Argos FA List - Who do you bring back?

[Rich]

That is a far different outlook than you had all year.

I didn’t realize how winning so many games could have such a negative impact on our playoff performance. I’m still thrilled to have seen the Argos win 16 games. It’s a once in a lifetime thing. But I now realize how it can take a team’s edge away in the playoffs.

[AngeloV]

I didn’t realize how winning so many games could have such a negative impact on our playoff performance. I’m still thrilled to have seen the Argos win 16 games. It’s a once in a lifetime thing. But I now realize how it can take a team’s edge away in the playoffs.

I agree. As I preciously said, this was an awesome season, even if the Eastern Final was a disappointment. I had so much fun this year.

[Argo57]

Unless Gittens agrees to a lower paying contract restructure, he's as good as gone. Same with Devaris Daniels. They are both really big tickets. My hope is that they both restructure. I wonder if they have any 2023 money left to compensate them with bonus money in restructured deals.

That is the only way the Argos can retain him IMO, they have too many key free agents that will deserve more $$$.

[gilthethrill]

Interesting news about Jared Wayne, though I expect he will continue to try for an NFL signing. Does anyone know Doxtater's status?

Sage Doxtator is a FA as far as I know. He has shoulder issues dating back to college.

[Argo57]

Muamba and Bladek counted ZERO against the cap this year, and Harris' 6 game stint meant only 2/3 of his contract counted against the cap this season, so in reality, not much savings there. I would hope Ciraco returns. Call me crazy, but I would rather keep both Cassar and Hoyte over Jordan Williams. Williams has great speed and is versatile, but he makes a lot of cash, and truthfully, I thought the Argos were better on D when Jones played over him.

I’m a big Jonathan Jones fan and agree the Argos D was better with him playing, Williams was rather mediocre this season IMO.

[Argo57]

No more Harris, Muamba, Bladek or maybe R. Danie or Ciraco on the roster frees up some ca$h ?

Argos would be well advised to sign Ciraco, he played very well this season.
The Chad’s contract extension also kicks in this season which will chew up more cash.

[Argo57]

Admittedly I was surprised at the number of free agents on the Argos list, many of them elite all-star caliber players.
Other teams will be looking to upgrade their rosters by signing some of them, expect several changes heading into the 2024 World Championship season.
These are times when a healthy pipeline and superior recruiting serves a franchise well, the Argonauts have done a great job in this regard since Pinball has taken over.
Should be an interesting off season once again.

[paulwoods13]

Muamba and Bladek counted ZERO against the cap this year, and Harris' 6 game stint meant only 2/3 of his contract counted against the cap this season, so in reality, not much savings there. I would hope Ciraco returns. Call me crazy, but I would rather keep both Cassar and Hoyte over Jordan Williams. Williams has great speed and is versatile, but he makes a lot of cash, and truthfully, I thought the Argos were better on D when Jones played over him.

Assessing Williams is tricky. He did not stand out to my untrained eyes, but IMO it's hard to argue that the defence was better or worse with either guy because it was basically great for the entire season. I wish we had a better read on what Hoyte or Cassar could bring to a regular role on D; Hoyte looked very promising in 2021, and I thought Cassar looked a bit slow when he played in 2022, but again I'm not the best judge. Cassar saw only snippets of action on D this year, and Hoyte virtually no snaps.

One thing this year showed is that Argos were willing to spend quite a bit above the cap by stashing money on the injured list. It won't always be practical to do so, but it's good to know MLSE was fine with establishing an Argo version of Robidas Island, if necessary. Figuring out how much they can pay in free agency is a real challenge (for every team) because of the knowledge that some guys will get injured, but there's no real way to know how much can be saved by six-gaming people. Some of it is pure luck. Magri and Russell have their work cut out for sure.

[ArgoGabe22]

Where is the talk of Williams retiring?

[gilthethrill]

Argos would be well advised to sign Ciraco, he played very well this season.
The Chad’s contract extension also kicks in this season which will chew up more cash.

I would like Ciraco back too, but if he leaves Nicastro can go back to C and perhaps Giffen taking his G spot.

[paulwoods13]

Where is the talk of Williams retiring?

I surmised he might be one and done from some comments he made when he signed here about needing to get here in part for business reasons. Seemed to imply he was planning for life after football. Maybe I read too much into it.

[SkalbaniasGhost]

I know Nield had a concussion at the beginning of the season and was put on the 6 game list, but has he had any other concussions earlier in his career?

He had gotten one while at McMaster.

[AngeloV]

I surmised he might be one and done from some comments he made when he signed here about needing to get here in part for business reasons. Seemed to imply he was planning for life after football. Maybe I read too much into it.

I read that as if it was easier to maintain his other business while playing in the east.

[ArgoRavi]

I read that as if it was easier to maintain his other business while playing in the east.

This was my understanding also.

[ArgoRavi]

I would like Ciraco back too, but if he leaves Nicastro can go back to C and perhaps Giffen taking his G spot.

When the Argos signed Ciraco this past off-season, I saw it as a depth move as much as anything. I figured that Nicastro would play centre and Bladek would be the right guard and Ciraco would be in reserve.