CFL free agency opened February 10 and ran hot for the first 72 hours before settling into the slower rhythm that typically follows the initial burst. The dust has largely cleared now, and the picture of which organizations navigated the window well — and which ones created problems they'll spend the summer trying to solve — is becoming clear.

Edmonton was the most active team in the window and came away with the best overall haul. The addition of Austin Mack, who had recorded 136 catches for 1,973 yards and six touchdowns across 32 games with Montreal, gives Edmonton a proven possession receiver who has demonstrated durability at the CFL level. Montreal cut Mack earlier in the offseason; Edmonton moved immediately. That's the kind of reactive decision-making that free agency rewards. Mack signed a two-year deal. Edmonton also added Malik Carney, Coulter Woodmansey, and Joe Robustelli, making the offseason a genuine upgrade across multiple roster layers.

Hamilton had a notable addition of its own. Wynton McManis, the two-time All-CFL linebacker, left Toronto and joined the Tiger-Cats, filling a gap left by Devin Veresuk's departure to the NFL. McManis is the kind of veteran presence that changes the character of a defense — he's been one of the most productive linebackers in the league over the past three seasons, and adding him gives Hamilton a legitimate defensive anchor heading into training camp.

Montreal's situation is worth watching carefully. Losing Mack and not yet replacing his production with a player of equivalent track record represents a real gap on offense. The Alouettes added American receiver Jerreth Sterns, who has upside but not the volume of proven CFL production that Mack brought. Montreal was the defending champion entering last season; how they address the remaining holes will determine whether this offseason is remembered as a pivot or a stumble.

The B.C. Lions made news with the re-signing of linebacker Maxime Rouyer under a rare CFL ruling that converted his designation from Global to National — a distinction that matters significantly under the league's roster construction rules. The precedent it sets may be as important as the signing itself.

Calgary was quieter than expected. The Stampeders added defensive back Devodric Bynum but otherwise held their powder. Whether that restraint reflects confidence in the returning roster or cap constraints will become clearer when training camp opens.