Toronto Argos Release DeVier Posey to pursue NFL Opportunities

[AngeloV]

I think your summary is dead on OV.

I disagree. Without him and his "handful" of good games, Argos may have missed the playoffs, let alone win the Grey Cup.

[Argo57]

I disagree. Without him and his "handful" of good games, Argos may have missed the playoffs, let alone win the Grey Cup.

He undeniably did play well and seemed like a great team player unfortunately his off season negotiation methods and social media sympathy campaign say otherwise.
I suspect he may have already received a raise for 2018 if he had handled things differently but who knows.

[doubleblue]

From what I have read about his life in Tampa, he can make more money staying there. He has a business down there and also does motivational speaking too.
It sounds like he has put his family first. Stay with them down there for a year and make a decent living and try the NFL next year.

The ideal solution is the Argos giving him a good raise instead of this "hardball" stuff about "hey you signed for minimum wage and we can't give you anymore" he was one of the main reasons why the Argos won the Grey Cup. There are Canadian "O" linemen that are making more money than him.
If he was just another average player that did nothing spectacular then I would agree, hold him to his contract or walk, but this guy was rookie of the year and he deserves more money!! It's not like this would set a precedence, he's not like the average rookie.
All the Argos have done is guarantee that he won't be back at all even if he doesn't make it with an NFL team, he would never come back to the Argos, he would sign with another CFL team for sure.
If I was working in a business and I was the main reason for the business doing well and they say to me "you can't have a raise because you signed a contract it would set a precedence" I would be out of there. In any other job you could leave even if you signed a contract accepting the wages etc, it is really unfair that he can't walk out and get employment anywhere else.

I agree with you 100%.

[Will]

I disagree. Without him and his "handful" of good games, Argos may have missed the playoffs, let alone win the Grey Cup.

The Argos were, I believe, 4-7 when the decision was made to make Wilder the primary RB. The team went 5-2 down the stretch and he was injured for one of those losses. He obviously wasn't responsible for all of that, but I don't think you can deny the impact he had.

And, no R.J this does not mean I'm declaring him a legend.

[ArgoZ]

I agree with you 100%.

On the surface and with unproven allegations, Flutie’s (Argofans member) statement sounds reasonable, BUT it’s not that cut and dry as Wilder would like you to believe and a lot more complicated. The Argos claim to not have had any talks of renegotiation with Wilder. So who’s lying? If it’s Wilder, and common sense says it is, is not a good start leading off your case with a lie. Wilder is aloud to quit and work any job, like he currently is, just not the NFL, who honours CFL contracts. It’s not that different from other pro sports. A soccer player can not quit and play for another team or another league. It’s unfamiliar to most North American leagues, because they are usually the top and players rarely leave for a lesser league. I remember all the controversy when Ismail came here.

Wilder had a huge impact on this team, but I would say luck was the most major factor to winning the Grey Cup, then Ricky Ray.

[R.J]

Aside from one big catch in the East Final, I thought Wilder was non existent in the playoffs. Everyone is replaceable.

[Will]

Aside from one big catch in the East Final, I thought Wilder was non existent in the playoffs. Everyone is replaceable.

On that you are correct.

[paulwoods13]

He never threw any blocks to protect Ricky from pass rushers? Hmmm.

[jerrym]

The Argos were, I believe, 4-7 when the decision was made to make Wilder the primary RB. The team went 5-2 down the stretch and he was injured for one of those losses. He obviously wasn't responsible for all of that, but I don't think you can deny the impact he had.

And, no R.J this does not mean I'm declaring him a legend.

Originally Posted by R.J
Aside from one big catch in the East Final, I thought Wilder was non existent in the playoffs. Everyone is replaceable.

One of the big factors in the turnaround is that once other team's saw the damage Wilder could do as a runner, they no longer could pin back their ears and salivate at the prospect of going all out to pressure or sack Ray. In the Eastern Final when the Riders were keying on him, it helped Ricky go 28/39. In addition, Wilder gained 104 yards, 14/52 on the ground and 8/52 receiving, so while not record-setting nor even typical of his earlier performances, it was certainly not nothing.

[AngeloV]

He never threw any blocks to protect Ricky from pass rushers? Hmmm.

You don't get stats on pass protection Paul. What's the matter with you? LOL.

[ArgoRavi]

He won't have the snot beaten out of him and his family name carries weight in NFL circles, so I guess he figures he has a got shot at getting signed if he stays in shape.

His family name didn't carry much weight before he signed with the Argos though. He had exhausted his NFL options at that point. I don't see a half-dozen CFL games over two years changing a lot of minds down there.

[OV Argo]

He never threw any blocks to protect Ricky from pass rushers? Hmmm.

I'd say he is maybe average at best as a pass blocking back.

[R.J]

I'd say he is maybe average at best as a pass blocking back.

Agreed. Personally, I think the whole blocking running back thing is talked about way too often - the vast majority of running backs are poor pass blockers IMO. Avon Cobourne was very good at it, and I've yet to see anyone at his level nowadays.