STEVIE BAGGS AND REY WILLIAMS BOTH MAY BE FREE AGENTS

By MURRAY McCORMICK, Leader-

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have adopted a wait-and-see approach in regards to their interest in defensive end Stevie Baggs and linebacker Renauld Williams.

Baggs and Williams were both trying to catch on with NFL teams. Baggs was released by the Arizona Cardinals on Friday, when some NFL teams reduced their rosters to 53 players.
Williams, who was attempting to catch on with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was waived Friday after suffering a knee injury in Thursday's 19-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

John Chick, who was the CFL's most outstanding defensive player in 2009 with the Riders, wasn't among Friday's early cuts. Chick has been trying out with the Indianapolis Colts. Teams have until 4 p.m. Saturday to announce their rosters.

Brendan Taman, the Riders' general manager, said Friday he's waiting to see if Williams and Baggs clear NFL waivers. The Riders retain the rights to Williams and Chick. Baggs is a free agent and if he doesn't sign with an NFL squad, is eligible to join any CFL team. It's believed that the Cardinals will offer Baggs a berth on their eight-man practice roster.

"I had contact with Stevie's agent (Friday) afternoon,'' Taman said. "He made it very clear that (Baggs') NFL future would be sorted out by the weekend and that it is unlikely he will return to Saskatchewan immediately.''

The extent of Williams's injury clouds the issue for the Riders and other teams. Williams and other CFLers released by NFL teams have a 10-day window to pursue other options. Taman said it was unlikely Williams would be with the Riders for at least two weeks.

Williams had seven tackles and a sack in three pre-season games with the Steelers. Baggs had four tackles with the Cardinals in three pre-season games.
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