Holy Smokes Ricky Ray is an Argo!

[ro1313]

http://www.cfl.ca/article/ray-day-argos ... tarting-qb

TORONTO -- In one of the most significant trades in team history, the Toronto Argonauts have acquired two-time Grey Cup champion and elite QB Ricky Ray from the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for import QB Steven Jyles, non-import K Grant Shaw and the Argos’ first pick in the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft.

“Our mission since 2010 has been to build the Argos into a consistent and credible football team. This trade moves that process along and demonstrates our commitment to reestablishing Argos football in this city," said Argos General Manager Jim Barker,

"While we gave up a lot, we felt it was important to be aggressive and go after what we needed. This trade is an investment by our organization in the future of the Double Blue and in its new on-field leader, Ricky Ray,” he added.

Ray is one of the most recognizable and dominant players to ever compete in the Canadian Football League.

Just 32 years old, he originally joined the league as a free agent in 2002 and immediately carried the Eskimos to three Grey Cup championships, winning two (2003 & 2005) in his first three seasons.

He’s one of the greatest passers in the history of the CFL and currently sits ninth in league history for most passing yards in a career (40,529) and he is one of just three active players on the all-time top-ten passing yards list.

In 2006, he was a West Division All-Star and CFL All-Star and, in 2005, he was named the Most Valuable Player of one of the greatest Grey Cup games ever played. Ray’s career 96.1 passer efficiency rating is highest among all-time quarterbacks with at least 30,000 career passing yards.

"I would like to thank the Edmonton Eskimos and their fans for nine years of good memories and for giving me the opportunity to play for such a good organization and win a couple of championships. Those memories, as well as the relationships I’ve built with the great players and coaches over the years, will be with me for a long time," said Ray.

"While it’s tough to leave all the people who have helped me in my career, I’m excited to move forward, take the next step in my career and come to Toronto, an organization with a rich history and tradition where we will have another chance to win a Grey Cup. I look forward to working with Jim Barker and Scott Milanovich, a young, good coach who helped Montreal win championships. I hope to win some more championships with these men and my new teammates in Toronto,” he added

Head coach Scott Milanovich expressed his excitement for the arrival of Ray.

“A team’s success is never defined by the addition or subtraction of one player. However, it is extremely difficult to win football games without excellent play by the quarterback. Ricky Ray will be a great ambassador for the Argos, the CFL and the city of Toronto in addition to bringing the experience of winning multiple Grey Cups to our team," said Milanovich.

"He has tremendous courage in the pocket, outstanding location on his passes and is a professional in every sense of the word. At only 32 years of age and with two years remaining on his contract, it is our hope that Ricky is our quarterback for many years to come. I couldn’t be more thrilled than to see Ricky Ray as a member of the Double Blue.”

[Chuggabunch]

Wow the Argos gave up a fair bit for him. I thought Barker had signed and stated Jyles was their QB of the future. New contract and commitment. Mind you they can always release Jyles. It's a pretty hefty salary that comes attatched to Ricky Ray from what I remember.

If this weekends rumour was true about McPherson heading to Toronto, I wonder what we could have received for him in a trade.
This is aready an excitng start to the off season. I hope we don't wait too long and miss out on some interesting pieces to our own puzzle. Mind you I don't think we need anything other than the return of a few key players and a healthy defensive backfield.

I'm in favour of being pro-active but I'm all in favour of not making trades for the sake of making a trade. Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't mean we half to. Besides, Jim Popp is usually the one who is ahead of the curve.

I'm excited to see where that center for Baylor ends up. A Canadian snapping the ball for the Hiesman trophy winner, the leader of the Oline and WE DRAFTED HIM last year.

[ro1313]

If this weekends rumour was true about McPherson heading to Toronto, I wonder what we could have received for him in a trade.

I didnt hear that but Herb has reported today that Popp is open to trade talks for McPherson. He says he has not made any calls but if someone makes an offer that is worth thier while...he will think about it.

Back to Ray
To be honest I always thought he was overrated....Dont get me wrong....He is a future hall of famer....I just dont think he equal to the hype he recieves....

Most of his passing yards to me have been 3 yard passes where his receiver has gained 20 after the catch....and that one thing he doesnt have in Toronto yet...receivers

[XGamer]

Since Argos "lack" receivers...

You think Barker might give a shot at Deslauriers during FA season ?

He's Canadian, a big target, will always be 5th-6th receiver on MTL org chart because of all the american talent we have....

[cliffyd]

They'd be dumb not to consider Deslauriers for the reasons you stated, X.

I'd rather offer them Kerry Watkins. Not that I don't like KW, but I'd rather the Als keep Deslauriers as the #5 receiver. He's also a special teams asset as well that if the Als can get O'Shea coaching, can probably do a ton with.