Category: News

  • Greg Ellingson Retires: Ottawa Redblacks Legend Calls It a Career

    Greg Ellingson Retires: Ottawa Redblacks Legend Calls It a Career

    CFL star Greg Ellingson has officially retired and is hanging up his cleats as a member of the Ottawa Redblacks. The 36 year old receiver leaves behind a career defined by grit, determination, and some amazing moments on the field.

    A Journey That Began in St. Petersburg

    Ellingson’s CFL journey started almost by accident in St. Petersburg, Florida. “From the moment Danny McManus started to warm up to throw me routes for a tryout. I had no idea how my CFL journey would play out,” Ellingson said in his statement.

    It wasn’t always clear cut, but after joining the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2013, it became apparent he was going to be a star. When the opportunity came to join the Ottawa Redblacks, he didn’t hesitate. “Coming to Ottawa with Smilin’ Hank [Henry Burris] was a no brainer” he said.

    Four Amazing Years in Ottawa

    Ellingson spent four amazing years in Ottawa from 2015 to 2018 and became one of the league’s top receivers. In those 70 games he had 332 receptions for 4,866 yards and 30 touchdowns. Every year he went over 1,000 yards including a 2017 season where he had career highs of 96 catches, 1,459 yards and 12 touchdowns.

    The bonds he made with teammates like Brad Sinopoli, Ernest Jackson, Jonathan Rose, Sherrod Baltimore and Jon Gott were unforgettable. “The bonds in the locker room… were part of four amazing years in the nation’s capital,” Ellingson said.

    The Miracle on Bank Street

    One of Ellingson’s most memorable moments was in the 2015 East Final at TD Place. With the Redblacks down late in the game, Ellingson caught a 93-yard catch-and-run touchdown on 2nd and 25 to win the game and send Ottawa to the Grey Cup. It’s known as the ‘Miracle on Bank Street’ and is etched in CFL history.

    Ellingson was part of the team that brought the Grey Cup back to Ottawa for the first time in 40 years in 2016. “Bringing the Grey Cup back to Ottawa… is a life achievement that can’t even be put into words,” he said.

    A Career Spanning the CFL

    Ellingson’s heart was always in Ottawa but his career took him across the league. After the Redblacks he went to the Edmonton Elks where he kept on truckin’ and broke 1,000 yards again in 2019. Then he suited up for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2022 and the Montreal Alouettes in 2023 and won one more Grey Cup before hanging up his cleats.

    Over 126 CFL games, Ellingson had 588 receptions for 8,560 yards and 45 touchdowns. He was a 3 time East all-star, 1 time West all-star and a CFL all-star in 2017.

    Honors and Legacy

    In 2024, Ellingson was named to the Redblacks all-decade team. “Greg has a special place in the history of our franchise” said Redblacks president Adrian Sciarra. “We are very proud to be a part of his career.”

    Head coach Bob Dyce agreed. “His contributions will never be forgotten.”

    Farewell to Fans and Teammates

    In his goodbye message Ellingson thanked the fans and teammates who supported him throughout his career. “To the fans and all the teammates I played for and with, the love in my heart and the memories in my head will be with me forever.”

    He may be retired as a player, but Ellingson is still mentoring young athletes and sharing the fun he had in the CFL. “I’m honoured to retire as a REDBLACK… though I still put them on every week to coach and train the next generation of athletes.”

  • Lions Announce Death of Former Head Coach Donovan at Age 84

    Lions Announce Death of Former Head Coach Donovan at Age 84

    The CFL community is saddened by the passing of Larry Donovan, former head coach of the B.C. Lions, who was 84. The Lions announced his death on Monday but no cause was given. Donovan’s impact as a coach and mentor lives on with those who played for and worked with him.

    A Football Life

    From Special Teams to Head Coach

    Larry Donovan joined the B.C. Lions in 1986 as special-teams and defensive-line coach. His leadership skills were evident and he was promoted to interim head coach on October 30, 1987 after Don Matthews was let go. Donovan didn’t waste any time making an impact, leading the Lions to a 4-game win streak that gave them the West Division top spot.

