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Lockout has some undrafted players heading to Canada

Jim Barker

Jim Barker, coach of the Toronto Argonauts, smiles as he addresses a gathering after being named CFL football Coach Of The Year in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, Feb 25, 2011. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jonathan Hayward)

AP

With undrafted free agents facing an uncertain future and unable to sign with NFL teams until the lockout ends, some are deciding that heading to Canada is their best bet to make a living playing professional football

The Calgary Herald reports that two offensive linemen, John Bender of Nevada and J’Michael Deane of Michigan State, have reached agreements with the Calgary Stampeders. Both players had been exploring NFL opportunities but decided the Canadian Football League was a better bet.

As we’ve previously noted regarding the UFL, an offer from the CFL could be tempting for players who weren’t drafted and want to start their professional careers now, rather than wait and hope to sign with a team and make a roster whenever the lockout ends.

And the longer the lockout lasts, the more appealing the CFL and UFL will look to players who just want to play football and get paid for doing it.