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FREE-AGENCY STRATEGY

In the 2019 CFL free agency period, the Redblacks focused more on bringing in supplementary pieces to their roster, rather than breaking the bank on established star players. That philosophy may have to change before next season.

“Every year you have to adjust what you’re doing — how the season played out, how your roster is looking moving forward, how the long-term injuries play into the next year,” said Desjardins. “That’s all stuff we’ll deal with when the off-season hits.”

Will the team look to hit some home runs in free agency? “We probably will at certain spots,” said Desjardins. “Of the (potential returning) guys we want back, do they want to be back? That will dictate whether or not we have to look for other answers if, for some reason, the guys don’t want to be here.”

Will the Redblacks look at entering the free-agent market with an eye on a potential starting quarterback? “Yeah, for sure,” said Desjardins. “(What we’ve seen from our quarterbacks this season) hasn’t been optimal. But it’s not all on the quarterbacks — the dynamic hasn’t worked.”

SLUMP BUSTERS

In the midst of a seven-game losing streak (11 of their last 12), the Redblacks are looking to get some momentum through their next four games: In Toronto, in Hamilton, back in Toronto, then Nov. 1 at home to Montreal to close out the regular season. Said Desjardins: “We want to see the compete level like we saw in our most recent game. We want to see some of the new guys play and see how they do, it’s all part of the evaluation for next year.” Coach Rick Campbellsaid: “We’re going to Toronto to win a game, that’s what we’re trying to do. We want to get back in the win column. It’s been too long. We haven’t done enough winning this year and we haven’t done it in awhile. We need to get back on the right side of the scoreboard.”