    The next season Donovan led the Lions to a 10-8 record and a Grey Cup appearance against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Although they lost 22-21, Donovan’s time in the CFL was cemented.

    Fired and Back to Coaching

    Donovan was let go as head coach four games into the 1989 season after an 0-4 start. But he stayed in football, coaching the linebackers for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1990-91 under Don Matthews, his predecessor in B.C.

    Beyond the CFL: A Global Impact

    Donovan’s coaching career went far beyond North America. From 1992 to 2007, he coached the Japanese X League Hurricanes, leaving a lasting mark on the sport in Japan. He was a training camp coach and consultant for the Asahi Beverage Challengers in Osaka in 2010.

    Before coming to Canada, Donovan was an assistant coach at several U.S. universities, including South Dakota, Washington State, Iowa and Kansas. He was also the head coach at the University of Montana from 1980 to 1985 where he led the Grizzlies to the 1982 Big Sky Conference championship. In six seasons he was 25-38-1.

    A Life of Service and Dedication

    Military Service and Leadership

    Born in Casper, Wyoming, Donovan was more than just a football coach. He was a commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving two years of active duty in Oklahoma and Korea. He received a commendation medal in Korea. Even while coaching at South Dakota, Donovan was a member of the National Guard.

    Legacy on and Off the Field

    Jamie Taras, the Lions’ director of community partnerships and a former player under Donovan, said:

    “Throughout his time here, Larry impacted everyone in our organization. He always had great energy and it trickled down to the rest of the team. Our thoughts are with his wife Georgia, their three daughters and the whole family.”

  • Chargers Sign Trey Lance to 1-Year Deal After CFL Interest

    Chargers Sign Trey Lance to 1-Year Deal After CFL Interest

    The Los Angeles Chargers have added some depth to their quarterback room by signing former Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance to a one-year deal. The deal is worth up to $6.2 million and has Lance as the third-string quarterback behind Justin Herbert and Taylor Heinicke.

    A New Beginning for Trey Lance

    For Trey Lance, this is another chapter in what has been a tough NFL journey so far. He was drafted by the 49ers with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 draft after a great college career at North Dakota State. He was supposed to be a franchise quarterback. But injuries and inconsistency derailed his progress in San Francisco. An ankle injury early in his career opened the door for Brock Purdy to take the starting job – a job Purdy hasn’t given up since.

    Lance then joined the Cowboys before the 2024 season but saw limited action, making just one start against the Washington Commanders. In that game, he completed 61% of his passes for 244 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. Not a great performance, but showed some flashes of potential that can still be developed with the right situation.

    From CFL to NFL Comeback

    Before landing with the Chargers, Lance’s football future was up in the air. After his contract with the Cowboys expired last month, there was talk of him heading north to the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Saskatchewan Roughriders even put Lance on their negotiating list, giving them exclusive rights to him—likely because his dad played for the team in 2023.

    Luckily for Lance, the CFL route won’t be necessary just yet. Instead, he’ll stay in the NFL where the Chargers hope to rekindle his career. Though he’s currently a backup, being around a good quarterback like Justin Herbert and a supportive staff might be what Lance needs to get back on track.

    Can the Chargers Unlock Lance’s Potential?

    Lance is only 24. He has a lot of upside. Over three seasons in the league he’s thrown 1,063 yards, 5 touchdowns and 4 interceptions in limited action. His athleticism and arm talent were why he was such a highly touted prospect coming out of college. If the Chargers can tap into that and fix his consistency issues they might have a good asset down the line.

    Lance isn’t expected to play much unless injured but he gives the Chargers insurance behind Herbert. More importantly he gives Lance another chance to prove himself in the NFL—a league where second chances are hard to come by.

  • CFL Scouts Eye North Texas LB Jaylen Smith as Top Prospect

    CFL Scouts Eye North Texas LB Jaylen Smith as Top Prospect

    As the 2025 CFL Draft approaches, North Texas linebacker Jaylen Smith is making noise as one of the top prospects. In his latest mock draft, CFL.CA’s Marshall Ferguson has Smith going 4th overall to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

    Why the Roughriders like Jaylen Smith?

