What Free Agents Should The Argos Go After For 2013?

[jerrym]

After winning the Grey Cup, I am generally pretty happy with their personnel, but I would like them to focus on adding some Canadian depth. Obviously they should resign Kackert and Foley. The Canadians on the offensive line are looked fairly solid at the end of the season.
Using Childress (http://www.argofans.com/member.php?286-Childress)'s list (http://www.cflhorsemen.ca/2013-cfl-free-agent-list.html) of potential free agents (I know there will be others and some of these will sign with their current team), I would like to see the Argos go after Shawn Gore whose gained over 800 and 700 yards in the last two years (if its allowed in the Braley world), Carl Volny - not great but would give the Argos a Canadian backup in case of injury (I love Jeff Johnson but he will be 36 in February) and/or Cory Mace to replace the retired Belli (if he is interested in coming to Toronto which is questionable and if he checks out medically.

[ArgoGabe22]

No one. Barker doesn't believe in free agency and I first disagreed with his thinking but over time you see guys get overpaid and struggle and I don't think free agency solves any problems. You may get Canadian depth via free agency because the draft is just a toss up on who survives. The only one I would say is Arceneaux but do we really need him now? No he'll be overpaid if he comes back. I like Olifayoe (sp?) but he's going get NFL interest again and he'll demand to be the highest paid lineman in the league. We`ll see I`ll add who I like once an offical list comes out (no offence Childress)

[Invader]

The Lions might be getting rid of Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce?

[ArgoRavi]

The Lions might be getting rid of Geroy Simon and Arland Bruce?

No thanks on either one. Aging import receivers who are past their prime are not hot commodities. The Argos can and should do better than both of these players.

[jerrym]

No thanks on either one. Aging import receivers who are past their prime are not hot commodities. The Argos can and should do better than both of these players.

I agree. Two years ago or earlier they would have been fine additions but not now.

[doubleblue]

I wouldn't mind seeing them pick up WR Shawn Gore. Carl Volny would be a good backup RB and ST guy if Jeff Johnson retires.

A couple of good MLBer's out there in Sheritt and Eliminian, but at what price?

[hugoagogo]

A couple of good MLBer's out there in Sheritt and Eliminian, but at what price?

Elimimian could be an intersting bidding war. I expect Sherritt to resign in Edmonton - especially if Ed Hervey gets the GM gig.
The Eskimos have too many players to sign (including 8 of their 12 starters on defense). This will be a challange for the new GM, so if I was GM of another team, I'd see some opportunity there.

[ArgoRavi]

Another name I will throw out is Justin Medlock who was recently released by the Carolina Panthers. The Argos have to figure out what they will do with their kicking game in 2013.

[AngeloV]

Jim Barker has already stated (and shown during his term) that he doesn't believe in signing other teams FA's. I think Chris Jones will be hard at work finding some diamonds in the rough on defence.

[ArgoGabe22]

Barker will sign free agents, no doubt. Anyone not under contract is technically a "free agent" even those with no CFL experience. But we know what he means, he won't go into a bidding war for the big free agents. He'll likely sign a few backup guys for depth, most likely Canadians like last year with Smith, Parenteau and probably sign someone who has been cut like McCune, Isaac, Boulay etc. and won't go after Sherritt, Olifayoie.

[paulwoods13]

Medlock is excellent, but I would think Waters will come a lot cheaper, at least next year. I can't see ditching him for a guy who has a very similar skill set.

[AngeloV]

Another name I will throw out is Justin Medlock who was recently released by the Carolina Panthers. The Argos have to figure out what they will do with their kicking game in 2013.

I had no idea he was released. I guess there is something to say about the pressure of kicking in the NFL. Medlock was 7 for 10 but only 2-5 from 40+ yards. I don't think he has any desire to return to the CFL, and will likely retire if he can't find employment down south.

