Martell Mallett

Not sure what to say about the Martell Mallett signing. Obviously the odds of Avon Cobourne playing for the Cats this year is significantly less. I haven't heard what Martell's salary is, but I'm assuming it is less than Cobourne's. Maybe a camp battle, maybe Avon gets released before training camp.

I'm a little concerned that Mallett hasn't really played since 2009. My thesis is this was driven by the Ticats marketing department so they can sell little hammers playing off of the Mallett name. The Cats haven't had a running back merchandise product since the departure of De'Andra Cobb and the Cobb head.

Noteworthy Ticat Individual Stats

Rookie receiver Chris Williams is already over 1000 yards and stands at 1,012 yards with 65 receptions and 6 TDs and fourth overall. Probably a lock to be the Cats nominee for rookie of the year and maybe even win it although if he misses this week with injury that hurts his chances a bit. Dave Stala is in second on the Cats with 586 yards on 43 receptions and 8 TDs. Unless he has a monster three games the Cats will only have one receiver with over 1,000 yards. Last year the Cats had two and Marquay McDaniel was really close as well.

Running back Avon Cobourne is in second for rushing yards in the CFL with 867 yards on 180 yards (4.8 yard average) with 8 TDs and two fumbles. With no Terry Grant the rest of the year, Cobourne should get his 1,000 yards.

Ticats Actually Sign Avon Cobourne

After some speculation the Cats have actually signed Montreal free agent running back Avon Cobourne. So I guess Cobb will end up getting released at some point as I can't see the Cats paying to have both on the roster. I've argued in the past that CFL running backs are fungible commodities and hence generally easy to replace. However Cobourne does seem to be an upgrade over Cobb, especially when actually running with the ball, where Cobb was somewhat weak last year. Sure Cobb had over 1000 yards rushing, but basically any back who starts almost every game should get that in a season. Maybe on the weekend I'll look at the stats to compare the two. Cobourne has had the advantage of playing on better teams, which probably pumped up his stats, so bear that in mind. Also I'm wondering what the Cats will have for merchandise for Cobourne? Giant tube of lipstick?

The Cats also signed Saskatchewan defensive back Daniel Francis, who I know little about, but apparently had 53 tackles last year.