Free agency in the CFL can be a little bit like a Christmas morning with bright, shiny presents piled under a tree.

But Kyle Walters, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ general manager, warns not everyone is going to get what they want. Some players who hoped to open a gift containing a big contract might have to settle for a smaller package.

This year over 220 players are scheduled to become free agents on Feb. 14. Those on the top end of the talent list – like receiver Ernest Jackson, defensive back Abdul Kanneh and offensive lineman Derek Dennis – will probably receive lucrative offers. While the top-end players gobble up big pieces of the cash pie, others may be left cleaning up the scraps.

Walters said when the new collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2014, the salary cap jumped around $500,000 and teams rushed to spend that money.

“Now those contracts are running out,” said Walters. “I think you are starting to see it work itself out. The quarterbacks, your big-name guys, are taking a big chunk. Unfortunately for the middle-round guys, there’s not a whole lot left.”

Another factor impacting free agency is the elimination of option years in contracts. That has resulted in many players signing one-year deals.

The Bombers resigned quarterback Matt Nichols to a three-year deal in January. He previously had signed a one-year contract. The money Winnipeg spent to keep Nichols will impact how much they have to spend on other players.

“With the one-year contracts and the record number of free agents, I think that’s where you’re going,” said Walters. “I believe a lot of the agents’ work leading into free agency is going to be tempering their clients’ expectations. Top guys are going to get their money, but I think there are going to be a few guys looking around (on) day two or day three going ‘oh-oh, let me have a job.’”

In the past, Winnipeg has been a big player in the free agent market. Last year the list of free agents Walters signed included running back Andrew Harris, offensive lineman Jeff Keeping, receiver Ryan Smith, defensive tackle Keith Shologan and kicker Justin Medlock.

Walters expects to be more patient this year. Instead of looking for marquee names, the Bombers will be happy to sign more supporting actors.

“I anticipate on the 14th it will be nothing like it’s been in prior years,” he said. “We’ll see what happens on the second or third day of free agency. Certainly, if we can find a guy at any position we think is a solid football player that fits in financially with what we are doing, we’ll make a play at that. I don’t see us going after any of the high-end guys.”

The Bombers have already made a move to improve their defence, signing defensive end Tristan Okpalaugo to a two-year contract.

Okpalaugo had 22 sacks, 67 defensive tackles and two interceptions in 36 games with Toronto before signing with the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals in 2016. He was the East’s nominee as rookie of the year in 2014.

The Bombers may use free agency to add some depth in their Canadian backup positions. Walters also will be relying on his scouting department to find new talent by training camp.

“I think you are going to see that a lot more on most teams in the CFL,” he said. “You are heading into training camp and there’s going to be a few positions that are going to be filled by your young American players strictly based on salary.”

Winnipeg has two picks in the first round of the CFL draft. Walters said it’s too early to say if the Bombers might be willing to trade one of the picks.

Like other teams, the Bombers expect to lose some players to free agency. Wide receiver Rory Kohlert, defensive lineman Euclid Cummings and linebacker Khalil Bass are among the Bombers expected to find new homes.

Walters said negotiations with pending free agents like Nichols can be done quickly if the player wants to stay in a city.

Also, in “those dog days of winter, December, January, when guys can use a little bit of money, that is enticing to them as well,” he said.

Sometimes, expectations and egos result in a player moving to another team.

“You see sometimes where a player will sign with another team for virtually the same offer, sometimes a little bit less, just to prove their point,” said Walters.

The Bombers finished third in the West last season with a 11-7 record and played their first playoff game since losing the 2011 Grey Cup. They lost the West Semi-Final 32-31 to the BC Lions.

While pleased with his team’s improvement, Walters said the Bombers can’t relax yet.

“There’s not any less stress, just a different kind of stress,” he said.