[1argoholic]

Waters has to stay. He's a solid all around kicker. I won't judge Jim Barker after this year. He's moves got the job done. Who knows we may have a diamond in last years Canadian draft picks. Seems like Tonie-Tonie or however he spells his name is a tackling machine. Coud be our own JC Sherritt. We have plenty of young guys who'll be back. Still would like to see a great fast burner type receiver work out.

[flafson]

We probably need a punt kicker unless Waters is going to do it and improve at it.

[Argoscflguy]

If I had to go after just one guy it would have to be shamawd chambers from the eskies, big, strong, and explosive speed, and I realy feel put on the right offence can be the most productive receiver in the game!!

[AngeloV]

If I had to go after just one guy it would have to be shamawd chambers from the eskies, big, strong, and explosive speed, and I realy feel put on the right offence can be the most productive receiver in the game!!

Chambers still has at least 1 year left on his contract (possibly 2 if he signed a 2+1). Eskimos aren't letting him go.

[Will]

http://www.argonauts.ca/page/syndicated/428857/2013-free-agent-tracker

Here is a list of Argo free agents:


<tbody>
Black, Tristan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/109)
LB
Wayne State



Christian, Ryan
WR
Texas Christian
Retired (05/21/11)


Eppele, Joe (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2551)
OL
Washington State



Foley, Ricky (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2953)
DL
York



Gagne-Marcoux, Cedric (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3267)
OL
Central Florida



Kackert, Chad (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4313)
RB
New Hampshire



Mann, Maurice (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2495)
WR
Nevada



McCollough, Evan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4009)
DB
James Madison



Watt, Spencer (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3155)
WR
Simon Fraser


</tbody>

Kackert is our first priority, followed by McCollough I think.

[ArgoRavi]

http://www.argonauts.ca/page/syndicated/428857/2013-free-agent-tracker

Here is a list of Argo free agents:


<tbody>
Black, Tristan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/109)
LB
Wayne State



Christian, Ryan
WR
Texas Christian
Retired (05/21/11)


Eppele, Joe (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2551)
OL
Washington State



Foley, Ricky (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2953)
DL
York



Gagne-Marcoux, Cedric (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3267)
OL
Central Florida



Kackert, Chad (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4313)
RB
New Hampshire



Mann, Maurice (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2495)
WR
Nevada



McCollough, Evan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4009)
DB
James Madison



Watt, Spencer (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3155)
WR
Simon Fraser


</tbody>


Kackert is our first priority, followed by McCollough I think.

Eppele has to be high on that priority list too. They will likely let Gagne-Marcoux walk and I am not sure how much interest they will have in re-signing Tristan Black either.

[ArgoGabe22]

I expect all be offered contracts by the Argos except for CGM and Black. Now doesn't mean all will be back, money is one thing but everyone wants to repeat right?

[Argonauter]

http://cfl.ca/page/2013-free-agent-tracker

[ArgoGabe22]

It all depends on who goes, gets released, retires etc. but here is my FA shortlist.

Johnny Sears (Replaces Carroll)
Tyron Brackenridge (Either a LB or DB replace Carroll?)
Shomari Williams (Could replace Black, Pottinger, Spencer may even be a DE like Kuale)
Corey Mace (CDN Lineman)
JC Sherritt $$$ (who wouldn't want him but chances unlikely)
Cauchy Muamba (long term future at S, Younger isn't going to play forever)
James Yurichuk (Brampton native, good ST player)
Chima Ihekwoaba (CDN depth on the D-line)
Daryl Stephenson (JJ replacement, too small to be true FB)

Other then that I don't see anyone else being signed. I don't see us signing any QBs, Receivers. If we happen to lose Kackert then Whittaker may have interest but I expect Kacker to be re-signed.

[mchesher03]

No thanks to Johnny Sears - bad apple and a dirty player. Remember him trying to take Jyles head off in 2011? I'd be surprised if Foley went elsewhere even if he was offered more money.

