2023-24 off-season transactions

[Will]

I'd like the Argos to finalize the DC position. Free agency is sooner rather than later, and I'm sure pending FAs, of which there are important ones, would like to know who they're playing for.

[Argo57]

I'd like the Argos to finalize the DC position. Free agency is sooner rather than later, and I'm sure pending FAs, of which there are important ones, would like to know who they're playing for.

For all we know the DC position could be done and not yet announced, if not they better get a move on in doing so.
What looked like a stable coaching situation now appears to be anything but which could potentially affect the ability to retain several key FA’s (particularly on D).

[gilthethrill]

For all we know the DC position could be done and not yet announced, if not they better get a move on in doing so.
What looked like a stable coaching situation now appears to be anything but which could potentially affect the ability to retain several key FA’s (particularly on D).

I have been astutely monitoring Saskatchewan’s player transactions. Mace and Company are busy resigning key players on defence as well as KR Mario Alford.

[bluto]

I have been astutely monitoring Saskatchewan’s player transactions. Mace and Company are busy resigning key players on defence as well as KR Mario Alford.

If you do say so, yourself.

[paulwoods13]

It's not official yet, but clearly MBT has signed or is signing with Edmonton, for starter money ($500k with incentives, according to Lalji). A lot of CFL fans are already up in arms over the fact that Ford will be backing up again this season. He's a free agent a year from now and if he's pissed at Jones for demoting him, he can go elsewhere then. But if he's smart, he'll soak up everything he can from MBT while enjoying what I have no doubt will be a winning atmosphere in Edmonton.

[OV Argo]

Jonestown is in desperate to win next season mode (would they give him more rope after another 4 & 14 type season ?)

MBT may help lots as a vet QB and leader; but they still need some smart, sharp offensive coaches and IMO Jones is pretty well lost there. Good luck.

What options does Tre Ford have if he doesn't like it? - sulk? as to be traded ? - who would take him? He might learn plenty being around MBT but that is not a given; but #2 QBs often get to play nowdays with all the QB injuries lately. No way in hell is Jones going to demote MBT even if he loses all games out of the gate.

[paulwoods13]

Ford could sulk, or ask/demand to be traded, or seize the opportunity to learn under a proven veteran QB/mentor (something he has not had yet as a pro). If he's smart, he'll do the latter, and then see what his value is on the open market a year from now. IMO he will be in a better position to get a big contract (in Edm or elsewhere) if he does that than if he had been anointed the starter for the 2024 Elks. It takes time to learn how to play QB in this league, whether you are coming in from a big NCAA program, NFL camps or a smallish CIS school.

That said, I won't be surprised if Jones looks at trading Ford to avoid any whiff of a season-long "we want Tre" movement in the stands. Jones needs to win now, and IMO he and MBT will get the Elks into the playoffs. If Ford does go on the trade market, I see Wpg as the most likely destination.

[paulwoods13]

He might learn plenty being around MBT but that is not a given

On the contrary, it is a given if Tre wants to be taught. Not all guys in his position are open to being mentored, but for any QB who is, there is not a better mentor to be found in this league.

[AngeloV]

Ford could sulk, or ask/demand to be traded, or seize the opportunity to learn under a proven veteran QB/mentor (something he has not had yet as a pro). If he's smart, he'll do the latter, and then see what his value is on the open market a year from now. IMO he will be in a better position to get a big contract (in Edm or elsewhere) if he does that than if he had been anointed the starter for the 2024 Elks. It takes time to learn how to play QB in this league, whether you are coming in from a big NCAA program, NFL camps or a smallish CIS school.

That said, I won't be surprised if Jones looks at trading Ford to avoid any whiff of a season-long "we want Tre" movement in the stands. Jones needs to win now, and IMO he and MBT will get the Elks into the playoffs. If Ford does go on the trade market, I see Wpg as the most likely destination.

As I mentioned in the Elks thread, Jones has lost his mind. I love MBT, but IMO, Ford's time is now. Even the Elks keep Ford as #2 all season, he will walk as a free agent next February. I mean, there is only so much money to be made in the CFL, and by staying as a back up, iyt will take him maybe 2 or 3 more years to get starter's cash.

[paulwoods13]

As I mentioned in the Elks thread, Jones has lost his mind. I love MBT, but IMO, Ford's time is now. Even the Elks keep Ford as #2 all season, he will walk as a free agent next February. I mean, there is only so much money to be made in the CFL, and by staying as a back up, iyt will take him maybe 2 or 3 more years to get starter's cash.

He can walk a year from now whether he starts or sits. IMO you are wrong in believing he's ready to start (and help the Elks win) in 2024. He has great potential and a lot of very rough edges still, and I think that's how he's perceived by coaches and execs around the league. If he started this year and failed to excel, what would that do to his value in free agency? Case can be made that sitting this year and learning from MBT makes him MORE marketable than playing this year and going through more struggles.

[OV Argo]

Ford could sulk, or ask/demand to be traded, or seize the opportunity to learn under a proven veteran QB/mentor (something he has not had yet as a pro). If he's smart, he'll do the latter, and then see what his value is on the open market a year from now. IMO he will be in a better position to get a big contract (in Edm or elsewhere) if he does that than if he had been anointed the starter for the 2024 Elks. It takes time to learn how to play QB in this league, whether you are coming in from a big NCAA program, NFL camps or a smallish CIS school.

