Are The Argos Ready To Come Relevant?

There's no doubting that the Toronto Argonauts have been the CFL's weak sister for the past few seasons. While they did get to the East final in 2010, this team has gone 22-50 over the last four years in a market which is arguably the biggest key to the overall success of the league.

One has to wonder though if this team is ready to once again make some noise and perhaps challenge for and win a Grey Cup in 2012. They have certainly strengthened their quarterback position by acquiring Ricky Ray from Edmonton. The key now is to give Ray some weapons. In Cory Boyd, he has perhaps the best all-purpose back in the CFL. Chad Owens is probably the most dangerous kick returner in the league and they have a defence that on paper is very formidable led by players like Ricky Foley and E-J Kuale. Where this team is weak though is at receiver as Ray needs some bodies to throw the football too. I'm guessing the Argos had to be salivating last week seeing Jason Barnes get cut by the Eskimos knowing he might be a nice target to throw to if dreams of the NFL go up in smoke. One also has to think that Argo brass are preparing a nice deal for Andy Fantuz to return home to Southern Ontario. Toronto fans would be excited at seeing Ray loft passes over the middle that land in the hands of the lanky soon to be free-agent Fantuz.

While one thinks the Argos might break the bank for Fantuz, one also has to look at Toronto's free agent situation and just who they have that they might to re-sign. Looking at the CFL site, there are five starters from that defensive unit who become FA's February 15. They are linebackers Kevin Eiben and Jason Pottinger--both very capable players who could start just about anywhere in this league. Defensive backs Byron Parker, Jordan Younger and Willie Pile are also on the list. Pile is a fierce hitter as Darian Durant will attest to and Parker and Younger are nothing to sneeze at either. I don't know if Toronto can keep all of these guys, but I would think they have to make some kind of attempt to keep a defence that wasn't bad last year intact.

It will be interesting to see what way HC Scott Milanovich and GM Jim Barker decide to do when it comes to free agency. While the option of Fantuz is there, the dollars he will command may be too rich for their blood. If Milanovich and Barker think guys like Spencer Watt and Mike Bradwell can elevate their games, they may be fine at receiver. If they can't, I don't know if Ray will produce the numbers the Argos expect of him.

Decisions, decisions. decisions.