2020-2021 offseason transaction thread

[OV Argo]

Obviously we need to get him signed, but assuming we do, this looks like a very nice deal for a guy who might be able to start.

Though Speller pulled- thru as an undrafted injury replacement starter on the Bummers GC team, not like I'd expect him to be a lock to start for the Argos; but real nice to have him for TC competition.

[paulwoods13]

Though Speller pulled- thru as an undrafted injury replacement starter on the Bummers GC team, not like I'd expect him to be a lock to start for the Argos; but real nice to have him for TC competition.

He's definitely not guaranteed to start, but according to his CFL bio he started eight games at guard and three at centre in 2019, so he has a decent amount of game experience. I think he has an excellent chance of starting at centre, where as doubleblue noted we have only an older guy waiting in the wings to replace the extremely valuable McEwen.

[jerrym]

He's definitely not guaranteed to start, but according to his CFL bio he started eight games at guard and three at centre in 2019, so he has a decent amount of game experience. I think he has an excellent chance of starting at centre, where as doubleblue noted we have only an older guy waiting in the wings to replace the extremely valuable McEwen.

I see it as a good deal for the Argos even if he doesn't start. The Bombers traded Canadian OL Cory Speller and their 2021 52nd overall pick to the Argos for the Argos 48th draft pick because he was going to become a free agent on February 9th.
A swap of four draft positions later in the draft for a guy who not only plays guard but was good enough to play centre in the drive for the Cup. Plus it's not impossible the 52nd draft pick can turn out to be as good or better than the 48th we gave up. And even if the 52nd choice is a wash an excellent chance we still win. Just another indication we are seeing a major improvement in management's player selection for the upcoming season over the last couple of seasons.

[doubleblue]

Argos acquire NI O-lineman Cody Speller (undrafted, but ended up starting on the GC Champs O-line last season), in a deal involving swap of late round draft picks.

Lots of competition on the O-line for this TC = good !

I like the deal. I was looking at the FA lists the other day and Speller was a guy I thought would be a good fit here. I think he has the potential to be a real good center and play for years. I know they have Blake who played center at Baylor but he is 34 or so and maybe is having second thoughts about playing much longer. All the other Canadian linemen are Guard, Tackle types.

[Skinny G]

Per Farhan Lalji on DT's Sport Cage podcast, looks like the hold up with Nichols re-signing is because the Argos aren't paying any signing bonuses.

They talk about Nichols (and Nick Arbuckle) around the 50 Min mark
https://c1.futuripost.com/ckrm/playl...sc_ref=twitter

[paulwoods13]

Per Farhan Lalji on DT's Sport Cage podcast, looks like the hold up with Nichols re-signing is because the Argos aren't paying any signing bonuses.

They talk about Nichols (and Nick Arbuckle) around the 50 Min mark
https://c1.futuripost.com/ckrm/playl...sc_ref=twitter

Thanks for posting that. Very interesting.

Nichols is gonna have to take a major haircut, or see what he can manage to wheedle out of Ottawa. I presume Murphy and Pinball have a Plan B and a Plan C. MBT would undoubtedly be part of one of those plans, hopefully O'Connor is part of Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, etc.

[paulwoods13]

It would be unbelievably disappointing and short sighted if we let MOC walk after spending a high pick on him and working on his development. Dinwiddie spoke highly about him way back so that would seem to suggest he wants him back. But MOC might have sussed that there is a shortage of good backups around the league so he might have some bargaining leverage.

[OV Argo]

It would be unbelievably disappointing and short sighted if we let MOC walk after spending a high pick on him and working on his development. Dinwiddie spoke highly about him way back so that would seem to suggest he wants him back. But MOC might have sussed that there is a shortage of good backups around the league so he might have some bargaining leverage.

You believe another CFL team would have interest in O'Connor to give him some sort of leverage?

NO other CFL team liked him enough to draft him before the Argos when they all had the opportunity.

Pretty well all other CFL teams already have 5 or 6 QBs on the roster for TC.

And most importantly, CFL GOBs have little to zero use ... oh, never mind. o

[Argo57]

It would be unbelievably disappointing and short sighted if we let MOC walk after spending a high pick on him and working on his development. Dinwiddie spoke highly about him way back so that would seem to suggest he wants him back. But MOC might have sussed that there is a shortage of good backups around the league so he might have some bargaining leverage.

Hopefully they get him signed, would be nice to see the Argonauts develop (and actually keep) a young QB.

[Wobbler]

Were they focusing on locals for promotional reasons, or because those guys should be easier to convince to come to (& stay in) Toronto? Both, I suppose, but my impression was that it was more the latter.

[doubleblue]

Close to 20 starting Canadians not yet signed across the League. Looks like we may have a stand off looming between the teams and them. We will soon find out if the C word comes into play after February 9th. Lokombo and Ackie would be starters for the Argos. Adjei a swing man, but could start if needed. I can see Woodson going home to Calgary and Cibasu going home to Montreal. The Argos do have a good number of Canadians on their roster, but Lokombo and Ackie would be difficult to replace.

