How Are the Argos doing in Free Agency?

[jerrym]

So far on the first day, the Argos have signed no one and lost National punter, FG and kickoff man Lirim Hajrullahu. However, I think that Popp may be waiting until the initial surge of signings is over, as this is when teams tend to overpay for the available talent, in the expectation of signing talented players at more reasonable salaries, as he did last year. Furthermore, he has already done an excellent job of locking up key talent in the signing of Ricky Ray, SJ Green, Jermaine Gabriel, Armanti Edwards, Cleon Laing, Cassius Vaughn, as well as valuable backup Matt Black, in addition to trading for and signing James Franklin.

[ArgoGabe22]

Quiet isn't always a bad thing. Lirim got paid too much so I'm not complaining. Would love to have Woods back but heard his evaluation is a lot more than Argos willing to offer.

[ArgoZ]

I'm satisfied with the results so far. Most stars re-signed with their teams anyway. Not to worried about Lirim. Reliable and a Canadian, but not a game changer like we have had in the past (Swayze).

[Argo]

Don't like seeing LH -a national who handled all kicking duties pretty well - move on...

------------------------
Franz // February 13, 2018 at 5:20 pm (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/#comment-123490) // Reply (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/?replytocom=123490#respond) Were the Boatmen sleeping on this one? Was it a money issue? Hard to believe he would leave for Tabbies.



https://i0.wp.com/3downnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/3-Down_Maple-leaf_1-01.jpg?fit=30%2C25 TFMCB // February 13, 2018 at 6:28 pm (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/#comment-123532) // Reply (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/?replytocom=123532#respond)
I listened to his interview and he mentioned that he does a lot of practising in Hamilton (from nearby St Catharines) and also mentioned the quality of the facility and being able to stay in one place to practice and work every day instead of being bused around like they do in TO. My guess is that it was non-monetary items that influenced his decision more than the $$$.

[ArgoZ]

Don't like seeing LH -a national who handled all kicking duties pretty well - move


https://i0.wp.com/3downnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/3-Down_Maple-leaf_1-01.jpg?fit=30%2C25 TFMCB // February 13, 2018 at 6:28 pm (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/#comment-123532) // Reply (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/?replytocom=123532#respond)
I listened to his interview and he mentioned that he does a lot of practising in Hamilton (from nearby St Catharines) and also mentioned the quality of the facility and being able to stay in one place to practice and work every day instead of being bused around like they do in TO. My guess is that it was non-monetary items that influenced his decision more than the $$$.




Commuting from Niagara to Hamilton is a dream compared to the extra time and aggravation to get to Toronto. All that other stuff makes for great radio and interviews, but let's be realistic. He would be playing for Toronto if they offered 140g's before today. That's a big price for an above average kicker.

[Argo57]

Appears the Argos will lose Rico Murray and sign TJ Heath.

[R.J]

Don't like seeing LH -a national who handled all kicking duties pretty well - move on...

------------------------
Franz // February 13, 2018 at 5:20 pm (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/#comment-123490) // Reply (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/?replytocom=123490#respond) Were the Boatmen sleeping on this one? Was it a money issue? Hard to believe he would leave for Tabbies.



https://i0.wp.com/3downnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/3-Down_Maple-leaf_1-01.jpg?fit=30%2C25 TFMCB // February 13, 2018 at 6:28 pm (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/#comment-123532) // Reply (http://3downnation.com/2018/02/13/lirim-hajrullahu-signs-ticats/?replytocom=123532#respond)
I listened to his interview and he mentioned that he does a lot of practising in Hamilton (from nearby St Catharines) and also mentioned the quality of the facility and being able to stay in one place to practice and work every day instead of being bused around like they do in TO. My guess is that it was non-monetary items that influenced his decision more than the $$$.



Anyone surprised that this is an issue ?

[Will]

Anyone surprised that this is an issue ?

Not at all.

[Will]

You cannot make any conclusions after one day of free agency.

[Flutie]

I'm satisfied with the results so far. Most stars re-signed with their teams anyway. Not to worried about Lirim. Reliable and a Canadian, but not a game changer like we have had in the past (Swayze).

I am surprised that the Ticats went after him, it's not like they had kicking problems. You would think that they would have higher priorities.
The Argos might want to sign Castillo now.

[argolio]

You cannot make any conclusions after one day of free agency.Or even the first week or month. 2017 Argos proved that.

