2023-24 off-season transactions

[argolio]

My sources close to a team has told me that Ouellette will be signing with the Riders. I will believe it when I see it, however, a good source.

Not expecting him to return.

[Will]

With Pickett apparently signing with Ottawa, Argos need a cover linebacker. There isn't a ton available on the open market: Chris Edwards (no thanks), Derrick Moncrief (maybe), Branden Dozier (maybe), Alden Darby (no thanks). Might be better off trying to move a DB into the spot (Robertson Daniel if re-signed, maybe Maurice Carnell if healthy). Or hand the spot to a rookie if a suitable one can be found.

Dozier has apparently re-signed with the Stampeders.

[Shatto]

Replacing Pickett will be difficult but there are some options available. If he re-signs Daniel has the size and tackling ability to potentially fill the role. Before he was injured last year he was playing at an outstanding level. His age (32) and history of injuries are question marks but those factors might make him less attractive on the open market so he might re-sign at a reasonable salary.

Rookies Brini and Waters are both big bodied DBs and might fit the bill but the rookie that interests me is Leonard Johnson. He was on the Argo's negotiation list and has reasonable size at 6' and 194 lbs. He has been described as a physical player with 4.5 speed. The team has been very good in recruiting in the past couple of years and we should expect the same for this upcoming season.

[paulwoods13]

Not expecting him to return.

I agree he's likely leaving. Don't sleep on the Argos going after Oliveira. He's the kind of personality Pinball would love to have here. That said, at the risk of sounding dismissive, I'm less worried about finding a new running back than I am about almost any other position. McMahon and Adeboboye are already on the roster, and we might be able to bring Leake back to play a role on offence. And there are a lot of good running backs coming out of colleges every year. Although there might be more blocking responsibility here, it's a position that should be relatively easy for an American to adapt to quickly.

[OV Argo]

I'll be shocked/stunned if the Argos manage to sign Oliveira.

Though him with Adeboboye as the back-up/change of pace guy would allow the Argos to have one of the 7 NI spots occupied by a Canadian RB - like the Bombers have had for several seasons now, and maybe they would be quite comfortable with just 6 other NI starters (3 interior O-line, one receiver, plus a safety and one D-line in the rotation for example) if that's how they want to pre-determined think.

Pickett is an outstanding S-OLB in the CFL now = tough loss; but a bunch of teams have found new guys playing there every year - no many vet S-OLB types around; and the EE (Makonzo) and Bombers (Krahmdi took over as starter last season) have had no problem deploying a Canadian at the position.

[Stevoman]

Pickett and Ouellette were the 2 that I wanted back most. Lost one today but hopefully we get to keep the other!

[Rich]

I agree he's likely leaving. Don't sleep on the Argos going after Oliveira. He's the kind of personality Pinball would love to have here. That said, at the risk of sounding dismissive, I'm less worried about finding a new running back than I am about almost any other position. McMahon and Adeboboye are already on the roster, and we might be able to bring Leake back to play a role on offence. And there are a lot of good running backs coming out of colleges every year. Although there might be more blocking responsibility here, it's a position that should be relatively easy for an American to adapt to quickly.

Ah yes the old “dime-a-dozen” argument. If it was true, every team would have great backs like Ouellette and Oliviera. But not coincidentally, the two best teams had the two best backs.

Personally I’m intrigued by the prospect of Oliviera replacing AJ. Not only is it a ratio breaker, but I think Oliviera is a better back, and IMO even has the potential to become one of the all-time greats.

Oliviera is two years younger, is faster and evidently more durable than Ouellette.. He averaged almost 3 more carries per game, and behind this Argo O-line - including the run block specialist McKellar - I seriously think he could challenge 2000 yds rushing. No college rookie is ever going to come close to Oliviera’s proven level of production, and just imagine how that kind of production will open up Chad’s passing game even more.

As much as I love AJ, I would love even more to see Oliviera in double blue.

[ArgofanIan]

Ah yes the old “dime-a-dozen” argument. If it was true, every team would have great backs like Ouellette and Oliviera. But not coincidentally, the two best teams had the two best backs.

Personally I’m intrigued by the prospect of Oliviera replacing AJ. Not only is it a ratio breaker, but I think Oliviera is a better back, and IMO even has the potential to become one of the all-time greats.

Oliviera is two years younger, is faster and evidently more durable than Ouellette.. He averaged almost 3 more carries per game, and behind this Argo O-line - including the run block specialist McKellar - I seriously think he could challenge 2000 yds rushing. No college rookie is ever going to come close to Oliviera’s proven level of production, and just imagine how that kind of production will open up Chad’s passing game even more.

As much as I love AJ, I would love even more to see Oliviera in double blue.

I figure Montreal , Winnepeg and Toronto had Running games that in the end made them the superior teams. I felt bad for Crum and The BC quarterback last year... seemed like they were running for thier lives all year. Hope we can re sign AJ. Go ARGOS.

[bluto]

I'm at peace with whatever we do at RB. I'd love Ouellette back. Oliviera could be tremendous here. But if they decide that the mantle has been passed to Adeboboye then I'm ready to roll with that as well.

