Matt Nichols released

[gilthethrill]

3Down Nation is reporting that the Toronto Argonauts and veteran qb Matt Nichols have parted ways.

[Argo57]

This one sucks, would have been nice to see what Lokombo could have done in Toronto.

https://3downnation.com/2021/01/31/canadian-linebacker-bo-lokombo-signs-with-b-c-lions/

[Argo57]

3Down Nation is reporting that the Toronto Argonauts and veteran qb Matt Nichols have parted ways.

I would imagine negotiations will continue with Nichols but you have to wonder if LaPolice is interested in bringing him to Ottawa.
Really hoping the Argos are also working on signing MBT and O’Connor.

[Skinny G]

The Toronto Argonauts announced today the team has signed OL Cody Speller, agreed to terms on a new contract with WR DaVaris Daniels and OL Jamal Campbell and extended OL Philip Blake.

The team also announced today they have released American QB Matt Nichols, Canadian LB Bo Lokombo and Canadian DL Fabion Foote.

https://www.argonauts.ca/2021/01/31/argos-ink-speller-deal-make-moves/

[gilthethrill]

I would imagine negotiations will continue with Nichols but you have to wonder if LaPolice is interested in bringing him to Ottawa.
Really hoping the Argos are also working on signing MBT and O’Connor.

I suspect Nick Arbuckle will be courted by the Argonauts organization as well. Is Luis Perez still on the neg list?

[Argo57]

I suspect Nick Arbuckle will be courted by the Argonauts organization as well. Is Luis Perez still on the neg list?

This developing scenario almost makes too much sense, Nichols-LaPolice Arbuckle-Dinwiddie reunited?
Having said this I would be somewhat surprised if Ottawa let Arbuckle walk......we’ll see soon enough.
**If you don’t respond I’ll assume you are busy writing your thank you press releases to all of these former Argonaut greats.**👍

[paulwoods13]

There is virtually no chance Ottawa keeps Arbuckle without a contract renegotiation that has to happen by the end of today. He's not getting his $150k Feb. 1 bonus, just as Nichols was not getting his $220k Feb. 1 bonus.

It will come as no surprise to regulars on this forum that I hope we re-sign MBT and MOC, and let Nichols go wherever he can find a contract. If Arbuckle shakes loose today, I'd be fine with signing him, but not to a contract so big he has to be anointed as the starter. He is far from proven, and IMO was far less impressive than MBT was in 2019. He has age on his side, and Dinwiddie obviously has a good sense of what he can become, but IMO he needs to prove himself more than he has done to this point to warrant putting all our eggs in that basket.

[gilthethrill]

I’m liking the work Murphy and Pinball are doing with this roster.

Yes, this team is reminding me of the 1985 Montreal Concorde. Unlike the Concorde, I hope this team sees the field this year.

[Argo57]

Yes, this team is reminding me of the 1985 Montreal Concorde. Unlike the Concorde, I hope this team sees the field this year.

With the current QB situation I’m concerned there is no Luc Tousignant on the horizon.

[OV Argo]

With the current QB situation I’m concerned there is no Luc Tousignant on the horizon.

LOL - do the Argos have any QBs currently who were drafted in the NFL; cause Tousignant was.

[gilthethrill]

LOL - do the Argos have any QBs currently who were drafted in the NFL; cause Tousignant was.

Very good OV....late rounds by Buffalo....they did until a few hours ago in Nichols.

[Argo57]

Very good OV....late rounds by Buffalo....they did until a few hours ago in Nichols.

A complete stiff.

[gilthethrill]

With the current QB situation I’m concerned there is no Luc Tousignant on the horizon.

Could MBT be the next Johnny Evans???

[Tobin Rote]

I’m liking the work Murphy and Pinball are doing with this roster.

Sure... though it would be nice to have at least 2 or 3 quarterbacks under contract... rather than none.

[OV Argo]

Very good OV....late rounds by Buffalo....they did until a few hours ago in Nichols.