[doubleblue]

I think I mentioned Frank Gore somewhere before as a possible WR free agent signing. He is from Toronto and the last two years caught 121 passes for a total of 1,556 yards, 12.9 average with 6 TD's. I think he is better then any Canadian receiver on the Argos at present, and could start at one of the wide outs. That could allow a second big RB on the 42 man such as Riggs to complimate Kackert, but of course they would have to start two Canadians on defense to make that happen.

But most teams will sign most of their impact players IMO as the GM's keep some cash aside from the current year's SMS to give out signing bonuses before that year's end. An advantage for teams to keep their own free agents. So a player has to look at wheather he wants some up front money now and take a little less over the two or three year contract, or see what he can make on the open market. Quite often they take the cash now, unless they really want to move for personal reasons.

[Will]

Surely, you mean Shawn Gore out of BC and not Frank Gore the RB for the 49ers?

[ArgoGabe22]

Forget about Sears doing that, how about Beasly then? Surprsingly a lot of the Canadian FAs are from the GTA. I heard Gore will be exploring NFL interest but only if the money up front is appealing. The first thing Ricky said at the parade was "repeat" so he clearly wants be back me thinks.

[OV Argo]

Some pretty impressive FAs available this off-season.

A team in need could rebuild their offensive line into a league best unit IF they had the money to spend and could attract the guys to their team (Bombers in real need there IMO; i would have said Argos too earlier in the season but hard to argue with a group that was solid in a GC run(?) ). Perrett & Olifaoye at OT with Dyakowski & Woodruff at OG = a league best type group (but Olifayoe to take an NFL shot?).

Brackenridge & Sears are two very impressive young defensive players who could help any team. Not to mention Elimimiam.

Gore would be a nice addition at receiver for any team.

And Kackert was / and is maybe the most talented, dangerous RB in the league IMO from what he showed last season - Argos should pay well to re-sign this guy.

[bluto]

no love in this thread for #24...

Evan McCollough has played outstanding football for us for 3 seasons and has to be the most unheralded guy playing at that level in the league. if he was a mouthpiece like Jovon Johnson maybe he'd get some props...


other than that:
-hopefully Joe Eppele doesn't have the same mindset that Simeon Rottier had last season and wants to go home to play.
-i hate seeing a guy like CGM leave (ie: big, 30, NI, team-guy) and hopefully we retain him as you can never have too many of that type... but i'll trust Barker/Milanovich/McAdoo to make the right move here.
-might Foley be in a paycut situation? seems to me that he got a sizeable deal when we scooped him from BC
-Kackert is getting a raise. good for him.
-Spencer Watt is another BC guy... hopefully he still wants to play catch with Ray

[Will]

I said McCollough was our biggest priority behind Kackert, Rye.

[bluto]

I said McCollough was our biggest priority behind Kackert, Rye.

so you did! sorry m8

[ArgoRavi]

Cauchy Muamba (long term future at S, Younger isn't going to play forever)

I believe that they already have Younger's replacement in Matt Black who I feel is better than Muamba.

[matchuk]

No thanks to Johnny Sears - bad apple and a dirty player. Remember him trying to take Jyles head off in 2011? I'd be surprised if Foley went elsewhere even if he was offered more money.

Playing devils advocate here, didn't Isaac have a few similar hits to the one that sears did on jyles...one of which Isaac was suspended for. I actually like johnny sears. Don't think he's dirty per say but does play with heart.

[doubleblue]

Surely, you mean Shawn Gore out of BC and not Frank Gore the RB for the 49ers?

You are correct. I knew that, don't know why I typed in Frank, but he would be okay too as a backup for Kack. lol

[jerrym]

I would like to see the Argos pick up a good Canadian receiver. Shawn Gore picked up 700 and 800 yards the last two years and also was born in Toronto so might be interested in coming home. Rob Bagg had similar yardage to Gore in 2010 and 2011 and could come cheaper as he was injured for much of 2012, picking up only 69 receiving yards.

