William Stanback was released a few days ago by the Montreal Alouettes. Immediately, teams started showing interest in the star running back who won the Grey Cup last year. What are his options, and where will he go? Let's take a look at the possible options.
1: PULL A SHAWN LEMON
Shawn Lemon last year came to the Alouettes mid-season and made a huge impact on the way to the Als winning the Grey Cup. Stanback could potentially do the same thing and come to any team that wants him mid season. That is, of course, if he doesn't take any offers from any teams that want him.
2: HEAD TO A TEAM
Which teams would take on Stanback in 2024? Let's look at the most probable options.
1: CALGARY
It seems Kadeem Carey will not be coming back to the stampede in 2024. The Stamps have already re-signed Peyton Logan, who has been their steady number two in the backfield, as well as taking some punt return reps. Stanback will bring veteran experience to the Stamps backfield, and will cut up defenses if he decides to go to Alberta.
2: SASKATCHEWAN
As much as Rider fans would want to sign AJ Ouellette, Stanback may be their guy. The Riders have "a strong interest" in Stanback, in the words of TSN insider Dave Naylor. He's cheaper and already a free agent. Along with Jamal Morrow not yet being re-signed, it seems like the Riders will be in the market for a new running back. Rider fans have been hesitant about Stanback because of his injury history, but if he does sign, they hope to keep him healthy throughout 2024.
3: BC LIONS
This one is a bit of a stretch, but imagine a William Stanback/Taquan Mizzell 1-2 punch in the backfield behind one of the best o-lines in the CFL. Stanback would for sure require clearing some cap space, but a tandem with Stanback and Mizzell would be one of the scariest, if not the scariest running back room in the league.
3: OTHER LEAGUES/RETIRE
It may be that no one takes Stanback. Although unlikely, it may be an option for him to explore options in the UFL, NFL, or even the ELF (European League of Football). He may get less reps and less money in a different league, but he'll be able to show his talents again and perhaps move up the rankings. Another option, and this is very, VERY unlikely, is that if no one shows enough interest in him, he can end on a high note, hang up the cleats and retire. No fan of the CFL really wants this option, but if worst comes to worst, it may be the only one. We are all hoping that is not the case, however.
So, what will happen? Well, only time will tell.
By Bruce Chimirri-Olson
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