Nichols was drafted in the NFL? = i did not know that.

[OV Argo]

A complete stiff.

Sort of like Mike O'Connor ?

[Argo57]

Sort of like Mike O'Connor ?

That may be your opinion OV, I choose to believe that a Canadian QB can flourish in the CFL.
I loved the pick when Toronto drafted O’Connor and hope they sign him, given the chance I think he is a keeper.

[gilthethrill]

Nichols was drafted in the NFL? = i did not know that.

OV I stand corrected....I could have sworn he was a 7th round pick by someone....

I was thinking of Jonathan Crompton....

[Jon Gonzo]

There is virtually no chance Ottawa keeps Arbuckle without a contract renegotiation that has to happen by the end of today. He's not getting his $150k Feb. 1 bonus, just as Nichols was not getting his $220k Feb. 1 bonus.

It will come as no surprise to regulars on this forum that I hope we re-sign MBT and MOC, and let Nichols go wherever he can find a contract. If Arbuckle shakes loose today, I'd be fine with signing him, but not to a contract so big he has to be anointed as the starter. He is far from proven, and IMO was far less impressive than MBT was in 2019. He has age on his side, and Dinwiddie obviously has a good sense of what he can become, but IMO he needs to prove himself more than he has done to this point to warrant putting all our eggs in that basket.


I feel the very same way. In fact, today could turn out to be a complete bonus in disguise as I think Dinwiddie likely preferred Arbuckle, but just not at a premium price. If it's MBT, MOC and a 3rd with CFL experience, just as well.

The $200,000 saved on Matt Nichols gets us two other very good players.

[Argo57]

I feel the very same way. In fact, today could turn out to be a complete bonus in disguise as I think Dinwiddie likely preferred Arbuckle, but just not at a premium price. If it's MBT, MOC and a 3rd with CFL experience, just as well.

The $200,000 saved on Matt Nichols gets us two other very good players.

Well said, agree 100%.

[OV Argo]

That may be your opinion OV, I choose to believe that a Canadian QB can flourish in the CFL.
I loved the pick when Toronto drafted O’Connor and hope they sign him, given the chance I think he is a keeper.


But Tousignant was a "stiff"- cause he was given a bit of playing time on a real $hitty Als team as a rookie and did not produce? And then he was gone after just that one season from the Montreal team ? If he were an American QB / ex-NFL draft pick he probably would have been kept with his 1st CFL team for years and given repeat shots, and/or picked up by several other CFL teams for playing time opportunity. Literally hundreds of those examples for average to mediocre to useless American QBs in the CFL (that stiff Kevin Glenn made a career out if it).

Good luck on O'Connor getting CFL playing time.

[argotom]

Yes, this team is reminding me of the 1985 Montreal Concorde. Unlike the Concorde, I hope this team sees the field this year.

Other then the bonus situation, I do not understand this move at all.
While other teams, save Ottawa as well, have signed their QB's for lesser money we have not?

[paulwoods13]

Other then the bonus situation, I do not understand this move at all.
While other teams, save Ottawa as well, have signed their QB's for lesser money we have not?

Other than the assassination, how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?

[argotom]

Other than the assassination, how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
I hope there is a plan B here.
Michael has great future potential, but not sure he is ready though to step in full time.

[Argo57]

But Tousignant was a "stiff"- cause he was given a bit of playing time on a real $hitty Als team as a rookie and did not produce? And then he was gone after just that one season from the Montreal team ? If he were an American QB / ex-NFL draft pick he probably would have been kept with his 1st CFL team for years and given repeat shots, and/or picked up by several other CFL teams for playing time opportunity. Literally hundreds of those examples for average to mediocre to useless American QBs in the CFL (that stiff Kevin Glenn made a career out if it).

Good luck on O'Connor getting CFL playing time.

I don’t consider the passport when watching a player, my opinion is based on performance.
Having said that you are correct, many bad QB’s who happen to be American have seen plenty of action in the CFL.

