A week after being released from the Saskatchewan Roughriders, defensive end John Chick is close to a deal with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

On January 14, Riderville almost imploded with news that new head coach, Chris Jones released Chick and receiver, Weston Dressler from the Saskatchewan Roughriders. According to the Roughrider official website, negotiations were on-going with both players’ agents to get their respective salaries to a more “cap-friendly” level, but an agreement couldn’t be reached.

While Dressler took to social media to vocalize his disappointment with the organization, talks about where Chick would land started almost immediately. Initial reports mentioned the Winnipeg Blue Bombers looking at Chick, but it didn’t take long for Hamilton coming into negotiations. According to TSN’s Gary Lawless, “it’s all but official”.

been told DL John Chick is going to sign with @ticats. deal all but done @cfl — gary lawless (@garylawless) January 24, 2016

During the 2015 Roughrider season, Chick was arguably the only bright spot in an otherwise ugly season. Chick ranks fourth in Rider history with an impressive 53 sacks. He recorded 11 sacks in 17 games in 2015.

What Can John Chick Do for the Tiger-Cats?

After being denied the Grey Cup in the past three years, this deal, once official, could mean a lot for Hamilton. With an already top-ranked defence, adding Chick to the roster would cause a lot of fear in offensive lines across the league.

In 2015, and even with a stealthy defence, the Ti-Cats ranked second-last in the CFL with only 38 sacks. Against top-league quarterbacks like Henry Burris, Mike Reilly and Bo Levi Mitchell, Chick could make a valuable impact on that defensive line.

Is this a strategic move by Hamilton? Of course; it always is. But will it make the difference and finally get Kent Austin and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats the elusive Grey Cup they’ve been after? John Chick can only prove it with time.

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