Toronto Argonauts need to make signing Derel Walker top priority
If the Toronto Argonauts want to get their offence back on track, Derel Walker should be the priority and right now they have the upper hand.
On Day 1 of CFL free agency, the Toronto Argonauts swung and missed on Bo Levi Mitchell, forcing them to miss out on their other targets. Now they have their eyes set on star wide receiver Derel Walker and cannot fail to pull the trigger this time.
General manager Jim Popp appeared on TSN 1050 on Day 2 of free agency where the Argos were busy making additions; including bringing Shawn Lemon back, signing Micah Awe, Tyrell Sutton, Cory Johnson and Tobi Antigha. There were a couple of interesting notes from his conversation.
Popp explained that the Argos were stuck waiting on Mitchell’s decision because if the QB accepted their offer, it would prevent Toronto from making other moves. You can’t blame the GM for wanting to land the top free agent behind Mike Reilly and being upfront about the offer that was on the table, but that is in the past and right now the team has to put it behind them.
The best way to do that would be to sign Walker, who is undoubtedly the top receiver on the market. He is a two-time CFL all-star, who won the Grey Cup in 2015 with Edmonton.
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?
Last season, Walker had 875 yards and eight touchdowns on 51 receptions in 11 games. Adding him to a receiving group which includes; S.J. Green, Armanti Edwards, Anthony Coombs, Llevi Noel, and Rodney Smith would add another dimension to an offence which has been in need of a makeover
James Franklin sits atop the QB depth chart and the organization needs to give him the tools to succeed. This might include more stability in the run game which will have some competition as the team now has five running backs including James Wilder Jr. on the roster.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact Toronto has the first meeting Walker who, according to Justin Dunk of 3DownNation, will have multiple suitors with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers wanting to make an offer. Dunk also says the former Edmonton Eskimos receiver is seeing a deal which would pay him $275,000.
If the Argos have the cap space, there is no reason why they shouldn’t put in a competitive offer for Walker. They have the financial backing of MLSE, considering they were willing to pay a hefty price for Mitchell.
This should be Popp’s priority. If they can’t land Walker, it would be a big loss for the Argos.
Next. Shawn Lemon returns to wreak havoc on defence. dark
Do you think the Toronto Argonauts should sign Walker? Is the price too much for the receiver? Let us know in the comments below.