    According to Ferguson, Smith’s skillset fits what Roughriders head coach Corey Mace is looking for in a player.

    “Corey Mace wants aggression, speed and positional flexibility” Ferguson wrote. “That’s where Jaylen Smith could walk in as a National running mate to any of the Roughriders’ top linebackers and provide immediate security in case of injury”

    Smith’s ability to contribute right away makes him a nice fit for a team like the Roughriders who value depth and versatility on defence.

    North Texas Standout

    From Hamilton, Ontario, Smith played four years at North Texas where he went from defensive back to outside linebacker. His breakout season was 2024 where he started all 12 games at outside linebacker. In that season he showed his athleticism and instincts with 106 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and an interception. He also had 12 quarterback hurries and 2 pass breakups proving he was a game changer on the field.

    Throughout his college career Smith had 160 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 1/2 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 3 pass deflections. His transition from a rotational defensive back to a full time starter at linebacker shows his adaptability and growth as a player.

    The CFL Draft and Smith’s Impact

    The 2025 CFL Draft is April 29, and Smith will make an impact wherever he goes. His speed, aggression and football IQ makes him a valuable asset to any CFL team. For Saskatchewan, he could step into a key role alongside their veteran linebackers and provide depth and playmaking ability.

    Smith’s journey from Denton, Texas to the CFL Draft is a testament to his hard work and dedication. As a Canadian prospect, he has national eligibility which is a big advantage for teams looking to fill their rosters under league rules.

  • Wyoming LB Connor Shay Projected as Top Pick in CFL Draft

    Wyoming LB Connor Shay Projected as Top Pick in CFL Draft

    After a great senior season with the Wyoming Cowboys, linebacker Connor Shay is about to start the next chapter of his football career—and it could be north of the border. According to Canadian football expert John Hodge of 3DownNation.com, Shay is projected to be the #1 overall pick in the 2025 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders.

    “Though we’ll see if he can be the next Alex Singleton, he’s a Cowtown fit,” Hodge said, on the impact Shay could have in Calgary.

    A Family Connection to Canada

    Shay is eligible for Canadian citizenship through his father who is from Prince Edward Island. This is a big deal in the CFL where teams love players with Canadian ties. For Shay this is a chance to get his pro career off on the right foot.

    Breakout Season at Wyoming

    Shay’s journey to the top of the CFL draft rankings started with his breakout 2024 season with the Wyoming Cowboys. In his first year as a starter he became a defensive force. He was 2nd on the team with 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT and 4 passes defended. He was one of the most consistent defenders in college football last season.

    While the numbers speak for themselves, it’s Shay’s versatility and leadership on the field that really sets him apart. He’s got the attention of CFL scouts and NFL teams looking for late round gems or undrafted free agents.

    NFL Interest Looms

    Even though he’s a CFL projection, Shay’s path isn’t set in stone. NFL teams will be calling after the 2025 NFL Draft which ends April 26. If Shay signs with an NFL team – whether as a late round pick or undrafted free agent – it could complicate things with CFL teams. The CFL camps open in early May so if Shay gets multiple offers he’ll have to make a decision quick.

    For now, Shay is focused on preparing for the next step wherever that may be. His size, speed and football IQ makes him a versatile option for any team that gets him.

    A Fit in Calgary?

    If Shay ends up in Calgary he’ll join a team that develops linebackers into stars. Alex Singleton a former Stampeder who went on to play in the NFL is the blueprint for Shay’s success in the CFL. With his work ethic and determination Shay could be a similar success in Cowtown.

  • Ex-Steelers Defensive Back Makes Bold Move to the North

    Ex-Steelers Defensive Back Makes Bold Move to the North

    The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy fine-tuning their roster ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft, but one former Steeler is taking his talents north of the border. Kalon Barnes, a defensive back who spent time with multiple NFL teams, has signed a deal to join the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

    A Journeyman’s Path Leads to Canada

    Barnes’ career has been anything but linear. Originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 7th round (242nd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Baylor, Barnes was electric early on with his speed. In fact, he ran the fastest 40-yard dash among cornerbacks at the NFL Combine with a 4.23.