[Argo57]

Close to 20 starting Canadians not yet signed across the League. Looks like we may have a stand off looming between the teams and them. We will soon find out if the C word comes into play after February 9th. Lokombo and Ackie would be starters for the Argos. Adjei a swing man, but could start if needed. I can see Woodson going home to Calgary and Cibasu going home to Montreal. The Argos do have a good number of Canadians on their roster, but Lokombo and Ackie would be difficult to replace.

My preference would be to sign Lokombo and Ackie, wouldn’t lose any sleep over Cibasu leaving.

[Rich]

Adjei a swing man, but could start if needed. I can see Woodson going home to Calgary and Cibasu going home to Montreal.

I kinda thought Adjei was being pencilled in as a starter, he was starting a lot in Edmonton and he was like a mentor to both Brescasin and Brissett back in the day. With him they could easily start 3 Canadian receivers, Brescasin and two of: Adjei, Cross (needs to see the ball more this year), Gittens (love the speed and agility), Brissett (huge talent) or Noel (fights for every ball and yard). Without him probably not. Woodson's a very good player but i'd keep Adjei if i had to choose.

[OV Argo]

I kinda thought Adjei was being pencilled in as a starter, he was starting a lot in Edmonton and he was like a mentor to both Brescasin and Brissett back in the day. With him they could easily start 3 Canadian receivers, Brescasin and two of: Adjei, Cross (needs to see the ball more this year), Gittens (love the speed and agility), Brissett (huge talent) or Noel (fights for every ball and yard). Without him probably not. Woodson's a very good player but i'd keep Adjei if i had to choose.

Just because Adjei started for the Esks last season (and was solid as a sure-handed, possession type guy on mostly short passes), does not mean he will start for the Argos (and I really doubt he would be the main starter if they go with only one NI in the 5 pack- not sure what will happen there to do with the 7 only- a bunch of potential Canadian starters for the D might mean only one NI starter in the 5 pack ?)

As far as overall receiver talent, meaning including well downfield receptions & big play ability, all of Brescacin, Noel, Gittens & Brissett, might be ahead of Adjei, but real, tough TC competition should determine that.

Agreed on liking to see Cross used more like he was a couple of seasons back - feed the big guy the ball and watch him truck some small LBs & DBs. Cibasu - if he re-signs - could play an even bigger role as a receiving H-back releasing downfield; but I'll believe the new offence deploying an H-back as an offensive weapon when I see it.

Woodson should be re-signed and given a real shot to start at D-half - he has the skills + the CFL experience now; Colquhon should get a real shot to start at corner too (same deal on skills & CFL experience); and Lokombo might be the safety. 3 NIs starting in one CFL D-backfield = mind boggling to a GOB.

[paulwoods13]

Bear Woods is not getting cut anytime soon, IMO, regardless of how many good NAT LBs we end up with. He's a leader, a marketable commodity, and a coach-type veteran. I'd prefer to keep Lokombo and Ackie rather than pin hopes on Muamba or Judge. Think both are long shots at best, and both will expect big dollars. I'd hate like hell to lose Woodson, would be fine to bid adieu to Cibasu.

[jerrym]

Besides Matt Nichols ($220,000), Davaris Daniels ($80,000), Jamal Campbell ($25,000), Philip Blake ($25,000), Fabion Foote ($12,500) are owed bonuses on February 1st, so some or all of them could be gone at least until they test free agency.

[AngeloV]

Besides Matt Nichols ($220,000), Davaris Daniels ($80,000), Jamal Campbell ($25,000), Philip Blake ($25,000), Fabion Foote ($12,500) are owed bonuses on February 1st, so some or all of them could be gone at least until they test free agency.

I read that article in 3DN and question the validity. It states Campbell is due to make 200k this season. There is no chance in hell that is accurate.

[OV Argo]

I read that article in 3DN and question the validity. It states Campbell is due to make 200k this season. There is no chance in hell that is accurate.

Yeah - highly suspect; but fits the bill of goods sold/bought for typical CFL fans who want to reduce or get rid or the ratio - those Canadian O-lineman are all so wayyyyy over-paid because they can extort the poor CFL GMs.

[gilthethrill]

The Toronto Argonauts announced today the team has signed OL Cody Speller, agreed to terms on a new contract with WR DaVaris Daniels and OL Jamal Campbell and extended OL Philip Blake.

The team also announced today they have released American QB Matt Nichols, American LB Bo Lokombo and Canadian DL Fabion Foote.

https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/01/31/...al-make-moves/

With the signing of Speller I am surprised Blake was retained. I gather he will be employed strictly as a Guard. I like the look of the revamped o line.

[Argo57]

With the signing of Speller I am surprised Blake was retained. I gather he will be employed strictly as a Guard. I like the look of the revamped o line.

I’m liking the work Murphy and Pinball are doing with this roster.👍