Five players to watch in CFL free agency

The CFL's free agency period starts Tuesday at noon Eastern (following a recent decision to move the deadline up from February 15), and there are plenty of intriguing names still on the market, perhaps even more than usual. That's notable, and somewhat unexpected; there was a massive crop of pending free agents in November, but many felt that might be thanks to the Ottawa dispersal draft, with general managers around the league opting to gamble and leave top pending free agents unprotected, believing that the Redblacks wouldn't risk picks on pending free agents. That strategy largely worked from a Ottawa standpoint, as the Redblacks only chose one pending free agent (Winnipeg receiver Rory Kohlert), but while some potential free agents did sign extensions with their teams after the dispersal draft, many elected not to. That's led to a free agent class that has both substantial quantity and impressive quality, and it should make for a very interesting free agency period. Here are five of the top players who could switch teams.

Shea Emry, linebacker, Montreal Alouettes: Emry has battled concussions at times, but when healthy, he's one of the best middle linebackers in the league. That, and his Canadian passport, will make the 27-year-old Emry a sought-after target if the Alouettes are unable to re-sign him. Emry recorded 44 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in 2013. Ottawa and Winnipeg in particular are expected to try to sign him, or he could wind up with his hometown B.C. Lions.

Josh Bourke, offensive tackle, Montreal Alouettes: The 31-year-old Bourke is another Canadian player who's shown he stacks up with the best players in the league. He's been with the Alouettes since 2007 and was named to the divisional all-star team every year from 2008 to 2012, earning league all-star nods as well in 2011 and 2012, winning the Leo Dandurand Trophy as the East's top lineman in both of those years and winning the league's most outstanding lineman award in 2012. He's a great left tackle, and as Herb Zurkowsky writes, just about every team could be interested in him.

Kory Sheets, running back, Saskatchewan Roughriders: Sheets proved to be one of the most important players in the CFL last year, acting as the key component of Saskatchewan's offence and picking up the Grey Cup MVP award after setting a Grey Cup rushing record with 197 yards on 20 carries. At 28, the import running back should have plenty of good seasons left, but the question is where they'll be. The Roughriders and their fans would love to have him back, but that may not happen. Sheets has received NFL interest this offseason, including a workout with the Raiders, and he may be southward-bound. Even if he elects to stay in the CFL, there could be a bidding war for his services.

Craig Butler, linebacker, Saskatchewan Roughriders: The 25-year-old Butler is a versatile Canadian who can play both linebacker and defensive back, and he led the Riders with 60 tackles last season. He's also proved to be one of the league's hardest hitters. Plenty of teams could be interested in bringing him in.

Patrick Watkins, defensive back, Toronto Argonauts: Watkins is one of the league's best corners, and he's a guy few teams like to throw anywhere near. Despite that, the 31-year-old Watkins still notched five interceptions in each of 2012 and 2013 and was named a league all-star in both seasons. There could be a few teams looking to bolster their defensive backfield, and the Ottawa Redblacks in particular might make a run at an established star like Watkins.