Toronto Argonauts Obtain Negotiation Rights For Baker Mayfield
The Toronto Argonauts can negotiate a contract with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield, if he decides to play in the CFL someday.
Toronto Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray’s career is on its last leg. The 36-year-old is under contract for one more year following the completion of the 2016 season, then the 12-year veteran may very well retire from the CFL after battling injuries over recent years.
One signal-caller who could potentially replace Ray in the future for the Argonauts is Oklahoma Sooners quarterback, Baker Mayfield. As reported by Justin Dunk of 3downnation.com, the boatmen have now acquired the negotiation rights to the Oklahoma quarterback as part of a trade made on February 10.
Toronto sent now-retired offensive lineman Bruce Campbell to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for the 27th overall pick in the 2016 CFL Draft, which became McMaster fullback Declan Cross, along with the rights to a negotiation list player.
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In 2015, Mayfield led the Sooners to the Orange Bowl in the College Football Playoff by throwing for 3,700 yards with 36 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while also earning 405 yards and seven touchdowns with his feet. The Austin, Texas native was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-American and finished fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
The three-year collegiate starter will most likely be selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but it is fair to question whether the dual-threat quarterback will be able to remain in the league long-term.
Mayfield is listed at a generous height of 6’2, a weight of just 214 lbs. Coupled with the ability to elude rushers both in and outside of the pocket, in addition to being able to throw on the run, the obvious comparison for his game would be to that of the infamous Johnny Manziel.
Zone-read quarterbacks are trendy in the NFL at the moment, so the redshirt senior will get an opportunity to prove himself, but few quarterbacks with Mayfield’s size have succeeded operating the physically demanding pro game. The ideal candidate is one who possess the physical stature to withstand the physical punishment that comes with running the zone (read Cam Newton, 6’6, 260 lbs).
Fans of the Toronto Argonauts should keep a close eye on Mayfield as he returns to Norman, Oklahoma for his final collegiate season. He may well end up leading the double-blue someday.
Next: Devon Wylie Impresses At Rookie Mini-Camp
Do you think Baker Mayfield will ever come to the CFL? Would you like to see him play for the Toronto Argonauts? Let us know in the comments section below.