2015 CFL Free agents: what should the Argos do?

[Argo57]

One guy I would have interest in is Kendial Lawrence (Edmonton Eskimos) RB.
Would be a great addition as both a RB and PR.

[jerrym]

Hmm. The official list is actually quite a bit longer than the one I found last month. Saskatchewan has 28 guys on their list! Ours is merely longish:

ADAMS, Darvin WR Auburn
BARNES, Jason SB Sacramento State
BROWN, Ivan DL Saskatchewan
CARTER, Jalil DB Akron
CHILES, John WR Texas
HERBERT, Shane DB Wilfred Laurier
HOLMES, Tyler OL Tulsa
KING, Jarriel OL South Carolina
MANN, Maurice WR Nevada
MCCOLLOUGH, Evan DB James Madison
ROGERS, SirVincent OL Houston
STEELE, Curtis RB Memphis
THOMAS, Marcus DL Florida
TONYE-TONYE, Herve LB Northern Colorado
WARE, Matt DB UCLA
WATT, Spencer WR Simon Fraser
WOODSON, Anthony RB Calgary

Woodson looked fairly good in his limited time this year. I'd like to see him stick around; he might be capable of becoming our backup RB/FB next year.

While I agree that none of these guys are key to how well the Argos do next year, some of them could play significant roles. However, the team should not get into a bidding war to sign any of them. With that proviso in mind, I wouldn't mind the Argos bringing back John Chiles (who showed he could have an impact when not injured), Carter (who has improved a fair bit), Steele (at least to TC to check out whether he is the best RB available against new signees), Woodson (as a relatively cheap Canadian backup RB), and Barnes (until someone is good enough to beat him out of a job, a moderate goal).

[doubleblue]

While I agree that none of these guys are key to how well the Argos do next year, some of them could play significant roles. However, the team should not get into a bidding war to sign any of them. With that proviso in mind, I wouldn't mind the Argos bringing back John Chiles (who showed he could have an impact when not injured), Carter (who has improved a fair bit), Steele (at least to TC to check out whether he is the best RB available against new signees), Woodson (as a relatively cheap Canadian backup RB), and Barnes (until someone is good enough to beat him out of a job, a moderate goal).

Tyler Holmes would be a tough loss. According to Barker, Holmes is going to shop around the NFL first to see if there is any interest. But if that doesn't pan out his home town RedBlacks could throw a boat load of money at him. The rest are probably replaceable although the Canadian players like Watt and Woodson have some value IMO.

[Wobbler]

We've re-signed Shane Herbert. He didn't play much last year, but at one point he was a candidate for the field corner spot. I wonder if there's still any chance of that happening.

[ArgoGabe22]

Herbert is an interesting story who the media should interview IMO. I don't know how he landed a spot on the roster after 2 years out of football. Went to camp in 2011 after playing for WLU and then got another camp invite in 2013.

[ArgoRavi]

Herbert is an interesting story who the media should interview IMO. I don't know how he landed a spot on the roster after 2 years out of football. Went to camp in 2011 after playing for WLU and then got another camp invite in 2013.

If he were a Leaf, we would know when he was potty trained. As he is with the Argos, these great stories don't get told.

[gilthethrill]

If he were a Leaf, we would know when he was potty trained. As he is with the Argos, these great stories don't get told.

Ravi I could not agree more. Very frustrating being a CFL fan in this part of Canada.

[ArgoRavi]

The remaining Argo free agents, per the CFL website, are:

Darvin Adams WR
Jason Barnes SB
Ivan Brown DL
Maurice Mann WR
Even McCollough DB
SirVincent Rogers OL
Curtis Steele RB
Marcus Thomas DL
Herve Tonye-Tonye LB
Spencer Watt WR
Anthony Woodson RB

I would let several of these players walk, including Tonye-Tonye, Thomas, McCollough and Mann. Steele, Barnes, Woodson, Watt and Rogers would be the top priorities to re-sign IMO but I wouldn't mind seeing Adams or Brown back either (wouldn't lose sleep if we lost them either). How would you prioritize these free agents?

[ArgoZ]

The remaining Argo free agents, per the CFL website, are:

Darvin Adams WR
Jason Barnes SB
Ivan Brown DL
Maurice Mann WR
Even McCollough DB
SirVincent Rogers OL
Curtis Steele RB
Marcus Thomas DL
Herve Tonye-Tonye LB
Spencer Watt WR
Anthony Woodson RB

I would let several of these players walk, including Tonye-Tonye, Thomas, McCollough and Mann. Steele, Barnes, Woodson, Watt and Rogers would be the top priorities to re-sign IMO but I wouldn't mind seeing Adams or Brown back either (wouldn't lose sleep if we lost them either). How would you prioritize these free agents?

Hard to play GM without knowing the players mindsets, money and team chemistry. Rogers, Watt, then Barnes would be my top 3. It is a pretty good list for the Argos, mostly replaceable and little bargaining power.

[Argo57]

Rogers and Barnes are higher priority for me.
This list tells me we need to have a good player recruitment offseason and draft.

[gilthethrill]

With all the major players signed, it appears Tuesday will be somewhat uneventful. Still hope the Argos can reach deals with Woodson, Barnes, Brown (to prevent Foley from playing ST), maybe Rogers and perhaps Watt...if Watt does depart, could Adjei replace him on the wide side?

[Wobbler]

I think Steele is more important than any of those guys. He was our most productive RB and one of our best ST guys last year.

[gilthethrill]

I think Steele is more important than any of those guys. He was our most productive RB and one of our best ST guys last year.

Big Oooppss on my behalf.....Steele was meant to be included in the above list......

[ArgoRavi]

I think Steele is more important than any of those guys. He was our most productive RB and one of our best ST guys last year.

I agree and believe that he is quite underrated among many fans. I am guessing that Steele is seeking NFL employment at the moment so I believe that may be more of the issue as to why he has yet to re-sign versus potentially losing him to another CFL team.

[Wobbler]

Mike Hogan's new article basically says what we already expect (Argos won't be very active, have made offers to the guys we'd like to keep, and that Nationals are worth more than ever after expansion).

[ArgoGabe22]

Rumour has it that Watt has turned down the Argos' offer and is seeking $140k. He must be banking on Ottawa overspending or may want to go back home to BC but no way Buono spends that much.

[Wobbler]

Interesting. I think Watt is worth $100K to the Argos *if* his long-term health issue was resolved and he could practice normally. Has anyone heard anything about his health status? $140K is out of the question, obviously.

[paulwoods13]

Rumour has it that Watt has turned down the Argos' offer and is seeking $140k. He must be banking on Ottawa overspending or may want to go back home to BC but no way Buono spends that much.

If true, see ya Spence. We could definitely find a NAT starter elsewhere who would bring more value per dollar. And with the addition of Foley we do not necessarily need a NAT at that position.

[Argocister]

What would Sinopoli merit in FA? I think he would be a plus for the the Argos.

[Argo57]

Rumour has it that Watt has turned down the Argos' offer and is seeking $140k. He must be banking on Ottawa overspending or may want to go back home to BC but no way Buono spends that much.

If another organization is dumb enough to even approach the $140k salary then they can have him.
Somewhat mediocre receiver with a bum knee.