Whom Should the Argos Go After From CFL.ca's Ranking of Top 30 Free Agents, If Anyone

[jerrym]

Here's CFL.ca's ranking of the top 30 free agents. Are there any disparities in the rankings in your view? Who is missing? Who should the Argos pursue in this group? Who else should they pursue?
I've always viewed ranking numbers as highly debatable at best since so many factors can vary so much in weighting. For example Cory Greenwood is only ranked 26th because he has missed half of the last two seasons, although it considers him possibly the best Canadian LB in the league. How much do you discount because of a veteran's age? Sometimes though rankings do seem quite out of synch with one's view. For example, IMO I would not rank Cory Greenwood below #23, Tori Gurley.
Furthermore, should one take into account the team needs in ranking who the Argos should go after, if anyone? After all, Barker has often argued that going after free agents simply means you are overpaying for the talent you are getting, which is problematic in a salary cap league like the CFL.
Other Argos and former Argos include Terrell Sinkfield (28), Greg Van Roten (20), Cleyon Laing (15), Kenny Shaw (14), and Diontae Spencer (10).

Others include Ernest Jackson (1), Greg Ellington (2), Pierre Lavertu (3), Abdul Kanneh (4), Bryan Burnham (5), Derek Dennis (6), Nolan MacMillan (7), Michael Brooks (8), Emmanuel Davis (9), Chris Willians (11), Micah Johnson (12), Terrence Tolliver (13), Khalil Bass (16), Gabriel Knapton (17), Shakir Bell (18), Winston Venable (19), Jerrell Gavins (21), Marquay McDaniel (22), John Ojo (24), Brandyn Thompson (25), Andy Fantuz (26), Quincy McDuffie (29), and Drake Nevis (30).

The explanations of the rankings can be found at the following website:

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/19/cfl-cas-top-30-pending-free-agents/

[AngeloV]

Tough to say, as come Feb 14, the list may look considerably different. If they are still there, I would say (not counting their own FA's) Laing, Kanneh, Venable and Davis would be a good place to start on D.

[jerrym]

The Alouettes have released 10 year veteran National OL Jeff Perrett who won the East's Outstanding OL in 2015 as well as the Jake Gaudar Veterans Trophy the same year. He could be someone worth pursuing.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2017/01/30/alouettes-release-offensive-lineman-jeff-perrett/

[AngeloV]

The Alouettes have released 10 year veteran National OL Jeff Perrett who won the East's Outstanding OL in 2015 as well as the Jake Gaudar Veterans Trophy the same year. He could be someone worth pursuing.

http://en.montrealalouettes.com/2017/01/30/alouettes-release-offensive-lineman-jeff-perrett/

Sure. Just don`t pay him anything near what they paid Bourke last year.

[jerrym]

John Ojo is not listed in the top 30 free agents above, but considering how bad the Argo DBs were last year and his age, he might be worth pursuing after his injury cut short his 2016 season, following an outstanding rookie season.



The Injury: Ojo tore his Achilles in practice during training camp and as a result, his 2016 campaign was done.
Opportunity Knocks: The Eskimos defence really started to gel late last season after a rocky start but to think that they wouldn’t find a spot for Ojo if healthy would be unlikely. He too is a free agent and after an all-star season in 2015. Can his standout rookie campaign propel him to a new contract in Edmonton or elsewhere? Many seem to think so.


http://www.esks.com/players/john-ojo/161042/

[jerrym]

If the Argos do want to avoid the high priced free agent talent, two players released by the Bombers are available who have a track record with the Argos are Centre Jeff Keeping, who had a major injury problem and is 34 but a gamer, and DT Euclid Cummings, who is coming off a year where his sacks dropped from 8 to 3 and may be at 25 is more likely to have a rebound season.

[ArgoRavi]

If the Argos do want to avoid the high priced free agent talent, two players released by the Bombers are available who have a track record with the Argos are Centre Jeff Keeping, who had a major injury problem and is 34 but a gamer, and DT Euclid Cummings, who is coming off a year where his sacks dropped from 8 to 3 and may be at 25 is more likely to have a rebound season.

I would be interested in Cummings but probably not Keeping at this point.

[mchesher03]

Take cummins back if possible no question - despite forecasts of it being a strength, d-line was disappointing last year and really was salvaged by the Shawn Lemon fleecing as outside of Lemon, that line was not very good.

[paulwoods13]

I thought I read somewhere that Cummings was seeking an NFL job. Assuming he doesn't find one (which seems like a fairly safe bet), I'd bring him back for the right price.

[AngeloV]

I thought I read somewhere that Cummings was seeking an NFL job. Assuming he doesn't find one (which seems like a fairly safe bet), I'd bring him back for the right price.

I agree, but I wonder if he can be as dominant in Stubler's system as he was in Creehan's.

[Jon Gonzo]

Derek Dennis (don't think we'll get him) so Greg Van Roten, a big Possession receiver (while re-signing Shaw & Spencer). I wanted TOk, but Laing or Westerman are more valuable. Help in the backfield; Ojo/Kanneh/Gavins/or E.Davis. It'd be nice to get AJ back. Bass for LB. Be great to get Greenwood back but health concerns me.

