Ticats will look over free agent list

Several Ticats were honoured during the first period of tonight’s Bulldogs Marlies game. Bakari Grant, Eric Norwood, Rico Murray and Mike Filer were the Cats in attendance.

It might be one of Grant’s last public appearances as a Ticat as he is one of several that are scheduled to become free agents in February.

Considering the impact Brandon Banks had on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this season, this tiny returner would leave big shoes to fill if he decides to test the free agent market on February 10th.

Head Coach Kent Austin: “We absolutely want him back!”

But there’s a good chance Banks could return to his NFL roots: “Whatever the best opportunity presents itself, I’m gonna’ take.”

The official list comes out next week, but Banks headlines the offensive players potentially available for free agency, including fellow receivers Luke Tasker, Bakari Grant, Sam Giguere and Greg Ellingson, who says he’s interested in re-signing: “I love Hamilton. I would be, but I want to play and that’s the factor that goes into it.”

Injury held Ellingson back at the beginning of the season, but by October he was replaced by Terrell Sinkfield, and relegated to the scout team.

Luke Tasker on the other hand had plenty of playing time and was applauded by coaches, but he’s approaching his first free agent experience with caution: “I feel really strongly about Hamilton and about this team. It’s been great for my family being here. That being said, I’m gonna’ go where I’m wanted, so I look forward to my conversation with coach Austin. We haven’t talked yet, so I look forward to that.”

Defensively, there are fewer Ticats, who might be up for grabs, but the NFL will be looking hard at a couple of them:

Delvin Breaux: “Whether it’s here or the NFL, it doesn’t matter. I just want to play. The opportunities are high right now, going in to free agency, and I just want to make the right decision and just land where I land.”

Justin Hickman: “The NFL is what it is, I’m not worried about that Like I said, I would like to be here, this is the only home that I know.”