According to The Hamilton Spectator writer, Drew Edwards, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have released defensive end, Stevie Baggs.I am surprised by the timing of this considering that CFL free agency is entering the dead period where teams have already addressed their immediate needs.
During the last two hours in reading Edwards tweets on Twitter, he displays quotes from both parties, as head coach George Cortez gave his viewpoint on the release, and Baggs did not hide his thoughts either.
Edwards believes it was money as the major factor why Baggs is no longer there.
Any Interest From Montreal?
Could the Montreal Alouettes have any interest in Baggs? Albeit at the right price it would not be surprising considering that general manager; Jim Popp has signed many defensive players this free agency period.
Popp isn’t shy to bring in competition at certain positions as he has already a surplus of linebackers.
Even last year he addressed the kicker position by trading for Sean Whyte from the B.C. Lions, drafting Brody McKnight from Montana University, and signing former Tiger-Cat, Sandro DeAngelis.
However, if the rumour of the team’s defense transitioning to a 3-4 base this year. Could Baggs be able to play as a defensive end? If not, could he attempt to make it as a linebacker, where already the team will have some intense battles.
If Baggs asking price is reasonable the Alouettes could pick him up. But if not Montreal, he does have a history with Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. So they could call to inquire for his services.
Moving Forward
With the Tiger-Cats losing Justin Hickman to the Indianapolis Colts, and Baggs no longer apart of the organization. At the CFL Draft I believe they’re in-play for Boise State defensive end, Tyrone Crawford. There is no question that Crawford will get a long look in the NFL.
But it seems that Cortez could be patient if they decide to draft Crawford.
Furthermore, with Crawford’s southern Ontario roots, from a marketing standpoint it would add another local element to a team looking to build upon Andy Fantuz’s arrival back home.
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The Cats, to put it bluntly, are idiots for releasing Baggs. Another move in a long line of idiotic decisions -- trading Arland Bruce for peanuts; trading for an over-the-hill Henry Burris; ditching Avon Cobourne for a flash-in-the-pan Martell Mallett -- from the myopic fools who work in the front office. The Cats will be lucky to win 6 games this season.
ReplyDeleteto use josh smith's words: GM popp to put it bluntly would be an idiot to sign this pigeon toed DE!!
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