degree of excellence and is also known as a leader of men.

CALL A PLUMBER THERE ARE PIPE BUSTERS EVERYWHERE

If your favorite team needs a player or two who can put pressure on the opposing quarterback, the defensive lineman alley will potentially be very well stocked in February.

The British Columbia Maraude Matthew BettsCFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player (MODP) in 2023, and Ottawa’s Lorenzo Mauldin IV, who won that same award a year earlier, are both potential free agents. And both are, shall we say, problem rushers who give offensive tackles.

There’s Toronto’s interior muckraker, defensive tackle Jake Ceresnawho is credited with being a catalyst within the Argos defensive line that became the scourge of the CFL as the 2024 season progressed, and his teammates – Robbie Smith And Jared Brinkman – are also possible free agents.

Ceresna and Mauldin were tied atop the CFL sack list last season, each with eight sacks. Mauldin’s teammate, tackle Michael Wakefieldalso had eight and he is also expected to become a free agent this winter.

I mentioned the one in Winnipeg Willie Jefferson already and I’ll mention it again – partly because I like to mention that his 10 overthrow passes in

2024 ranked him fifth in the CFL and he was the only player in the top 20 in that category not to be a defensive back.

Others likely to be on the move — each with a history of excellent disruption ability — include Edmonton’s Shawn Oakman, the Montreal player Avery Ellisin British Columbia Pete Robertsonthat of Ottawa Bryce Carterand that of Saskatchewan Malik CarneyAnthony Lanier II and Bryan Cox (six sacks last season).

BONUS TAKEAWAY: Saskatchewan Mike Johnson will be 37 next year and Winnipeg’s Jake Thomas will be 34, but these two potential free agents still have the ability to upset the apple carts inside.

HIM? OH, I’ll watch it, okay

One name stands out to me a little more when it comes to 2025 free agency.

James Butler.

I like guys who think they have something to prove. Or just have a little unpleasant taste in your mouth. Especially when they are already well established. Like William Stanback, this year, in British Columbia.

For whatever reason, Butler fell out of favor with the Hamilton Ticats during the first year of Scott Milanovich’s head coaching reign, taking his place as the ‘Cats left with Greg Bell at the ball carrier position. This happened despite Butler rushing for 1,116 yards in 2023 and catching passes for an additional 527 yards.

Sure, he turns 30 in February but guess what? That’s not particularly old for a running back anymore, is it? And when you consider his relative lack of action in 2024 (11 games, 110 rushes), that should mean his body is just a little less banged up.

A back this good with fire in your belly? Intriguing.

IN THE MIDDLE OF THIEVES

There are a lot of interceptions and fumble recoveries in the numbers for potential free agents. So if it’s a thief you’re looking for, the choice is good.

Four of the top six takers are defensive backs who could become free agents in February.

Toronto halfback DaShaun Amos had a nice pick in the 111th Gray Cup and in the regular season that preceded it, the Argos MODP had five more interceptions and two fumble recoveries, putting him one turn behind the league leader, Rolan Milligan. Don’t get frothy, CFL teams, Milligan is under contract for next season with Saskatchewan.

Other potential FAs needing to steal are: Winnipeg Corner Tyrell Ford (seven interceptions), Saskatchewan corner Marcus Sayles (six takeaways including four interceptions) and free safety in Edmonton Loucheiz Purifoy (five interceptions and a fumble recovery).

Right behind Purifoy, a number of defensemen were tied with five takeaways (Hey! That’s my favorite number of takeaways!), including Calgary’s corner. Tre Roberson and Ottawa halfback Damon Webb. They too will most likely be available when free agency opens.

The best way to stop these guys from picking your pockets? Hire them to choose someone else’s.

AND FINALLY… Are you looking for a ram to bolster your short-distance fortunes? that of Calgary Tommy Stevens and that of Hamilton Ante Milanovic-Liter are on the list.