This is definitely a boost in the arm for the Argos and the CFL!
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-announce-three-year-contract-for-qb-chad-kelly-1.2002065
Good for him, the Argonauts, and the CFL.
He?s the future of this league.
Quote from: bluengold204 on August 31, 2023, 01:55:40 PM
He?s the future of this league.
He's a 29 year old playing in his first full season.
It is great for Toronto and the league to have some QB stability, but "future" is a strong word.
Good for him, them and probably us. Won't be a cheap contract. They're going to face the same cap crunch we do in the off-season with a big QB contract.
Good on the Argos. I wonder how much he'll get in each year of the extension. He'll still have an NFL option window but will he think he has a chance in the NFL?
Quote from: blue_gold_84 on August 31, 2023, 01:48:22 PM
Good for him, the Argonauts, and the CFL.
Agreed, always good for the CFL to keep a quality QB in the league instead of toiling away on an NFL practice roster or some god forsaken spring league down south.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 31, 2023, 03:11:37 PM
Good on the Argos. I wonder how much he'll get in each year of the extension. He'll still have an NFL option window but will he think he has a chance in the NFL?
Doubtful, he's older and has not shown as much (yet) as Rourke and look where Rourke is currently.
Quote from: drahgon on August 31, 2023, 03:20:12 PM
Agreed, always good for the CFL to keep a quality QB in the league instead of toiling away on an NFL practice roster or some god forsaken spring league down south.
Doubtful, he's older and has not shown as much (yet) as Rourke and look where Rourke is currently.
Quote from: drahgon on August 31, 2023, 03:20:12 PM
Agreed, always good for the CFL to keep a quality QB in the league instead of toiling away on an NFL practice roster or some god forsaken spring league down south.
Doubtful, he's older and has not shown as much (yet) as Rourke and look where Rourke is currently.
The lure of NFL money can never be over stated. I'd think he'll explore his chances in the option window. Unless a team gives him some substantial guaranteed money I'd expect him back in Toronto.
There seem to be about 6 - 10 players that leave the CFL each year for a shot at the NFL. Most end up being cut. That's really unfortunate that many are considered little more than TCF. NFL bias when you look at some of the talent that has tried that route.
...The NFL doesn't usually sign 30-year-old CFL quarterbacks.
His name might help him get a PR spot in Buffalo...that would be it I think.
Embrace the CFL and the spotlight it gives you Chad!!
Quote from: Sir Blue and Gold on August 31, 2023, 03:31:06 PM
...The NFL doesn't usually sign 30-year-old CFL quarterbacks.
No but the CFL doesn't usually offer 29 year old QB's a 3 year extension before completing a full season as a starter either. Like I said, I think he'll explore any possible offers but don't see him getting one that will convince him to leave the CFL.
Even with a 3 year deal, there are NFL windows, no?
That said, no doubt there is guaranteed money in the deal, so if he's bouncing around down south, that goes away... so he might take a shot but only stay if he gets an AR spot and some guaranteed money.
Either way, any QB stability we can find in the league is good for the league. Nice job, Pinball. Might just have saved Hamilton a loss on hosting the GC, its an easy drive from TO...
Quote from: theaardvark on August 31, 2023, 03:56:45 PM
Even with a 3 year deal, there are NFL windows, no?
That said, no doubt there is guaranteed money in the deal, so if he's bouncing around down south, that goes away... so he might take a shot but only stay if he gets an AR spot and some guaranteed money.
Either way, any QB stability we can find in the league is good for the league. Nice job, Pinball. Might just have saved Hamilton a loss on hosting the GC, its an easy drive from TO...
Yes, every contract still has an NFL option window. There are many players that explore the window but only a small number get any sort of offer. It's nuts watching what happens and what doesn't.
Take the Bombers example. Schoen didn't get an offer but Ford does after only starting 1 game!!. Obviously Ford got cut but I never felt he was more than TCF in the NFL at the moment.
So there will be more players that explore options and few will jump at the chance regardless of odds.
I did not know he was that old! :D
Good for all!
