The free agency negotiation window will become open in the CFL on the 5th of February this year, giving teams the chance to openly talk with impending free agents. The Argos will definitely be looking to make some acquisitions but could also lose a number of players from their Grey Cup winning team to free agency.
This negotiation window was created back in 2020 to ensure that all pending free agents have the ability to explore their options ahead of the market’s official opening. The window will stay open for exactly one week, closing on the 12th of February at noon ET.
Each team will get a 48 window to enter into negotiations with their own free agents, afterwhich the CFL’s free agency period opens on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The Argos currently have 20+ free agents ready to hit the market but this number will likely reduce by the 14th. Toronto has already brought back 6 of their free-agents up to this date. Players that will hit the free agency market if they don’t get resigned by the Argos are:
| Player | Position |
| Markeith Ambles | Wide Receiver |
| DaShaun Amos | Defensive Back |
| Boris Bede | Kicker |
| McLeod Bethel-Thompson | Quarterback |
| Philip Blake | Offensive Lineman |
| Juwan Brescacin | Wide Receiver |
| Isiah Cage | Linebacker |
| Brandon Calver | Linebacker |
| Robertson Daniel | Defensive Back |
| DaVaris Daniels | Wide Receiver |
| Ja’Gared Davis | Defensive Lineman |
| Chris Edwards | Linebacker |
| Fabion Foote | Defensive Lineman |
| Kurleigh Gittens Jr. | Wide Receiver |
| Andrew Harris | Running Back |
| Maxime Latour | Long Snapper |
| Justin Lawrence | Offensive Lineman |
| Wynton McManis | Linebacker |
| Royce Metchie | Defensive Back |
| Henoc Muamba | Linebacker |
| A.J. Ouelette | Running Back |
| Shane Ray | Defensive Lineman |
| Shaquille Richardson | Linebacker |
| Eric Rogers | Wide Receiver |
| Robbie Smith | Defensive Lineman |
| Trevon Tate | Offensive Lineman |
There are around 17 starters set to hit the free agency market from the Argos. It will be a tough task to keep all major pieces from their Grey Cup winning team of 2022 but they have already reeled back one of the biggest fish by re-signing Grey Cup hero Robbie Smith to a two-year deal.
We expect superstar wide receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. to be the next huge priority for the team. After having a sensational 2022 season, Gittens is sure to have some big offers headed his way. The Argos may need to pull out a massive cheque to keep the Toronto-native on board.
Other players to keep an eye on during the negotiation window are top wide receiver Kenny Lawler and starting quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson. The Argos might be tempted to give Bethel-Thompson one more go at the QB position or could turn to emerging star Chad Kelly.
Betting on the Argonauts in 2023
It won’t be too long now until the Argos are in action, with the season set to start on June 19th. If the plan is to place bets on Argonauts’ games then read through our list of the best CFL betting sites to find an online sportsbook that suits you.
