Toronto Argonauts: Looking at potential targets in CFL free agency

With CFL free agency a couple of hours away the Toronto Argonauts are expected to make a big push for some top targets, especially at quarterback.

This might be the most intriguing CFL free agency to date, with many players expected to be on the move when things open up at noon on Tuesday. It is unclear what the Toronto Argonauts will make a priority but after a disappointing season, the pressure is on general manager Jim Popp to get the team back on track.

With word that quarterback Mike Reilly is going to sign with the B.C. Lions, as reported by TSN‘s Ryan Rishaug, all eyes will turn to Bo Levi Mitchell and Trevor Harris. According to Justin Dunk of 3down Nation, the Argos are prepared to make a big offer to Mitchell, which could be in the $750,000 range and passing Reilly, who is set to make $700,000 with the Lions.

According to a source, Toronto is going to have some stiff competition, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders are also putting in a big offer for Mitchell. Harris is also an option, but he could go to Edmonton along with Greg Ellingson, with Reilly on the move.

The Argos still have James Franklin under contract as well but if they get Mitchell, then expect teams who couldn’t get a QB in free agency to come to Toronto. Obviously, Ricky Ray hasn’t announced his playing future yet, but at this point, a return to the Argos doesn’t seem likely unless they can’t get one of the big names.

More from Toronto Argonauts

• Cam Phillips making his mark on Toronto Argonauts offence
• Toronto Argonauts: 4 storylines ahead of matchup against Redblacks
• Toronto Argonauts overcome Roughriders in entertaining Touchdown Atlantic
• Argonauts unable to overcome self-inflicted mistakes in near comeback
• Toronto Argonauts get wake-up call from Lions, but what comes next?

Don’t rule out Zach Collaros either as the former Argos QB could see himself searching for a job, with Saskatchewan looking to make a big push for Mitchell. Toronto could bring him in to battle with Franklin for the number one job and given his injury history, he could come at a cheaper price.

When it comes to the rest of the team, Dan Ralph of the Canadian Press reported that Duron Carter is going to join Reilly in B.C., which means the Argos could be in the market for a receiver. S.J. Green, Armanti Edwards, Rodney Smith, Anthony Coombs and Llevi Noel are all under contract but the team could use a smaller playmaking receiver, like what Brandon Banks brings in Hamilton.

On the defensive side of the ball Marcus Ball could still return to Toronto, but it all depends on his price. Linebackers are a premium in the CFL and you can bet many teams will look at the 31-year-old for his leadership.

The team also need to address their defensive line, with players like Willie Jefferson, Micah Johnson and Odell Willis available. Whether they will have the cap space to make a push for one of those players remains to be seen.

We will have you covered on any move the Argos make when free agency opens at noon and it should be an exciting time.

What should the Toronto Argonauts prioritize in free agency? Who is the ideal target for them? Let us know in the comments below.