I remember reading a tweet, or an article earlier in the week that stated the B.C. Lions had given Geroy Simon permission to seek out a trade. Last night around supper time I read on Rod Pederson's blog that when contacted the Riders were not interested. I thought no big deal, I like what we have. It would be nice to have him, but I won't hold my breath of get upset as I am not the GM of a football team. I knew Geroy was a class act with some tremendous stats over his career, walked away and never thought anymore of it until.....
My morning routine involves catching up on Twitter and the blog of Rod Pederson, both of which by the time I arrived at work, not only said the Riders were interested but that a deal was on the table waiting for the approval of the Lions. And then it broke, Geroy Simon is now a Roughrider. He comes to Ridernation in return for a third round pick in the CFL draft and import wide reciever Justin Harper.
As I tried to go through the roster and see who the Riders might put on the table in return I thought of several names, none of which were Justin Harper. A lot of this might have to do with the fact that he played in only a handful of games last year and was a non - factor after his tremendous showing in camp. Justin Harper was the 2012 edition of Terrence Nunn, the guy who finally gave us that huge threat on the outside who could only complement Darian and the offence. In a perfect world I cannot think of the trade being any better for the Riders.
Sure Justin Harper is big and could flourish in BC but you also have to remember they are loaded with young talent as it is. I get that Geroy is 37 years old. However, unlike some who have done nothing but complain and say this is a bad deal for the Riders and that they are paying him too much, I recieve this news with open arms. To me it just adds up to much more optimism heading into 2013 as the Riders look to win the Grey Cup on the Mosaic turf.
From what I understand, the deal Simon has signed is one year plus an option at $170K per season. With incentives he could make $200K. A stiff price to pay? Not when you take into the fact he is arguably one of the five greatest receivers in the history of the league and in my mind the best player of this generation at the reciever position. Here is MY ideas as to why this is a great deal for the Riders:
* Chris Getzlaf struggled last year. He drew extra coverage as with the departure of Fantuz, he was the second option for the Riders. Geroy will take some of that coverage away freeing up Getz to have another great season.
* Who do you double team; Dressler or Geroy? Go ahead and pick one because the other will simply pick you apart.
* In the past we have big recievers who have been afraid to go over the middle and take a hit to make a play (see Prechae Rodriguez); Geroy seems to thrive on this ability
* Guys like Greg Carr and Taj Smith both come with tremendous upside and the potential to be tremendous recievers. Is there a better mentor for these guys to learn the inticracies of the game from? One needs to look no further than the likes of Shawn Gore in BC to see the impact Geroy can have even without the ball
* This is not just another option for Darian, this is a serious weapon we can use, that coupled with the George Cortez philosophy and approach to offense makes us borderline lethal.
* It will free up space for Darian to use his legs while at the same time allowing Korey Sheets and Jock Sanders not only more space to run the ball with but for those guys who can catch the ball out of the backfield, I challenge any linebacker to cover those two with any effectiveness over the course of a game.
* Sure this means that some guys will be out of jobs. The potential release of guys like Brooks Foster, Dallas Baker and possibly even Limas Sweed loom. That is a part of the game and losses I can handle given what Geroy can, and will bring to the table.
For those who lament this trade, wake up. Brendan Taman has made us a better team today. While it comes at a cost, it will also mean the end for some guys. The money saved in that regard can be used to shore up the defense where the organization sees fit. Anyone who is a true Rider fan and understands the game will see this as nothing but a tremendous addition to the offence, the team, the dressing room and the community.
Welcome to Ridernation Geroy; you may not be here a long time (two years) but let's make them a couple of seasons to remember.
I am honestly like a kid in a candy story today.
One last note, that Evan Rostotski rink I occasionally allude to on this blog; well they kicked off the Norquay Open bonspiel with a thrilling 10 - 9 victory last night. That moves them into the first event and a 7:00 showdown tomorrow night as they play for a berth in the semi - finals.
Later,
HM
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