[Argo57]

Other then the bonus situation, I do not understand this move at all.
While other teams, save Ottawa as well, have signed their QB's for lesser money we have not?

I fully understand this move, Nichols contract (and bonus) are way too rich considering the current CFL climate so the Argos released him to hit the reset button on any future negotiations.
I also have no doubt that Arbuckle’s potential availability has factored into this, it is no secret that Dinwiddie really covets Arbuckle.

[doubleblue]

I feel the very same way. In fact, today could turn out to be a complete bonus in disguise as I think Dinwiddie likely preferred Arbuckle, but just not at a premium price. If it's MBT, MOC and a 3rd with CFL experience, just as well.

The $200,000 saved on Matt Nichols gets us two other very good players.

Well if Ottawa does as some are expecting release Arbuckle, we do the old switcharoo. The Argo end up with Arbuckle, MBT and MOC I guess. Right now there's nobody announced as signed. WR prospect Blumenthal was a college QB. Maybe there are some QB's from the neg list signed. I saw that Eastern Michigan QB Glass play last year and is suppose to be on the neg list. Had some good numbers there, 6'0 205 and can run. A CFL type QB, but very difficult for a American rookie to come in and start against a CFL defense now a days.

[paulwoods13]

I hope there is a plan B here.
Michael has great future potential, but not sure he is ready though to step in full time.

On that point we can agree. IMO getting O'Connor re-signed is of far greater significance than letting Nichols test the limited market for his services.

There is absolutely no doubt there's a Plan B, and a Plan C. That's assuming Nichols was ever truly Plan A. He wasn't in my mind.

[AngeloV]

I don’t consider the passport when watching a player, my opinion is based on performance.
Having said that you are correct, many bad QB’s who happen to be American have seen plenty of action in the CFL.

Yes. Erik Kramer was given about 3 months worth of chances before the CFL had no interest in him and he went on to have a pretty decent NFL career.

The thought that American QB’s are given such big, underserved chances is just not true.

[AngeloV]

I fully understand this move, Nichols contract (and bonus) are way too rich considering the current CFL climate so the Argos released him to hit the reset button on any future negotiations.
I also have no doubt that Arbuckle’s potential availability has factored into this, it is no secret that Dinwiddie really covers Arbuckle.

It would take a lack of sensibility not to understand this move. Mitchell, Reilly, Harris, Fajardo, Collaros, and Adams all restructured their deals. Masoli took about a 200k cut in pay. But no agreement to restructure with Nichols. What is there not to understand?

[Will]

I've spliced posts on the other thread (sorry in advance if I missed any), felt that the release of the Argonauts projected starting QB warranted its own thread.

[OV Argo]

IF Ottawa with LaPolice, really wanted Nichols, and Dinwiddie with the Argos really preferred Arbuckle - why did they not get on with it sooner (make a trade for negotiating purpose)? All about trying to leverage / pay these QBs as little as possible I guess, given current (Covid) CFL situation ?

[argotom]

I fully understand this move, Nichols contract (and bonus) are way too rich considering the current CFL climate so the Argos released him to hit the reset button on any future negotiations.
I also have no doubt that Arbuckle’s potential availability has factored into this, it is no secret that Dinwiddie really covets Arbuckle.

What if Arbuckle stay's in Ottawa and Nichols does not return?

[Tobin Rote]

On that point we can agree. IMO getting O'Connor re-signed is of far greater significance than letting Nichols test the limited market for his services.

There is absolutely no doubt there's a Plan B, and a Plan C. That's assuming Nichols was ever truly Plan A. He wasn't in my mind.

Geez Paul... what did Matt Nichols ever do to you?

[Argo57]

What if Arbuckle stay's in Ottawa and Nichols does not return?

Could happen, that’s why I hope they are talking to MBT and MOC.
Once again the fact remains the Argos can’t pay Nichols anything close to what he signed for last year, if he refuses to figure that out then see you later.

