2020-2021 offseason transaction thread

[Tobin Rote]

I won't rehash my contention that MBT is better than you think, as we've argued that to death. But I would quibble with this statement. Even leaving aside 1940s and earlier, you don't see 1982 to 1988 as a period sustained success? Five first-place finishes, three GC appearances and the two best records in team history (to that point) in seven seasons seems like a string of success to me. Obie and Sazio eventually wore out their welcome, but I think we'd all be thrilled to match the record of 1982-88 over the next seven years.

Very well stated Paul!

[OV Argo]

I agree that Bethel-Thompson is a big upgrade over Pipkin, so I don't think they should keep Pipkin around, and should instead let a big talent like Kelly Bryant develop a little faster under the top two guys.

MBT is everything you want in a backup QB. He's experienced, he's a team-first guy, and he's very durable. I think he's kinda like the Ryan Fitzpatrick of the CFL -- a valuable backup who can put up some big numbers, but in the final analysis is not and will never be a championship-calibre QB. Take a look at a list of Grey Cup champion QBs if you don't agree.

The ultimate goal for this team is to put a string of successful seasons together, something they've never done before in their history. To do that you need to build and grow with a young QB, not a 33-year-old-good-but-will-never-be-great QB.

And I guess O'Connor was a write-off to the current regime ? No big effort to re-sign him or did he just think the Stamps were a way better fit for him ?

Arbuckle, MBT & Pipkin (impressed me, some, with the Als) are 3 QBs with CFL experience for TC competition; maybe a young gun pans out too, but seems to me O'Connor was a good young QB prospect to look at further ? Always next year to find another Collaros, Harris or Fajardo. ;o)


AND - how bout Leo's 68 thru 71 Argos; competing against the powerhouse Ottawa team in the East.

[Will]

I'm so looking forward to unsticking this thread!

[Will]

The Argos add yet another receiver

Added another weapon ⚡️

Welcome to the 6ix, @JaylenSmith_12 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/r1Nu1HOkqr

— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) June 18, 2021

[Will]

Disappointed over Lane's release, he seemed enthusiastic to get up here and try and make the most of his opportunity

The Argos also announce today the release of the following players: American WR Jawill Davis, American QB Kelly Bryant and American DB Ermon Lane.

— Toronto Argonauts Media Relations (@ArgonautsMR) June 18, 2021

[jerrym]

But I would quibble with this statement. Even leaving aside 1940s and earlier, you don't see 1982 to 1988 as a period sustained success? Five first-place finishes, three GC appearances and the two best records in team history (to that point) in seven seasons seems like a string of success to me. Obie and Sazio eventually wore out their welcome, but I think we'd all be thrilled to match the record of 1982-88 over the next seven years.

Nevertheless the period from the end of WWII to 1952 was the era of most sustained success with three consecutive Grey Cups in 1945 to 1947 and two more in 1950 and 1952 for a total of five Grey Cups in eight years.

[Will]

The Argos announced today they have signed American QB Kenji Bahar, American RB Greg McCrae and American DB Andrew Soroh.

The team also announced the release of American LB Jason Beck.

— Toronto Argonauts Media Relations (@ArgonautsMR) June 21, 2021

[Tobin Rote]

The Argonauts have signed CFL veterans Ricky Collins Jr. (WR) and Dexter McCoil Sr. (LB / DB) along with fellow import Eli Howard (DL). The team also announced that Chris Humes (DB) has been released.

https://www.tsn.ca/toronto-argonauts...l-sr-1.1661129

[Bleeds Double Blue]

It's almost getting ridiculous, I said almost, when considering the number of top caliber players the Atgos are signing. While the rest of the league watches their numbers dwindle due to retirements the Argos just keep chugging along stockpiling All-Star players. Pinball Murphy 2021 CFL MOP.

[AngeloV]

It's almost getting ridiculous, I said almost, when considering the number of top caliber players the Atgos are signing. While the rest of the league watches their numbers dwindle due to retirements the Argos just keep chugging along stockpiling All-Star players. Pinball Murphy 2021 CFL MOP.