[jerrym]

http://www.argonauts.ca/page/syndicated/428857/2013-free-agent-tracker

Here is a list of Argo free agents:


<tbody>
Black, Tristan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/109)
LB
Wayne State



Christian, Ryan
WR
Texas Christian
Retired (05/21/11)


Eppele, Joe (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2551)
OL
Washington State



Foley, Ricky (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2953)
DL
York



Gagne-Marcoux, Cedric (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3267)
OL
Central Florida



Kackert, Chad (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4313)
RB
New Hampshire



Mann, Maurice (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2495)
WR
Nevada



McCollough, Evan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4009)
DB
James Madison



Watt, Spencer (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3155)
WR
Simon Fraser


</tbody>


Kackert is our first priority, followed by McCollough I think.

Thanks for the free agent list, Argofan 87.

[ArgoZ]

http://www.argonauts.ca/page/syndicated/428857/2013-free-agent-tracker

Here is a list of Argo free agents:


<tbody>
Black, Tristan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/109)

LB

Wayne State




Christian, Ryan

WR

Texas Christian

Retired (05/21/11)



Eppele, Joe (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2551)

OL

Washington State




Foley, Ricky (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2953)

DL

York




Gagne-Marcoux, Cedric (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3267)

OL

Central Florida




Kackert, Chad (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4313)

RB

New Hampshire




Mann, Maurice (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/2495)

WR

Nevada




McCollough, Evan (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/4009)

DB

James Madison




Watt, Spencer (http://www.cfl.ca/roster/show/id/3155)

WR

Simon Fraser



</tbody>


Kackert is our first priority, followed by McCollough I think.

Black is a speciman, but has never been able to stand out. No huge loss there.
Eppele is finally blossoming just like they planned, he must be resigned.
I thought Foley would be gone, but I think he just played his way back on this team with that Grey Cup performance. I think he would take a small cut too at the moment.
Kackert will be back. Many Argo RB's have had a good season and then disapeared. He's not going to get that huge of a raise. Everyones just got "Kack Attack" fever right now.

[Will]

I would like to see the Argos pick up a good Canadian receiver. Shawn Gore picked up 700 and 800 yards the last two years and also was born in Toronto so might be interested in coming home. Rob Bagg had similar yardage to Gore in 2010 and 2011 and could come cheaper as he was injured for much of 2012, picking up only 69 receiving yards.

Bagg hasn't had a full season since 2010 because of injuries, I'd stay away.

[mchesher03]

Playing devils advocate here, didn't Isaac have a few similar hits to the one that sears did on jyles...one of which Isaac was suspended for. I actually like johnny sears. Don't think he's dirty per say but does play with heart.

Isaac had one bad hit this year yes. Full disclosure, as a Michigan fan, I've always hated Johnny Sears (he got kicked off the Wolverines in his 2nd year for drug use I believe) - the hit on Jyles just helped my bias further. I too like guys who are aggressive in the secondary which is one reason I liked Carroll this year too - I'd rather take a few penalties (even bad ones) while playing aggressive coverage vs. the cushion. McCullough is a great DB who we need back for sure - replaceable sure but not as the same level as him IMO

[AngeloV]

Playing devils advocate here, didn't Isaac have a few similar hits to the one that sears did on jyles...one of which Isaac was suspended for. I actually like johnny sears. Don't think he's dirty per say but does play with heart.

I would say the Isaac hits are nothing like the Sears hit. Sears hit came on a QB that had given himself up by sliding feet first. Isaac's hits were on QB's in the pocket as they were releasing the ball. The type of hits Isaac threw were never considered illegal before the concussion issues became more well known. The Sears hit OTOH, have always been dirty. Furthermore, I still believe that the first point of contact on Isaac's hits were not the head, but after initial contact, he would ride up and make contact with the head.

