Argos sign Keon Raymond

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keon Raymond is signing with the Toronto <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a>. Ends an amazing eight-year run with the Stampeders. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLFA?src=hash">#CFLFA</a></p>&mdash; Scott Mitchell (@ScottMitchellPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMitchellPM/status/697879603948490753">February 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[doubleblue]

Sounds like Stubler Is getting a guy he likes.

[ArgoGabe22]

Takes over from Owens as the face in the community.

[Will]

Takes over from Owens as the face in the community.

:ohno: Seriously though, does he take over Isaac's spot?

[OV Argo]

Sounds like Stubler Is getting a guy he likes.

Yep - knows him from the Stamps - and an excellent play-making OLB Raymond is; maybe getting on in mileage but still looked good last season IMO.

Bulcke and now Raymond = very nice veteran & accomplished player additions to the D. Way to go Mr. Barker - paying attention to FAs that can help !

Like to see Okpo re-signed at DE. Muamba a huge possible get at MLB.

Need to work on upgrading the D-backfield still.

[ArgoGabe22]

:ohno: Seriously though, does he take over Isaac's spot?

I would be in favour of that. I think Greenwood could also be moved to Mike. I'm not sure how long he's been a LB but I'm sure he started out as HB and could play there as well? Not sure what stubler has in plan but I trust him.

[AngeloV]

:ohno: Seriously though, does he take over Isaac's spot?

That would be the spot unless they decide to play him at half, which was another position of weakness. I'd be good either way.

[gilthethrill]

Nice signing by Barker, defence is rounding out with the exception of the defensive backfield...

[eiben35]

This Is a good move. Probably means that Brandon Isaac won't be back. Great player and good locker-room addition.

[R.J]

Raymond can play sam and IMO is a lot better than Isaac, but I was really hoping that we'd go for someone with more speed and less wear and tear.

[argolio]

Great signing! Consistent, talented, dedicated, versatile, team-oriented -- he hits all the check marks.

[ArgoRavi]

Nice signing by Barker, defence is rounding out with the exception of the defensive backfield...

I didn't see a lot of free agent defensive backs from other teams who I was excited about so that particular area will have to be upgraded either from within or through new free agent players. Raymond is certainly a nice addition as he can still play but will also be a great presence in the dressing room.

[gilthethrill]

I didn't see a lot of free agent defensive backs from other teams who I was excited about so that particular area will have to be upgraded either from within or through new free agent players. Raymond is certainly a nice addition as he can still play but will also be a great presence in the dressing room.

I was thinking the same thing, not a lot of DB's available. I am happy with our CB's. but our HB'S seemd a bit vulnerable last season. All in all I think Barker has done a good job this week.

[Will]

I was thinking the same thing, not a lot of DB's available. I am happy with our CB's. but our HB'S seemd a bit vulnerable last season. All in all I think Barker has done a good job this week.

Which is why Raymond may still pencil in at one of those halfback spots I suppose. They can see if Devin Smith or Travis Hawkins make any improvement in their 2nd year in the CFL. I doubt that Underwood will be back.

[R.J]

I didn't see a lot of free agent defensive backs from other teams who I was excited about so that particular area will have to be upgraded either from within or through new free agent players. Raymond is certainly a nice addition as he can still play but will also be a great presence in the dressing room.
Brandyn Thompson and Jalil Carter are available; I think they may be worth a look, but I think Barker can find some good rookies. We really need help in the defensive backfield. Grymes and Josh Johnson are getting NFL looks, but if they do return to the CFL; worth a look IMO.

[ArgoRavi]

Which is why Raymond may still pencil in at one of those halfback spots I suppose. They can see if Devin Smith or Travis Hawkins make any improvement in their 2nd year in the CFL. I doubt that Underwood will be back.

It's pretty safe to say that Underwood used up all of his lives with the Argos. I am sure that there is an interesting story there that we will never find out about.

[Will]

Brandyn Thompson and Jalil Carter are available; I think they may be worth a look, but I think Barker can find some good rookies. We really need help in the defensive backfield. Grymes and Josh Johnson are getting NFL looks, but if they do return to the CFL; worth a look IMO.

The secondary is one area where the Argos have struggled in recruitment. The instability at DC has also contributed to this, as did the fact that 4/5ths of the 100th GC secondary didn't make it to 2013.

I was just thinking to myself that we haven't seen anything official from the Argos yet on this signing.

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigPlayRay?src=hash">#BigPlayRay</a> coming to the Six <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLFA?src=hash">#CFLFA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> <a href="https://t.co/To4Q6jmCtk">pic.twitter.com/To4Q6jmCtk</a></p>&mdash; Keon Raymond (@Mr_Raymond25) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_Raymond25/status/697932760174833664">February 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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["Issues"Mcgee]

Someone get that man a proper hat!

[1argoholic]

Instant star on the Argos D. We just signed my favorite Stampeder and my wife still gets to cheer for him. This guy is all CLASS and a great player. I'm getting a Raymond jersey. hahaha. Too funny after being all pissed off at this free agent free for all we now have in our league. This is by far the craziest I've ever seen and crazy for Barker as he usually doesn't take this road.

[Argo57]

Instant star on the Argos D. We just signed my favorite Stampeder and my wife still gets to cheer for him. This guy is all CLASS and a great player. I'm getting a Raymond jersey. hahaha. Too funny after being all pissed off at this free agent free for all we now have in our league. This is by far the craziest I've ever seen and crazy for Barker as he usually doesn't take this road.

With so many free agents on each team Barker had no choice but to participate to fill the holes created by our departed players.
I think they have done alright so far, the two that sting the most are losing Harris and Greg Jones IMO but perhaps Stubler wasn't as enamoured with Jones??
Agree with you, Raymond is a great signing and fills a huge need for the Argos.

[1argoholic]

It's nuts as all CFL fans will need each teams programs to keep up.

[1argoholic]

Is this Raymond thing a done deal?

[Will]

Raymond tweeted a photo of him signing his contract, but the Argos themselves haven't released anything officially.

[Wobbler]

The Jays poached Raymond from us at the last minute, but Barker is trying to work out a deal. Expect to see Hervé Tonye-Tonye pitching middle relief in the near future.

[R.J]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/calstampeders">@calstampeders</a> <a href="https://t.co/fn8I6sManb">pic.twitter.com/fn8I6sManb</a></p>&mdash; Keon Raymond (@Mr_Raymond25) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_Raymond25/status/698159160618127360">February 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[Argo]

Muamba a huge possible get at MLB.

That'd be good!

[R.J]

http://tipofthetower.com/2016/02/13/toronto-argonauts-keon-raymond-brings-big-play-pedigree-to-toronto/

One question centre’s around where the versatile St. Louis, Missouri native will line up, having played as both a linebacker and a defensive back. Early indications are that he will be penciled in as the strong side linebacker.

[Gill The Thrill]

Brandyn Thompson and Jalil Carter are available; I think they may be worth a look, but I think Barker can find some good rookies. We really need help in the defensive backfield. Grymes and Josh Johnson are getting NFL looks, but if they do return to the CFL; worth a look IMO.Grymes would definitely be a starter. He may get to stay on the practice roster in the NFL so it's no sure thing he'll be available, but he was quite the ballhawk with the Esks and extremely quick.

[R.J]

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/03/07/raymond-brings-heart-leadership-to-young-argos-defence/

[timlb01]

http://www.argonauts.ca/2016/03/07/raymond-brings-heart-leadership-to-young-argos-defence/

Nice article. I am really excited about the defensive changes this year. Keon is a great signing and I cannot express how great it is to have Stubler back!