5 CFL Free Agents that Could "Double Dip" in 2024
By Pat Rifino
In 2023 we saw players like Brett Boyko, Collin Kelley, Dakota Prukop, and Darnell Sankey all experiment in earning income in both the Spring Leagues as well as heading up North in the CFL. With Spring Football looking like it has a place in our lives for the foreseeable future here are Five Players that may Double Dip in 2024.
Jake Dolegala Saskatchewan Roughriders QB
Dolegala is a small school QB who was able to put together a nice little career in the NFL before taking a chance up North. Finally in 2023 due to several injuries at QB for SSK, Dolegala was able to put together a decent amount of reps however SSK still ended with a 4-14 record come season's end. With the opportunity to play more football on the horizon, maybe Dolegala makes his way to the USFL, XFL, or Merged combination in an effort for a more lucrative and consistent contract.
Tommy Stevens Calgary Stampeders QB
Stevens has made a nice niche for himself in the CFL however, he has fallen into a bit of a “typecast” similar to Dakota Prukop. With Stevens still “young” enough to have a go at the NFL is it outlandish for him to pop on to the “Spring Football” scene to maybe garner some NFL interest? Who knows but as we saw with Prukop it’s extremely possible to put together a season in the USFL only to add in an additional 17 games in the CFL and still be effective.
Lorenzo Mauldin Ottawa Redblacks DL
A bit of a stretch on this one but hear me out. Mauldin could utilize the same logic that Argos QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson did in 2023. Mauldin, an Atlanta Native could be a huge bonus for the Stallions or whoever the 2nd “Hubbed” team is moving to in 2024. While Mauldin has proven to be a valuable member of the CFL, at age 31 playing in front of your friends and family may be too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Shawn Oakman Toronto Argonauts DL
Why not? Oakman has played in so many different leagues in his career I think championing him to the USFL would be a fun storyline for another NFL comeback. Whether it was the AIF, CIF, TSL, AAL, XFL, FCF, and CFL, Oakman has been there and done that except for a coveted shot at the NFL. With time ticking in his playing career maybe Oakman comes back “home” for another shot at the “show”.
Kony Ealy Edmonton Elks DL
Ealy put together another respectable stat line of the Elks in 2023 and may want to come “home” in 2024. Ealy who is from about 2 hours south of St. Louis as well as being a Mizzou Alum might motivate Ealy to like others on this list play in front of friends and family. While Ealy may no longer be looking at an NFL opportunity, but he’d be a welcomed piece for the St. Louis Battlehawks.
