Toronto Argonauts need a healthy Bear Woods in 2019

The Toronto Argonauts have re-signed Bear Woods to a new deal, but how much will the two-time CFL All-Star actually play in 2019?

The Toronto Argonauts gave their fans some reason for optimism when they made an important announcement on Monday. As reported by TSN, the Double Blue have re-signed Bear Woods to a one-year deal through 2019.

This is excellent news for an organisation looking to rebound from an extremely disappointing season in 2018. Woods has an impressive resume, which includes two CFL All-Star selections and twice being the East Division’s nomination for the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.

The question is, which version of Woods will the Argos and their fans see this coming season? Will it be the one who led the team in defensive tackles during 2017 and helped them win the 105th Grey Cup?

Or will it be the version which only played in four games during the 2018 campaign, due to injury issues? The Argos have to hope it’s the 2017 edition, as the defence attempts to recover from allowing the most points in the CFL last season.

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If questions about Woods’ durability seem a bit over the top, consider that he has missed 31 of a possible 72 regular season games over the last four years. As much as players often get hurt playing professional football, any concern about the linebacker is entirely understandable.

The Argonauts need a healthy Woods if they are to compete in 2019; his talent is undeniable. Consider that if you pro-rate his 29 defensive tackles from 2018 over an entire season, he would have totaled a career-high 131. (In fact, they would have been the third-highest season total in CFL history.)

With all this said, you can appreciate why Argos’ general manager Jim Popp is thrilled to have Woods back. As reported by Argonauts.ca, Popp said:

"“Bear is a veteran leader on and off the field and a player that has been one of the best at his position. He was integral in helping us win a Grey Cup championship in 2017, the ultimate player, and we couldn’t be happier to have him healthy and ready to go in 2019.”"

New head coach Corey Chamblin has a major challenge ahead of him in revitalising the defence this coming season. But at least he has Woods to help implement his schemes on the field, as long as he can remain healthy.

What does Woods mean to the Toronto Argonauts’ defence? How confident are you in his ability to remain healthy in 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.