Behind the R: crunch time for REDBLACKS as free agency looms

For those inside the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ front office, the clocks are ticking a little bit faster in the build-up to free agency.

Valentine’s Day will take a backseat, as CFL free agency kicks off on February 14th, at 12:01 p.m., but before that happens, there’s plenty of work for General Manager Shawn Burke. Sunday commenced a period of 10 consecutive days where players who are set to become free agents are allowed to negotiate with other clubs, before a return to the exclusive negotiation period for 48 hours, followed by free agency itself.

While no contracts will be signed and made official during the negotiation window, it offers an opportunity for players to test the waters, and get an understanding of their value. Furthermore, Burke says that it serves an equal purpose for clubs, allowing them to evaluate their roster makeup, and determine who would be a good fit.

Still in conversation with some of the REDBLACKS’ pending free agents, Burke says that attention has begun to shift toward what is available, but re-signings could still come.

“We’re having some last conversations with people, but we’re focusing in on what could be available in free agency,” Burke said. “We’re going to be prepared to talk to guys, and we want to evaluate guys who can help upgrade our football team.”

At one of the busiest times in the offseason, Burke has been joined in the offices by the coaching staff, including Bob Dyce, Khari Jones, and Barron Miles. Previously, Burke says that he has worked primarily with the scouting staff, and has focused on the future of the franchise, including evaluating CFL Draft prospects, and scheduling scouting visits.

For the last few months, it has been the same faces in meetings, and although Burke says he’ll never get tired of seeing his scouting staff, he’ll never be upset about the interjection of coaches.

“It’s more people to talk things over with,” he said. “Whenever you can get some new energy in the building, it’s always great. I love our scouting crew, but it’s an energy boost when the coaches come in.”

With the focus on what’s available, the REDBLACKS got the jump on things, signing offensive lineman, Drew Desjarlais. In two seasons in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Belle River, Ontario native has twice won the Grey Cup, being named a West Division All-Star in 2021, but moved south in pursuit of an NFL opportunity.

Desjarlais signed a futures contract with the New England Patriots, but was waived by the club before the start of the season. Just days later, the New Orleans Saints signed the six-foot-two guard, but he never saw game action in two stints with the team.

Before his NFL move, Desjarlais was poised to be one of the most highly-touted linemen in free agency, and Burke and the REDBLACKS would have been interested had he made it that far.

“Drew is a guy that we have tracked for a long time,” Burke revealed. “We had done some prep work for him last year, and we identified him as a guy that we would be interested in if he got to free agency.”

Coming back to the CFL shouldn’t be seen as a negative for Desjarlais. Rather, it should serve as an attestation of his love and passion for football, proving that he wants to play, and make an impact on the field.

“He got a good chance with the Patriots and the Saints, but it became apparent last month that he was looking at his CFL options. He wants to be on the field, not toil on NFL practice rosters,” Burke said. “We let our intentions be known, and we got the chance to host him here in Ottawa and show him our facilities.”

All of the accolades and experience might lead you to believe that the Windsor Lancers product is a wily veteran, but you would be mistaken. Desjarlais is still a young buck in the CFL, after being one of the younger players in the 2019 Draft class, where he was taken fourth overall.

“He’s still only 25, but you think of him being a big-time CFL vet with championships under his belt and NFL opportunities,” Burke said. “But Drew would be the first to tell you that he’s still trying to get better, and he still believes he can. To get a person like that at that age who can have this type of impact on any organization was something we felt we [had to] go for.”

REDBLACKS’ fans have become accustomed to big signings such as this one, especially after the 2022 offseason brought in many star players, but be warned, Burke says that this year will be different.

“This isn’t going to be the same as last year, there’s isn’t going to be the flurry of signing,” Burke said of his free agency plans. “We’re going to be selective in helping build our team, because we believe we have the nucleus here. We know we have to improve, but we also see a group of young guys who played last year that can step up into different roles.”

Different, but nevertheless important.