2023-24 off-season transactions

[paulwoods13]

Magri, Russell and Murphy are on the case for 2024:

RB/WR/RET Jordan Byrd, 23, most recently spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 after being signed as an undrafted free agent in May. The New Mexico native who played college football at San Diego State (2018-2022), accumulated 1,353 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground to go along with over 2,000 kick return yards and three return touchdowns in 58 games for the Aztecs. The 5'9, 170lb RB/WR/RET was a three-time First Team All-Conference (2021-2022 KR, 2022 PR), 2019 New Mexico Bowl Co-MVP and 2018 SDSU Co-Outstanding Freshman Award winner.

DE Nelson Jordan II, 24, played nine games at Alabama State in 2022 and recorded 28 tackles, seven for loss, and 11 sacks for the Hornets. The 6'2, 251lb defensive end started his collegiate career at Samford where he played 39 games over four seasons (2018-2021) and tallied 124 tackles, 21.5 for loss, and 11.5 sacks.

Re-signed:
• FB Spencer Nichols (2023 fourth-round draft pick, played six games in 2023)
• OL Braydon Noll (Played in three games in 2023)
• WR Aaron Parker (signed to expanded PR in October after spending training camp with team)
• LB Ife Onyemenam (2023 6th round draft pick)
• OL Anthony Vandal (2023 8th round draft pick)
• WR BJ Byrd (Played one game in 2023)
• LB Brendan Murphy (2023 7th round draft pick)

I'm particularly looking forward to seeing what Noll and Vandal can become -- we need new NAT o-linemen in the pipeline since we are almost certainly saying farewell to Bladek and Richards. I also want to see more from Nichols and BJ Byrd, andf Onyemenam is one of those guys who could be valuable on specials.

[OV Argo]

A bunch of teams have recently announced signings - some new import guys and a bunch of previous draft picks.

These Argo signings provide TC competition, and maybe one or two guys step-up; Onyemenam & Murphy join a crowded Canadian LB group, but maybe some of these guys move on; Vandal & Noll are maybe in tough, and even more possibly if the Argos use a draft pick on that position in what seems like a deep group for this coming draft (like to see them use the top pick on the best safety prospect instead, unless Valente has really impressed).

[paulwoods13]

A bunch of teams have recently announced signings - some new import guys and a bunch of previous draft picks.

These Argo signings provide TC competition, and maybe one or two guys step-up; Onyemenam & Murphy join a crowded Canadian LB group, but maybe some of these guys move on; Vandal & Noll are maybe in tough, and even more possibly if the Argos use a draft pick on that position in what seems like a deep group for this coming draft (like to see them use the top pick on the best safety prospect instead, unless Valente has really impressed).

Two NAT LBs (Hoyte and Cassar) are heading into free agency, and I'll be very surprised if Argos re-sign both. As I wrote in an earlier thread, I have little doubt they will want more playing time on defence. Whether or not anyone is able to offer that, I expect they will be in demand on the market. So these two newbies (as well as Harelimana) should have an opportunity to win a spot.

Noll and Vandal (and Paradis, assuming he signs) will be looking to stick as depth pieces if Ciraco and Giffen both re-sign, but that's a big if. I'd love to get both back, but guys with the pedigree of Ciraco and the potential of Giffen are going to get paid by someone. If one or both leave (along with Richards and Bladek, whose departures IMO are a given), the new guys will move up the depth chart. Noll can snap so he brings a lot of versatility.

[OV Argo]

Kwamou is also around as a National LB and gained roster experience this past season.

And I really doubt any of Cassar, Hoyte or Giffen are going to attract serious FA attention in terms of being offered starter type opportunity or money, but maybe.

It might be nice to have lots of good ole' Canadian depth at a bunch of position groups, and a luxury if they are solid back-ups and good ST guys as well. I prefer having some Canadian talent to compete at all position groups. The Argos now have nobody at DT behind Knight and nobody proven behind Metchie at safety (Haggerty has not impressed and Valente is un-tested); and with Andrew H moving on, Adeboboye is the only NI RB. So I hope they would address those positions and not load up on more LBs or O-line in the draft just for the sake of more "depth" there. A blue chip possible impact and long-time starter - at any position - is a different story.

[Shatto]

I truly hope the team manages to keep at least one of Cassar and Hoyte. Perhaps more importantly management should work hard to retain both Ciraco and Giffen. The O line was very effective this season and they seemed to lose nothing when Giffen was in the line up. Other teams may take a run at these two O linemen and it may be a case of where the team puts its priorities and money.

The two receivers BJ Byrd and Parker both have potential and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of them make the team next year.

[ArgoRavi]

Ciraco was great this year after Lawrence did a nice job in 2022 (after a slow start with some bad snaps). However, Nicastro can play centre - and was an award-winning one at that in 2021. Between Ciraco and Giffen, the latter may be the more desirable re-signing if it's a choice between the two. Likewise, a choice may have to be made between Cassar and Hoyte. Re-signing free agents is often about those choices.

