2019-2020 Offseason Signings, Trades, Releases, Extensions and Other Transactions

[jerrym]

Arbuckle is seeking a Fajardo type of salary north of $400,000 according to 3downnation. Fajardo is getting $412,000 in hard money this year plus incentives. This goes up to $444,000 in hard money plus incentives next year. It would be hard for the Argos to pay both MBT and Arbuckle and MBT this kind of money.

[gilthethrill]

I wouldn't concede that Nichols is a better passer than MBT. Most of Nichols big plays come from play action which is much easier when you run the ball the way the Bombers do.

Nichols would have been an utter disaster under the Argos one dimensional offence of 2019.

[paulwoods13]

I'd take MBT over Nichols as a passer, a runner and a marketable commodity. But I'm prepared for the possibility we end up with Nichols and neither MBT nor Arbuckle.

[Jon Gonzo]

Arbuckle is seeking a Fajardo type of salary north of $400,000 according to 3downnation. Fajardo is getting $412,000 in hard money this year plus incentives. This goes up to $444,000 in hard money plus incentives next year. It would be hard for the Argos to pay both MBT and Arbuckle and MBT this kind of money.

You simply wouldn't. The game of CFL QB musical chairs has two chairs left, and either Nichols or MBT will not be getting paid as 1st stringers. One team will be lucky to end up with two reliable guys, and I am holding out hope that the Argos can still pull this off. Why not?

[Shatto]

As Gonzo points out, there are 3 QB's out there and only 2 places for a starter.

Perhaps the Argos could take a page out of Hamilton's book --sign Arbuckle and Nichols and put Nichols on the 6 game injury list to start the season and thereby getting substantial relief to the salary cap. If Arbuckle shows he isn't ready to be a full time starter, at least there would be an experienced QB to take over.

Only a thought.

[Shatto]

Just heard Nichols is being released. This give teams an opportunity to talk to him right away and not wait until free agency time.

[AngeloV]

Just heard Nichols is being released. This give teams an opportunity to talk to him right away and not wait until free agency time.

My bet is Ottawa gets Nichols and Arbuckle and MBT end up here. Dominique Davis is a strong runner (and IMO better passer than Streveler) and Nichols with Davis can give LaPo somewhat of what he had in Winnipeg as a 1-2 punch.

[paulwoods13]

According to 3DN, McEwen and J. Campbell have had NFL workouts. Great for them but that is a doomsday scenario for us.

[doubleblue]

According to 3DN, McEwen and J. Campbell have had NFL workouts. Great for them but that is a doomsday scenario for us.

I have thought there has always been a strong possibility of losing McEwen to either the NFL or Calgary this year. Don't know about Campbell, but he has the size etc. if not the experience.

[Shatto]

IMO both McEwen and Campbell are somewhat long shots at making an NFL team. As good as he is and he is very good, McEwen who turns 27 in June is a bit small at 295 for the NFL. However as doubleblue has pointed out, Calgary might be a destination for him. Jackson who has the size at 6'6' and 305 and tremendous potential, is still developing as a OT. With Jackson, any NFL team that signs him will expect him to put on some weight and spend a year or two continuing to develop. But who knows, it may be the case of being in the right place at the right time.

Regarding the QB situation, it may well come down to a bidding war between Toronto and Ottawa for Nichols and or Arbuckle. Last year, Ottawa let Harris walk over money so it will be interesting to see if they are willing to spend big bucks for one of these QB's, who most would agree are not at the same level as Harris.

[Argos4Life]

I wouldn’t get involved in any bidding war. I’d resign MBT if it can be done at a reasonable contract and then try to add more pieces around him. A ground game would help immensely.

[gilthethrill]

I have thought there has always been a strong possibility of losing McEwen to either the NFL or Calgary this year. Don't know about Campbell, but he has the size etc. if not the experience.

Calgary re-signed their Canadian Centre Joe Laurence in the off-season. McEwen will return.

[Tobin Rote]

My bet is Ottawa gets Nichols and Arbuckle and MBT end up here. Dominique Davis is a strong runner (and IMO better passer than Streveler) and Nichols with Davis can give LaPo somewhat of what he had in Winnipeg as a 1-2 punch.

Why on earth would Arbuckle sign in Ottawa if Nichols goes there? Pretty sure the dude wants to be a starter now.

["Issues"Mcgee]

Why on earth would Arbuckle sign in Ottawa if Nichols goes there? Pretty sure the dude wants to be a starter now.

I thought he meant Arbuckle was signing here to play along with MBT. I feel like the comma really needs to be a part of this conversation.

[Tobin Rote]

I thought he meant Arbuckle was signing here to play along with MBT. I feel like the comma really needs to be a part of this conversation.

You could be right... but the word is the Nichols is meeting with Argos brass tomorrow. How would everyone feel about Nichols and MBT... backed up by some kids?

[doubleblue]

You could be right... but the word is the Nichols is meeting with Argos brass tomorrow. How would everyone feel about Nichols and MBT... backed up by some kids?

[AngeloV]

I wouldn’t get involved in any bidding war. I’d resign MBT if it can be done at a reasonable contract and then try to add more pieces around him. A ground game would help immensely.

Agreed.

[AngeloV]

Why on earth would Arbuckle sign in Ottawa if Nichols goes there? Pretty sure the dude wants to be a starter now.

Well, seeing as how I’m an Argos ST holder living in the GTA, I would think “here”
would mean in Toronto and not Ottawa.

[AngeloV]

You could be right... but the word is the Nichols is meeting with Argos brass tomorrow. How would everyone feel about Nichols and MBT... backed up by some kids?

Unless the Argos over him a deal he can’t turn down, Nichols would be doing himself a disservice not to explore not Toronto and Ottawa. Toronto just might be his first stop heading east.

I think Arbuckle is doing the same thing and will wait to talk to the Argos (assuming they’re haven’t signed Nichols) before making up his mind.

I would want to work Nichols out before signing him no matter the team and make sure he had all the necessary strength in his shoulder. Last thing you want is a QB with a dead arm.

[Tobin Rote]

Well, seeing as how I’m an Argos ST holder living in the GTA, I would think “here”
would mean in Toronto and not Ottawa.

Don't get upset... it's no big deal... but "My bet is Ottawa gets Nichols and Arbuckle and MBT end up here" can be read two ways.... either Nichols in Ottawa, Arbuckle and MBT in Toronto OR Nichols and Arbuckle in Ottawa and MBT here. That's just a fact. Doesn't matter where you are. Hopefully this is all largely resolved in the next 48 hours.