CFL teams looking to make a splash in free agency next week are likely to be disappointed. By the time it starts, there may not be any players left in the pool.

The latest big name off the board came Monday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders released offensive lineman Ben Heenan, who is expected to sign with an NFL team. The 24-year-old would have been one of the most sought-after players on the market when things finally get rolling on Feb. 10 and joins a number of players who have either re-signed with their old clubs or headed to the NFL.

While Saskatchewan may have lost Heenan, they were able to re-sign receiver Weston Dressler, all-star safety Tyrone Brackenridge and defensive end Ricky Foley (who they promptly traded to Toronto for linebacker Shea Emry.) S.J. Green re-upped in Montreal, offensive lineman Tyler Holmes decided to stay in Toronto while defensive end Odell Willis stayed put in Edmonton.

In Hamilton, general manager Kent Austin was able to get receiver Luke Tasker's name on a three-year deal and also locked up offensive lineman Tim O'Neill. Defensive Eric Norwood, who would hit the open market after next season, was also signed long-term. The Ticats lost corner Delvin Breaux, however, who was released early so he could sign with the New Orleans Saints.

As usual, money is a factor. This is the first full free agency period under the new collective bargaining agreement — it was signed last June after the opening of training camp — and the cap is set at $5.05 million 2015. Under the old deal, the final cap number was $4.4 million: general managers have more money in the till and, unlike last off-season, know exactly what their budget will be.

Players also seem reluctant to move. The cost of setting up a home in a new city can offset moderate gains in salary quickly, not to mention the risks of changing to a new offensive system or defensive scheme. There was only one heading coaching change this winter and many players have opted for the benefits of continuity.

There are still some notable names available, however.

Hamilton's dynamic return man Brandon Banks is still pursuing NFL opportunities but would be attractive to teams around the CFL as well. There are some quality Canadian receivers including the Ticats' Sam Giguere, Toronto's Spencer Watt and Calgary's Brad Sinopoli. Among homegrown offensive lineman — always a hot commodity in free agency — Calgary's Brett Jones is the biggest name (though he's had NFL workouts as well) while Ottawa's Joe Eppele and Winnipeg's Gord Hinse are also unsigned.

In addition to the increased cap number, there is also an entirely new option available to players for the first time: the one-year deal. Traditionally, contracts have been a minimum of two years — one year plus a team held option — but players were able to win the right for single season contracts during the last round of collective bargaining.

American players with NFL aspirations or Canadians who believe they are undervalued may opt for one-year deals while teams may use them on guys nearing the end of their careers — halfback Jerald Brown signed a one-year deal with Montreal on Monday.

They pose a challenge for teams in their long-term planning but also pose a risk to players as well given that injured vets can't be released by their clubs in the off-season.

With so many big names off the board, those clubs needing to immediately upgrade their talent — we're looking at you Ottawa and Winnipeg — will now have to place more emphasis on trades, scouting and the draft to get better (the Redblacks have already swung a deal for receiver Maurice Price.)

As for Hamilton, Austin told the media last week that they are still trying to re-sign some of their pending free agents. Banks is an obviously target and there are rumbles that veteran receiver Bakari Grant may be close to returning. Others, like receiver Greg Ellingson, are thought to be moving on.

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While Austin and his staff have been willing to open the kitty when need be — safety Craig Butler was a big get last February — this year they may look for under-the radar value to round out what two Grey Cup appearances indicates is a contending team.

Of course, with so many big names off the board, they don't have much choice.