[argotom]

Could happen, that’s why I hope they are talking to MBT and MOC.
Once again the fact remains the Argos can’t pay Nichols anything close to what he signed for last year, if he refuses to figure that out then see you later.

Definitely not MBT for me, as with him been there bought that T shirt mentality.

[Skinny G]

Could happen, that’s why I hope they are talking to MBT and MOC.
Once again the fact remains the Argos can’t pay Nichols anything close to what he signed for last year, if he refuses to figure that out then see you later.

Based on what Farhan Lalji (and Scianniti as well I believe) said, he wanted a signing bonus, but the Argos aren't paying anyone a bonus. It's something that they have seemingly made clear to all of their players that they are signing/re-signing. They aren't singling out Nichols, just treating everyone the same.

[doubleblue]

What if Arbuckle stay's in Ottawa and Nichols does not return?

I'm sure there is a plan B, C, D. But, one of Harris, Fajardo or Collaros should have been kept somehow for post Ricky. It looks like they have decided to move on without Nichols. Haven't heard anything yet out of Ottawa so maybe Marcel has decided to bite the bullet and pay the bonus to Arbuckle. If that's the case we're looking right now at MBT, MOC, AAR (and another rookie).
There was some talk last yearof Deshon Kizer coming to Toronto. Former Brown's #2 draft pick. But he got signed by the Titans last fall when they ran into QB injuries.

[Argo57]

Based on what Farhan Lalji (and Scianniti as well I believe) said, he wanted a signing bonus, but the Argos aren't paying anyone a bonus. It's something that they have seemingly made clear to all of their players that they are signing/re-signing. They aren't singling out Nichols, just treating everyone the same.

Thats part of it but it seems Nichols is also reluctant to accept a substantial pay cut from his reported $555,000 2021 contract even though many other top CFL players have recognized the fact that the economics of the CFL have drastically changed over the last several months.
If he refuses to figure this out he won’t play in 2021.

[Will]

I will be anxious until the Argos announce Arbuckle.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/REDBLACKS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@REDBLACKS</a> sign Matt Nichols likely paving the way for Nick Arbuckle’s exit from the team without ever playing a game</p>&mdash; TSN 1200 (@TSN1200) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN1200/status/1356030029910700032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Argo57]

I will be anxious until the Argos announce Arbuckle.


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It appears the other shoe has dropped👍<iframe scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.96fd96193cc66c3e11d4c5e4c7c7ec97.htm l?origin=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.argofans.com" title="Twitter settings iframe" style="display: none;"></iframe><iframe id="rufous-sandbox" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="Twitter analytics iframe" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden; display: none; width: 0px; height: 0px; padding: 0px; border: none;"></iframe>

[Will]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Redblacks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Redblacks</a> quarterback Matt Nichols receives a $200,000 signing bonus on his two-year contract <a href="https://t.co/0D6yylF2Bf">https://t.co/0D6yylF2Bf</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ottawa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ottawa</a> l <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RNation</a> l <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/IZMTzjaQTD">pic.twitter.com/IZMTzjaQTD</a></p>&mdash; Justin Dunk (@JDunk12) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDunk12/status/1356049978628554753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[paulwoods13]

Geez Paul... what did Matt Nichols ever do to you?

Bored the heck out of me.

[paulwoods13]

There is no way Nichols is worth a $200k signing bonus. I'm thrilled we cut the cord with him. Signing Arbuckle is fine with me, but we also need to sign MBT and especially MOC.

[Argo57]

There is no way Nichols is worth a $200k signing bonus. I'm thrilled we cut the cord with him. Signing Arbuckle is fine with me, but we also need to sign MBT and especially MOC.

The ideal scenario for me as well.

[Wobbler]

I'd be quite happy to see Arbuckle, O'Connor, and "new recruit" as our QB depth chart if it means that the team can sign Rogers and Law, and plug holes elsewhere. Is there a better time for a major reboot than post-pandemic?

