Argofans

I would hate to lose McManis's leadership, marketability and skill, but he might be hitting a point where his health becomes too iffy to throw huge dollars at him. I could easily see Hamilton going after him to replace Veresuk. Darkangelo and/or Casey wouldn't be a terrible replacement for him if he can't be re-signed. All that said, I'd be very happy if he does re-up.

I love McManus, he’s an all-time great in my book, but if signing him now means not addressing serious needs on both the o and d lines, then I wouldn’t do it.

Pinballs comments the other day made it seem they are working towards re-signing McManus. I don’t think he has much interest in the open market like 1-2 years ago. Not enough to throw big bucks at him.

RichK wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 1:57 pm

Antwon wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:03 pm I guess this shouldn't be a surprise as Pickett had words for RD when he left Toronto!

It’s good we’re finally learning why so many veteran players and coaches couldn’t wait to leave town in recent years: Nobody could stand the head coach. How many more prodigal sons will be returning?

There certainly seems to be evidence for this but then I wonder why the '25 team continued to buy in and give full effort despite consistently losing? It's usually evident when coaches have lost the room but last years team didn't seem that way.

It is interesting that Pickett credits the immediate call from Pinball as affecting his decision the look favourably on the Argos overtures. Perhaps Pinball has more hands-on involvement than we thought.

Stevoman wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 9:00 pm

RichK wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 1:57 pm

Antwon wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 12:03 pm I guess this shouldn't be a surprise as Pickett had words for RD when he left Toronto!

It’s good we’re finally learning why so many veteran players and coaches couldn’t wait to leave town in recent years: Nobody could stand the head coach. How many more prodigal sons will be returning?

There certainly seems to be evidence for this but then I wonder why the '25 team continued to buy in and give full effort despite consistently losing? It's usually evident when coaches have lost the room but last years team didn't seem that way.

I don’t think he lost the team last year, there were enough guys who still bought in. But he rubbed a lot of players and management the wrong way, I’d say too many, and I think the Argonauts in the last 5 years probably lost some good people as a direct result.

shatto wrote: ↑Fri Jan 16, 2026 11:35 pm It is interesting that Pickett credits the immediate call from Pinball as affecting his decision the look favourably on the Argos overtures. Perhaps Pinball has more hands-on involvement than we thought.

Pinball’s greatest strength is the human touch he brings to player negotiations. There’s nothing like the Pinball Effect, and it works successfully time and again. But it’s not exactly a full-time job in and of itself.

With the World Cup screwing the Argos this year, with this signing fans can put to rest the possibility of high profile FAs not wanting to sign with the Argos.

gilthethrill wrote: ↑Sat Jan 17, 2026 7:39 am With the World Cup screwing the Argos this year, with this signing fans can put to rest the possibility of high profile FAs not wanting to sign with the Argos.

I don't think the signing of one player disproves this possibility. We will see what happens in February.

Will wrote: ↑Sat Jan 17, 2026 9:06 am

gilthethrill wrote: ↑Sat Jan 17, 2026 7:39 am With the World Cup screwing the Argos this year, with this signing fans can put to rest the possibility of high profile FAs not wanting to sign with the Argos.

I don't think the signing of one player disproves this possibility. We will see what happens in February.

Money talks, and Pinball convinces.

I doubt the World Cup deal will be a factor for most free agents.