[ArgoGabe22]

Or even the first week or month. 2017 Argos proved that.

I’ll be captain obvious and say the Argos were the biggest losers of free agency last season. But GC isn’t played on paper in February

[R.J]

You cannot make any conclusions after one day of free agency.
Except maybe on Montreal, I don't think that tire fire is out yet.

[Will]

Montreal had to overpay for a ton of guys, but have only improved arguably one positional group.

Lots of time for it to be addressed, but their offence still appears to be a tire fire.

[R.J]

Montreal had to overpay for a ton of guys, but have only improved arguably one positional group.

Lots of time for it to be addressed, but their offence still appears to be a tire fire.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So how much did the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alouettes</a> have to overpay for players?<br>Westerman got 50k more than next closest offer. <br>Mitchell White almost 40k above next closest. <br>Tommy Campbell got 150k (big $ for a corner). <br>Jake Harty in the 125k range. <a href="https://twitter.com/CFLonTSN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFLonTSN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@didierrds</a></p>&mdash; Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/963855047221174272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Defensive end Jamaal Westerman put pen to paper on a contract that will pay him over $200,000.<br><br>Defensive backs Tommie Campbell &amp; Mitchell White got one-year deals for over $130,000 in hard money with additional playtime and performance incentives. - <a href="https://twitter.com/JDunk12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JDunk12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlsMTL</a></p>&mdash; CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/963858032923996162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm glad Popp hasn't been over spending, as much as I wanted to keep White around, not at that price.

[jerrym]

Montreal had to overpay for a ton of guys, but have only improved arguably one positional group.

Lots of time for it to be addressed, but their offence still appears to be a tire fire.

Not only is Montreal way overpaying, Reed is not dealing with another problem that he recognized last year: they are too old, which led to increased injuries and older players wearing down as the season continued, contributing to an 11 game losing streak at the end of the season. Last year they had 21 players 30 or over when the largest next team in terms of that age group had 12. Thanks to extensions and free agent signings, they now have 22 who are 30 or over, many of whom were not only signed for exorbitant amounts but also given signing bonuses. This is not easily correctible.

[Scooter McCray]

Those defenders will earn their money because they may end up being on the field alot. The offence is a big question mark, starting at QB. We will see how Freeman does, but he has an NFL coaching staff guiding him in a CFL world.

I hope it does work for them because Montreal is a big market and I do want to see them become competitive again. They have a big window to become relevant in Montreal as the Canadiens are another tire fire altogether.

[AngeloV]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So how much did the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alouettes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alouettes</a> have to overpay for players?<br>Westerman got 50k more than next closest offer. <br>Mitchell White almost 40k above next closest. <br>Tommy Campbell got 150k (big $ for a corner). <br>Jake Harty in the 125k range. <a href="https://twitter.com/CFLonTSN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFLonTSN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DidierRDS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@didierrds</a></p>— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhanLaljiTSN/status/963855047221174272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Defensive end Jamaal Westerman put pen to paper on a contract that will pay him over $200,000.<br><br>Defensive backs Tommie Campbell & Mitchell White got one-year deals for over $130,000 in hard money with additional playtime and performance incentives. - <a href="https://twitter.com/JDunk12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JDunk12</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlsMTL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlsMTL</a></p>— CFL News (@CFL_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/CFL_News/status/963858032923996162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm glad Popp hasn't been over spending, as much as I wanted to keep White around, not at that price.

Agreed. I like White, but he plays the wide side corner. Not exactly considered a shut down position. He's a playmaker for sure, but I think Q Ford could easily replace him there.

[Argo57]

Not overly thrilled seeing Waters return, well past his expiry date IMO.
Would have been nice to see Popp have a look at some new blood at that position, who knows maybe he tried but the player (Van G) wasn’t interested.

[gilthethrill]

Is Brian Jones a FA?

[ArgoZ]

Not overly thrilled seeing Waters return, well past his expiry date IMO.
Would have been nice to see Popp have a look at some new blood at that position, who knows maybe he tried but the player (Van G) wasn’t interested.

Waters is 30 years old and should have many years left, especially for kicker. He has posted some videos of late, showing impressive punting accuracy. He still has the leg and is putting in work, while not siting around. I think he will surprise a few and have a good year.

