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.
Cameron Dukes + Dan Adeboboye + Kevin Mital + David Ungerer + Damonte Coxie + DaVaris Daniels + Dejon Brissett = Unstoppable Force
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.
Gonzo brings up several good points, a year ago Toronto wasn’t seen as a great destination for many players in the CFL.
Argonauts had just finished a horrendous season on and off the field, as free agency opened no coach, GM etc.
This year coming off a championship very solid coaching staff and management but above all the players love playing for Marc Trestman which is huge in my books, word travels fast.
I have no doubt some fan favourites may move elsewhere but my guess is the Argonauts should be able to retain the players they want to keep here but also augment (and perhaps upgrade some areas as well), should be interesting.
Toronto Argonauts
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I agree we should be able to retain guys. Not sure Popp will make a priority of signing other teams' free agents -- he has spoken about that usually not working -- but I imagine he will kick tires in a few places, especially if he has to replace a key guy like, say, Laing.
Year of the Rocket: John Candy, Wayne Gretzky, a Crooked Tycoon, and the Craziest Season in Football History (https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/pro...of-the-rocket/)
Bouncing Back: From National Joke to Grey Cup Champs (https://bit.ly/3fvip5x)
YOTR YouTube https://bit.ly/37jtG4f
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Yep - pretty well; all 3 went down to the CFL after being star CFL RBs.
Minter had 281 yards from scrimmage in his 2 seasons with the Jets; Fenerty had 1,276 yards from scrimmage in his 2 seasons with the Saints; and Keith had 610 yards from scrimmage in his one season with the Colts; Minter & Fenerty also did some kick return duties in their NFL stints.
Minter's CFL success saw him do a lot as a pass catching back in the Argo offence; Fenerty & Keith were quite a bit superior pure running tailbacks IMO. I wished Gill the Thrill had stayed a long-time Argo - one of my all time fave Argo RBs - in a pretty long list - the great Dick Shatto, Symons, McQuay, Terry Metcalf, Pinball, Drummond, Mike Jenkins; maybe Wilder will stay quite awhile and join that list ? - Shatto & Pinner are the only long-time Argos there.
Yeah - Orange had the one really good season; but not on my a) list there for all-time Argo backs; on the b) list with other still very talented RBs - like Anthony Davis or Kackert or Boyd or Wilder now. Not easy to get on the a) list = combo of talent/skills + Argo accomplishments
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