Argofans

Scooter McCray wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 7:01 pm

paulwoods13 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 1:03 pm Some big names on that list. Priorities IMO are:

Arbuckle (at the right price)
Carey (at the right price)
Coxie
Grant (at the right price)
MacKellar (at the right price)
Brinkman
Ceresna
Smith
McManis
Adekele (at the right price)
Amos
McFadden (at the right price)
Metchie
Haggerty

Losing any of Polk, Mital or Holley would really sting, but it's something we will have to deal with if it happens. IMO Polk would have the best shot of sticking down south, but Mital might make it at least to cut-down day. Holley is a wild card but I could see him lasting through camp if someone signs him.

The exit meetings must have been interesting today, or are they tomorrow? Let's hope they can find a way to keep most. Being on a contender and winning championships in CFL - the playoff money can help make up for the FA money for some. What this team went through last year, this year, hopefully most of these guys want to keep the band together. Chad's going to have plenty of fire in his belly to lead team to a Grey Cup. They can establish a dynasty. Winnipeg have managed to somehow keep their band together.

The players seem quite appreciative of the team culture that Pinball, Dinwiddie and the coaching staff have fostered within the organization.
I’m sure this will hold some significant currency with the players when considering a return to Toronto.

It should be remembered that all those on the P R are also automatically made free agents unless the team signs them to a contract. That includes people like Blackburn and Doxtator. Expect we may hear about some of those signings in the near future.

shatto wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 7:24 pm It should be remembered that all those on the P R are also automatically made free agents unless the team signs them to a contract. That includes people like Blackburn and Doxtator. Expect we may hear about some of those signings in the near future.

Blackburn played in the Grey Cup so he should already be under contract.

You are correct--my mistake.

The salary discussions will certainly be interesting.

I wonder what the thinking was last year. Outstanding season so did some people want/get raises based on that? Lost east final. Did some people not ask for or get raises because of that?

This year mediocre for half the season, but very good at the end and a Grey Cup. So does everyone expect a raise based on that?

The Montreal team from last year stayed largely intact, and Winnipeg has been able to keep a core together.

I agree that they should do everything they can to keep McManis. I hope they can keep much of the defensive and offensive lines as I think they will only do as well as those lines function for the most part.

I think the draft is also going to be interesting.

As an aside, it would be ironic if Vernon Adams Jr gets traded to some team who then hires Rick Campbell as coach.

Well, last year, they also lost many core players in Free Agency.

I think the important part of CFL roster building is always bringing in fresh new talent.

The really good players get paid a lot or go down south in FA.

FA is good for bringing in undervalued or culture-setting players.

You need a steady stream of Canadian Draft Picks and undervalued Americans. Plus a Quarterback. Always need a Quarterback.

It is interesting to note that the following rookies played in the Grey Cup win--Milton, Blackburn, Darkangelo, Parish, Williams, Holley, Vandal, Polk, Mital and Franklin who is almost a rookie having played only one game in 2023. That is 10 players! More of evidence of great recruiting by the Argos administration.

paulwoods13 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 1:03 pm
Arbuckle (at the right price)
Carey (at the right price)
Coxie
Grant (at the right price)
MacKellar (at the right price)
Brinkman
Ceresna
Smith
McManis
Adekele (at the right price)
Amos
McFadden (at the right price)
Metchie
Haggerty

After McManus the highest priorities IMO would be Smith and Metchie, two locked-in Nat starters on D.

In general I would prioritize bringing back the guys on defence. With the best QB in the league — by far — and the best O-line in the league, having two or three new skill-position guys isn’t going to hurt us.

shatto wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 11:53 pm It is interesting to note that the following rookies played in the Grey Cup win--Milton, Blackburn, Darkangelo, Parish, Williams, Holley, Vandal, Polk, Mital and Franklin who is almost a rookie having played only one game in 2023. That is 10 players! More of evidence of great recruiting by the Argos administration.

Twelve Argo draft picks in the Grey Cup lineup (and six more on the other two rosters). Mgmt has done a tremendous job stocking/restocking NAT talent in particular, plus finding exceptional INTs like Polk, Holley, Franklin and (in previous years) Coxie, Stiggers, Peters, etc.

RichK wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 1:28 am [quote=paulwoods13 post_id=3122 time=1732122187 user_After McManus the highest priorities IMO would be Smith and Metchie, two locked-in Nat starters on D.

Smith in particular, IMO, as he is a unique talent and there is no one on the roster at the moment who could likely replace him. Hergott has potential but it's too soon to know what he will become. I saw enough from Blackburn this year to believe he might be able to develop into a starting safety. That said, I really hope we keep Metchie.