[Argo57]

Waters is 30 years old and should have many years left, especially for kicker. He has posted some videos of late, showing impressive punting accuracy. He still has the leg and is putting in work, while not siting around. I think he will surprise a few and have a good year.

We’ll see, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last couple of seasons.

[gilthethrill]

We’ll see, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last couple of seasons.

I like Waters but he no longer has the luxury of kicking in a dome.

[ArgoGabe22]

I like Waters, as a person and as a kicker but I’m cautious of his inconsistencies and injuries. Would’ve preferred if they brought in a NAT like that Quinn van guy from UBC.

[OV Argo]

Is Brian Jones a FA?

Nope.

And even if he was - doubt he gets much serious interest. Standard GOB "thinking" now has mostly imports playing receiver, with usually only one NI receiver in the 5 pack, and often it is at lesser used wide-side WR (Sinopoli and Coombs are a couple of exceptions); and Jones is more of a big body, bruising older style CFL slotback (DiPietro, Elgaard) and those types are basically out of CFL fashion now too. So unless a CFL team is looking for good ole NI receiver "depth" or think Jones can be a special teams stud (maybe?), I sort of doubt he commands much interest; shame maybe cause IMO he could possibly be a big factor as an inside receiver who trucks smaller DBs and LBs.

[Wobbler]

I like Waters, as a person and as a kicker but I’m cautious of his inconsistencies and injuries.
So say we all.

If he can stay healthy, I'd expect an improvement in our punting game. Hajrullahu was an accurate place kicker but a below average punter.

[Argo57]

I like Waters, as a person and as a kicker but I’m cautious of his inconsistencies and injuries. Would’ve preferred if they brought in a NAT like that Quinn van guy from UBC.

Exactly my point as well, time for some new blood.

[Will]

I was honestly expecting a little more division on here regarding the Waters signing TBH.

[AngeloV]

So say we all.

If he can stay healthy, I'd expect an improvement in our punting game. Hajrullahu was an accurate place kicker but a below average punter.

Disagree on the below average punter thing. He was pretty consistent on placing the ball between the numbers and sidelines which is what coaches want out of punters these days. Waters, IIRC, was booming punts, but mostly straight down the middle of the field. I hope he has improved on his punt placement.

[paulwoods13]

If he can stay healthy, I'd expect an improvement in our punting game. Hajrullahu was an accurate place kicker but a below average punter.

I agree 100%. LH's punting was inconsistent as hell. At his peak, Waters was an ace punter. Remember the Labour Day in Hamilton (2014?) where he put two punts out of bounds at the one? Sure, it was four years ago. But stranger things have happened than 30-somethings overcoming the "he's always injured" rap.

[doubleblue]

I can't remember too many bad misses last year for LH. There was a couple but over all he came through in the clutch to win games, GC included. Maybe his decision was more a location thing rather than just the money as he apparently lives closer to Hamilton. But an Import kicker is going to cut out somebody in the lineup. Just hope it isn't on the offensive line. Putting Washington in at RG along with Wilder (a big running back, hello Jim Popp) really turned things around down the stretch IMO. Ricky stopped taking a lot of big hits and we saw the results. It's not rocket science.
Import kickers, if they are any good, always head back to the NFL so it's just a revolving door. But maybe Waters has that all out of his system by now. Don't know about his quads though.

[R.J]

Disagree on the below average punter thing. He was pretty consistent on placing the ball between the numbers and sidelines which is what coaches want out of punters these days. Waters, IIRC, was booming punts, but mostly straight down the middle of the field. I hope he has improved on his punt placement.
I'll take directional punting over "big leg" punting any day.

[AngeloV]

I can't remember too many bad misses last year for LH. There was a couple but over all he came through in the clutch to win games, GC included. Maybe his decision was more a location thing rather than just the money as he apparently lives closer to Hamilton. But an Import kicker is going to cut out somebody in the lineup. Just hope it isn't on the offensive line. Putting Washington in at RG along with Wilder (a big running back, hello Jim Popp) really turned things around down the stretch IMO. Ricky stopped taking a lot of big hits and we saw the results. It's not rocket science.
Import kickers, if they are any good, always head back to the NFL so it's just a revolving door. But maybe Waters has that all out of his system by now. Don't know about his quads though.

Kicker should have no impact on the o-line situation as it would replace one of the DI's and not a starter. Sign Muamba and that will allow the 2 imports on the o-line.

