Dejon Allen for Ryder Varga

[shatto]

Unless I missed it, for whatever reason, Bosse has not been signed from the now extinct P R. Darkangelo, seemed to play well at Will but perhaps the coaches feel Varga can play just as well in that role and is a Canadian to boot. If the team loses either Metchie or Smith to free agency, Varga may be the replacement Canadian on D (just a thought). Newly signed DB Craig James would appear to have the athletic ability to be an asset but can he learn the Canadian game and is he motivated enough?

[ARGO57]

I don’t mind this trade, Varga seemingly is a promising Canadian LB.
Dejon Allen did a fine job with the Argonauts but paying him a reported $210k this upcoming season with so many players unsigned is a struggle.

[paulwoods13]

The one big difference between this trade and last year's Gittens-Ceresna swap was that we were trading from a position of strength last year. We had Brissett, Ungerer and Nield all capable of filling a NAT receiver spot, so Gittens could be replaced. We have only question marks at right tackle at the moment, and uncertainty about roster and ratio deployment at left tackle. Much as the savings from Allen might be beneficial in re-signing key vets, if we can't get adequate play at OT it won't matter. Let's hope someone (Moore, Doxtater, whomever) is able to step in and perform.

[RichK]

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.

Obviously it’s a salary dump, but there’s a good chance Varga gets his shot on D. We all thought Sopik was a depth acquisition last year but he ended up starting several games on D and looked very good. Our mgmt seems to have a good eye for these things.

[IssuesMcgee]

It's still early. Given the team's success over the past few years, I think they deserve some confidence in their decision making.

[bluto]

It's still early. Given the team's success over the past few years, I think they deserve some confidence in their decision making.

I'd suppose that most Argo supporters would agree with this and given the rate at which our management have been picking players who come in and become useful/good/stars you'd want to just calmly and confidently enjoy the off-season knowing that you'll have a roster of Argos ready to defend their title and be the odds-on-favorite for November 2025.

But the fact that our personnel leads have all been exiting stage left over the last year has me less certain than I'd want.

[ARGO57]

It's still early. Given the team's success over the past few years, I think they deserve some confidence in their decision making.

I'd suppose that most Argo supporters would agree with this and given the rate at which our management have been picking players who come in and become useful/good/stars you'd want to just calmly and confidently enjoy the off-season knowing that you'll have a roster of Argos ready to defend their title and be the odds-on-favorite for November 2025.

But the fact that our personnel leads have all been exiting stage left over the last year has me less certain than I'd want.

I agree with you Bluto, the Argos have done a great job mining talent in the recent past but a couple of those people previously involved (Russell and Magri) are no longer with the organization.