Kienan Lafrance for a great under the radar homebrew signing.

I expect 3 solid signings and 3 solid re-signings. They have their work cut out for them. We'll see what kind of negotiator this Zimmerman kid is.

[AngeloV]

Kienan Lafrance for a great under the radar homebrew signing.

.

Wouldn't call him an under the radar signing. He's obviously looking for big money, or the RedBlacks would have re-signed him already.

[paulwoods13]

Someone's gonna overpay for LaFrance,. He looks like a player, but he shouldn't get star money at this stage, after basically one great game.

[jerrym]

All Argos and former Argos on the CFL's Top 30 list, including Terrell Sinkfield (28), Cory Greenwood(27), Tori Gurley (23). Greg Van Roten (20), Cleyon Laing (15), Kenny Shaw (14), and Diontae Spencer (10), remain free agents, showing once again how the lack of team leadership is affecting the team.

Of the other top 30 free agents Greg Ellington (2), Pierre Lavertu (3), Bryan Burnham (5), Micah Johnson (12), Terrence Tolliver (13), Gabriel Knapton (17), Marquay McDaniel (22) (just signed), Brandyn Thompson (25) have signed.

Ernest Jackson (1), Abdul Kanneh (4), Derek Dennis (6), Nolan MacMillan (7), Michael Brooks (8), Emmanuel Davis (9), Chris Willians (11), Khalil Bass (16), Shakir Bell (18), Winston Venable (19), Jerrell Gavins (21), John Ojo (24), Andy Fantuz (26), Quincy McDuffie (29), and Drake Nevis (30) are the remaining free agents.

Should the Argos pursue any of them?

[jerrym]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WR Kenny Shaw has an offer from <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos">@TorontoArgos</a> and is mulling it over. Still some time left to get it done <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@cfl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cfl?src=hash">#cfl</a></p>&mdash; gary lawless (@garylawless) <a href="https://twitter.com/garylawless/status/831204149345865728">February 13, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[jerrym]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing <a href="https://twitter.com/TorontoArgos">@TorontoArgos</a> have told RB Brandon Whitaker they won&#39;t be bringing him back. Looks like LB Cory Greenwood will hit market <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cfl?src=hash">#cfl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@cfl</a></p>&mdash; gary lawless (@garylawless) <a href="https://twitter.com/garylawless/status/831202555564871681">February 13, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Shatto]

Since team doesn't have a HC or GM, it one wonder who is telling Whitaker he isn't wanted?

[jerrym]

#21 (Jerrell Gavins) on the top 30 CFL free agents list has resigned with Ottawa.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DB Jerrell Gavins has signed a one-)ear deal with <a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS">@REDBLACKS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL">@cfl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cfl?src=hash">#cfl</a></p>&mdash; gary lawless (@garylawless) <a href="https://twitter.com/garylawless/status/831217219895975936">February 13, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[paulwoods13]

All Argos and former Argos on the CFL's Top 30 list, including Terrell Sinkfield (28), Cory Greenwood(27), Tori Gurley (23). Greg Van Roten (20), Cleyon Laing (15), Kenny Shaw (14), and Diontae Spencer (10), remain free agents, showing once again how the lack of team leadership is affecting the team.

How do former Argos on the list reflect on the team's lack of leadership? Somehow we should have already signed Sinkfield, Laing, Gurley?

There are three unsigned Argos on the top-30 list. Lots of other players from other teams are still on the list, too, including the CFL's top o-lineman who played for the well-managed Stampeders, and a few members of the well-managed Redblacks. Fact is, a lot of players who get to FA test the market. That's their right. Reading more into it with respect to the Argos requires reading similar things into it with respect to the other teams that have unsigned FAs.

[Will]

Since team doesn't have a HC or GM, it one wonder who is telling Whitaker he isn't wanted?

Zimmerman

[doubleblue]

My loose wish list, although I expect few to sign or re-sign with the Argos. LT Derek Davis, RG Nolan McMillan, LB Winston Venerable, CB Johnny Ojo, WR Ernest Jackson, WR Terrell Sinkfield, DT Cleon Laing, LB Cory Greenwood, WR Kenny Shaw and WR Dionta Spencer. Wouldn't be opposed to Tori Gurley or Greg Van Roten signing either.

[Shatto]

Hope new HC and/or GM agree with his decisions. Could be messy if not.

[paulwoods13]

No contract is guaranteed. If new coach and GM don't like the players under contract, they will cut them. Even if they like every one of them, 15-20 will get cut by end of camp. Not terribly messy.

[jerrym]

http://www.argofans.com/styles/nexus/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by jerrym http://www.argofans.com/styles/nexus/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.argofans.com/showthread.php?p=105904#post105904)
All Argos and former Argos on the CFL's Top 30 list, including Terrell Sinkfield (28), Cory Greenwood(27), Tori Gurley (23). Greg Van Roten (20), Cleyon Laing (15), Kenny Shaw (14), and Diontae Spencer (10), remain free agents, showing once again how the lack of team leadership is affecting the team.


How do former Argos on the list reflect on the team's lack of leadership? Somehow we should have already signed Sinkfield, Laing, Gurley?