    But despite his athleticism, Barnes couldn’t find traction in the NFL. After his stint with the Panthers, he bounced around practice squads, including the Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. Last offseason, Barnes signed a 1 year, $915,000 deal with the Steelers but was released during final cuts before the 2024 season started.

    Most recently, Barnes signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL) for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, an injury in training camp cut his time with the team short and now he’s looking for another opportunity.

    A New Start in Edmonton

    Now, Barnes will be wearing the green and gold of the Edmonton Elks, a team that finished the 2024 season 7-11 after going 4-14 in 2023. For Barnes, this is a chance to reboot his career and show what he can do on a new stage.

    The CFL may not be the NFL but it’s a chance for players like Barnes to put together some good tape and get another shot at the top level. With his elite speed and raw talent, Barnes could be a big piece for the Elks if he can iron out some of the inconsistencies in his game.

    Can Barnes Rediscover His Potential?

    Barnes has always been an interesting player with his speed and athleticism, but inconsistency and lack of production has held him back. In Edmonton, he’ll have to show both reliability and playmaking ability to stand out in a league full of talented athletes.

    If he can step up, he might get another shot at the NFL or solidify himself as a star in the CFL. Either way, his journey is a reminder that perseverance and adaptability are key for any athlete chasing their dreams.

  • Will Trey Lance Sign with the CFL? Examining His NFL Exit

    Will Trey Lance Sign with the CFL? Examining His NFL Exit

    Since being drafted 3rd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trey Lance has been unable to find his footing in the NFL. Now at 24 years old, there were rumors he was leaving the league altogether for a fresh start in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Here’s what you need to know about the rumors and why they made sense—before he signed with the Chargers.

    A Career Full of Potential but Limited Opportunities

    Lance was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers with high expectations, as they traded away valuable draft capital to get him. Initially thought to be the heir apparent to Jimmy Garoppolo , Lance’s career took a sharp turn after he suffered a serious ankle injury in 2022. That opened the door for Brock Purdy and he hasn’t looked back since.

    In 2024, Lance was traded to the Dallas Cowboys where he was a backup to Dak Prescott. He saw limited action, throwing just 143 passes in 4 seasons. It was clear opportunities to prove himself as an NFL starter were scarce. With free agency looming, questions arose if Lance could find a future in the league or if he’d have to look elsewhere.

    Why the CFL Made Sense for Trey Lance?

    The Saskatchewan Roughriders have added Lance to their negotiation list, according to TSN Football Insider Dave Naylor. This wasn’t random; CFL teams don’t add players to their lists “just to make noise”. The connection goes deep—Lance’s dad Carlton Lance played one season for the Roughriders as a corner back before joining the London Monarchs of the World League.

    For Trey, signing with Saskatchewan could have been a chance to follow in his dad’s footsteps and restart his football career.

    A Fresh Start and Playing Time

    One of the biggest draws of the CFL for Lance was the chance to finally be a starter. Since leaving North Dakota State, where he went 16-0 as a starter in 2019, Lance has yet to get consistent playing time in the NFL. In college, he showed off his dual threat ability, throwing 28 touchdowns, rushing for 14 more and not throwing an interception.

    Joining the CFL would have given Lance the opportunity to rebuild his confidence and show the world why he was considered a top prospect.

    Lance’s Decision to Stay in the NFL

    Lance opted to stay in the NFL, where he’ll sign a one-year deal worth up to $6.2 million with the Los Angeles Chargers. That’s according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. He’ll be backing up Justin Herbert, one of the league’s brightest young stars—and providing depth and experience to boot.

    That move keeps Lance in the NFL for now. But the CFL remains an option down the line if he can’t secure a starting job in the future.

    Understanding the CFL Negotiation List

    The CFL lets teams put up to 45 players on their negotiation lists. That gives them the exclusive right to talk to those players about contracts. Being on that list doesn’t guarantee the player will be interested, but it means only the team holding their rights can discuss a deal.

