Since the CFL Free Agency window opened at 10 a.m. MT on Tuesday, general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson announced nine signings, eight of them being newcomers to Calgary.
Joining the Red and White this season includes:
Defensive backs
- Damon Webb (Ottawa Redblacks)
- Adrian Greene (BC Lions)
- Godfey Onyeka (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
Linebackers
- Derrick Moncrief (Edmonton Elks)
- Fraser Sopik (Toronto Argonauts)
Running Back
- Jeshrun Antwi (BC Lions)
Receiver
- Tevin Jones (Edmonton Elks)
Defensive lineman
- Miles Brown (Saskatchewan Roughriders)
On Wednesday the team announced they had brought back offensive lineman Kyle Saxelid.
Following the frenzy, a few free-agent signings flew to Calgary, as well as off-season acquisitions Vernon Adams Jr., Dominique Rhymes, and Folarin Orimolade.
Dickenson – along with of the players – met with media Wednesday morning at McMahon Stadium. Here’s a bit of what was said:
Dave Dickenson on his approach to free agency this season:
“This is new for us. We haven’t done this in the past. We feel like change is important and for us as an organization we wanted to celebrate the guys that are willing to come to Calgary, and love football.
“The main thing we thought when we were looking at free agency was guys that you can see really enjoy being on the field and enjoy practice and enjoy being together. That was a criteria we thought (was important).”
Vernon Adams Jr. on this new era of Stampeder football:
“It’s a new identity. I know the last couple years, even making the playoffs the two years prior, it still wasn’t the standard of Calgary fans and what everyone here holds themselves to. I’m ready to get back to that. I’ll take it one day at a time and give everyone everything I have.”
Dominique Rhymes on Vernon Adams Jr.’s leadership:
“He’s one of the most selfless guys. He does stuff in the off-season to get the guys together to build that chemistry, and that’s what you want in a leader and a quarterback. He’s the right guy here to lead the Stampeders back to the promise land.”
Jeshrun Antwi on returning to play in his hometown:
“I remember when I was younger – Jon Cornish and Bo Levi Mitchell, these guys were studs, and this used to be a place where guys wanted to come. I was telling (Dave) I remember those days like it was yesterday and I’m happy to be here and turn the ship around.”
Tevin Jones on his competitiveness:
“Every game that I play I feel like I go out there to try and do my best. No matter what it is or what I’m playing, I don’t care if it’s ping pong or swimming, I’m going to go out there and give 100 per cent. I don’t care if I’m playing my little sister or my mom, I’m going to make sure that I give it my all.”
Folarin Orimolade on if he’s changed as a player since his first stint with the Stamps:
“I’m a much better player now and I plan to get better, too.”
Damon Webb on his decision to come to Calgary:
“I wanted a fresh start, and a place where I knew I could make an immediate impact. I want to test myself and see how much better I can be at being a leader and lead this secondary group.”
Adrian Greene on joining a new-look Stampeders team:
“When you’re in a room full of great players and great people, that’s exciting for everybody.”
Miles Brown on what he brings to the defensive line:
“A very strong sense of leadership and an aggressive style of play. I want our D-line to be dominant and heard about across the league.”