I included the words "once again" referring to both the SM/JB regime and the current situation. My point was that the Argos have not done a good job of keeping their many of their top ranked players during the last year. The pattern is continuing under the current situation where there is no HC and GM. By the way this does not mean I think all of these players are deserving of resigning. I have never been high on Sinkfield, but others do rank him highly. I understand why the Argos are reluctant to pursue Greenwood given he has missed 15 of the last 36 games, but this ranking had him #15 and another had him list as the #5 Canadian free agent. Despite Gurley's talents, the question remains to what extent the cutting of four receivers at once reflects more on Gurley, Hazelton, Elliott and Bates issues with the team or on SM/JB. On the other hand, losing Laing to the NFL was all but inevitable.

[jerrym]

Mathew Scianitti is reporting that DB Emanuel Davis (#9 on the CFL top 30 free agent ranking) is highly likely to hit the free agent market. I'd love to see the Argos sign him given how bad the defensive backfield was last year, but both money and the Argos' management situation probably make this unlikely.

[jerrym]

Scianitti reviews the Argo free agent signing situation in this video, as well as those of the Stamps, RedBlacks and Riders in addition to the signing of Marquay McDaniel by Calgary.

http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/video/ellingson-inks-two-year-deal-with-ottawa-bc-releases-phillips~1054890

[jerrym]

Luc Mullinder discusses who he would go after from each team, if he were selecting from the free agent pool.

http://www.riderville.com/2017/02/13/the-buyers-guide-to-the-cfl-free-agent-market/

[Shatto]

You make a good point, Paul but the issue really pertains to possibility of the new HC/GM wanting to take the team in a different direction than the present Assistant GM. This might result, in not only releasing those FA's signed by Zimmerman but also losing out on players that the new HC or GM might have wanted to go after. When one goes to war it is preferable to have the general in place before battle plans are drawn up.

[jerrym]

Tomorrow morning 1050 radio will provide Argo President Copeland a chance to communicate to fans where the team is at as free agency is about to begin.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Argos President Michael Copeland will join us on Naylor and Landsberg at 7:20 Tuesday morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TSN1050?src=hash">#TSN1050</a></p>&mdash; David William Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNDaveNaylor/status/831279878003625984">February 13, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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[Jon Gonzo]

Here are the experts picks for 'under the radar.' I am not alone in my designation.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/02/13/nye-10-free-agents-flying-under-the-radar-2/

[jerrym]

Looks like the Argos are not going after the top ranked most-in-deamd players.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argos?src=hash">#Argos</a> have money to spend, but won&#39;t overspend. Don&#39;t want to limit wiggle cap room for incoming GM &amp; HC to implement their vision. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash">#CFL</a></p>&mdash; Matthew Scianitti (@TSNScianitti) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/status/831317422841925634">February 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[jerrym]

Michael Brooks (#8 on the top 30 free agent list) has resigned with BC.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCLions?src=hash">#BCLions</a> have signed Mic&#39;hael Brooks to a 2 year deal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFLFA?src=hash">#CFLFA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CFLonTSN">@CFLonTSN</a></p>&mdash; Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/831319387177099264">February 14, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[jerrym]

John Ojo (#24 on top 30 free agent list) appears ready to test the NFL first and plans on returning to the CFL only if it doesn't work out there.

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[jerrym]

The Waggle‘s Davis Sanchez and James Cybulski describe who and how they picked their top 8 free agents: (1) WR Ernest Jackson; (2) OT Derek Dennis; (3) Abdul Kanneh; (4) Nolan MacMillan (likely to sign with Ottawa before free agency); (5)current Argo Greg Van Roten; (6) Emanuel Davis;
(7) Michael Brooks (signed by BC before free agency); and (8) Chris Williams.

http://www.cfl.ca/2017/02/13/waggle-reveals-top-8-free-agents/

[jerrym]

Ottawa has extended OL Nolan MacMillan.


MacMillan, 26, was originally the seventh-ranked player on CFL.ca’s list of the top 30 pending free agents (http://www.cfl.ca/2017/01/19/cfl-cas-top-30-pending-free-agents/).
An original Ottawa REDBLACK and the first ever drafted by the expansion team, MacMillan was a first round pick (ninth overall) in 2013.
While MacMillan played in only seven regular season games last season, his versatility has paid off for the REDBLACKS, the 6-foot-6, 294-pound Amprior, Ont native playing both guard and tackle throughout three seasons with the team.
MacMillan missed the first half of last season with a wrist injury, returning in Week 14 against the Toronto Argonauts and eventually helping his team capture the 104th Grey Cup Championship. He dressed in every game for the REDBLACKS in 2014 and in 2015.


http://www.cfl.ca/2017/02/14/redblacks-extend-macmillan-free-agency/

[stuntdog]

The Waggle‘s Davis Sanchez and James Cybulski describe who and how they picked their top 8 free agents: (1) WR Ernest Jackson/

Sanchez makes a case for Ernest Jackson signing with the Argos to reunite with Drew Willy and be really close to home (Buffalo).

If it happens it would be a huge boost for the Argos offence.