Ricky Ray - debate on return/retirement

**Jon Gonzo** · 01-01-2018, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by R.J

I don't see the Ticats letting Manziel go anywhere, way too much potential for the team on and off the field.

I could see Manziel in Montreal. Probably not, but it wouldn't surprise me.

**R.J** · 01-01-2018, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Jon Gonzo

I could see Manziel in Montreal. Probably not, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Montreal probably wants him, and I wouldn't put it past Kavis and the Wetenhall's, but I don't see it happening. Manziel would help sell tickets, and if he's got his head right, a damn good football players that could win a lot of games. I don't think the Ticats brass is completely sold on Masoli.

**jerrym** · 01-23-2018, 11:11 AM

Farhan Lalji is reporting positive news in the negotiations between Ray and the Argos.

Rickey Ray getting closer on a decision on whether or not he plans to play next season. Talks between Ray & #Argos have been positive. No real panic to get a deal done immediately but that could change with #CFLFA just over 3 weeks away. @CFLonTSN @cfl
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) January 22, 2018

**1971GreyCup** · 01-23-2018, 01:25 PM

If I am Ricky Ray and I watched Tom Brady play at the level Tom played at on Sunday, I return for at least another season. I am pretty sure that by the end of last season the Argos would do anything for Coach Trestman. That'll carry over to this season as well. Ricky has got lots more leverage on his negotiating position this season too.

**Skilz** · 02-02-2018, 03:00 PM

Farhan Lalji‏Verified account @FarhanLaljiTSN

BREAKING: Ricky Ray has agreed to a 1 year deal to return to the #Argos @cflontsn @cfl

Ricky Ray is back for another year!!

Depth Chart Prediction: Ray, Franklin, Macleod-Thompson, Prukop

**1971GreyCup** · 02-02-2018, 03:22 PM

Depth chart has Fajado before Macleod-Thompson and Prukop. Too important to STs.

**paulwoods13** · 02-02-2018, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by 1971GreyCup

Depth chart has Fajado before Macleod-Thompson and Prukop. Too important to STs.

I have to disagree with this. Fajardo played specials in 2016 but I don't think he saw much action there last season. He's a good holder and an excellent short-yardage guy, but I am not expecting him to be re-signed. I think Bethel-Thompson starts the year as No. 2, with Prukop or another kid on the IR/PR as insurance.

**Joe Barnes** · 02-02-2018, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by paulwoods13

I have to disagree with this. Fajardo played specials in 2016 but I don't think he saw much action there last season. He's a good holder and an excellent short-yardage guy, but I am not expecting him to be re-signed. I think Bethel-Thompson starts the year as No. 2, with Prukop or another kid on the IR/PR as insurance.

Ray/Franklin then Bethel-Thompson? I liked Prukop, so would be glad to see him stay. I also liked Fajardo, hopefully he catches on somewhere...

**Shatto** · 02-02-2018, 06:43 PM

Not sure if Bethel-Thompson is as much in the picture, now Franklin has been signed. Ray will be the number 1 QB with 26 year old Franklin the number 2 and heir apparent. But they still need a short yardage QB and Fajardo with his size and excellent running ability could well be the number 3 QB. This is dependant on Fajardo not signing with another team.

**doubleblue** · 02-02-2018, 07:39 PM

I wonder if Prukop and/or Fajardo could be tried at another position while they wait their turn. QB's are generally good athletes or least they used to be when I played. lol That's the way it used to be in the CFL for back up QB's before the rule change to what it is today. Most played DB or receiver and some were very good at it.
But I can see Fajardo reading the tea leaves and maybe thinking he has a better chance somewhere else in the League.

**paulwoods13** · 02-02-2018, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Barnes

Ray/Franklin then Bethel-Thompson? I liked Prukop, so would be glad to see him stay. I also liked Fajardo, hopefully he catches on somewhere...

Yeah, I meant to say B-T at No. 3, not No. 2.

**AngeloV** · 02-03-2018, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by paulwoods13

Yeah, I meant to say B-T at No. 3, not No. 2.

I don't see B-T as #3 now. The Argos seem to like having a guy that can also contribute elsewhere at #3. Both Prukop and Fajardo played special teams last year, and I expect to see Prukop ahead of B-T on the roster for that reason.

**gilthethrill** · 02-03-2018, 03:43 PM

I fully expect Fajardo to be allowed to explore free agency.

**argotom** · 02-03-2018, 04:04 PM

Now that Ricky is coming back, I hope Marc will have several packages for Franklin to get him in the game?
Even though this is contrary to his coaching style.

**ArgoRavi** · 02-03-2018, 11:58 PM

Originally Posted by argotom

Now that Ricky is coming back, I hope Marc will have several packages for Franklin to get him in the game?
Even though this is contrary to his coaching style.

I wouldn't expect that, AT. Ray will be the starter and play every down unless he is injured IMO.

**jerrym** · 02-04-2018, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by ArgoRavi

I wouldn't expect that, AT. Ray will be the starter and play every down unless he is injured IMO.

I think Franklin will at least get some short yardage work and some plays near the goal, like Fajardo last year, because of Franklin's running ability. Fajardo I suspect will go elsewhere in free agency to get more playing time. I think Franklin may also get a few change of pace sets when the Argos are in the doldrums as he has shown more on-the-field promise so far than Fajardo, who to be fair hasn't had much of a chance to do that.

**jerrym** · 02-04-2018, 01:46 AM

No. 1️⃣5️⃣ on the field. No. 1️⃣ in the record books.

The legend of Ricky Ray continues.#ArgosFootball #CFL pic.twitter.com/938C0O0Ysu
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) February 3, 2018

**Rich** · 02-04-2018, 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by ArgoRavi

I wouldn't expect that, AT. Ray will be the starter and play every down unless he is injured IMO.

Ray, Franklin, Trestman, Popp -- every one of them knows it is better for the franchise if Franklin gets significant playing time this year. Maybe everyone is assuming Ricky will get hurt this season and miss a bunch of games, not an unreasonable assumption, but he did miss only one last year. Either way it is a very different dynamic at the QB position than it was going into last season, and i think it would be foolish not to give Franklin a fair share of starter's reps from day one of camp. Ricky doesn't need as much practice anymore anyway (smiley face here). I'll be disappointed if they don't have some special, change-of-pace packages for Franklin even when Ricky starts. I know 2QB systems rarely work, but this is an exceptional circumstance and it calls for exceptional measures.