[AngeloV]

According to 3DN, Matthew Scianitti is reporting that it's done and the Arbuckle has signed. I haven't seen it up on Scianitti's twitter feed.

https://3downnation.com/2021/01/31/argos-sign-former-redblacks-stampeders-quarterback-nick-arbuckle/

[Wobbler]

That 3DN article seems to be based on Scianitti's original tweet (https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/status/1356037931052523526?s=20).

It will still probably happen, of course.

[Argo57]

That 3DN article seems to be based on Scianitti's original tweet (https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/status/1356037931052523526?s=20).

It will still probably happen, of course.

They changed their original headline to better reflect Scianitti’s report.

[OV Argo]

Bored the heck out of me.


Cause he played for those bad Bummers ?

[doubleblue]

According to 3DN, Matthew Scianitti is reporting that it's done and the Arbuckle has signed. I haven't seen it up on Scianitti's twitter feed.

https://3downnation.com/2021/01/31/argos-sign-former-redblacks-stampeders-quarterback-nick-arbuckle/

All is well that ends well.

[OV Argo]

LaPolice now has Nichols and Dominique Davis - 2 QBs he had with the Bombers - on the RedBlacks QB depth chart = not surprising, pretty CFL standard procedure.

[HumberValleyVillageArgo]

What about getting MBT back? He played very, very well last season. 2019.

[Rich]

I'd be quite happy to see Arbuckle, O'Connor, and "new recruit" as our QB depth chart if it means that the team can sign Rogers and Law, and plug holes elsewhere. Is there a better time for a major reboot than post-pandemic?

I agree with you 100%. A major reboot means you don't bring back the guy who led you to back-to-back 4-14 seasons. Spending another $200k on MBT means we can't sign another key piece like Cam Judge or Charleston Hughes, which would be really dumb IMO.

One thing the NFL has shown in recent years is that if you like a young guy at QB there's little point in hedging about it, you fully commit to the guy sink or swim. If god forbid both Arbuckle and O'Connor turn out to be stiffs, we are fvcked whether MBT is on the roster or not. At 33 MBT is not about to turn into Bo Levi Mitchell and start leading the Argos to multiple Cup appearances, and they'll simply have to reboot all over again in another year or two.

[R.J]

I agree with you 100%. A major reboot means you don't bring back the guy who led you to back-to-back 4-14 seasons. Spending another $200k on MBT means we can't sign another key piece like Cam Judge or Charleston Hughes, which would be really dumb IMO.

One thing the NFL has shown in recent years is that if you like a young guy at QB there's little point in hedging about it, you fully commit to the guy sink or swim. If god forbid both Arbuckle and O'Connor turn out to be stiffs, we are fvcked whether MBT is on the roster or not. At 33 MBT is not about to turn into Bo Levi Mitchell and start leading the Argos to multiple Cup appearances, and they'll simply have to reboot all over again in another year or two.
This place never changes. While it makes little sense to me, I'm actually not surprised that so many around here want to bring back Bethel-Thompson.

Just an FYI for those who seem to forget, but the Argos had three young eventual bonafide starters (Collaros, Harris, and Fajardo) who they let leave, because they weren't willing to make the hard choice.

[OV Argo]

This place never changes. While it makes little sense to me, I'm actually not surprised that so many around here want to bring back Bethel-Thompson.

Just an FYI for those who seem to forget, but the Argos had three young eventual bonafide starters (Collaros, Harris, and Fajardo) who they let leave, because they weren't willing to make the hard choice.

And interesting/amusing that pretty well nobody is saying that about O'Connor - a supposed top young QB talent who already has a season under his belt - but he should continue to "develop" as a 3rd stringer; yet Arbuckle - of the limited resume as well - should be anointed starter ? Arbuckle just has that something else on his resume compared to O'Connor.

A smart team might want 3 QBs like MBT (lots of pro experience) plus Arbuckle & O'Connor (young talent that has already played in the league a bit) and have a real, honest, tough competition at TC to decide who deserves to be starter, for game 1 anyways.