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 31, 2023, 03:52:35 PM
No but the CFL doesn't usually offer 29 year old QB's a 3 year extension before completing a full season as a starter either. Like I said, I think he'll explore any possible offers but don't see him getting one that will convince him to leave the CFL.
I agree. Dave Naylor made a number of comments about Kelly and his deal, one of which I found especially interesting:
"Chad may have NFL but he doesn't fit the profile in that league of a #1 (being THE guy) or a #2 (veteran, experienced backup) or a #3 (young, developmental guy) right now."I think this is great for the league! Kelly has all the makings of a classic "heel" and will make Toronto an annual threat to win it all. And if being able to hate on Toronto again isn't a great way for Canadians to unite, then I don't know what is :). Hopefully the Argos can start to semi-fill the stands.
Quote from: Blue In BC on August 31, 2023, 04:03:37 PM
Yes, every contract still has an NFL option window. There are many players that explore the window but only a small number get any sort of offer. It's nuts watching what happens and what doesn't.
Take the Bombers example. Schoen didn't get an offer but Ford does after only starting 1 game!!. Obviously Ford got cut but I never felt he was more than TCF in the NFL at the moment.
So there will be more players that explore options and few will jump at the chance regardless of odds.
A bit surprising but encouraging for the CFL nonetheless, I listened to an hour long podcast interview with Kelly before this season started and his full ambition was to return to the NFL asap, so maybe he's had a change of heart. Or maybe Flutie returning to the NFL at the age of 36 informs him there's always a chance for a return in a few years. As a starting QB he has to know using the NFL window to explore options within the next 3 years is a bit risky as it puts the Argos in a bind and jeopardizes his starting position if he becomes unavailable to attend TC.
https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-qb-chad-kelly-to-be-cfl-s-highest-paid-player-agent-says-1.2002128
1.865 million over three years. More than Collaros.
He'll make around $455K USD a season.
In March, Rourke will have a decision to make. Another training camp where maybe he'll be on an NFL PR for 2024 making $250K USD a season.
That's a lot of coin on a guy that has so little time in the league so far... but hey, Pinball bought AH33 without a physical...
Have to wonder how much guarantee they put in, and what part of that is bonus that are taxed different in the US...
Smart move for Kelly to sign a big contract before the Bombers make him look average next month
Quote from: theaardvark on August 31, 2023, 06:31:58 PM
That's a lot of coin on a guy that has so little time in the league so far... but hey, Pinball bought AH33 without a physical...
Have to wonder how much guarantee they put in, and what part of that is bonus that are taxed different in the US...
If memory serves, Pinball, Harris and Kelly won a Grey Cup last season and have a reasonable chance of repeating this year, not sure the Argos deserve your contempt.
Paying that much can limit the ability to retain other top players on the team. That isn't written in stone per se but paying any QB this much is a risk IMO.
Kelly could be playing in the Grey Cup come November and potentially winning again. I guess we'll see how this goes for him, the Argos and the CFL in general.
Very good QB to this point in time.
getting a quality qb in his prime for 3 years is a win for the argos. Just look what an aging qb like Bo Levi got and tell me Kelly isnt worth more. But it also sets a nice precedent for Rourke should he return.
The Toronto Argonauts have made quarterback Chad Kelly the highest-paid player in the CFL for the next three seasons.
The 29-year-old inked a three-year contract extension which was negotiated by Saskatoon-based, Canadian agent Chris Lambiris. Kelly?s agreement is worth $615,000 in 2024 and $625,000 in hard money for each of the last two years. There are no performance incentives in his pact.
https://3downnation.com/2023/08/31/toronto-argos-make-qb-chad-kelly-highest-paid-player-in-cfl-with-three-year-contract-worth-1-865-million/
He was only making $285,000 this year so this off-season the Argos are going to have to tighten their belts.
Quote from: bwiser on August 31, 2023, 06:47:22 PM
Smart move for Kelly to sign a big contract before the Bombers make him look average next month
Lol nicely played sir
Quote from: Jesse on August 31, 2023, 02:09:53 PM
He's a 29 year old playing in his first full season.
It is great for Toronto and the league to have some QB stability, but "future" is a strong word.