That said, I won't be surprised if Jones looks at trading Ford to avoid any whiff of a season-long "we want Tre" movement in the stands. Jones needs to win now, and IMO he and MBT will get the Elks into the playoffs. If Ford does go on the trade market, I see Wpg as the most likely destination.

Ford is still a dirt cheap back-up QB, who could be a decent change of pace back-up with his outstanding mobility and run threat. He would be smart to be patient and try to learn from a vet like MBT, who is not going to be around as a starter there for more than one, maybe 2 max., seasons IMO. Not sure any other CFL teams would have much interest anyways; and the Bombers "Canadian mafia" has shown zero interest to give any Canadian QB a shot - like the Argos of last season - bringing in QBs with ultra limited US college ball resumes, when a somewhat CFL experienced Michael O'Connor (with vast Canadian ball experience in comparison) was available to be tried. I think Ford could have a lengthy CFL career as mostly a back-up /change of pace QB; doubt he will ever be given an extended #1 shot; but maybe.

[OV Argo]

I won't be surprised to see Jones try to sign Brissett or maybe try to trade for Gittens - both of who have worked well with MBT - to upgrade their one Canadian receiver starter (doubt he has much faith in the guys he used last year in Forbes-Mombleau or Cobb)

[AngeloV]

I won't be surprised to see Jones try to sign Brissett or maybe try to trade for Gittens - both of who have worked well with MBT - to upgrade their one Canadian receiver starter (doubt he has much faith in the guys he used last year in Forbes-Mombleau or Cobb)

I can see Gittens, but honestly, other than the 1 big 3rd down catch in Hamilton, I don't think Brissett showed any chemistry with MBT. He took off this year with Kelly.

[OV Argo]

I can see Gittens, but honestly, other than the 1 big 3rd down catch in Hamilton, I don't think Brissett showed any chemistry with MBT. He took off this year with Kelly.

Maybe so, but Brissett still has experience with MBT who might vouch for him; and again, it's likely Jones views Brissett (not to mention a Gittens who had a 1000 yard season playing with MBT) as very big upgrades over the lowly thought of Canadian receivers Jones has trotted out some. Maybe Jones will see a receiver in the upcoming draft who would be cheap to play, and good enough for running clearing routes (or another experienced Canadian FA); vs. Brissett who would cost more than minimum wage ?

Brissett can be signed just as a FA; Gittens would cost in a trade, and the Argos might not be interested in that at all anyways.

[Will]

The Argos signed 3 players today. Ben Grant seems high on the receiver.

https://x.com/TorontoArgos/status/17...551313528?s=20

[gilthethrill]

The Argos signed 3 players today. Ben Grant seems high on the receiver.

https://x.com/TorontoArgos/status/17...551313528?s=20

16 receptions in 3 seasons after being drafted by Philadelphia Eagles in the 2nd round. He will be in tough to make the team. 2 more young DBs signed which is interesting.

[Argo57]

A quick update by the Pinball.

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/plenty-of-big...ents-1.2060208

[Shatto]

A quick update by the Pinball.

https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/plenty-of-big...ents-1.2060208

In the article Pinball implies, if Stiggers were to be drafted by an NFL team, the Argos would release him from his contract. If he isn't drafted but an NFL team still wanted to offer him a contract, that could raise some serious issues. First of all, the NFL recognizes CFL contracts. The exception, is the agreed upon window when players under contract can tryout for an NFL team. That window would be long closed by the time the draft is completed. The Argos might consider releasing Stiggers but it could be used as a precedent that other players might attempt to use in the future.
So it raises two questions--1) Would an NFL team try to sign a CFL player who is under contract, outside of the agreed window- 2) Would the CFL agree to release a player outside of the window, knowing is could set a precedent.

Aside from the above, if no NFL team is willing to draft Stiggers, he might well be better off, playing one more year for the Argos. With one more year under his belt, he would be a more mature, experienced and polished player but still only 23. Then he should have a better chance of making an NFL team.

[paulwoods13]

IMO if Stiggers has an offer to sign as an undrafted free agent, Argos will release him. I can't see Pinball et al standing in the way of a guy who has a chance at life-altering money. I'm not worried about precedent. Guys have been released in the past to pursue NFL opportunities -- one of them even in season, I believe. It hasn't led to a mass exodus, and the NFL signs only a handful of guys each season.

[gilthethrill]

IMO if Stiggers has an offer to sign as an undrafted free agent, Argos will release him. I can't see Pinball et al standing in the way of a guy who has a chance at life-altering money. I'm not worried about precedent. Guys have been released in the past to pursue NFL opportunities -- one of them even in season, I believe. It hasn't led to a mass exodus, and the NFL signs only a handful of guys each season.

The only other time I can recall this situation (A current Argo player eligible to be drafted by the NFL) was DT Jermaine Haley who played a couple years with the Argos after playing JR ball in BC. He went on to play a few seasons in the NFL.