[paulwoods13]

Import kickers, if they are any good, always head back to the NFL so it's just a revolving door. But maybe Waters has that all out of his system by now. Don't know about his quads though.

At 30, he's almost certainly done with any NFL aspirations.

[Rich]

I can't remember too many bad misses last year for LH.

Well he blew the kick that would have won the game in Hamilton. I was never really comfortable with this guy. I think Waters is a big upgrade.

And I think it's great we are going into a season without having to rebuild our secondary all over again. Gabriel, Vaughn, Heath are proven veterans, Sears will up his game after last year's debacle and benching, I really loved Darby's game and Ford was solid, this looks like a big play defence with a great mix of youth and experience, hopefully Josh Mitchell re-ups and I think it's an upgrade over last year's secondary.

[OV Argo]

Kicker should have no impact on the o-line situation as it would replace one of the DI's and not a starter. Sign Muamba and that will allow the 2 imports on the o-line.


Exactly; having an import kicker on your roster as a DI should have next to zero negative impact.

Love to see Muamba signed; cause passport advantage aside, he is a flat-out excellent talent at MLB (he didn't make the NFL for nothing either) - who makes plays; I like Bear Woods, and Plummer really impressed late in the season too, but Muamba is top notch.

Laing (w/ Finley and/or Gaydosh) at DT, Muamba (keep Plummer around too, plus Herdman can back-up as well) at MLB, and Gabriel (or maybe Woodson or draft one of the good looking prospects there) at S = 3 starting NIs on D and strength down the middle.


But didn't Popp di@k Mumaba around back with the Als - similar to Ego-Jones - cheaping out on paying a top Canadian talent; while they fawn all over and sign to big contracts, their kinda guys ?

[AngeloV]

Exactly; having an import kicker on your roster as a DI should have next to zero negative impact.

Love to see Muamba signed; cause passport advantage aside, he is a flat-out excellent talent at MLB (he didn't make the NFL for nothing either) - who makes plays; I like Bear Woods, and Plummer really impressed late in the season too, but Muamba is top notch.

Laing (w/ Finley and/or Gaydosh) at DT, Muamba (keep Plummer around too, plus Herdman can back-up as well) at MLB, and Gabriel (or maybe Woodson or draft one of the good looking prospects there) at S = 3 starting NIs on D and strength down the middle.


But didn't Popp di@k Mumaba around back with the Als - similar to Ego-Jones - cheaping out on paying a top Canadian talent; while they fawn all over and sign to big contracts, their kinda guys ?

Agreed on Muamba OV. He was lights out the last third of the season last year on what I considered the fastest defence in the league. You know I like Bear Woods a lot, but the Argos took him out on a lot of passing downs last year. I see Muamba as an every down LB and special teamer, similar to O'Shea.

[Wobbler]

I agree 100%. LH's punting was inconsistent as hell.
Inconsistent is probably a better word. Some games it seemed like he was providing nothing but very returnable line-drive kicks.

[Stevoman]

Sad to lose Cam Walker today. He seemed to be a consistent performer on special teams with the possibility of being a back up linebacker.

Happy with the signing of Ronnie Yell which is now official!

[jerrym]

Sad to lose Cam Walker today. He seemed to be a consistent performer on special teams with the possibility of being a back up linebacker.

Happy with the signing of Ronnie Yell which is now official!

I agree with you on both counts.

[ArgoRavi]

Agreed on Muamba OV. He was lights out the last third of the season last year on what I considered the fastest defence in the league. You know I like Bear Woods a lot, but the Argos took him out on a lot of passing downs last year. I see Muamba as an every down LB and special teamer, similar to O'Shea.

Interesting though that two teams have recently deemed Muamba to not be worth what they are paying him.

[AngeloV]

Interesting though that two teams have recently deemed Muamba to not be worth what they are paying him.

I guess it all depends on where they feel a need to fit in their Canadian starters. If you can start 2 Canadian receivers for considerably less than what you are paying a stud Canadian LB, then it's pretty easy to find a decent American LB that will be more cap friendly. I have to agree with OV here (can't believe I'm saying that), but sometimes being a Canadian isn't always an advantage. Especially a very talented one that commands high pay (and deserves it).

