CFL free agency: Top 10 available players

CFL teams will be showing the love on Valentine's Day, as general managers try to fill their rosters for the upcoming season.

Here are the top 10 players available to be signed.

1. Ernest Jackson - Wide Receiver

2016 Stats: 88 receptions, 1,225 yards, 10 touchdowns

The 2016 East Division nominee for Most Outstanding Player, Jackson has taken to the spotlight, as after leaving the BC Lions in 2014, Jackson has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons win Ottawa, helping them win the Grey Cup last year.

Outside of offensive linemen, Jackson should attract the most attention as an offensive threat.

Signed with Montreal

2. Derek Dennis - Offensive Line

2016 Stats: Started all 18 games, plus playoffs

The winner of the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award in 2016 with Calgary, Dennis will have plenty of suitors. Protecting the quarterback is key for any football team and finding players who can do that at a consistent level is hard to find.

That is why even though Dennis is classified as an international player, his phone will be ringing with interests as teams pay a premium for quarterback protection and someone who has played left tackle, left guard, and right guard in his career.

Signed with Saskatchewan

3. Micah Johnson - Defensive Line

2016 Stats: 36 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles

No team got to the quarterback more than the Stampeders in 2016 and Johnson was a big reason for that, providing seven sacks and playing in the interior, a rarity.

In his last two seasons, Johnson has recorded 66 tackles and 13 sacks while filling in running lanes.

Re-signed with Calgary

4. Abdul Kanneh - Defensive Back

2016 Stats: 52 tackles, three interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble

Since arriving in the CFL in 2014 with Ottawa, Kanneh has proven his playmaking abilities, while not being afraid to get into the dirty areas. In 43 career games, Kanneh has 12 interceptions, to go along with 139 tackles.

Playmakers in the secondary can change games and that is why Kanneh will be targeted by many teams.

Signed with Hamilton

5. Mic'hael Brooks - Defensive Line

2016 Stats: 18 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery

Brooks' stat line may not pop out on the stats sheet, but his ability to collapse the pocket and clog running lanes is a big reason why he will be highly coveted during free agency. Winning the line of scrimmage is key and Brooks is someone who can do that.

In his two seasons in the CFL, all with the BC Lions, Brooks has recorded 62 tackles and four sacks, along with an interception and forced fumble.

Re-signed with BC

6. Nolan MacMillan - Offensive Line

2016 Stats: Seven games played, six starts

With not a lot of options along the offensive line this offseason, it puts even more of a premium on teams looking to upgrade. MacMillan, who is classified as a national player, started in six games in 2016 with Ottawa, after injuries forced him to miss the majority of the season.

Helping to be a part of a start-up franchise with two Grey Cup berths and a title under its belt, MacMillan would be a vital asset to anyone looking for help along the offensive line. Coming off an injury does not help, but there are not many options available.

Re-signed with Ottawa

7. Marquay McDaniel - Wide Receiver

2016 Stats: 83 receptions, 1,074 yards, four touchdowns

One of the most consistent receivers in the league for the past eight years, McDaniel will be a great addition for any team looking to contend for a Grey Cup.

Though now 32, McDaniel had arguably his best season of his career last year and his 489 career receptions and 6,441 yards would put any team over the top on the offensive side of the ball.

Re-signed with Calgary

8. Winston Venable - Linebacker

2016 Stats: 88 tackles, seven sacks

A tackling machine the last two years, Venable has been one of the lone bright spots with Montreal. Missing just one game in the past two seasons, Venable has recorded 191 tackles to his name, along with 12 sacks.

Any team looking for someone to clean up in the backfield and leadership at the linebacker position, Venable will be at the top of their lists.

Signed with Toronto

9. Khalil Bass - Linebacker

2016 Stats: 82 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles

Much like Venable, Winnipeg's Bass has been a thorn in the side of offences in the league the past two years, as the linebacker has 181 tackles to his credit.

Even more impressive is his playmaking abilities, as Bass has nine sacks, three interceptions, and five forced fumbles from his linebacker position, while having two touchdowns on defence.

Signed with Ottawa

10. Chris Williams - Wide Receiver

2016 Stats: 77 receptions, 1,246 yards, 10 touchdowns

Ever since he joined the league in 2011 with Hamilton, no receiver has arguably been more explosive than Williams, who has posted four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

Williams was looking to have his best season of his career in 2016, hauling in 77 receptions for 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns in 14 games with Ottawa. However, Williams missed the final four games and all of the playoffs due to a season-ending ACL injury, which may scare some teams.

Reportedly signed with BC