With Toronto hosting the Grey Cup next year, I can see the Argos going the extra mile to have both Harris and Ray on the team next year.
I could see talent wise Edmonton or Winnipeg signing Ray, as Ray is a step up on anything they have. But I don't see Edmonton going back to Ray, given the raping they were given when they traded him away. So I could see only Winnipeg or Montreal signing him. But will Toronto want to sign him at what he costs, assuming he doesn't want a pay cut, if they give Harris bigger money? With all due respect to Ray, if I'm Barker, I'm going with Harris from 2016 on, unless Ray wants to sign on the cheaper side of things. So given any blow up or injury to Harris, or some crazy awesome Ray performance late this year, I think you will probably see Ray in Montreal or Winnipeg next year.
Winnipeg has Willy and Nichols. I don't see them signing Ray, especially as they are already paying big money to Willy. The only team in the league that might be in the market for a new starting QB next year is Montreal and I am just not sure if Ray would be interested in getting into a bit of a circus there.
Cameron Dukes + Dan Adeboboye + Kevin Mital + David Ungerer + Damonte Coxie + DaVaris Daniels + Dejon Brissett = Unstoppable Force
Winnipeg is going to be blown up again in the off season. There is now way you can build a team with Willy, who is always hurt and just above average when he does play. Nichols is a backup at best. Ray could be a fit there for who ever takes control of that once proud franchise.
In today's article in The Sun Frank Z indicates there has been talk how Harris is looking for Ricky Ray type money of $450.000 per year to sign with the team?
You have to take these types of rumours with a gran of salt. I've got no problem paying him. If it turns out to be a 1 year wonder, contracts aren't guaranteed. I'm confident we won't have to worry about that. I think in the end, he will sign in the 350 neighbourhood + some pretty attainable incentives.
It's us vs the rest of the country
The good thing about football contracts it is not guaranteed except the bonus money.
That's why you hear of the ridiculous money in the No Fun League with the signing bonus up front money.
After the one year nearly in the books, I agree around the $350,000 base sounds about right.
Like any negotiations, you always start high and end up where you want to be all along.
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