[paulwoods13]

A smart team might want 3 QBs like MBT (lots of pro experience) plus Arbuckle & O'Connor (young talent that has already played in the league a bit) and have a real, honest, tough competition at TC to decide who deserves to be starter, for game 1 anyways.

For once we are in agreement, although the way football works nowadays, the notion of an open competition for the starting QB job is basically a faded memory. I can't recall the last time such a competition existed in either the CFL or the NFL -- maybe the Argos in 2010? Most, if not all, teams seem inclined to designate someone as the presumptive starter heading into camp. It will be interesting to see how the Ticats handle Masoli and Evans; I'm betting Masoli gets No. 1 reps from Day 1.

Bringing back MBT seems unlikely for many reasons, one of them being the fact he likely would expect a fair shot at becoming the starter after starting most of 2019 (and playing a lot more than Arbuckle, leading the league in TD passes, holding stuff together when the coaching was a mess, etc.). Mgmt would perceive the risk of a QB controversy as not being worth it, so it's Arbuckle's job heading into camp IMO.

As for O'Connor, he definitely needs to be re-signed and should be pencilled in as No. 2, with a bullet, and groomed to become No. 1 a year from now, when Arbuckle is back on the FA market.

[paulwoods13]

Just an FYI for those who seem to forget, but the Argos had three young eventual bonafide starters (Collaros, Harris, and Fajardo) who they let leave, because they weren't willing to make the hard choice.

Yeah, deciding whether to keep Ricky Ray was definitely equivalent to deciding whether to keep McLeod Bethel-Thompson.

[R.J]

Yeah, deciding whether to keep Ricky Ray was definitely equivalent to deciding whether to keep McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
It's about as funny as your insinuation that Bethel-Thompson is as good and/or a better runner than Arbuckle is...

Fajardo and even Prukop were let go due to Bethel-Thompson's rise, not because Ray was supposed to be the starter. Oh well.

[Rich]

And interesting/amusing that pretty well nobody is saying that about O'Connor - a supposed top young QB talent who already has a season under his belt - but he should continue to "develop" as a 3rd stringer; yet Arbuckle - of the limited resume as well - should be anointed starter ? Arbuckle just has that something else on his resume compared to O'Connor.

A smart team might want 3 QBs like MBT (lots of pro experience) plus Arbuckle & O'Connor (young talent that has already played in the league a bit) and have a real, honest, tough competition at TC to decide who deserves to be starter, for game 1 anyways.

But if you think MBT needs to be on the roster, then apparently you don't have much faith in O'Connor's abilities either. Signing MBT would seriously delay O'Connor's development as a CFL QB. It may even be that O'Connor is waiting to see if the Argos sign MBT before committing to play here.

[R.J]

But if you think MBT needs to be on the roster, then apparently you don't have much faith in O'Connor's abilities either. Signing MBT would seriously delay O'Connor's development as a CFL QB. It may even be that O'Connor is waiting to see if the Argos sign MBT before committing to play here.

And all this talk about a completely open three-way TC competition for starting QB is pure fantasy, especially with limited or no preseason games.
Can't believe I'm actually agreeing with Rich.

[Rich]

Can't believe I'm actually agreeing with Rich.

Ya welcome back RJ we've all missed your nasty, combative tone :-)

[R.J]

Ya welcome back RJ we've all missed your nasty, combative tone :-)
I doubt it.

[Jon Gonzo]

It's about as funny as your insinuation that Bethel-Thompson is as good and/or a better runner than Arbuckle is...

Fajardo and even Prukop were let go due to Bethel-Thompson's rise, not because Ray was supposed to be the starter. Oh well.


You'd think that all 5 of us could get along

[paulwoods13]

It's about as funny as your insinuation that Bethel-Thompson is as good and/or a better runner than Arbuckle is...

Fajardo and even Prukop were let go due to Bethel-Thompson's rise, not because Ray was supposed to be the starter. Oh well.

