Priester signed

[shatto]

I'm certainly not advocating getting rid of Daniels but I would agree with OV the team is well set for receiver talent. The team went into training camp with 5 very good Canadian receivers, the fact that 3 are now on the 6 game injury list could not have been predicted. Additionally, 2023 draft choice Wayne does not seem to be making much impact in the NFL and might also become available later this year. The present American WRs include Coxie,, Bailey, Polk (who has real potential) and Daniels. On the PR, Marshall looked good in the preseason. games and then add Grant as an occasional addition to the WR list. On the whole the team appears to be much better set at WR than at SAM.

This is not a criticism of Argo decision making but rather a highly personal view, the team should have made signing Pickett a priority even if it meant not signing (or keeping) a player like Daniels. Considering the Daniels salary is very slightly higher than Pickett's means the choice could have been Daniels or Pickett. Daniels is an excellent player and has been a valuable contributor to the team but Pickett would have been even more valuable to the overall team's success.

The decision has been made and the team must now find an adequate replacement for Pickett. Mauger was ok but certainly no Pickett. Perhaps Adeleke will be a better replacement when he is well enough to play. The team has been highly effective at finding excellent players but in this case the team has to find a replacement for the best SAM in the league and that is going to be difficult.

[gilthethrill]

Didn't Pickett request his release because he wanted to play for Ottawa DC Barron Miles? I don't think he wished to remain an Argo.

[shatto]

Really, that puts the situation in a whole new light. But it raises the question, if it is true--what could have motivated Pickett to feel strongly enough to decide he no longer wanted to be associated with the team.

[gilthethrill]

Really, that puts the situation in a whole new light. But it raises the question, if it is true--what could have motivated Pickett to feel strongly enough to decide he no longer wanted to be associated with the team.

Because he wasn't going to get a huge pay increase?

[paulwoods13]

Because he wasn't going to get a huge pay increase?

Or didn't like the incoming DC(s)? Who knows?

Bottom line is that, as happens every year, free agents go where they want to go. There is no evidence the Argos could have got Pickett to re-sign by simply offering him whatever Ott is paying him. Maybe yes, maybe no. We can all be sad about the MANY guys we lost in the off-season, but we have who we have, and IMO there is enough talent on this team to be a GC contender again despite the inevitable losses we suffered.

[OV Argo]

Didn't Pickett request his release because he wanted to play for Ottawa DC Barron Miles? I don't think he wished to remain an Argo.

Was Miles with the Als when Pickett came into the league with Montreal ? - could be a reason ; and BTW - Miles is a terrible, lost DC (showed on the RedBlacks D last season and again this year) , so if Pickett wants to play for that guy - have at 'er buddy (and you would easily make up for a lesser Argo salary with more play-off bonus buck$)

[ArgoRavi]

Pickett is the ultimate mercenary. Who knows where he will be a year from now.

[ARGO57]

Pickett is the ultimate mercenary. Who knows where he will be a year from now.

Ottawa is his third team in three years which seems to confirm your statement, highest bidder wins his services.
Can’t say I blame him, CFL players tend to have short careers with limited earning potential so get as much $$ as you can.

[gilthethrill]

Pickett is the ultimate mercenary. Who knows where he will be a year from now.

Ottawa is his third team in three years which seems to confirm your statement, highest bidder wins his services.
Can’t say I blame him, CFL players tend to have short careers with limited earning potential so get as much $$ as you can.

In Pickett's defence, he left Montreal as a FA during the uncertain ownership issues during the 2022 offseason to join the Argos. I can't blame him for that.

[primetime321]

As has been said, Priester is a solid veteran player who can tackle, which seemed to be missing against Montreal to a degree. He is listed as starting at SAM tomorrow night, which is a good move since the Riders offense will feature Ouellette quite a lot, IMO. The Argos will need solid tackling tomorrow night to be successful on defense.