[Argo57]

Great news, the Argos have extended the contracts of four offensive coaches.
This is a very good coaching staff, glad to see them staying together.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...J&opi=89978449

[primetime31]

The fact that the Argos resigned Miller bodes well for his return next season. As they say, the next best thing to player continuity is coaching continuity, especially these days where there is ample turnover in both areas.

[paulwoods13]

Losing Coach Miller for several weeks was a major factor in the Eastern Final defeat, IMO. Having him and the other offensive coaches return is great news. The o-line hasn't been this good since the Flutie era. Now hopefully Corey Mace stays in the fold for one more year.

[AngeloV]

Losing Coach Miller for several weeks was a major factor in the Eastern Final defeat, IMO. Having him and the other offensive coaches return is great news. The o-line hasn't been this good since the Flutie era. Now hopefully Corey Mace stays in the fold for one more year.

I don't think Mace is going anywhere. I think the Riders currently the only team looking for a HC will lean towards an offensive guy, and believe one of Milanovich, Buck Pierce or Henry Burris will be their guy.

[ArgoRavi]

I don't think Mace is going anywhere. I think the Riders currently the only team looking for a HC will lean towards an offensive guy, and believe one of Milanovich, Buck Pierce or Henry Burris will be their guy.

I agree. The only way that Mace doesn't return as defensive coordinator is if Orlando Steinauer steps down as HC in Hamilton and they hire Mace to replace him.

[ArgoGabe22]

I don't think Mace is going anywhere. I think the Riders currently the only team looking for a HC will lean towards an offensive guy, and believe one of Milanovich, Buck Pierce or Henry Burris will be their guy.

Jim Barker flat out said Winnipeg loses Pierce to Saskatchewan. Not sure if that’s a leak, a Freudian slip, a hunch or just Barker rambling

[paulwoods13]

Jim Barker flat out said Winnipeg loses Pierce to Saskatchewan. Not sure if that’s a leak, a Freudian slip, a hunch or just Barker rambling

Been known to happen . . .

[OV Argo]

Getting ready to watch the Vanier and noticed on the Carabins roster - an Olineman named Ed Paradis - so thinking must be the same guy the Argos drafted out of US college ball last year and had a chance for a year of U Sports ball? Will see if he plays, but when I saw the Carabins play several times this season don't recall his name being mentioned - not a good omen if you're not a starter trying to head to the pros to make a roster.

[paulwoods13]

Getting ready to watch the Vanier and noticed on the Carabins roster - an Olineman named Ed Paradis - so thinking must be the same guy the Argos drafted out of US college ball last year and had a chance for a year of U Sports ball? Will see if he plays, but when I saw the Carabins play several times this season don't recall his name being mentioned - not a good omen if you're not a starter trying to head to the pros to make a roster.

Almost certainly the same guy:

https://carabins.umontreal.ca/footba...radis-edouard/

https://hcuhuskies.com/sports/footba...d-paradis/5270

[ArgoRavi]

Jim Barker flat out said Winnipeg loses Pierce to Saskatchewan. Not sure if that’s a leak, a Freudian slip, a hunch or just Barker rambling

A rumour I have seen is that Pierce will head to Saskatchewan and QB Dru Brown will follow. I think that Scott Milanovich has to be very much in the mix in Saskatchewan right now too.

[Scooter McCray]

Buck Pierce and Corey Mace are the two finalists for the Saskatchewan head coaching position. Per TSN tonight.

[Argo57]

Buck Pierce and Corey Mace are the two finalists for the Saskatchewan head coaching position. Per TSN tonight.

Either way the Riders will be making a solid hire.
I wonder if the possibility of Dru Brown following Pierce may tilt the odds in his favour.

[ArgoRavi]

Either way the Riders will be making a solid hire.
I wonder if the possibility of Dru Brown following Pierce may tilt the odds in his favour.

Corey Mace has apparently promised Marc Mueller as the offensive coordinator but I don't know how excited Riders fans will be about that, given Calgary's offensive struggles this past season.

On another note, while all of the Argos' offensive assistants will be back in 2024, I don't know if that's the case with the defensive assistants like Josh Bell, William Fields and Kevin Eiben. I could see one or two following Mace to Saskatchewan if he gets that job.

[Scooter McCray]

Corey Mace has apparently promised Marc Mueller as the offensive coordinator but I don't know how excited Riders fans will be about that, given Calgary's offensive struggles this past season.

On another note, while all of the Argos' offensive assistants will be back in 2024, I don't know if that's the case with the defensive assistants like Josh Bell, William Fields and Kevin Eiben. I could see one or two following Mace to Saskatchewan if he gets that job.

And a bunch of defensive free agent players, or Argo free agents in general. Ottawa was insane not to offer Corey Mace their coaching job this year.⁴