True, but we still have no idea how many players under contract are going to decide not to report to camp. For that reason, I love all the signings. They are protecting themselves in the event that happens.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Angelo, no argument there. I agree with you. I agree with everybody. I'm a hell of a guy.

[Wobbler]

While the rest of the league watches their numbers dwindle due to retirements the Argos just keep chugging along stockpiling All-Star players.

In fact, Collins un-retired to join the Argos.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

Wobbler I was going to un-retire as well but the company had other ideas.

[Will]

While neither of these players was likely to crack the starting lineup, the Argos will likely miss both on specials.

Hearing that 🇨🇦 LBs Nick Shorthill and Nelkas Kwemo are both planning to retire. Expect them to go onto the #Argos suspended list, so that they can keep their options open for later in the season and the team can retain their rights. @CFLonTSN

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) July 1, 2021

[AngeloV]

While neither of these players was likely to crack the starting lineup, the Argos will likely miss both on specials.

[FONT="]

Hearing that  LBs Nick Shorthill and Nelkas Kwemo are both planning to retire. Expect them to go onto the #Argos suspended list, so that they can keep their options open for later in the season and the team can retain their rights. @CFLonTSN

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) July 1, 2021

[/FONT]

Both are big losses. I was just talking earlier today about the great depth the Argos had behind Judge and Muamba and specifically mentioned these 2. That has taken a hit now. I guess Cassar will be fast tracked now. Argos are going to likely have to start at least 8 Nationals now so maybe there will be a spot for Bear Woods as a back up if that's the case.

Regarding the number of retirements around the league, my guess is that none of these players will actually file retirement papers, and the majority will be put on suspended lists. I wouldn't be surprised if a few (especially Canadians) come back for the last couple of games of the season, and try and cash in on a couple of game cheques and some possible playoff bonus money. They can maximize their income for the year this way, as they can continue to make money in their field away from football and then perhaps take a 6 week leave of absence to finish the year + playoffs.

[Will]

I think you're right Angelo, though it is interesting that I think this was the first reference in relation to one of these retirements about the suspension list. This gives me some confidence that either or both may return towards the end of the year.

[Will]

Farhan gives us a little more context.

Shorthill is currently working on his masters degree while Kwemo has other job considerations. Things could change down the road for either or both players. #Argos @CFLonTSN

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) July 1, 2021

[jerrym]

The Argos have signed Canadian OL/DL Quinn Smith, a Toronto native. Four years is a long time to be away from the game.

Smith played 40 games for the Calgary Stampeders and last played in the CFL during the 2017 season. He was selected in the first round, seventh overall during the 2014 CFL Draft. The 29-year-old has made 26 tackles and eight sacks while appearing in two Grey Cup games, helping the Stamps win a title in 2014.

In September 2016, Smith was suspended three games for violating the CFL’s drug policy. He was caught using methandienone, a steroid popular with bodybuilders (including Arnold Schwarzenegger.) It was the first violation under the league’s new anti-doping policy launched in April that year, which featured expanded testing conducted by the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. The league had previously gone more than a year without drug testing.

https://3downnation.com/2021/06/30/t...n-quinn-smith/

[Bleeds Double Blue]

I have a rhetorical question that has nothing to do with this thread but hardly warrents a thread of it's own. Sorry. Anyway I was channel surfing late last night and clicked on TSN just in time to see Matt Black intercept Bo Levi Whatshisname at the end of the 2017 Grey Cup game. My question is.... does that ever get old? Nah.

[argolio]

I have a rhetorical question that has nothing to do with this thread but hardly warrents a thread of it's own. Sorry. Anyway I was channel surfing late last night and clicked on TSN just in time to see Matt Black intercept Bo Levi Whatshisname at the end of the 2017 Grey Cup game. My question is.... does that ever get old? Nah.

Hell to the no!