[R.J]

I guess it all depends on where they feel a need to fit in their Canadian starters. If you can start 2 Canadian receivers for considerably less than what you are paying a stud Canadian LB, then it's pretty easy to find a decent American LB that will be more cap friendly. I have to agree with OV here (can't believe I'm saying that), but sometimes being a Canadian isn't always an advantage. Especially a very talented one that commands high pay (and deserves it).
We do have Herdman (I like his potential), Onyeka, Plummer, and Randolph, who could all potentially play at mike, but I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in Muamba. However, that greatly depends on his asking price.

I still think we need a top 3 receiver, 1 maybe 2 offensive linemen, a defensive end to replace Butler, a Sam linebacker, another shutdown corner, and another HB. I doubt those all get filled by the current free agents.

[AngeloV]

We do have Herdman (I like his potential), Onyeka, Plummer, and Randolph, who could all potentially play at mike, but I wouldn't be opposed to bringing in Muamba. However, that greatly depends on his asking price.

I still think we need a top 3 receiver, 1 maybe 2 offensive linemen, a defensive end to replace Butler, a Sam linebacker, another shutdown corner, and another HB. I doubt those all get filled by the current free agents.

Herdman just doesn't have the speed and quickness Muamba does. I see him as a back up and STer unless he can somehow get faster and more agile. Onyeka, is more of an outside LBer, but I really like his potential. I am very big on Plummer, and suggested that the Argos would not lose much if he were to replace Woods. I wonder if Kalil Bass fits into their plans at all?

Bombers have really spent a lot of money in re-upping Nichols and bringing in Durant as a back-up (he isn't signing for what they paid Lefevour or Davis IMO). They need to be at or over the cap. I can see Okpalaugo becoming available as Jeffcoat likely makes considerably less. Would love to see him back in Double Blue.

I'm fine with their secondary and Vaughan at SAM. Ford played some SAM last year as did Gabriel, so I don't see a need there at all.

[OV Argo]

Interesting though that two teams have recently deemed Muamba to not be worth what they are paying him.


You mean a super genius like Ego-Jones Ravi? - boy, now there's an incredible football know-it-all - Muamba must be a bum who's worth nothing; yet the guy pays big-bucks to an @$$-hat like Duron Carter, or employs a total stiff like Boardhands Grant as a starting receiver; or actually paid Kevin Glenn big buck$ last year to help his team throw away a play-off game. Yeah, OK; real interesting. The money that clown paid to Boardhands & Glenn last season could have paid for 2 Muambas.

[OV Argo]

Sad to lose Cam Walker today. He seemed to be a consistent performer on special teams with the possibility of being a back up linebacker.

Happy with the signing of Ronnie Yell which is now official!


Walker was a special teamer only and didn't really shine there IMO; pretty well zero playing time opportunity on defence at his real position (DE)

IMO - your back-ups and special teamers should ALL have some skills/potential at their offensive/defensive position so the coaching staff has faith enough to play them there - didn't look like that with Walker; I'h hoping they give Foster a real shot to play DE - where he was a force in college ball; if he just plays STs and is not amongst team leaders in ST tackles (or devastating blocks or never misses assignments), then time to move on from him too ... and others who do little on the roster.

[OV Argo]

Herdman just doesn't have the speed and quickness Muamba does. I see him as a back up and STer unless he can somehow get faster and more agile. Onyeka, is more of an outside LBer, but I really like his potential. I am very big on Plummer, and suggested that the Argos would not lose much if he were to replace Woods. I wonder if Kalil Bass fits into their plans at all?

Bombers have really spent a lot of money in re-upping Nichols and bringing in Durant as a back-up (he isn't signing for what they paid Lefevour or Davis IMO). They need to be at or over the cap. I can see Okpalaugo becoming available as Jeffcoat likely makes considerably less. Would love to see him back in Double Blue.

I'm fine with their secondary and Vaughan at SAM. Ford played some SAM last year as did Gabriel, so I don't see a need there at all.

