2018 Free Agent signings, contract extensions, and other transactions

[Bleeds Double Blue]

I'm a little surprised that Matt Black was re-signed. Pleasantly surprised but surprised nonetheless since he had been released at one point last year. Great to see Cassius Vaughn signed as well. We can always use a guy that can take it 109 yards the other way.

[paulwoods13]

I'm a little surprised that Matt Black was re-signed. Pleasantly surprised but surprised nonetheless since he had been released at one point last year.

At minimum, he is insurance in case Gabriel departs as a FA. Also a great team guy who deserves another contract for the way he handled himself after being cut. I think Woodson has potential to develop into a starter, but I'd really like Gabriel back and would be happy to have Black on the roster all through 2018.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

At minimum, he is insurance in case Gabriel departs as a FA. Also a great team guy who deserves another contract for the way he handled himself after being cut. I think Woodson has potential to develop into a starter, but I'd really like Gabriel back and would be happy to have Black on the roster all through 2018.

I'm with you 100% on this. A great team guy. You can never have too many of those.

[Will]

Barring any last minute transactions the Argos re-signed 8/23 (35 %) of their pending FA's. That's about middle of the road if not slightly below the average. I'm not going to be overly pleased if the Argos lost both​ their starting corners.

[Skilz]

Barring any last minute transactions the Argos re-signed 8/23 (35 %) of their pending FA's. That's about middle of the road if not slightly below the average. I'm not going to be overly pleased if the Argos lost both​ their starting corners.

Jermaine Gabriel and Johnny Sears Jr. are back.

Justin Dunk‏Verified account @JDunk12 8m8 minutes agoMore



#Argos extend Canadian DB Jermaine Gabriel for the 2018 season. #Toronto #ArgosFootball #CFL


Toronto Argonauts‏Verified account @TorontoArgos 31m31 minutes agoMore




SIGNING: We've extended DB @JJr0 through the 2018 season.

[Will]

I didn't view re-signing Sears as a priority, but Gabriel coming back is great! Now to lock up one of White or Owusu-Ansah, and I like Terrence Plummer, but I'd still feel better if Bear Woods went into 2018 as the Argos starting MLB.

[jerrym]

I didn't view re-signing Sears as a priority, but Gabriel coming back is great! Now to lock up one of White or Owusu-Ansah, and I like Terrence Plummer, but I'd still feel better if Bear Woods went into 2018 as the Argos starting MLB.

Getting Gabriel was extremely important both for his skills and the ratio but Sears is problematic as he takes dumb penalties and misses assignments sometimes.

[jerrym]

I'd like to see the Argos sign Lirim Hajrullahu as the free agent pickings out there for kickers are not great. Among the kickers, the Argos" Lirim Hajrullahu is the most valuable one available, although Brett Maher is quite good. Former Argo Swayze Waters is also available but his injury record and on again off again FG kicking leave something to be desired. The only other free agent kicker available is the strong legged but inexperienced Quinn Van Glyswyk of the Riders, so it may take a very good offer to resign Hirim or get Maher.

[Antwon]

I'd like to see the Argos sign Lirim Hajrullahu as the free agent pickings out there for kickers are not great. Among the kickers, the Argos" Lirim Hajrullahu is the most valuable one available, although Brett Maher is quite good. Former Argo Swayze Waters is also available but his injury record and on again off again FG kicking leave something to be desired. The only other free agent kicker available is the strong legged but inexperienced Quinn Van Glyswyk of the Riders, so it may take a very good offer to resign Hirim or get Maher.

Dang! Hajrullahu signed with Hamilton.

[jerrym]

Does anyone have any idea how far the Argos are below the salary cap at this point to enable them to possibly sign free agents now or later when salary offers typically drop?

[ArgofanIan]

Some great CFL coverage on TSN 1150 Radio right now....IMO the CFL coverage on TSN 1150 has been a real positive here in the GTA ... hope they can keep it going...

[Mightygoose]

Nothing earth shattering but it's out there....in some form.

RT .@TSNDaveNaylor Much speculation that @JMessam could land with the @TorontoArgos. I’m hearing Toronto is not involved in those conversations at this point. #CFL #Argos

[jerrym]

Nothing earth shattering but it's out there....in some form.

RT .@TSNDaveNaylor Much speculation that @JMessam could land with the @TorontoArgos. I’m hearing Toronto is not involved in those conversations at this point. #CFL #Argos

Speculation is speculation. There are also rumours he could end up in Riderville.

[jerrym]

More speculation - TJ Heath heading to Argos or Montreal.

[Mightygoose]

If Heath ends up in Montreal and Willy re-ups, wouldn't that be something! TJ was my son's favourite player in 2016 so it would be nice if he comes back.

[jerrym]

Lirim signed with the Tiger Cats for around $145,000, according to David Naylor.

[Antwon]

Lirim signed with the Tiger Cats for around $145,000, according to David Naylor.

I believe he's from St. Catherines. So Hamilton is a closer to home.
Also just heard him in an interview, he practices at Players Paradise in Stoney Creek. So guessing the Argos lack of facilities also factored in.
Not sure if Popp offered him as much money as well.

[paulwoods13]

I believe he's from St. Catherines. So Hamilton is a closer to home.
Also just heard him in an interview, he practices at Players Paradise in Stoney Creek. So guessing the Argos lack of facilities also factored in.

He doesn't practice at PP during the season. I doubt he would drive all the way to an Argo practice facility in the offseason, no matter how lavish it was, when he can get to Stoney Creek in 30 minutes and without fighting traffic.

[R.J]

$145k is too rich for my blood for Lirim's skill set, but Hamilton really needed a kicker and Lirim gets to be closer to home, so it makes sense for all the parties involved.

Hopefully Popp gives a call to Quinn Van Gylswyk, kid has a booming leg, and was buried in Sask. Van Gylswyk has more potential than Crapigna IMO, who's leg strength is questionable.

[paulwoods13]

I'd take either Van G or Crapigna. Maybe OV knows -- are there any decent kickers eligible for this year's draft?

If we have to dress an INT kicker it won't be the end of the world. For much of last season we dressed an INT who saw next to no action on anything other than ST (Cam McDaniel, Worthy). That position could be taken up by a kicker, and the NAT who replaces Lirim on the roster can take over the ST duties.