Ray extension talks underway

[bluto]

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/05/28...ract-extension

TORONTO - Nothing is imminent and nothing is ever taken for granted, but the Argonauts have at least begun a dialogue in the hopes of keeping Ricky Ray in Double Blue beyond this season.Given his youth and ability to make plays with his feet, Travis Lulay remains the CFL’s most dynamic quarterback.

But when it comes to having a presence in the pocket and inside the locker room, Ray ranks in the same class as Montreal’s Anthony Calvillo.
Without Ray, there’s no chance the Argos win last year’s Grey Cup.
Without Ray’s ability to deliver the football on time and in the perfect spot that makes every throw easy to catch, no way Chad Owens emerges as the league’s leading receiver and most outstanding player.

As the Argos’ passing game evolved last season, it was Ray’s calming presence that helped the team’s offensive line find its identity at the absolute right moment.
With rookies and quarterbacks reporting to the team’s Mississauga practice facility on Wednesday, there’s no urgency to get a long-term deal, but having Ray in the fold for at least the next three years has to be a priority.

Only time will tell whether the Argos can successfully defend their CFL championship, but there’s stability at the top levels of the football organization in the form of GM Jim Barker, head coach Scott Milanovich and assistant GM/defensive co-ordinator Chris Jones.
Ray is the next piece that needs to be addressed.

Money is always an issue in a league such as the CFL, where every penny must be accounted for, but the Argos did quite well when they acquired Ray’s hefty contract from Edmonton last off-season.
In terms of character players, Ray is near the top of any list.
In terms of indispensable players in Argoland, Ray is at the top of the list.

More than pursuing a deal that benefits all parties involved, the Argos are trying to develop a quarterback rotation that will ultimately see someone succeed Ray, whenever that time arrives.
The Argos have had to deal with a myriad issues and problems over the years, from finding a full-time practice facility to developing a quarterback from within.
There’s actually a chance the latter may be achieved, sooner rather than later.
In Trevor Harris and Zach Collaros, the Argos have two young arms who now have one year under their belt.

Both joined Ray at the team’s mini-camp in Florida last month and the Argos were encouraged at what they saw.
“They were more comfortable in the offence,’’ said Barker. “Both Trevor and Zach read things much easier this year. Both are ready to compete and it’s going to be a great competition for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots.”
Unless something dramatically goes awry, Ray will be the incumbent.

There’s no proven CFL veteran under contract, a role Jarious Jackson filled last season.
The battle for the backup position and third-stringer pits Harris, Collaros and Mitchell Gale, who beat out former Winnipeg starter and backup Alex Brink.
Gale also attended the Argos’ session in Florida and later auditioned for the St. Louis Rams in the NFL.
In a nutshell, the Double Blue had to decide between Gale and Brink.

“I didn’t like having to do it, but you have to do what you have to do,’’ said Barker.
What impressed Barker was Gale’s touch on deep balls, his mobility and presence.
The CFL is such a fluid business that Brink may one day resurface.
“Alex has at least been introduced to our system,’’ said Barker.
“And he’s a veteran guy. It would be wrong to say he’s never going to be back. You never know. This league is small.”

[mchesher03]

let's hope so - ricky has at least a few good years left in him and Harris and Collaros will be nipping at his heels over the next few years too (not a bad thing)

[Invader]

The Argos have to take care of Ricky Ray, who took a salary reduction in Edm before he was traded (reportedly from $515k to $430k, although some reports say his base salary is only $375k).

Travis Lulay signed for "in excess of $475k per season" in the offseason...so Ray and Cavillo won't be too far behind.

[KCargosfan]

Travis Lulay signed for "in excess of $475k per season" in the offseason...so Ray and Cavillo won't be too far behind.

This is one reason I hope the league puts a "maximum salary" number (say $500K) in the next CBA, so the QBs don't get all of the windfall from what likely will be a moderate increase in the cap number.

[Argo57]

This is one reason I hope the league puts a "maximum salary" number (say $500K) in the next CBA, so the QBs don't get all of the windfall from what likely will be a moderate increase in the cap number.

Sounds reasonable, spreading the money around a little can only increase the talent level for the whole league. These guys sacrifice themselves for relatively little cash. Probably why most of us still relate to CFL players!!

[T-Bone]

Argos Extend QB Ricky Ray Through 2015 Season

[paulwoods13]

Great news. Wish it were longer but at least we have him for three more years.

[argotom]

Great news. Now if we can only get a decent and permanent practice facility with team offices. Wow, could you imagine an indoor/outdoor place with an office building portion and a year round store for merchandise. Wake me up I am dreaming.

[Stevoman]

Happy about this as well. Much better than what happened with Matt Dunigan. When you have a high quality quarterback, you have to lock them up!

[Will]

This should probably be split off into it's own thread.

Great news obviously! This also gives plenty of time for one of Harris or Collaros (if they are willing) to learn from one of the best.

[gilthethrill]

Happy about this as well. Much better than what happened with Matt Dunigan. When you have a high quality quarterback, you have to lock them up!

Oh yes..that Matt Dunigan fiasco set the Argos back 5 years until Doug Flutie arrived in 96...similar situation could be taking place in Edmonton with the departure of Ray.

[AngeloV]

Happy about this as well. Much better than what happened with Matt Dunigan. When you have a high quality quarterback, you have to lock them up!

Let me start by saying that I wish the Dunnigan low ball offer never happened.

Having said that...I don't think you can compare the 2 situaltions. In hindsight, it would have been great to re-sign Dunnigan, but he missed about 50% of the teams games in his 2 years here. And it's not like he was injury free for the rest of his career either.

Ray OTOH, has been relatively healthy throughout his career. His injuries aren't considered the type that can linger on, such as the ones Dunnigan had.

[Will]

Let me start by saying that I wish the Dunnigan low ball offer never happened.

Having said that...I don't think you can compare the 2 situaltions. In hindsight, it would have been great to re-sign Dunnigan, but he missed about 50% of the teams games in his 2 years here. And it's not like he was injury free for the rest of his career either.

Ray OTOH, has been relatively healthy throughout his career. His injuries aren't considered the type that can linger on, such as the ones Dunnigan had.

In hindsight, the decision to let Dunigan walk in 1992 was a bad decision, but at the time it probably didn't look so bad.

[jerrym]

Is there any news on what he signed for as it will affect how much is available for others under the cap? Whatever the amount was, this is still the best news of the year so far. The only thing that could beat it would be another Grey Cup victory.

[paulwoods13]

In hindsight, the decision to let Dunigan walk in 1992 was a bad decision, but at the time it probably didn't look so bad.

I have it on excellent authority that Dunigan was allowed to walk in 1992 because Bruce McNall was strapped for cash and unwilling to pay him what he was worth. More on that in my next book, if I ever get around to it.

[DanTheFan]

Argos Extend QB Ricky Ray Through 2015 Season

Sweet!! There's one position we won't have to worry about for years.

[ArgoRavi]

I have it on excellent authority that Dunigan was allowed to walk in 1992 because Bruce McNall was strapped for cash and unwilling to pay him what he was worth. More on that in my next book, if I ever get around to it.

I don't doubt that, Paul, as I believe that McNall's empire was starting to crumble by early '92. However, it was easier to walk away from Dunigan given that he had missed half of the team's games during his two seasons in Toronto and Ricky Foggie did look like he would not be a huge drop-off in production given his play in replacing Dunigan in '90 and '91. Dunigan's performance in the '91 Grey Cup was gutsy but I believe that the Argos would have won with Foggie at QB as well.

[argolio]

Excellent news. Looking forward to see the offense might evolve in year two.