Feb 9, 2015
Don't expect active Argos in free agency
For many CFL teams it's like Christmas morning; an opportunity to receive the present they've always wanted. For others, it's like the beginning of the Target liquidation sale - tough to find a good deal. As TSN Radio 1050's Mike Hogan writes, the Toronto Argonauts seem to be content to look after their own players first, then see who is available when the feeding frenzy subsides.
By Mike Hogan
For many CFL teams it's like Christmas morning; an opportunity to receive the present they've always wanted.
For others, it's like the beginning of the Target liquidation sale - tough to find a good deal.
Toronto Argonauts general manager Jim Barker has historically been more of a window shopper when it comes to free agency, though last year he decided to splurge.
In what was perhaps the most surprising signing of the 2014 frenzy, linebacker Shea Emry left the Alouettes for Toronto. He lasted one season with the double blue before being dealt to Saskatchewan for Ricky Foley.
Barker, who's only other major free agent signing was Henry Burris back in his Calgary days, says that the Emry signing was a bit of a perfect storm.
"Building a team through free agency isn't a philosophy of mine," Barker told TSN.ca just 24 hours before the free agency period opened. "I believe in drafting strong and trying to develop those guys."
But therein lies a problem. With the new CBA, players can become free agents after just two years in the league; hardly time to allow young players to grow into the role of a top level professional starter.
So what was it about Emry's availability a year ago that made the Argos take the plunge?
"There's the occasional guy that can help," admitted Barker. "Last year we needed that one big time Canadian player on defence and thought it was a good fit with Coach (Defensive Coordinator Tim) Burke (who had coached Emry in Montreal).
The only other player to ink a free agent deal with the Argos last year was offensive lineman Scott Mitchell, who saw limited duty in 2014.
The Argos lost a handful of players a year ago, with quarterback Zach Collaros and cornerback Pat Watkins having the most impact with their new teams, Hamilton and Edmonton respectively.
Offensive lineman Andrew Jones also headed to the Eskimos, while defensive lineman David Lee inked a deal with the Roughriders.
This year, the Argonauts have already come to terms with four players - offensive linemen Tyler Holmes and Jarriel King, along with linebacker Matt Ware and defensive back Shane Herbert. That leaves the club with a lot of work to do.
Barring a last-minute signing, testing the waters will be receivers Spencer Watt, Jason Barnes, Maurice Mann and Darvin Adams, running backs Curtis Steele and Anthony Woodson, starting left offensive tackle SirVincent Rogers, defensive linemen Ivan Brown and Marcus Thomas, linebacker Herve Tonye-Tonye and defensive back Evan McCollough.
Barnes battled injuries yet finished with an even 500 receiving yards. He's split his six CFL seasons between Edmonton and Toronto, teaming up with quarterback Ricky Ray for his entire career.
Watt, a five-year veteran from North Vancouver, set a career high with 35 catches as a part of an injury-decimated receiving corps.
Adams has battled injuries over his brief stint with the Argos. There's much promise, but he has to find a way to remain healthy.
Rogers is an athletic big man who protected Ricky Ray's blind side.
Mann returned to the Argos after a year and a half away from football. He was impressive in limited action, suffering a hamstring injury after resuming his career.
Steele led the Argos with 541 rushing yards, splitting the reps with Steve Slaton. Steele is also one of the team's best special teams players, which should increase his value.
Woodson had an opportunity to start after injuries to both Andre Durie and Anthony Coombs. He didn't look out of place.
Thomas, a defensive tackle, spent much of last season on the injured list. He came to the Argos near the end of the 2013 season after spending five years in Denver.
Tonye-Tonye, a Montrealer, received some time in the rotation near the end of the season. He's been primarily a special teamer.
Regina native Brown is a player who has shown promise. A rotation player on the d-line, he was outstanding on special teams.
McCollough was a starter in the 2012 (Toronto) and 2013 (Hamilton) Grey Cups before finding his way back to Toronto last year. He had an off year by his standards, but there's no reason to think he can't regain his previous form.
Of the eleven, Barker wouldn't comment on how many he'd made an offer to, but acknowledges he has made offers to "a few" of those players. He's not sure how this year will play out, particularly with the Ottawa RedBlacks in the league now.
"One of the things that has changed things is expansion," the GM added, "Canadian players' value is at an all-time high. The additional team drives their prices up. It makes for an interesting landscape."
Free agency in any sport can lead to teams overpaying for available talent. The Argos seem to be content to look after their own players first, then see who is available when the feeding frenzy subsides.