Argonauts Again Pull Off Blockbuster Trade, This Time with Rival Tiger-Cats
With just over two weeks remaining until the start of CFL free agency, the Toronto Argonauts have swung yet another blockbuster deal, this time with eternal rival Hamilton.
The Argos are sending Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams to Hamilton, along with three picks in the upcoming 2024 CFL draft (first, second and fourth rounds) and a conditional fourth-round selection in 2025.
In return, Toronto will receive three selections in the 2024 CFL draft (one in the first round, two in the third), the negotiation rights to current UFL wide receiver Deontay Burnett (Arlington Renegades) and a conditional 2025 third-round pick.
Official: We have reached a trade agreement with the @Ticats.
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) January 29, 2024
Details ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Dn1Fw8LlsI
It's been a busy few weeks for the Boatmen, who are making moves in anticipation of imminent departures in free agency.
The team traded away star Canadian receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. to Edmonton and used the resulting cap space to acquire standout defensive linemen Jake Ceresna. The acquisition is intended as a preemptive strike with three 2023 Argos linemen set to hit the open market in Shawn Oakman, DeWayne Hendrix and Brandon Barlow.
Superstar quarterback Chad Kelly is even chipping to help Toronto by restructuring his contract to free up cap space. The Argos have brought back linebacker Wynton McManis, and by shipping out Jordan Williams, appear to be on the verge of re-signing linebacker Jonathan Jones to fill that void.
The move up the CFL draft board for Toronto from seventh overall to fifth in the first round isn't insignificant. However, this move has clearly been done for cap purposes and roster reconfiguration.
Argonauts Make Wynton McManis One of CFL's Highest-Paid LBs
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Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.