    Teams have to disclose 10 players from their lists twice a year. The other 35 names are kept confidential between the team and the league. Lance being on the Roughriders’ list meant they had first dibs if he decided to pursue a CFL career.

  • Chargers Reach 1-Year Deal with Trey Lance Amid CFL Interest

    Chargers Reach 1-Year Deal with Trey Lance Amid CFL Interest

    The Los Angeles Chargers made a splash on Friday by signing former Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance to a one-year deal. According to ESPN, the contract is worth up to $6.2 million , securing Lance’s spot as the third quarterback on the roster behind starter Justin Herbert and backup Taylor Heinicke .

    This move comes after Lance’s brief stint with the Cowboys last season and amid reported interest from the Canadian Football League (CFL). Now, the 24-year-old signal-caller gets another chance to revive his NFL career in Los Angeles.

    A Promising Start, But a Rocky NFL Journey So Far

    Lance entered the league as the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft after a great college career at North Dakota State, where he showed his dual threat ability and leadership. But his transition to the NFL hasn’t been smooth.

    In two seasons with the 49ers, he started 4 games before suffering a major ankle injury that kept him out for most of the 2022 season. That injury opened the door for Brock Purdy to step in and Purdy has held onto the job ever since.

    A Short Stay in Dallas

    The Cowboys acquired Lance before the 2024 season, hoping to tap into his potential. Unfortunately, Lance saw limited action and started 1 game against the Washington Commanders. In that game he completed 61% of his passes for 244 yards but didn’t throw a touchdown or an interception. He showed flashes of his talent but not enough to get a long term role in Dallas.

    Could the Chargers Be the Perfect Fit?

    Lance still has that top-draft-pick stuff in him: the strong arm, the mobility, and a whole lot of untapped potential. What he really needs now is a fresh start and the Chargers could be just the place to give him that. Playing behind Justin Herbert arguably the league’s brightest young star Lance will get the breathing room to learn, develop, and really hone his game.

    Without the pressure of being a starter right away, he can focus on getting healthy and regaining that confidence. If he can do that, there’s no limit to where he could go.

    CFL Interest Adds Intrigue to His Journey

    Trey Lance’s path to the Chargers was almost a Canadian one. He was on the negotiating list for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL, where his dad actually played in 2023. That connection meant a lot to Lance. But in the end, he decided the Chargers’ offer was too good to pass up. And so he’ll be focusing on proving himself in LA rather than making the move north.

    That decision could be the start of a career resurgence for Lance. With Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ coaching staff to guide him, he might finally get the stability and support he needs to really thrive.

    For Chargers fans, Lance brings a valuable asset to the quarterback position: depth and upside. And in today’s NFL, that’s a precious commodity. As Lance starts out as a backup, that unpredictability is exactly what the team needs.

  • Toronto Argonauts Re-Sign John Haggerty

    Toronto Argonauts Re-Sign John Haggerty

    The Toronto Argonauts made a major move on Friday to keep one of their most valuable assets. That asset is global punter John Haggerty, who has re-signed with the team to anchor their special teams heading into the 2025 season. Though contract details remain under wraps, the deal ensures Haggerty will be in double blue for a long time to come.

    Haggerty became a free agent on February 11. Since being plucked fourth overall in the 2022 CFL Global Draft, he’s been a rock-solid performer for the Argos. His return is a major coup for Toronto as they look to defend that Grey Cup title-and maybe even build on their East Division dominance.

    A Proven Performer on the Field

    In 2024, Haggerty earned that East Division All-Star honour—and well-deserved it was—after posting the CFL’s second-best punt average of 50.3 yards. That was a career high. He really showed off his leg strength and accuracy that season. Consistently flipping field position in Toronto’s favour was just one of the ways he made a difference.

    Over three seasons with the Argonauts, Haggerty has averaged 48.9 yards per punt on 260 attempts across 47 regular-season games. Last year, he led the league with a 48-yard average—and that earned him another divisional all-star nod. What really sets him apart is his ability to deliver under pressure. That makes him—no question—a vital part of Toronto’s special teams unit.