Agreed on Plummer - i think he could take over from Woods and be as good or maybe better (plus a lot cheaper i bet ?); Onyeka is way too small to play MLB in the pros but could maybe get a shot at either OLB job - where i think Gabriel is best suited of the guys you mentioned - Vaughn is not as strong a tackler and Ford is way too small/lightweight. Not sure speed & quickness are really Maumba's forte as a MLB though - what he has is that nose for the ball, toughness and good tackling skills and the smarts to read and make plays - those are not common in CFL MLBs now IMO (Sol-E & Singleton & Sherritt have them too though); a guy like Larry Dean might make it based on super quickness and athleticism for a MLB but he is not as instinctive or smart/nose for the ball like those other guys. IMO

[gilthethrill]

Agreed on Plummer - i think he could take over from Woods and be as good or maybe better (plus a lot cheaper i bet ?); Onyeka is way too small to play MLB in the pros but could maybe get a shot at either OLB job - where i think Gabriel is best suited of the guys you mentioned - Vaughn is not as strong a tackler and Ford is way too small/lightweight. Not sure speed & quickness are really Maumba's forte as a MLB though - what he has is that nose for the ball, toughness and good tackling skills and the smarts to read and make plays - those are not common in CFL MLBs now IMO (Sol-E & Singleton & Sherritt have them too though); a guy like Larry Dean might make it based on super quickness and athleticism for a MLB but he is not as instinctive or smart/nose for the ball like those other guys. IMO

Don't count out Akeem Jordan who had 10 tackles at MLB last season in place of an ill Bear Woods. He also plays ST. At age 33 however he can't be viewed as a long term solution.

[Argo57]

Popp has done a very efficient job in replacing our departed players.
I suspect Popp only interested in retaining Woods at a modest price as they have viable alternatives under contract.

[paulwoods13]

if he just plays STs and is not amongst team leaders in ST tackles (or devastating blocks or never misses assignments), then time to move on from him too ... and others who do little on the roster.

If we're going to move on from all the backups who aren't among team leaders in ST tackles, or devastating blocks, or never miss assignments, we won't have anyone left. As you know, special teams all have 12 guys, typically nine or 10 of whom do not "start" on offence or defence. As long as they consistently do the job they are asked to, whether that's being a gunner, busting a wedge, steering a play towards the sidelines, occupying a particular opponent, or whatever, then there is no reason to "move on" from them unless someone better than them becomes available. If Foster, to use your example, grades well on STs doing things we can't possibly see unless we watch only him, there's no reason he can't earn a decent living as an STer. Now that doesn't mean he isn't capable of playing D -- I have no idea about that at this stage; maybe he will develop into a starter or regular rotation guy. But even if he doesn't, and even if he's not a leading ST tackler etc., that doesn't in itself mean he isn't doing a valuable job or worth employing.

[OV Argo]

If we're going to move on from all the backups who aren't among team leaders in ST tackles, or devastating blocks, or never miss assignments, we won't have anyone left. As you know, special teams all have 12 guys, typically nine or 10 of whom do not "start" on offence or defence. As long as they consistently do the job they are asked to, whether that's being a gunner, busting a wedge, steering a play towards the sidelines, occupying a particular opponent, or whatever, then there is no reason to "move on" from them unless someone better than them becomes available. If Foster, to use your example, grades well on STs doing things we can't possibly see unless we watch only him, there's no reason he can't earn a decent living as an STer. Now that doesn't mean he isn't capable of playing D -- I have no idea about that at this stage; maybe he will develop into a starter or regular rotation guy. But even if he doesn't, and even if he's not a leading ST tackler etc., that doesn't in itself mean he isn't doing a valuable job or worth employing.

Sorry, (and i well realize STers have important jobs and are not always going to stand out making big plays), but all STers can be good positional football players first - that is how they started and learned in the game and progressed to be good enough for the pros. Aside from maybe an outstanding long-snapper or two, pretty well all players who go into the pros were excellent positional players at the lower levels of football first. And IMO - if a CFL braintrust or coaching staff has so little use or respect for a player on their roster that they think he can be a decent STer only but is not fit to see the field on O or D, they are being myopic and should learn to move on from those types and draft or sign another very good positional player who can learn and work to be a good ST player. Mind you - if a good STer is never given a shot to play on O or D - even in situations or as an injury replacement - i guess we the fans don't really know or get to see if the guys can play O or D.

Sure - some guys can carve out an excellent career as ST players only. I would want more capability from every guy on my roster.

[doubleblue]

Interesting though that two teams have recently deemed Muamba to not be worth what they are paying him.

Maybe it is because Canadian MLBers of his calibre are difficult to find. You have to replace him with an import if he goes down. Better to invest dollars in OL, WR and Safety for the ratio where Canadians of like calibre are easier to find IMO. He would be valuable IMO if he would play for roughly the going rate of good import MLB's. That would allow a Coach some flexibility of starting maybe 9 Canadians and having an import backup MLBer for Muamba.