[Nob]

Angelo - I really like Isaac, but he's no Boy Scout. He did some things this year that got him noticed by the league, and you mentioned them. The other thing with him was the shot on Cornish in Calgary. That was crossing a line that probably shouldn't have been crossed.

Bottom line - football is a tough game. It's hard not to walk the fine line, but you have to. Players' credibilities and reputations are earned based on their actions. Sears and Isaac got themselves noticed for a reason.

[Nob]

I also hope that the Argos go after Stephenson. Another London player that I had the pleasure to coach. A great kid.

[OV Argo]

I also hope that the Argos go after Stephenson. Another London player that I had the pleasure to coach. A great kid.

Yeah - Stephenson was a great CIS RB - big back with some speed; he won't ever get a real shot to play tailback in the current CFL, but i wouldn't mind seeing the Argos sign him - could play the part-time FB position and be a capable back-up at tailback; not sure how good he is as a special-teamer (?); the Ticats used him a bit as a receiving back.


Lots of good FAs this off-season IMO including some big-time quality starters; not sure if the Argos are willing to break the bank to go after any of them, but maybe? if i had a big 3 wish list - love to see them be able to sign Elimiamin for MLB ( i beleive Sherritt will stay with the Esks / the Lions have Bighill at MLB); a top notch OG - Dyakowski or Woodruff, and then for D maybe Howard as a good pash-rush DE; or Brackenridge at OLB.

And BTW - i noticed over at Lionbackers. that our old pal - Ricky's dad - Area 51 - predicting that Foley would be released by the Argos in the next while ? - maybe to avert a bonus payment due ??? - otherwise - why? And then would the Argos have to go all imports on D?

[paulwoods13]

And BTW - i noticed over at Lionbackers. that our old pal - Ricky's dad - Area 51 - predicting that Foley would be released by the Argos in the next while ? - maybe to avert a bonus payment due ??? - otherwise - why? And then would the Argos have to go all imports on D?

If that is true, I'm guessing that it is either related to a bonus payment or RF wants to take another shot at the NFL, or both.

[Will]

And BTW - i noticed over at Lionbackers. that our old pal - Ricky's dad - Area 51 - predicting that Foley would be released by the Argos in the next while ? - maybe to avert a bonus payment due ??? - otherwise - why? And then would the Argos have to go all imports on D?

Area 51 is his brother actually.

[ArgoGabe22]

Jim Barker said the fans will be shocked with his decisions in the coming week. The only thing "shocking" will be not re-signing or releasing Foley. Even if we let Eppele, Watt, McCollough walk, that wouldn't be so shocking to fans especially when some may not even know these players names. But Foley was the MOCdn in the Grey Cup so he's now a household name in the city.

[ArgoRavi]

If that is true, I'm guessing that it is either related to a bonus payment or RF wants to take another shot at the NFL, or both.

It is probably a bonus payment then as Foley, at 30, is now too old to get another NFL look. Area 51 is speculating on lionbackers.com that Foley could end up in Hamilton given their obvious needs on defence and his relationship with Bob O'Billovich who was responsible, at least in part, for Foley being originally drafted by the Lions.

Here is the relevant part of that thread: http://lionbackers.com/bc_lions/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=26595&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

Hambone, a very knowledgable poster, does make a good point about when bonuses are typically due though.

[OV Argo]

Area 51 is his brother actually.


Really ? - that's interesting; i figured he would be a relative or a close friend.

[ArgoRavi]

Really ? - that's interesting; i figured he would be a relative or a close friend.

He has tended to be quite critical of Ricky's coaches over the years. I remember him being all over Buono after Ricky did not re-sign there. In all fairness, the knives for Buono were out in large numbers for a while on that site before they recovered from the 1-6 start that they had in 2011. However, I seem to recall Area 51 being especially vicious towards Wally and we certainly know that he didn't hold back on here whether one agreed with him on any, some or all of the issues or not. It is interesting that Buono and Barker incurred the wrath of Area 51 and then soon after won the Grey Cup.