Clemons/Magri/Murphy et al. knew that we may have to fill significant roster spots. They didn't come into this blind. If I knew that Pickett was the only guy we had for that role last year then so did they. I'd love to know what players will be put there right freaking now, but it will be revealed in time. Hopefully sooner, but maybe not until camp.

Peters, Hendrix, Leake, Coxie, Barlow, etc... Just have to keep reminding myself that a plan (and backup plan, and backup to the backup plan) is in place.



Anyone else find themself really distracted at work by this stuff?

[ArgofanIan]

Just me but I hope we don't sign Oliviera. We will take abuse from other fan bases or media ARGO haters. I like it better when we stick with guys we develop. I would be good with Adeboboye if AJ splits.

[bluto]

Just me but I hope we don't sign Oliviera. We will take abuse from other fan bases or media ARGO haters. I like it better when we stick with guys we develop. I would be good with Adeboboye if AJ splits.

I already said I'd be happy with him. You don't have to sell me on it.

[bluto]

https://3downnation.com/2024/02/06/s...randon-barlow/

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have agreed to terms with American defensive end Brandon Barlow and, barring anything unforeseen, he’s expected to sign with the team, per sources.
The 26-year-old played in 14 games for the Toronto Argonauts in 2023, starting two in a rotation that included Thomas Costigan and Robbie Smith. Nevertheless, he finished second on the team behind all-star Folarin Orimolade with nine sacks, adding 30 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles and two forced fumbles.

Barlow initially joined the Argos in August 2022, suiting up in 10 games as a rookie with 18 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle and one sack. He helped Toronto win the 109th Grey Cup in Regina.
Prior to his time in the CFL, the six-foot-four, 260-pound pass rusher spent six years at Boston College from 2016 to 2021. In 50 games for the Eagles, he made 128 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Barlow was 3DownNation‘s No. 16-ranked pending free agent. General manager Ed Hervey hopes he can boost Hamilton’s pass rush.
Pending free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the current window, which closes on Feb. 11. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular team for 2024, however, these deals aren’t legally binding and can’t be finalized or made official until after free agency opens on Feb. 13.

[ArgoGabe22]

Why not just start free agency a day after the tampering window? I don't see the point in this if guys are already agreeing with teams.

[OV Argo]

Cassar & Marion re-sign

[paulwoods13]

Ah yes the old “dime-a-dozen” argument. If it was true, every team would have great backs like Ouellette and Oliviera. But not coincidentally, the two best teams had the two best backs.

I don't know who said dime a dozen, but it wasn't me. But I do believe there are lots of good backs available every year. If memory serves, every CFL team had at least one decent one last year; some had two or even three of them. They're obviously not all at the level of Oliveira, but they don't have to be for a team to win a championship.

I would bet that the number of times the league's top two or three teams were also the top two or three rushing teams over the past 40 years is pretty low. Last year might have been the outlier.

And I do believe that of all positions on a football team, RB (along with long snapper and maybe punter) is probably the easiest to transition to from American football. Receivers and DBs have to adjust to the waggle and the wider spacing, linemen on both sides have to adapt to a yard off the ball, LBs have different coverage responsibilities in Canada, place-kickers have wider hashmarks, and of course QBs have all kinds of differences to get used to. I believe a new RB can be plugged in more easily than any other position.

[paulwoods13]

Wpg has re-signed Oliveira, according to 3DN, For $200k. The market for Ouellette gets a bit smaller, and Argos' options at RB are also reduced. I'm guessing Ouellette will get something in the range of $170k. Given that Harris's salary comes off the books, one would think we could afford that and still find a bit more money for Leake. If that's the way mgmt wants to go.

[paulwoods13]

Cassar & Marion re-sign

Very pleasant surprise re Cassar. Both of these guys are hugely important on specials, and Marion sees some snaps on the d-line. I wonder if this means Hoyte is leaving.

[OV Argo]

Like to see Cassar get a real shot to start at MLB (though it might be unlikely with the position pencilled-in?)

Oliveira to stay with his hometown team who drafted him, gave him real shots to play and where he became a star, is nice to hear, and the guy deserves top RB compensation IMO - his season last year was superb.

[Tobin Rote]

I'm at peace with whatever we do at RB. I'd love Ouellette back. Oliviera could be tremendous here. But if they decide that the mantle has been passed to Adeboboye then I'm ready to roll with that as well.

Clemons/Magri/Murphy et al. knew that we may have to fill significant roster spots. They didn't come into this blind. If I knew that Pickett was the only guy we had for that role last year then so did they. I'd love to know what players will be put there right freaking now, but it will be revealed in time. Hopefully sooner, but maybe not until camp.

Peters, Hendrix, Leake, Coxie, Barlow, etc... Just have to keep reminding myself that a plan (and backup plan, and backup to the backup plan) is in place.



Anyone else find themselves really distracted at work by this stuff?

Yes !!!

[AngeloV]

I figure Montreal , Winnepeg and Toronto had Running games that in the end made them the superior teams. I felt bad for Crum and The BC quarterback last year... seemed like they were running for thier lives all year. Hope we can re sign AJ. Go ARGOS.

Crumb had a 1,000 yard rusher in his back field. He ran for is life because he couldn't make quick reads, which is expected from a rookie. Probably made 1 read and if it wasn't there tucked the ball and ran.