And Harris & Collaros (whom you mentioned) -- which "hard choice" was to blame for their departure?

You mock me for liking MBT -- yet you keep banging a drum for Prukop.

[carlos]

What about getting MBT back? He played very, very well last season. 2019.

MBT could sit and wait for an injury without losing market value.

Zach Collaros rips up his knee and MBT is looking at $300,000 +.

[paulwoods13]

MBT could sit and wait for an injury without losing market value.

Very good chance he does exactly that.

[argotom]

Arbuckle is for sure an upgrade from Nicholl as the strange movements the last couple of days have actually improved our leadership position.
Plus, still having O'Connor as back up is a definite improvement.
MBT should not factor in under any circumstance as the team can surely sign a 3rd and 4th arm to complete the cupboard.

[OV Argo]

But if you think MBT needs to be on the roster, then apparently you don't have much faith in O'Connor's abilities either. Signing MBT would seriously delay O'Connor's development as a CFL QB. It may even be that O'Connor is waiting to see if the Argos sign MBT before committing to play here.

Nope, unless you have a bona fide, proven, quality QB starter, I'm all for open competition in TC - and the notion that they're can't be real, honest competition in TC (even without ex. games), is total hogwash, IMO. O'Connor is ready - now - to compete with the likes of MBT and Arbuckle; however - I wouldn't have expected any young or journeyman QB to come in and challenge Doug Flutie for the Argo starting QB job in 97

Who's the new Argo starting tailback going to be? Maybe they should just hand the job to some guy who's never played Canadian football before, but has NFL on his resume and is an ego-head who thinks he's going to come in and dominate the little CFL ? That would be a swell idea - no need for competition in TC.

[argolio]

Fajardo and even Prukop were let go due to Bethel-Thompson's rise, not because Ray was supposed to be the starter. Oh well.Prukop was let go because he had two straight poor camps. Good luck to him and all in Calgary, but let's not pretend he did anything here when it mattered, and I was a fan of his talent.

[Will]

I'd say that Ray returning for 2018 and the Argos trading for Franklin pushed Fajardo out more than anything else. MBT had seen limited action in that 41-13 win over BC to end the 2017 season but that was about it.

[ArgoGabe22]

I'd say that Ray returning for 2018 and the Argos trading for Franklin pushed Fajardo out more than anything else. MBT had seen limited action in that 41-13 win over BC to end the 2017 season but that was about it.

All I remember was Fajardo starting vs the Alouettes. And he did very poorly. Was anyone actually surprised he was let go?

[AngeloV]

All I remember was Fajardo starting vs the Alouettes. And he did very poorly. Was anyone actually surprised he was let go?

Fajardo didn’t start that game. Jeff Matthews did. He was horrible. Fajardo somewhat brought them back in that game. Had he started I think the Argos would have won.

[ArgoGabe22]

Fajardo didn’t start that game. Jeff Matthews did. He was horrible. Fajardo somewhat brought them back in that game. Had he started I think the Argos would have won.

Totally forgot Jeff Matthews even existed.

[gilthethrill]

Totally forgot Jeff Matthews even existed.

AV is right, if Fajardo starts that game (Trestman what were you thinking) the Argos should have won. As for Mathews, I recall him playing a game for Montreal in 2018 I believe, Ottawa beat the absolute crap out of him but he kept getting up and gave the Als a chance to win. He was a tough qb.

[doubleblue]

AV is right, if Fajardo starts that game (Trestman what were you thinking) the Argos should have won. As for Mathews, I recall him playing a game for Montreal in 2018 I believe, Ottawa beat the absolute crap out of him but he kept getting up and gave the Als a chance to win. He was a tough qb.

Trestman liked his drop back pocket passers.

[Will]

Trestman liked his drop back pocket passers.

That he did.

It was telling the next week when Montreal came to BMO and the Argos, with Ray in the lineup, beat the living hell out of them.