Owens, Argos far apart in contract talks

[R.J]

http://www.tsn.ca/owens-argos-far-ap...talks-1.432723

While I have no idea what he's asking for, IMO if he wants a similar contract to his last, I just don't see him wearing double blue.

[bigzee19]

I have been a huge Owens fan since he came from Montreal. I hope they can work something out because he brings something more than just talent to this team. Just having him on the field makes things exciting.

I agree that he can't be given similar money to what he got before. There is no way the Argos will give him that. I am sure time off from injuries are hurting his value if only with the Argos. I am sure any team would welcome him with open arms though.

I think that we have to look past this season and ask ourselves will Elliot, Hazelton, Spence and Gurley be in Double Blue or the CFL at all the following year? or years??

[timlb01]

What team do you think will pay him the type of money he got in his last contract? I don't think anyone will pay him that much this time around.

[Rocket]

What team do you think will pay him the type of money he got in his last contract? I don't think anyone will pay him that much this time around.

Yeah I agree I can't see any other team paying him what he made last year sure most teams would be interested but not at his asking price. Not sure if Owens knows the finances of the CFL for an aging international player that he more then likely will have to realize that he will have to take a big pay cut. I hope the Argos don't over spend for him they signed Ray who is injury prone and getting up there in age that we shouldn't be to desperate to sign another one like him.

[Neely2005]

Hopefully they can come to at least a 1 year agreement as I think that Owens and Ray are probably the only Argonauts that casual fans know. He is crucial to promote the team off the field this year.

[paulwoods13]

http://www.tsn.ca/owens-argos-far-ap...talks-1.432723

While I have no idea what he's asking for, IMO if he wants a similar contract to his last, I just don't see him wearing double blue.

I agree. He may be pricing himself out of the market. I suspect a lot of vets are doing exactly the same right now. Free agency is going to bite a lot of guys in the butt -- the explosion of available players means there's more supply than demand in many cases. A few guys, like Laurent, are going to get big scores but a lot of guys like Owens and Fantuz are going to find out that their biggest paydays are in the past. I like Owens and hope he returns, but not at the cost of preventing improvements in areas of greater need than receiver. I imagine Barker sees it the same way. We have loads of receivers who can play, if Owens doesn't want to accept what will no doubt still be one of the team's biggest salaries.

[gilthethrill]

Yeah I agree I can't see any other team paying him what he made last year sure most teams would be interested but not at his asking price. Not sure if Owens knows the finances of the CFL for an aging international player that he more then likely will have to realize that he will have to take a big pay cut. I hope the Argos don't over spend for him they signed Ray who is injury prone and getting up there in age that we shouldn't be to desperate to sign another one like him.

You are aware that Rays contract is very cap friendly do you not?

[Neely2005]

You are aware that Rays contract is very cap friendly do you not?

Yeah 50% of it is in bonuses IIRC.

[R.J]

What team do you think will pay him the type of money he got in his last contract? I don't think anyone will pay him that much this time around.

I doubt any team would, but you never really know I guess. As I've mentioned previously (many times actually); Owens' future here is all dependent on how much of a salary reduction he's willing to take. I think another team would willing to pay Owens more than Barker would; Winnipeg as an example - depending on who they get or miss out on in Free Agency.

You are aware that Rays contract is very cap friendly do you not?

Yeah 50% of it is in bonuses IIRC.

$250k base IIRC and up to $490k with bonuses.

[AngeloV]

I think you will see him test the market and then end up re-signing with the Argos...at least I really hope that is what happens. Guys like he and Durie are needed IMO, as not only are they big off the field, but add a lot of maturity to a team that some of the younger players may lack. Play like pros and act like pros.

[Argo57]

I think you will see him test the market and then end up re-signing with the Argos...at least I really hope that is what happens. Guys like he and Durie are needed IMO, as not only are they big off the field, but add a lot of maturity to a team that some of the younger players may lack. Play like pros and act like pros.

I'm with you on this one Angelo, I suspect the Argonauts want Owens back but at a manageable price tag.
Would hate to see him in another uniform next year.

[jerrym]

I think you will see him test the market and then end up re-signing with the Argos...at least I really hope that is what happens. Guys like he and Durie are needed IMO, as not only are they big off the field, but add a lot of maturity to a team that some of the younger players may lack. Play like pros and act like pros.

I think this is the most likely scenario. Testing the market also slightly increases the pressure on the Argos to sign him. His main value on the downside of career is his star name for the casual fan and for a sense of team continuity. If the Argos ownership value this, especially as it attempts to build attendance following a year of continuing attendance decline, they may increase their offer somewhat. However, they also know that his name is nowhere near as valuable in any other CFL city. So the Argos may not offer much more, hoping he will be pushed into returning to the Argos.

[ArgoGabe22]

The Argos may also think that since he lives here full time, offering him a little less may still get him to re-sign compared to an offer from Winnipeg.

I think Montreal, BC and Bombers are his most likely options. Maybe Ottawa or Eskimos but they're spending a lot of $ for their receivers.

[Stevoman]

I hope they re-sign him but maybe they can create a bonus incentive contract for him as well?

[LLB997]

owens is far from just an int'l receiver on the tail end of his career. he continues to be the face of the team and league itself. get it done.

[Kenners]

It does seem like Owens wants to be back, he liked a tweet I made about hoping he returns to the double blue. I hope he does, either way I'll be wearing my #2 Owens Jersey when I'm at the games!

[OV Argo]

Not sure any other CFL team is going to lay-out big buck$ for Chad at this point in his career - but maybe and he would be wise to test the FA market i guess; love to see him back in double blue. Could still play at receiver and punt returner, just maybe don't expect the production of his best seasons. Not sure I believe either on his market-ability as a known Argo star to mean that much in terms of selling tickets, but i guess it could help some. Other marketing and publicity/hype efforts from the new regime could do wayyyyyyy more, IMO.

[KCargosfan]

Owens was making around $175K the last 3 (maybe 4?) years. He's going to turn 34 in April. If he thinks he's going to make anything close to $175K, he's dreaming.

Owens is a great person and imo still has something left in the tank, but if I'm Barker, I offer $115K for one year. The likes of Geroy Simon who play wr until they are 40 are VERY few and VERY far between. Owens is on the downslope of his career, and probably has 2 years left before father time wins (as he always does).

[1argoholic]

Perhaps they feel they has found his eventual replacement in Jeremy Gallon from Michigan. I hope it's his eventual but not just yet. I'd love to see Owens have a few more solid years as an Argo. If Barker was Wally, Owens would be gone by now.

[gilthethrill]

Perhaps they feel they has found his eventual replacement in Jeremy Gallon from Michigan. I hope it's his eventual but not just yet. I'd love to see Owens have a few more solid years as an Argo. If Barker was Wally, Owens would be gone by now.

Argo management may feel they have Owen's replacement already on the roster in the form of Dionte Spencer?