Ottawa REDBLACKS Signs Former Ticat Receiver Chris Williams?

Judging by the Twitter feed of the Ottawa REDBLACKS, they've signed former Ticat receiver Chris Williams. Williams you recall went to the NFL after an acrimonious contract dispute with the Ticats, where Williams claimed he wasn't offered a minimum duration contract. Williams was able to go to the NFL after a legal decision, however the Ticats retained his CFL rights for 2013 and 2014. Williams was on the roster of the Saints and Bears.

This is an interesting signing by Ottawa. Williams had 1,298 yards receiving and 16 TDs in 2012 for the Cats. They've already significantly boosted their receiving corps, including the signing of former Ticat receiver, Greg Ellingson and Calgary's Brad Sinopoli. Plus Williams has played with former Ticat quarterback and current Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris, so there's some chemistry there. Plus Williams is an excellent kick and punt returner (1,117 yards in 2012).

I'm impressed. Even if all of Ottawa's receiver signings don't pan out, some of them will at least. I'm thinking of moving Ottawa up in my power rankings.

Former Ticat Chris Williams Signs with Chicago Bears

Just saw on CHCH that former Ticat receiver Chris Williams was signed off the New Orleans Saints' practice roster. Williams of course grieved his Ticat contract and didn't show up to came, ultimately winning the opportunity to sign with an NFL team this year.

Maybe Williams will actually see some game action.

Chris Williams' Ticat Contract Voided

Just saw that Chris Williams' contract with the Ticats was voided by a judge. Somewhat surprising, although it is pretty late for him to try and pickup with an NFL team.

Chris Williams' Contract Ruled Valid By Arbitrator

Just saw on the Ticats Twitter feed that an independent arbitrator has ruled that Chris Williams present Ticat contract is valid. So first off, Williams won't be going to an NFL camp this year.

Williams hasn't reported to camp yet, so what happens next will be interesting. Williams doesn't have much choice but to play for the Cats this year if he wants to play in the CFL this year. I'm doubting the Cats would trade him and would prefer to just have him remain on the suspended list rather than have him come back and bite them in the ass later in the season.

Williams isn't getting paid much at all this year, so he may have already calculated that he would just sit out this year and try for an NFL camp the following year or another CFL team. I suppose Williams could now report to camp, but it seems unlikely.

Chris Williams Situation

I don't know all the details, but clearly Chris Williams would prefer to not play his option year with the Cats in 2013 and try his luck in the CFL. Obviously he's under contract, so the options are sitting out or playing for the Cats. An issue is that he is under a beginning deal, so his pay is minimal. One problem with paying imports such little money initially is that they aren't really losing out on a lot by sitting out.

As far as I understand if the the Cats and Williams redid his deal, it would have to extend to next year, which is probably unpalatable to Williams. The Cats would certainly miss Williams, although as I have kept repeating in this off-season, they were in last place even with him. My guess is that Williams comes back and plays this season grudgingly, although I could see him saying screw it, why play and have the chance of being injured and complicate his NFL bid in 2014. He would be a free agent so even if he didn't make the NFL he could sign a lucrative free agent contract with another CFL club.

Andy Fantuz Bad Season?

Andy Fantuz was signed to the Cats this year to a high value contract in CFL terms. After 11 games some consider him somewhat of a bust. However looking over the list of receiving leaders for the CFL, I don't think this is really the case. Chris Williams is third in the league with 900 yards receiving, however Fantuz is a respectable 12th on the list with 553 yards. Considering Fantuz missed some playing time due to injury his per game average performance would probably move him up the list of CFL receivers.

Fantuz still has seven regular games go this year and could still crack the 1000 yard mark. Fantuz always draws coverage helping out the other Ticat receivers. The Cats offence hasn't been the problem this year and neither has Fantuz.

Chris Williams has the chance to be the first CFL receiver to crack the 1,000 yard mark this year if he gets triple digit receiving yards against the Bombers tonight. That's impressive for only his 12th game this year.