2018 Free Agent signings, contract extensions, and other transactions

[Argo]

It sure seems as though Ray is going to retire.

[Argo57]

It sure seems as though Ray is going to retire.

Although it would be nice to see Ray return retiring a champion makes a lot of sense.
Would be nice if he stayed with the organization in some capacity.

[OV Argo]

AK & Murray were burned quite a bit in the GC - can happen to any DB though, but not a good sign in the biggest game. Not much of a fan of White as a DB - pretty average IMO. D-backfield could use some upgrades all around - need to decide on a tough starting safety - Gabriel could be that guy maybe, but Chamblin seemed to like to move parts around - Gabriel was playing wide-side corner late in the GC and covering Michel on that great Matt Black pick - on a super dumb decision by Bovine Mitchell. Vaughn is a quality DB - could play anywhere in the secondary; like the game of young Q. Ford - flies around and nose for the ball - the latter 2 could be fixtures along with Gabriel, along with some others brought back, including Woodson - whose birth certificate might see him destined for back-up/depth only (like Matt Black), but this guy is athletic and was an all-star D-half in CIS ball; have plenty of new TC competition.

And I'll bet dollars to donuts that Posey does NOT get another NFL look - he was there before and they write most of those guys off once they go to the CFL - NFL "scouts" could give a rat's @$$ about big plays in the GC game; he could get a another shot via a well connected agent or a former coach vouching for him, perhaps.

Wonder if Plummer could un-seat Bear Woods for the MLB job; played plenty late in the year in the 2 biggest games and made plays - did more than Bear IMO and would probably be much cheaper ?

[mchesher03]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

[AngeloV]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

Not overly concerned about losing Wilder at this point. He's already had a couple of NFL training camps. It's pretty rare for a guy that's been cut multiple times in training camp to get a serious look down there.

[ArgoRavi]

Not overly concerned about losing Wilder at this point. He's already had a couple of NFL training camps. It's pretty rare for a guy that's been cut multiple times in training camp to get a serious look down there.

CFL running backs don't have a great history over the past three decades of finding a spot in the NFL either. There was Cedric Minter from 1984 to 1986 with the New York Jets but there haven't been many (any?) since that time. There are always loads of younger running backs coming from the NCAA, in any given year, that the NFL has interest in.

Also, I heard or read a quote from Wilder this past week which indicated that he was planning on moving his kids to Toronto for next season so he seems to be planning on playing for the Argos in 2018.

[Jon Gonzo]

Very good list as the thread starter. Hard to disagree with almost all of it.

As indicated, much will hinge on the first choice returning, or not. However, I expect that the play of Q.Ford, T.Plummer and A.Darby could force some decisions.

I kind of expect to see a DB, a DL and a Receiver move on.

White, Laing and Posey may be most likely.

Love to see Posey's return, but he's about the best looking candidate for the NFL on this current roster.

As pointed out above, Wilder may get a sniff, but the NFL won't be breathing heavily. They've got their own high picks to break in.

Bear Woods, SJ Green, Ricky Ray and Cassius Vaughan may all be staring at their last contracts. I think they're all backbone, priority players.

With the facility coming along and the football program and environment improving, I think we'll see many of these guys want to come back.

And continuity will play an important role in marketing this team in Toronto. Currently we have some very marketable guys. They like each other, and they admire their leaders. Much of Toronto is only just beginning to get to know them, and like them too.

Popp had continuity in Montreal back in their Grey Cup days. They all used to re-sign there, and same with Calgary; which has been a winning football program.

Jim Barker started out doing that in Toronto, but got away from it -- and it showed in the results.

I am expecting most guys back, and the addition will be at QB. I think Collaros is the obvious addition. It's been mentioned, that if he can take a step back and re-set it would be most beneficial to his career and whatever team he plays for.

A trade won't be necessary, depending on what happens with Johnny Football and Masoli (who may want to try the NFL also).

Toronto is a QB's dream. A QB is understood by layers of hierarchy.

Toronto has quickly become a choice destination. That makes things easier.

Good thread.

[AngeloV]

CFL running backs don't have a great history over the past three decades of finding a spot in the NFL either. There was Cedric Minter from 1984 to 1986 with the New York Jets but there haven't been many (any?) since that time. There are always loads of younger running backs coming from the NCAA, in any given year, that the NFL has interest in.

Also, I heard or read a quote from Wilder this past week which indicated that he was planning on moving his kids to Toronto for next season so he seems to be planning on playing for the Argos in 2018.

In would say Gil Fenerty and Kenton Keith had more actual playing success in the NFL than Minter did.

[jerrym]

Not overly concerned about losing Wilder at this point. He's already had a couple of NFL training camps. It's pretty rare for a guy that's been cut multiple times in training camp to get a serious look down there.

They might look at him now as a ST/backup RB now that he is quite valuable on special teams. Otherwise, I agree with you.

[Argo]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

Supporting your Ray opinion would be this: it's rather difficult to simply walk away from somewhere north of $500,000 for six months' work.

[Tau Ceti]

My two biggest concerns on this list are replacing Green's receptions and Woods' tackles. Admittedly, a quarter million for S.J. is high. Who else is out there to replace him?

Regarding Wilder, we should give him the shot down south if someone knocks but I really don't want that to happen. Obviously defences are adjusting and he's not going to continue to put up 200 yards a game. But the fact is you can divide the Argos' 2017 into the pre-Wilder break out and the post-Wilder break out. I don't think we get to the Eastern final let alone the championship with out him.

Mchester you make a good point that it's been the media pushing the riding off into the sunset narrative for Ray rather than the man himself. Perhaps he's content to play into his forties, health permitting. As Argo points, a half million a year is a pretty good incentive. I'd really like to find out who the heir apparent is though.

[cfl-cis fan]

Some great commentary and analysis and most of it is similar to what I’m thinking. However, I’ll take the total contrarian view on Ricky, he’s back next year.The media has been oddly relentless in pushing the Henry Burris storyline of last year on him.Not once has he mentioned anything of the sort re: being done.I can honestly foresee another few years of Ricky Ray in an Argos jersey, call me crazy if you must.

It hasn’t been mentioned as he likely is under contract for next year but is no one else thinking / concerned that Wilder gets an NFL shot and we release him from his contract? He’s still young and he’s big, strong and fast. Can’t see at least one of the NFL clubs wanting to give him a shot.

If we want Zac Collaros don't we have to trade Nationals to Hamilton and the TiCats will want to receive some value, so which National would we be willing to part with!!!

[AngeloV]

If we want Zac Collaros don't we have to trade Nationals to Hamilton and the TiCats will want to receive some value, so which National would we be willing to part with!!!

Speculation is that the Cats will release him before his bonus is due in January.

[Argo57]

Speculation is that the Cats will release him before his bonus is due in January.

Any team would be foolish to trade for him at this point, let Hamilton either continue to pay him or release him.

[ArgoGabe22]

It sure seems as though Ray is going to retire.

50/50 I’d say. Says a lot still left to accomplish but going out on top is tempting. He’s kind of saying something new everyday if you want to put any stock into it.