Nah he's the future
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 31, 2023, 08:20:47 PM
If memory serves, Pinball, Harris and Kelly won a Grey Cup last season and have a reasonable chance of repeating this year, not sure the Argos deserve your contempt.
The Argos have a free pass to the EDF basically. They've built a nice team, but were paying QB's not a lot. This changes the dynamic.
As to contempt, they are a rival who narrowly beat us when we were trying to threepeat. Am I not supposed to harbour contempt?
Quote from: theaardvark on September 01, 2023, 03:23:23 PM
The Argos have a free pass to the EDF basically. They've built a nice team, but were paying QB's not a lot. This changes the dynamic.
As to contempt, they are a rival who narrowly beat us when we were trying to threepeat. Am I not supposed to harbour contempt?
No kidding. This was a little like the Lions advantage in 2022 with Rourke on an ELC. Kelly's deal in 2024 will impact their SMS and the ability to maintain all their vets.
Quote from: bwiser on August 31, 2023, 06:47:22 PM
Smart move for Kelly to sign a big contract before the Bombers make him look average next month
We can hope....so far he hasn't faltered....had a few hiccups here and there but he looks solid and his QB rating is better than Zach's. He also has 6 rushing TDs and can hurt you with his legs.
That Argo game will be the acid test for sure. Hope we have Grant and Miller back as the Argos are top of the league as far as special teams are concerned. Leake has 4 return TDs albeit he botched one on the goal line against the Stamps giving them 6 points on the end zone fumble recovery.
List of the last Grey Cup Champions and there QBs
2022 - Toronto - Chad Kelly won them the game, so he's the QB
2021 - Winnipeg - Collaros
2019 - Winnipeg - Collaros
2018 - Calgary - Bo Levi
2017 - Toronto - Ricky Ray
2016 - Ottawa - Henry Burris
2015 - Edmonton - Mike Reilly
2014 - Calgary - Bo Levi
2013 - Saskatchewan - Darian Durant
2012 - Toronto - Ricky Ray
2011 - BC - Lulay (won MOP this year)
2010 - Montreal - Calvillo
2009 - Monreal - Calvillo
And so on
You may not win with an all-star quarterback, but you will likely need one to win. Durant is the weakest QB there and he was still pretty good. The weakest QB before that to win a grey cup was probably Kerry Joseph in 2007 (who won MOP) and prior to that was probably Marcus Crandell in 2001.
You need to pay to get a good quarterback.
Quote from: peg_city on September 01, 2023, 04:47:28 PM
List of the last Grey Cup Champions and there QBs
2022 - Toronto - Chad Kelly won them the game, so he's the QB
2021 - Winnipeg - Collaros
2019 - Winnipeg - Collaros
2018 - Calgary - Bo Levi
2017 - Toronto - Ricky Ray
2016 - Ottawa - Henry Burris
2015 - Edmonton - Mike Reilly
2014 - Calgary - Bo Levi
2013 - Saskatchewan - Darian Durant
2012 - Toronto - Ricky Ray
2011 - BC - Lulay (won MOP this year)
2010 - Montreal - Calvillo
2009 - Monreal - Calvillo
And so on
You may not win with an all-star quarterback, but you will likely need one to win. Durant is the weakest QB there and he was still pretty good. The weakest QB before that to win a grey cup was probably Kerry Joseph in 2007 (who won MOP) and prior to that was probably Marcus Crandell in 2001.
You need to pay to get a good quarterback.
Lol. I know what you did there. ;D
Quote from: peg_city on September 01, 2023, 04:47:28 PM
List of the last Grey Cup Champions and there QBs
2022 - Toronto - Chad Kelly won them the game, so he's the QB
2021 - Winnipeg - Collaros(won MOP)
2019 - Winnipeg - Collaros
2018 - Calgary - Bo Levi
2017 - Toronto - Ricky Ray
2016 - Ottawa - Henry Burris
2015 - Edmonton - Mike Reilly
2014 - Calgary - Bo Levi
2013 - Saskatchewan - Darian Durant
2012 - Toronto - Ricky Ray
2011 - BC - Lulay (won MOP this year)
2010 - Montreal - Calvillo
2009 - Monreal - Calvillo
And so on
You may not win with an all-star quarterback, but you will likely need one to win. Durant is the weakest QB there and he was still pretty good. The weakest QB before that to win a grey cup was probably Kerry Joseph in 2007 (who won MOP) and prior to that was probably Marcus Crandell in 2001.
