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That\u2019s a lot for a Redblacks team that ended a four-season playoff drought in 2024 with its best regular-season record (9-8-1) since 2018 (11-7, first in East). Ottawa also boasted a CFL-best 7-1-1 home mark but its promising campaign ended with a 58-38 East Division semifinal loss to eventual-champion Toronto.<\/p>\n
The CFL implemented the free-agent window in 2020. It was done to curb tampering while allowing potential free agents to get a clearer idea of where they stand within the marketplace.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe\u2019re thankful for having it (free-agent window) because I think it\u2019s important for both players and organizations to communicate more in depth than being placed under, \u2018OK, it\u2019s free agency at 12:01 p.m. and we\u2019ve got to decide now,’\u201d Burke said. \u201cIt allows you to go through your process and make more informed decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not always going to be 100 per cent with your decisions \u2026 but it allows you to have more information to hopefully make a better one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ottawa\u2019s emphasis on the secondary isn\u2019t surprising given starting cornerback Brandin Dandridge was released and all-star halfback Damon Webb reportedly reached an agreement with Calgary during the open window.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to bring in competition and probably have more numbers there to create that competition,\u201d Burke said.<\/p>\n
Lewis, a three-time 1,000-yard receiver and the East Division\u2019s outstanding player in 2022, would also fill a need for Ottawa with the retirement of American Jaelon Acklin and departure of Dominique Rhymes (released, now with Calgary). Lewis enters the \u201925 season needing touchdown catches in his first two games to tie Hall of Famer Terry Evanshen\u2019s CFL mark for consecutive matches with a TD grab (10).<\/p>\n
The six-foot-one, 200-pound Lewis had touchdown receptions in Edmonton\u2019s final eight contests last year, breaking the Elks\u2019 record of seven and tying the franchise mark for consecutive contests with any type of TD. Lewis finished with 74 catches for 1,070 yards and league-best 10 TDs in 18 regular-season games.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1:59<\/time>Edmonton Elks player Eugene Lewis says recent trip to Africa changed his life<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>
One player Burke won\u2019t be re-signing is veteran quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. Burke and Masoli go back to their days with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2013-19, 2021) and Burke brought Masoli to Ottawa before the 2022 season.<\/p>\n
However, injuries limited Masoli to just 17 appearances (eight starts) with Ottawa. The 36-year-old is slated to become a free agent Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a very tough conversation with Jeremiah because of our relationship,\u201d Burke said. \u201cI definitely think he wants to play still and is pursuing that, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CFL free-agent window closed at noon ET on Sunday. Pending free agents then received an exclusive 48-hour negotiating period with the teams they remain under contract with.<\/p>\n
Teams have until 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday to make an offer to their own free agents. The players will then have until noon ET to accept any proposal that\u2019s been made to them.<\/p>\n
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Should a player decide against accepting any, he\u2019ll become a free agent at 12:01 p.m. ET on Tuesday and eligible to sign with the team of his choice. All prior offers that were made will be withdrawn.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3:45<\/time>DT on the Bombers: Offseason outlook<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>
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