2017 Free Agent Tracker

**ArgoZ** · 02-15-2017, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Stevoman

Kind of surprised Owens didn't choose the Argos over the Riders (considering the possible uprooting of his family) but I also understand that he might feel slighted by the Argos based on last year. So, do we blame Jim Barker for letting him go a year ago or do we blame the new regime for screwing up the whole franchise for why Owens didn't come back?

I understood Barkers move. The team was deep at the position and Owens was underperforming. I wonder if Condell was named the actual HC, would that have made a difference? He did go for the money though. Possibly 20 grand more and a signing bonus would be hard not to take even if the Argos were healthy. He had to accept a lower pay last season and that takes adjustment. I doubt his family will move. They will visit during summer vacation and Chad will be home come November.

**Argo57** · 02-15-2017, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by jerrym

A sad commentary on some fans' attitude. You couldn't ask for a guy to give more to the game and community.

There was a segment of the #Ticats fan base that wasn't exactly comfortable with an #Argos poster boy in their midst. https://t.co/QQfvp0r5XV
— Drew Edwards (@scratchingpost) February 15, 2017

Ah Owen's is garbage, little whiner, can't stand him! 😁
— Mike (@Mike_Ticats) February 15, 2017

Ticat fans seemed to like him last year when he was producing for them.

**Stevoman** · 02-15-2017, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by ArgoZ

I doubt his family will move. They will visit during summer vacation and Chad will be home come November.

The whole province will love him and I can understand from a players perspective that it will be exciting to be a part of that environment, not to mention the new stadium, etc. You're also right in that if he's getting 20 grand plus a bonus more that it could've tipped the scales even if the Argos were stable.

**Scooter McCray** · 02-15-2017, 09:21 PM

Owen's family will remain here. Son starts high school this year, plays AAA baseball in summer and will play high school football in fall. I heard him interviewed by reporters today. That goes to show you how bad the Argo situation is that he will separate himself for 6 months from his family.

**Will** · 02-15-2017, 09:25 PM

Thank you TO fans 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/QyqJJcjJ2L
— Andre Durie (@AD3TWO) February 16, 2017

**Wobbler** · 02-15-2017, 09:35 PM

I'm really sad to see Durie go. Honestly, I hope that he's retiring instead of signing somewhere else... it would suck to see him wearing different colours.

Dre was too quiet to be the "face of the franchise", but was inspiring, at least to me as a fan. His play was exciting, and it was impossible not to sympathize with his bad luck health-wise.

**Stevoman** · 02-15-2017, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Wobbler

I'm really sad to see Durie go. Honestly, I hope that he's retiring instead of signing somewhere else... it would suck to see him wearing different colours.

Dre was too quiet to be the "face of the franchise", but was inspiring, at least to me as a fan. His play was exciting, and it was impossible not to sympathize with his bad luck health-wise.

That 2007 game where he got his first touch that turned into a TD was something truly special. I loved his heart and persistence and he had a lot of great moments in his career. I will miss seeing him on the field.

**ArgoGabe22** · 02-15-2017, 10:33 PM

Andre Durie told he isn't part of #Argos future. Durie's future? "Told myself I'd never retire so officially no. Just not playing lol" #CFL
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 16, 2017

**ArgoGabe22** · 02-15-2017, 10:39 PM

Will Andre Durie pursue other teams & other options? "I can't leave the city I have too much going on here. So unfortunately no" #CFL #Argos
— Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) February 16, 2017

**Wobbler** · 02-15-2017, 10:59 PM

It would be nice to see him retained in some capacity. I can't say I'm surprised that he isn't going to be part of our new (mostly hypothetical) offense, but maybe Coombs could use some more mentoring?

**Scooter McCray** · 02-16-2017, 06:33 AM

Considering that few FAS are coming here and our own FAS are leaving I am surprised that the limited Argo braintrust is telling anyone they are not needed right now. Guys like Durie and Whitaker. Let training camp be the deciding factor in whether these guys can still play or not. They need more bodies now not less. A guy like Durie should be given the chance to make that decision at this point.

**1971GreyCup** · 02-16-2017, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Scooter McCray

Considering that few FAS are coming here and our own FAS are leaving I am surprised that the limited Argo braintrust is telling anyone they are not needed right now. Guys like Durie and Whitaker. Let training camp be the deciding factor in whether these guys can still play or not. They need more bodies now not less. A guy like Durie should be given the chance to make that decision at this point.

If you were Ricky Ray, would you ask for a trade and if refused, elect retirement? Given the absence of WRs and RBs would he want to add this year's numbers to a HOF career? If he is sitting on the fence, this might just push him.

**Argo57** · 02-16-2017, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Wobbler

I'm really sad to see Durie go. Honestly, I hope that he's retiring instead of signing somewhere else... it would suck to see him wearing different colours.

Dre was too quiet to be the "face of the franchise", but was inspiring, at least to me as a fan. His play was exciting, and it was impossible not to sympathize with his bad luck health-wise.

Probably another reason Owens took a pass on returning.

**paulwoods13** · 02-16-2017, 08:01 AM

Durie is one of my all-time favourite Argos, because of the determination he showed to return from a crippling knee injury and make it as a walk-on, and because he had many utterly brilliant plays in his time with the Argos, including a TD in the 2012 Grey Cup, which must have been an incredible thrill for him as a Toronto guy. It was evident he was being phased out last year but I still wouldn't have minded him being re-signed for depth and leadership. Oh well, I wish him all the best for the future.

**Jon Gonzo** · 02-16-2017, 08:24 AM

“They don’t have a head coach, they don’t have a GM and they’re looking for a bit of direction,” he said. “But I love Toronto, I love the organization, I love the people. For me, I wanted to see what was out there and I felt Ottawa was the best place for me. I talked to (former Argos) coach (Scott) Milanovich (Tuesday) and he told me coach Jamie (Elizondo) would take real good care of me.”
Diontae Spencer

This guy is 24. Ottawa will be getting him in his prime. A good program is all about putting players in a position to excel. We see this in Ottawa, and we'll see the results, again this season.

We'll also see an example of what not to do (in Toronto).

This is also another example of the fraternity of football and, unfortunately (but not unexpectedly), the word is out on the street that the Argo franchise is not a sound option at this time. It looks to have become, a last option. Very sad to see the investment in time and asset (by a good Football administration) getting gutted by some cliche spewing corporate zombie.

Michael Copeland, we are not baffled by your bullshit. Your incompetence puts everything to risk.

**Scooter McCray** · 02-16-2017, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by 1971GreyCup

If you were Ricky Ray, would you ask for a trade and if refused, elect retirement? Given the absence of WRs and RBs would he want to add this year's numbers to a HOF career? If he is sitting on the fence, this might just push him.

I have no idea why Ray would want to put his body through the coming season with no reasonable chance of success. Not a great way to end a HOF career.