It was reported by NFL insiders on Tuesday that Toronto Argos defensive back Jamal Peters will be signing a futures contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The announcement came just a day after CFL players were granted the right to sign reserve/futures contracts south of the border.
Peters, a CFL All-Star, was an integral part of the Grey Cup winning team last season, starting 15 games and recording 57 tackles, six interceptions, one sack, and one return touchdown. He played a huge role in winning the East Final, with 8 big tackles, including a forced fumble which turned the game on its head.
The 26-year six-foot-two, 220-pound cover man is considered to be in the prime of his career, making six of his seven CFL interceptions in 2022, including an interception he returned for a touchdown. Peters should be a huge asset going forward to a depleted Falcons team that went 7-10 this season, failing to make the playoffs.
This won’t be the first time the Falcons have looked up North for some help. The team signed CFL standouts Dee Alford and Brayden Lenius from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders respectively in 2022. Lenius was waived soon after but Alford has been an active contributor.
Technically, this will be Peters second chance in the NFL. After going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, he was signed to the Indianapolis Colts in May of 2019 but was released following an injury settlement later that month.
What’s next for the Argos?
There is absolutely no doubt that losing Peters is a tough blow for Toronto’s secondary and Corey Mace’s defence. The Argos have said they would leave a spot open for him if he decides to return but will also be looking to continue their search for more players to fill in his shoes.
At the moment, it’s most likely that Robertson Daniel will step into Peters’ role at boundary corner. Daniel has bounced around both the NFL and CFL, signing with six teams in his short career. Most recently with the Calgary Stampeders. He played in eight regular season games with Calgary where he made 21 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, and three interceptions.
Betting on the Argonauts in 2023
The Argos will be kicking off their 2023 season on June 18th against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. If you’re planning on placing bets on the Argos, think about browsing through our list of the top CFL betting sites in Ontario to find the best online sportsbooks fit for yourself.