[OV Argo]

I'm just wondering what size of bonus Foley could be due? - $20K? 50K?, or more maybe ??? - hard to believe there could be a huge bonus due that would make the team want to get rid of a (IMO) valuable defensive player to save some dough ?

So if he would be let go - just to save some pretty meagre CFL coin - has to say the team doesn't really hold that player in high regard (seems to me anyhow); smart football teams make serious efforts to re-sign key players and maybe keep a team / unit chemistry and continuity going; i can understand football coaches having to make tough decisions sometimes to release aging or fading veterans or injury prone players - even when they have been valuable parts of the team in the past; I'm not sure Foley fits the bill there; but then maybe Jones or other Argo thinkers don't see Foley as a valuable defensive player and vet leader, and would think he is easily replaced (and with a cheaper $ contract) ???

[ArgoGabe22]

He has tended to be quite critical of Ricky's coaches over the years. I remember him being all over Buono after Ricky did not re-sign there. In all fairness, the knives for Buono were out in large numbers for a while on that site before they recovered from the 1-6 start that they had in 2011. However, I seem to recall Area 51 being especially vicious towards Wally and we certainly know that he didn't hold back on here whether one agreed with him on any, some or all of the issues or not. It is interesting that Buono and Barker incurred the wrath of Area 51 and then soon after won the Grey Cup.

Its fun to look back at some posts in the past. Very critical of Coach Dyer. For example


I'm sure Dyer was a nice enough guy, but there's a reason he'd been out of football for almost 10 years before joining the Argos. The guy had no clue what was going on with the DLine. Just 2yrs CFL experience - - and that was almost 30yrs ago. The DLine schemes were a complete disaster, but I wonder how much of that was because Steinhauer & Quick trying to protect their own jobs at the expense of the pass rush knowing the secondary & LBs were useless in pass coverage. Dyer couldn't stand up to Steinhauer or Quick so he just went along with whatever they said. How else to explain having your best pass rusher dropping into coverage instead of getting after the QB?

Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Jones do the same thing this year? Now I can't get a rebuttal but maybe a sack isn't everything. Maybe Jones is looking for someone who is more willing to accept this kind of role where sacks aren't everything but man was Ricky ever pumped up after that win, even chanted repeat. I don't know whats going behind the scenes, its all specualtion but I guess thats the point of a fans forum.

[doubleblue]

Teams are starting to re-up players they see value in. My picks for the Argos to resign would be Kackert, Eppele and McCoullough. I don't know what Ricky Foley's contract number's were and maybe Barker feels his value to the team isn't in line with the SMS for the Argos. It seemed to take Ricky most of the season to buy into Chris Jones defense and when he did like the GC game he was a force, but the Coaches may have soured on him. So I wouldn't be surprised to see him move on. The rest of the FA's I could take or leave.
Barker will probably give them a $ number and let them see what interest is out there for them after Feb 13.
I think there will be a few more veterans released before the deadline, especially if they want to take a run at a few FA's that will be available. You don't like to name names, but players that are getting up over thirty and are comanding above average salary would be in the cross hairs IMO.

[KCargosfan]

Show McCullough and Kackert the $$. Both should make $100K next year. Eppele would be in line for some sort of raise, too.

[ArgoGabe22]

Arash Madani reporting Kackert worked out for the Jets and may be offered a deal pending a phsyical. What ever happened to Feb 15?

[ArgoRavi]

Arash Madani reporting Kackert worked out for the Jets and may be offered a deal pending a phsyical. What ever happened to Feb 15?

I can only guess that the Argos gave Kackert permission to work out for the Jets in advance of Feb. 15th but that would beg the question as to why Kuale was given an early release while Kackert was not. I really hope that Kackert doesn't bolt for anything less than a sizable signing bonus from the Jets.

[argolio]

I really hope that Kackert doesn't bolt for anything less than a sizable signing bonus from the Jets.He's young enough that I fear he might leave if he gets any offer. Depends where his head is at.