You need to pay to get a good quarterback.
there fixed this for you
I'm not actually sold on if this Kelly guy is actually any good.
He only as 10 1/4 games experience. We know one thing as a fact, The CFL is forcing media and TSN to hype Kelly up like he's the greatest QB the CFL has ever seen (Toronto syndrome).
Yes he was the QB that led the Argos to a 4th quarter comeback win in the Grey Cup but really the entire Bomber coaching staff and players choked hard in that 4th quarter.
Yes he's been putting up above avg stats so far this year.
Look at the schedule the Argos have had, they have had all 3 of their byes in the first half of the season, played Hamilton 2 times, Edmonton once, almost lost to Calgary twice but split those games.
The 2nd half of the season with no byes until playoffs will have the Argos playing Ham 2 more times, Edmonton once, Ottawa twice and Montreal twice, SSK and Us. The games against Ham and Edm are basically just stat padding games.
This is a great contract but it should be for someone that's actually earned it. Think this was poorly timed by the Argos organization maybe they should have waited till the end of the season.
To me Kelly has shown hes the real deal in terms of the tools he brings, the question is as teams get more film will they be able to find more/better ways to defend him. I am surprised they had to go that high in salary as if hes already won the mop award. It will be interesting going forward how it impacts their team salary cap wise
Quote from: peg_city on August 31, 2023, 06:22:27 PM
1.865 million over three years. More than Collaros.
Holy smokes!!
Quote from: theaardvark on August 31, 2023, 06:31:58 PM
That's a lot of coin on a guy that has so little time in the league so far... but hey, Pinball bought AH33 without a physical...
Quote from: KINGCHARLES on September 01, 2023, 11:30:00 PM
I'm not actually sold on if this Kelly guy is actually any good.
He only as 10 1/4 games experience.
Ya, I agree giving Kelly huge $$ is a little premature. He looks pretty good so far, but is that worth becoming the highest paid QB on essentially your first CFL year?
It looks to me like TOR is taking a huge gamble. I bet they know it's a gamble. But with the QB situation in the CFL, and Kelly looking pretty good so far, it looks like a reasonable gamble to take.
If they're right and he is the next Zach, then it was a smart move to secure a winning QB. If they didn't make the big move and lost Kelly (to NFL or another team) then they are basically screwed with no QB. If they are wrong, at worst they have a good to mediocre QB. I'm pretty certain Kelly won't turn out to be a complete bust. I'd say at worst he turns into Cody.
Let's all remember that many QBs have looked like the second coming of Flutie in year 1 and then gone on to be complete busts: Jennings, Franklin, and then ones who took a bit longer to go downhill: Cody, Dane.
There's nothing wrong with starting any of that caliber of QB, as they can win you games: no, the quizzical thing is why would you make them the highest paid in the league.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 31, 2023, 08:20:47 PM
If memory serves, Pinball, Harris and Kelly won a Grey Cup last season and have a reasonable chance of repeating this year, not sure the Argos deserve your contempt.
I don't have contempt, and I don't think many do. What I'd say I/we do have is trepidation.
Kelly "won the GC" by playing, what, 5 snaps? I wouldn't read much into that, other than he's young with more fire than fear. That's a good thing for TOR, and Kelly, for sure.
What
I do have contempt for is TOR sneaking into the GC so often over 100 years and winning even when their team wasn't very good during the season. This is the TOR M.O., and it's very frustrating. They just have the magic lucky GC horseshoe. At least this year they arguably are a great team and will have earned it. Hmm, maybe with their fortunes reversed it causes reversed results? Sure hope so, as it'll be us vs them in the hammer come Nov. At least the HAM fans will all be cheering for us!!