    A Key Piece of Toronto’s Success

    Haggerty’s impact goes far beyond the numbers. He was the rock that helped the Argonauts win those Grey Cup titles in both 2022 and 2024. Standing at six-foot-five and 225 pounds, he’s a force to be reckoned with: size, power and precision all wrapped up in one package. That combination has made him the CFL’s most feared punter- you can see why.

    His re-signing is a big deal for Toronto. It shows just how much the team values its top players- and wants to keep them. That continuity in the special teams unit will be huge as the Argonauts aim to make another deep playoff push. And with Haggerty on board, that unit just got a whole lot stronger.

    Why This Matters for the Argonauts?

    Haggerty is back and it’s all about building a deep team that can compete at the top level. Special teams often get overlooked but Haggerty’s impact can’t be measured. He can pin opponents deep in their own end or flip the field with a big punt.

    And Haggerty’s re-signing fits with the CFL’s overall push to bring in global players. As one of the top international talents he’s a success story for the global initiative and now a fan favourite in Toronto.

  • Roughriders Lock Up OL Logan Ferland with Lucrative Contract

    Roughriders Lock Up OL Logan Ferland with Lucrative Contract

    The Saskatchewan Roughriders have made a big statement by signing offensive lineman Logan Ferland to a contract extension that makes him one of the CFL’s highest paid non-quarterbacks. The deal not only reflects Ferland’s value as a cornerstone player but also gives the local product long term security with a big chunk of his 2027 salary guaranteed.

    Ferland’s New Contract Breakdown

    2025: The Extension Starts Strong

    Under the new deal Ferland will make $202,000 in cash this year. That includes:

    • $10,000 signing bonus
    • $131,700 base salary
    • $15,300 housing allowance
    • $5,000 marketing money

    Ferland can also earn up to $8,000 in incentives for all-star selections and awards. With his nomination as the West Division’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2024 he’s not far off earning those bonuses and making more.

    2026: Elite Status

    In 2026, Ferland makes $250,000 in cash:

    • $50,000 offseason roster bonus
    • $164,700 base salary
    • $15,300 housing allowance
    • $20,000 marketing money

    Plus $5,000 in incentives and Ferland’s total possible pay for 2026 is $255,000. He’ll be one of only a handful of non QBs in the CFL making $250,000 or more.

    2027: Guaranteed

    By 2027, Ferland’s deal is worth $265,000 in cash:

    • 229,700 base salary (100,000 guaranteed)
    • $15,300 housing allowance
    • $20,000 marketing money

    The guaranteed portion of his salary gives Ferland some protection against injury or team decisions. Plus $5,000 in incentives and Ferland’s total pay could be $270,000. He’ll be one of the top earners in the league.

    Why Ferland Deserves This Deal?

    Logan Ferland is already making his mark at just 27 years old. The West Division’s nomination for Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2024 is a pretty clear sign that he’s operating at an elite level-and that the CFL takes him very seriously indeed.

    That investment the Roughriders have made in Ferland is a reflection of just how much he means to the team. Growing up in Melfort, Saskatchewan, Ferland is a true embodiment of the Roughriders’ commitment to developing and keeping local talent. His leadership and consistency on the line make him a player the team can’t afford to lose. And that deal to keep him on board for the foreseeable future is a big part of that.

    What This Means for the CFL?

    Ferland’s contract sets a new benchmark for non-quarterback salaries in the CFL. That benchmark could change the way the league views—and pays—its top offensive linemen and other elite position groups. Traditionally, quarterbacks have dominated the league’s payroll. But deals like Ferland’s show just how much that’s starting to shift.

    Only a handful of non-quarterbacks earn $250,000 or more a year. Justin McInnis of the B.C. Lions, Kenny Lawler of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa’s Drew Desjarlais are among them. With the CFL’s salary cap likely to rise in the coming years, that elite group could soon get a lot bigger.

    Veteran CFL agent Rob Fry, who negotiated Ferland’s deal, says that agreement sets a new standard for how the CFL values its top non-quarterbacks. “Logan Ferland’s performance speaks for itself,” Fry said. “And this deal makes sure he’s paid like the player he is.”