[Invader]

Yep, the Argos must have given permission. Chad Owens also got a contract offer from the NY Jets before the 2011 season, which he turned down (and which reportedly included a signing bonus). Chad got a larger signing bonus to sign with the Argos...and the rest is history! Same thing could happen with Chad Kackert.

I think the NFL is starting to realize that if a player is very good in Canada, that skill level is equatable to the NFL. Signing a free agent like Cam Wake, B. Browner or J. Freeman, who have already proven themselves in the CFL, is like getting a extra 2nd or 3rd round pick for the NFL minimum salary (although Wake got $49 million in his 2nd contract).

[Rich]

Arash Madani reporting Kackert worked out for the Jets and may be offered a deal pending a phsyical.

Well there go the last remnants of my Grey Cup championship buzz. FFffffft. It was nice while it lasted.

We had to know Kackert leaving was a real possibility. He has exceptional talent for football. I just have to laugh, I saw a replay of the Grey Cup this week and Cuthbert was saying that "Kackert is a name we can expect to hear in the CFL for many years to come"...

[AngeloV]

What to do if Kackert starts the season down south? Available backs might be Avon Colborne and Brandon Whitaker , 2 backs that both know and have excelled in the Milanovich offence. I think I would go for Colborne. Should Kackert come back after the season starts, it would be easier to move Colborne down on the depth chart than Whitaker. Who needs a RB controversy? I realize we still have Gerald Riggs as well, but I think the other 2 are a lot more like Kackert than he is, and the team wouldn't miss a beat with either of them.

[paulwoods13]

What to do if Kackert starts the season down south? Available backs might be Avon Colborne and Brandon Whitaker , 2 backs that both know and have excelled in the Milanovich offence. I think I would go for Colborne. Should Kackert come back after the season starts, it would be easier to move Colborne down on the depth chart than Whitaker. Who needs a RB controversy? I realize we still have Gerald Riggs as well, but I think the other 2 are a lot more like Kackert than he is, and the team wouldn't miss a beat with either of them.

I'd take either of those guys in a second, especially Cobourne, who has some serious attitude on the field. I could see Hamilton letting him go, assuming Mallett is recovered.

[ArgoGabe22]

Available backs might be Avon Colborne and Brandon Whitaker , 2 backs that both know and have excelled in the Milanovich offence.

Whitaker blew his ACL and there is lots of time to training camp but you never know with these type of injuries. Fred Reid torn his ACL and never got a chance after. From 2010 rushing leader to unemployed in 2 years, similar to Boyd except he's not injured. I bet Kackert will be back and if not I think Barker will sign someone who fits that blocking role. Coubourne won't be cheap but maybe he'll get a GC contender discount.

[matchuk]

Whitaker blew his ACL and there is lots of time to training camp but you never know with these type of injuries.

see peterson, adrian...didnt seem to hinder his game at all...in fact he looks better then ever!

but if kackert does go, which, being a proud young american kid, seems likely, it will be a massive loss to the argos....i wouldnt hesitate on colborne at all...honestly, as long as boyd doesnt come back here (not that i didnt like the guy or anything, it would just be too awkward and desperate on our part) ill be happy with one of the guys mentioned above...

[OV Argo]

Wow - Kackert would be a huge loss; but IMO he has plenty of RB talent - i could see him playing in the NFL, but it would be tough to make it as an undrafted FA; i bet a lot of Argo fans were looking forward to Chad being a dominant Argo back for some time; but i think a lot of us thought the same thing about Boyd too. RBs come and go fast and frequently in pro ball.

Wouldn't mind seeing Cobourne in Double Blue - came back and played strong after the Ticats had let him go; a very good all-around CFL style RB IMO, but he has some decent mileage on him.

The Argos could also think of drafting a RB this spring to be in the mix: Lumbala (Dinos) and Sene (Carabins) are pretty productive CIS RBs up in this coming draft.

