BRENDAN TAMAN MAKING HIS MARK

Saskatchewan Roughriders GM Brendan Taman
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post files

REGINA — Brendan Taman has quickly applied his signature to the Saskatchewan Roughriders by collecting a series of notable signatures.

In recent weeks, the Roughriders' newly appointed general manager has enticed the likes of tailback/returner Dominique Dorsey, offensive linemen Dan Goodspeed and Kelly Bates, and middle linebacker Barrin Simpson to sign with the CFL team.

Taman's predecessor, Eric Tillman, typically eschewed big-name free agents. His approach was to build through the negotiation list and the draft, making any necessary fortifications via the trade route. The formula was an unqualified success, given that Saskatchewan won a league-high 34 games, two West Division titles and one Grey Cup in Tillman's three full seasons in charge of the football operations — all of which included a home playoff game.

Tillman resigned Jan. 8 and was succeeded two weeks later by Taman, who spent last season as the Roughriders' director of football administration. Although Tillman and Taman worked together very effectively, the difference in their managerial styles has quickly become discernible.

It is not surprising to see Taman dive into free-agency. He was not shy about doing so while serving as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' GM. In addition to signing the aforementioned players, he has also ensured that veterans such as tailback Wes Cates, defensive tackle Marcus Adams, fullback Chris Szarka, cornerback Omarr Morgan and linebacker Tad Kornegay would remain in Riderville despite being eligible for free agency.

The early returns are positive. Dorsey is an elite returner who can also add explosiveness on offence. Goodspeed and Bates are proven commodities. Simpson was sixth in the league in defensive tackles last season despite playing in only 13 of 18 games with Winnipeg.

Of those four new additions, all but Dorsey are in their 30s. The hope is that the Roughriders can extract another year or two out of Simpson, Goodspeed and Bates. That is in line with a widely held philosophy in the CFL, where teams often emulate the Washington Redskins of the 1970s. Under head coach George Allen, their slogan was, "The Future Is Now.''

In the CFL's salary-cap era, players are more transient than ever. Gone are the days when a team can keep the nucleus of a team together while winning five consecutive Grey Cups, as the Edmonton Eskimos did from 1978 to 1982.

The 2007 Roughriders are a classic example. Shortly after winning the Grey Cup, the exodus of big names included quarterback Kerry Joseph (who was the CFL's reigning most outstanding player at the time), defensive end Fred Perry, tailback/returner Corey Holmes and head coach Kent Austin (the 2007 coach-of-the-year).

The Roughriders have continued to lose reputable players, without losing their standing as one of the league's elite teams. As an example to that effect, consider that Saskatchewan was one infamous play away from winning the 2009 Grey Cup while employing a first-year starting quarterback (Darian Durant).

Since then, there have been some notable departures. John Chick, who was named the CFL's outstanding defensive player in 2009, signed with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Stevie Baggs — like Chick, an all-star defensive end last season — was lured away by the Arizona Cardinals. The NFL also snapped up middle linebacker Renauld Williams, who is now Pittsburgh Steelers property. Defensive halfback Eddie Davis, a spry 37, opted to retire after becoming a free agent.

There are huge holes to fill on defence but, as a counterbalance, the offence has been bolstered. The acquisition of wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was an inspired move. Ditto for the signing of the electrifying Dorsey. Technically, Andy Fantuz was a free agent, but Tillman ensured last October that the non-import slotback would return if he did not receive overtures from the NFL.

Fantuz is part of a knockout receiving corps that also includes Rodriguez, Weston Dressler, Chris Getzlaf, Rob Bagg and Jason Clermont. Cates, Dorsey and Hugh Charles give the Roughriders an array of options in the backfield. And then there is Durant, an all-star last season, whom Taman recently signed to a contract extension.

This all points to the wisdom of another signing — that of Taman as GM.

rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com