Dejon Allen for Ryder Varga

[paulwoods13]

Eric Starczala took over as RedBlacks starting C last season and arguably did more than Shane Richards, including play on that Ottawa O-line/offence that put up close to 500 passing yards and doubled time of possession in the play-off game vs. the eventual GC winner.

I'm the last person to defend Richards, but I'd argue starting all year on the league's best rushing team, and second in overall offence, is a greater accomplishment than winning a job partway through the season after a couple of stints on the practice roster.

[OV Argo]

Eric Starczala took over as RedBlacks starting C last season and arguably did more than Shane Richards, including play on that Ottawa O-line/offence that put up close to 500 passing yards and doubled time of possession in the play-off game vs. the eventual GC winner.

I'm the last person to defend Richards, but I'd argue starting all year on the league's best rushing team, and second in overall offence, is a greater accomplishment than winning a job partway through the season after a couple of stints on the practice roster.

Pretty sure Richards did not take over a starting OG job with the EE till more like mid season. And I'll take the guy who played a more key position and on a better record team that basically dominated the GC winner D in a play-off game. They are both however, examples of maybe under-rated players who emerged as starters on a different team than the one they broke into the league with.

[RichK]

MacKellar excels at run blocking and is not as strong in pass pro. But assuming we let Ka’deem walk I think our young RB corps could use an extra and proven hole ripper up front.

[AngeloV]

Maybe they felt the current surplus of O-linemen made Allen somewhat expendable? Hunter, Doxater, maybe MacKellar might all be able to handle an OT spot

I don't think Mackellar will be with the Argos this year. Someone else is gonna overpay him.

Really? I would think they just let him walk based on his lack of getting better. Can't see anyone overpaying for him.

[AngeloV]

Allen was also stated to make $210,000 which might free up some money to retain a free agent elsewhere. They must think highly of Moore and/or Doxater.

No doubt there are cap implications. Freeing up money for McManis, hopefully.

The last big off-season trade (Gittens for Ceresna) was also stunning but worked out well; hopefully this one will, too.

I'd love to know who pulled the trigger on this. If (as some reports have suggested) Murphy is gone, who does that leave? I'm guessing Dinwiddie is becoming de facto GM.

I don't think Murphy is gone. I can't remember where, but I saw Pinball interviewed after the Grey Cup, where he was specifically asked that question and he said Murphy is still with the team.

[paulwoods13]

I don't think Murphy is gone. I can't remember where, but I saw Pinball interviewed after the Grey Cup, where he was specifically asked that question and he said Murphy is still with the team.

I saw that as well. But the scuttlebutt that he is gone (or going) is loud.

[paulwoods13]

Really? I would think they just let him walk based on his lack of getting better. Can't see anyone overpaying for him.

Former first-rounder, former starter, three years in a good offensive system with a good o-line coach. Someone is gonna want to tap that potential.

[paulwoods13]

Pretty sure Richards did not take over a starting OG job with the EE till more like mid season. And I'll take the guy who played a more key position and on a better record team that basically dominated the GC winner D in a play-off game. They are both however, examples of maybe under-rated players who emerged as starters on a different team than the one they broke into the league with.

For the record, Richards started from Game 7 (i.e. 12 games), Starczala from Game 9 (i.e. 10 games). So a wash on that score, basically.
I was under the opinion (before last season) that Richards was completely useless; clearly I was wrong. Had no opinion about Starczala because he was out of sight out of mind for several seasons of obscurity.

[ArgoRavi]

Allen was also stated to make $210,000 which might free up some money to retain a free agent elsewhere. They must think highly of Moore and/or Doxater.

Don't forget about National John Bosse who played well in the season finale in Edmonton.

[OV Argo]

Allen was also stated to make $210,000 which might free up some money to retain a free agent elsewhere. They must think highly of Moore and/or Doxater.

Don't forget about National John Bosse who played well in the season finale in Edmonton.

Yeah, another possible young OT who could play.

Still though - the Argos gave up a proven, top notch starting OT (and 30 is by no means old for an O-lineman); so, IMO, unless Varga is given a real shot to play serious reps on D , and/or, the Argos do very well with that 2026 2nd rounder (i.e. don't use the pick on a long-snapper or bac-up H-back), the Argos got rooked on this deal, IMO. OR - they could rationalize it as a salary dump that allows them to re-sign a key guy like McManis.