Not overly sold on Riggs - though he did flash some good form. Lots of competition for TC is always a good thing - even if Kackert is retained.

[jerrym]

I like Kackert. In fact, I think he is the ideal back for the Argo system providing he is healthy. But the 'providing' is key as he has shown some proclivity to injury and therefore a good backup is key and having another quickly available to plug into the system through experiencing training camp in subsequent weeks would also be wise. As noted above, Riggs has flashed some good form, but recruiting other good backups is important as injuries to RBs are common throughout the preseason and season. If your first string or backup goes down, your only one hit away from having to use Durie as an emergency replacement, who will be 32 in July, as a RB. He has developed into a top receiver who was in the top three in the league before being injured. Although Durie was underused as a running back when he was younger, he increasingly seemed injury prone as the year wore on, no doubt partly due to age. The Argos at this point should treat Durie like Pinball and avoid using him as a RB as much as possible as he ages, in order to prolong his career.

[ArgoGabe22]

Looks like Eliminian signed with the Browsn but BC is denying it, saying he can't sign until Feb 15.

[ArgoRavi]

This recent column by Arash Madani of Sportsnet explains how a player such as Kackert is getting NFL workouts before becoming a free agent: http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/2013/01/03/new_cfl_policies_on_nfl_workouts_in_free_agent_yea rs/

[Rich]

This recent column by Arash Madani of Sportsnet explains how a player such as Kackert is getting NFL workouts before becoming a free agent: http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/2013/01/03/new_cfl_policies_on_nfl_workouts_in_free_agent_yea rs/

If Kackert or anybody else has come to a verbal agreement with an NFL club under this new system, what is the point of waiting until Feb 15 to reveal it? If a guy is gonna leave, isn't it in everybody's best interest that he leaves sooner rather than later?

I'm convinced Kackert is gone for good, he definitely has NFL talent and IMO is gonna be the next Danny Woodhead. I think Kackert was a much bigger contributor to the Cup win than Armstead was, and I think we're gonna miss him a lot more than Armstead.

[paulwoods13]

If Kackert or anybody else has come to a verbal agreement with an NFL club under this new system, what is the point of waiting until Feb 15 to reveal it? If a guy is gonna leave, isn't it in everybody's best interest that he leaves sooner rather than later?

I'm convinced Kackert is gone for good, he definitely has NFL talent and IMO is gonna be the next Danny Woodhead. I think Kackert was a much bigger contributor to the Cup win than Armstead was, and I think we're gonna miss him a lot more than Armstead.

I don't know whether Kackert will play in the NFL, but I agree it makes no sense to make him wait until Feb. 15 to formally sign if he has reached an agreement. I presume the issue is he wouldn't have to clear CFL waivers as of then. Maybe the league should simply move up the free agency date, or create a two-tiered system where you can sign in the NFL as of, say, Jan. 1 but not with another CFL club before Feb. 15.

[gilthethrill]

I expect Kackert to have a chat with Chad Owens, who was in a similar situation, chose to stay & became a celebrity in Toronto. I expect Kackert to go that route as well. What is the status of forgotten OL Cedric Gagne Marcoux? Is he slated to become a FA in February?

[Rich]

I expect Kackert to have a chat with Chad Owens, who was in a similar situation, chose to stay & became a celebrity in Toronto. I expect Kackert to go that route as well.

There's a difference. Owens got NFL interest as a kick returner only, there was zero chance of him ever lining up as a WR. But Kackert has the skills to take meaningful snaps in an NFL offence as a change-of-pace back.

[Nob]

Any interest in RB Grant from the Cats? He got his release today. He could be a potential replacement for Kackert. Of purse, that is if Kackert leaves, and if Grant is healthy (I don't know that he is, or isn't. His injury was pretty gruesome).

[1argoholic]

I just don't see Kackert playing in the NFL. If he somehow makes it than Great for him and his bank account. It would be a huge loss for us.