2018 Free Agent signings, contract extensions, and other transactions

[mchesher03]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

[AngeloV]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

Not overly concerned about losing Wilder at this point. He's already had a couple of NFL training camps. It's pretty rare for a guy that's been cut multiple times in training camp to get a serious look down there.

[Argo]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

Supporting your Ray opinion would be this: it's rather difficult to simply walk away from somewhere north of $500,000 for six months' work.

[cfl-cis fan]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

If we want Zac Collaros don't we have to trade Nationals to Hamilton and the TiCats will want to receive some value, so which National would we be willing to part with!!!

[ArgoGabe22]

It sure seems as though Ray is going to retire.

50/50 I’d say. Says a lot still left to accomplish but going out on top is tempting. He’s kind of saying something new everyday if you want to put any stock into it.

[rdavies]

Well I know one thing, Simeon Rottier ain't goin' to BC

[jerrym]

According to cfl.ca, we have 23 pending FAs. Here's the list, along with my predictions/wishes/notes about each:

• BASS, Khalil -- useful guy to re-sign, obviously not essential
• BISHOP, Ken -- since we still have Wynn and Cash, re-sign only at a low price
• BLACK, Matt -- will likely retire, all the best to him
• EDWARDS, Armanti -- must re-sign, but price will be high
• FAJARDO, Cody -- I'd like him back, as holder/short-yardage and depth guy, but salary has to stay below $100k
• FULLER, Jeff -- let him walk
• GABRIEL, Jermaine -- must re-sign, but price will be high
• GREEN, S.J. -- must re-sign, but price may be high
• HAJRULLAHU, Lirim -- must re-sign, I expect we will get him back
• LAING, Cleyon -- Really want him back but price will be high; I expect he will try NFL again and/or get CFL offers
• MITCHELL, Josh -- would like to see what he can do, but he has zero bargaining power, may be let go
• MURRAY, Derico -- valuable guy who should be re-signed if possible
• OWUSU-ANSAH, Akwasi -- I'd like him back but he is replaceable (Darby)
• POSEY, DeVier -- definitely want him back but he'll probably get NFL and CFL offers; I think 50/50 at best
• RAY, Ricky -- really, really hope he re-signs; after hearing him yesterday, I think 50/50 at best
• SEARS JR., Johnny -- depth guy, can be replaced, let him go
• VAUGHN, Cassius -- should be a priority signing, warrants a decent raise
• WALKER, Cameron -- has no barg power, I'm fine with bringing him back but there are other guys who can fill his role on STs
• WAUD, Daryl -- after three seasons of almost no game action, he'll be allowed to walk and will probably sign with Hamilton
• WHITAKER, Brandon -- will likely retire, all the best to him
• WHITE, Mitchell -- I'd like him back but he is replaceable (Darby); I wouldn't be surprised if he goes back to Ottawa
• WOODS, Bear -- must re-sign IMO; he along with Ball and Lemon is key to the defence

I agree with your must sign guys. I would like to see them go after Posey if the CFL bidding doesn't get prohibitive. I'm not certain he will draw tons of NFL interest having already had three kicks at the can their, and being 28 next year with some injury history.

[jerrym]

There is growing speculation that QB James Franklin will sign with his former boss, Chris Jones.

Franklin is set to be eyeing a one-year deal and his name has already been linked with Saskatchewan, where GM/head coach Chris Jones is fully aware of the potential and explosive play Franklin can bring to the field.
The Riders will have to decide on Brandon Bridge, who announced following the team’s loss to the Argos in the East final, that negotiations have begun.

http://torontosun.com/sports/footbal...gn-on-to-argos

If Franklin does sign with the Riders, it's more likely that Brandon Bridge will head elsewhere, possibly giving the Argos a chance to get him.

[ArgoGabe22]

I don't get the Bridge to Toronto link. Not a prototypical Trestman QB and it was Jim Popp who tried converting Bridge to receiver and ultimately the reason why he left for Saskatchewan.

And i'm not buying the whole "A Canadian QB will be good for the TO market"

[Argo]

I don't get the Bridge to Toronto link. Not a prototypical Trestman QB and it was Jim Popp who tried converting Bridge to receiver and ultimately the reason why he left for Saskatchewan.

And i'm not buying the whole "A Canadian QB will be good for the TO market"

Everybody, including Popp, makes mistakes. IMO, Bridge an Argonaut would be the best news since waking up on a recent Monday morning to see "Argonauts 27 - Stampeders 24". Similarly, a Canadian QB, from the GTA, in the GTA market can only help, not hinder. I find that idea pleasant to contemplate, and I'm sure a healthy number of other current, returning, and future fans (will) feel the same.

[AngeloV]

I don't get the Bridge to Toronto link. Not a prototypical Trestman QB and it was Jim Popp who tried converting Bridge to receiver and ultimately the reason why he left for Saskatchewan.

And i'm not buying the whole "A Canadian QB will be good for the TO market"

I think people are really overrating him because he's from Toronto. He showed signs of great ability, but still showed signs of being inconsistent. I hope he turns out to be great, but I'm still not sold that it's a slam dunk at this point. Jonathan Jennings was supposed to have a super season in 2017 and by the end of the season his future as a starter is being questioned.

[R.J]

I don't get the Bridge to Toronto link. Not a prototypical Trestman QB and it was Jim Popp who tried converting Bridge to receiver and ultimately the reason why he left for Saskatchewan.

And i'm not buying the whole "A Canadian QB will be good for the TO market"

Bridge doesn't look like a superstar to me, way too inconsistent IMO. Seems to me that his passport is why some think he's amazing. Things could change, and he does need more starting reps, but I'm just not convinced at this point.

[Argo57]

Bridge doesn't look like a superstar to me, way too inconsistent IMO. Seems to me that his passport is why some think he's amazing. Things could change, and he does need more starting reps, but I'm just not convinced at this point.

He has great mobility, size and a very strong arm but most importantly an extremely small sample size as a starter.
Would be Russian roulette in handing him a starting job at this point.

[doubleblue]

I see Sean McEwen is the all-star center which is not unexpected. He could be the next one headed South, but hopefully has one more year on his contract. Keeping the O Line together for next year might factor into Ricky coming back for another year.

[murrmac]

Sean has 2 years remaining on his current contact - after year 1 he was extended through 2019..........

[Wobbler]

Cleyon Laing extension expected.

More good news.

[Jon Gonzo]

Cleyon Laing extension expected.

More good news.

Looks like he was D.Priority #1. Makes sense. All-Star Ratio buster who is in his prime at 27. Although I'd really like to see SJ Green, Edwards and Posey all back, there are some excellent Receivers available as options for replacement. There are significantly less homebrew all-star defensive players.

I had him pegged as one that may fly the coop.

Excellent signing.

[Shatto]

Agree with Jon G, an excellent signing. Any time a team can sign a 27 year old All-Eastern All Star who is National, it is a real coup. It also appears that Popp has learned from his Montreal experience and made sure the team has a first rate QB in the wings if and when Ray retires.

Really like the way the team is shaping up for next year.

[Stevoman]

Excellent signing!

[Will]

This is great news! The Argos had one of the best front four's in the league last year and with Laing re-signing this, I believe, means that they will all be back. One of the things that Popp and the rest of the front office did well last year was put together plenty of depth in the front four. IIRC, Wynn was not a game #1 starter, but emerged in that spot due to injuries. Gaydosh and Finley also contributed positively.