[Stevoman]

I know James Franklin was not a free agent but since he was touted as what would've been the leagues top free agent prospect and the Argos got him as well as a very coveted TJ Heath, you have to grade the Argos as doing well in free agency.

[Jon Gonzo]

The Argos have had a very productive off season. Especially considering they just won a Grey Cup. Off Seasons after titles, can be challenging. This team is well coached, so that really is half the battle.

[Wobbler]

Considering that we've lost our RB and our top WR - and basically tread water at other positions - I wouldn't call this a productive off-season (yet). Sure, getting Franklin was helpful, but if everything goes according to plan he might not see the field this year.

[OV Argo]

Considering that we've lost our RB and our top WR - and basically tread water at other positions - I wouldn't call this a productive off-season (yet). Sure, getting Franklin was helpful, but if everything goes according to plan he might not see the field this year.


Posey was hardly the top receiver IMO - that is SJ Green; and I like Posey but Armanti Edwards was easily as good (different style though) and Coombs was doing very well till he got hurt; Fuller got targeted lots for a WR early - because of his previous CFL success and passport - but did not produce enough IMO and should have been replaced - he could bounce back, but IMO he is easily replaceable. Love to see Llevi Noel get some real playing time at receiver and get targeted. Malcolm Williams just did not have much faith shown in him when he played.

[Wobbler]

Posey was our top WR.

[OV Argo]

Posey was our top WR.


SJ Green had way more catches & yardage last season as an Argo receiver; so did Armanti Edwards. But you're arguing wide-out ?

If you want to try and argue that Posey is somehow a more talented receiver than either of those 2, you could try I suppose; and I like Posey - solid receiver, but really nothing overly special in terms of great hands, superb/tough catches or blazing speed deep & threat ability (though he did show enough speed to not allow Tommie Campbell to catch him from behind in the snow on that 100 Yd. GC TD that brought him extra fame). Posey is no Terry Greer or DK Smith or Paul Masotti; and not even close; wish he had stayed an Argo though.

[R.J]

Posey was our top WR.
I'd give that nod to Green.

[OV Argo]

I'd give that nod to Green.


Wobbler might have meant top "wide-out" - in which case he is correct, IMO. Fuller did little; Malcolm Williams was barely thrown to.

[R.J]

Wobbler might have meant top "wide-out" - in which case he is correct, IMO. Fuller did little; Malcolm Williams was barely thrown to.
I'm shocked that Fuller was brought back, he isn't even as fast as he was previously, which was his only strength. Poor hands and route runner IMO, and unless he's running in a straight line, he's never been able to get separation.

[Jon Gonzo]

I'm shocked that Fuller was brought back, he isn't even as fast as he was previously, which was his only strength. Poor hands and route runner IMO, and unless he's running in a straight line, he's never been able to get separation.

He certainly looked lost last year. Hard to understand where all that promise went, but injuries can effect the confidence. I wouldn't put too much worry into it. If he doesn't come to play this time, he won't even make it out of camp. This is 'nothing ventured, nothing earned.' This guy wasn't faking it at Texas A&M, as their all time leading TD receiver and Big 10 First Team honours -- and he certainly looked extremely promising in Calgary before all those injuries.

We shall see, but I wouldn't let it worry you. The coaches must have seen a glimmer of hope.

[Will]

Fuller is in the "no risk" category IMO. Unfortunately, the Argos receiving corps is kinda thin on proven experience beyond Green, Edwards and Coombs and I think this was the reason he was brought back.

[Shatto]

I will be surprised if both Tyms and Westerkamp aren't more effective than Fuller. That is, unless Fuller makes a remarkable recovery to his form of 2 or 3 years ago.

[AngeloV]

I will be surprised if both Tyms and Westerkamp aren't more effective than Fuller. That is, unless Fuller makes a remarkable recovery to his form of 2 or 3 years ago.

I agree, but I don't see a downside in bringing Fuller back for another look.

[Wobbler]

Wobbler might have meant top "wide-out" - in which case he is correct, IMO. Fuller did little; Malcolm Williams was barely thrown to.
Yes, I meant WR specifically. Green was pretty clearly our top receiver.

With Green, Edwards, and Coombs our receiving corps should be OK, but Posey's effectiveness helped Green, IMO. Can we replace him?