"Maurice Lloyd may not be a low priority free agent. However, if he starts asking for too much money, then Eric Tillman may let him become a free agent, knowing that the team has other options"

A closer inspection of all phases of the game 

With the holiday season upon us, it will be a time for us all to relax. Though this also holds true for Roughriders manager Eric Tillman, let us hope that as he lies down to bed, dreams of Saskatchewan’s potential free agents will dance in his head. As it stands, the Riders have 10 potential free agents, which will become available to other teams if they are not re-signed by February. Some of the free agents are high priority, others lower and some perhaps expendable.

Offensive Lineman tops the list of potential free agents with four. Mike Abou Mechrek, Steve Morely, Belton Johnson and the veteran Gene Makowsky could all become free agents if not re-signed. Joining them are linebackers Anton Mackenzie, Sean Lucas, and Maurice Lloyd. Other potential free agents are slot back DJ Flick, safety Scott Gordon and full back Neal Hughes.

So with February fast approaching, and salary cap issues to keep in mind, whom will Eric Tillman rush to re-sign? With four offensive lineman topping the list, will Tillman look to sure up that area? Will he look to bring back the Riders starting linebackers? Or will he perhaps hurry to sign local product, Neal Hughes? When contemplating this, Tillman may be wise to look at who is high priority, low priority or just plain expendable.

It is time for: Rider Report Card

“Defense wins championships, and if this is to hold true for the Riders, they will need a good defensive coordinator.” 

A closer inspection of all phases of the game 

Eight years, and plenty of missed opportunities later and Richie Hall has finally moved to the head coaching ranks. The Edmonton Eskimos signed Richie Hall as their new head coach to replace Danny Maciocia, who will be taking a new role with the team. Hall has undoubtedly left his legacy with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, known for his tough defenses and smart schemes.  

Hall’s departure now leaves a void in the Riders coaching staff that Eric Tillman will have to fill. Saskatchewan still has a lot of defensive talent, from their solid linebackers to their potent defensive backs. Tillman would be wise to pick a coordinator that will be able to take the defensive to the next level.

Defense wins championships, and if this is to hold true for the Riders, they will need a good defensive coordinator. So who will get the nod? Will the Riders look to promote from the inside, or will they look to other sources. Perhaps they will hire someone with a proven track record.