CFL (Non-Bombers) off-season news

[BBRT]

Not only would Toronto need a stadium but the NFL also doesnt allow corporations to own franchises.

I cant see Toronto getting an NFL franchise within the next 15-20 years.

Alot needs to happen in the meantime. The Argos playing in Toronto is a minor concern compared to the other issues.

I did my research on this a number of years ago and there are significant cost impacts to anyone trying to land an NFL franchise in Toronto. I would have to research my findings (buried someone in a file cabinet) but here is what I remember.

First of all everything dollar wise must be in USD (at about 135-440% conversion rate today).

- The current stadium does not qualify in terms of seating numbers - new stadium would need to be built.
- Transfer fees or new franchise fees that would have to be paid will run into multi millions.
- The NFL requires new teams or a change in franchise to put into escrow 7 years (maybe 10 years) operating budget to ensure that the franchise lasts that long. This is a big ticket item.

So getting an NFL team in the Big Smoke just is not going to happen IMHO!

[Blue In BC]

Al's sign Tyson Philpot - Highest paid CDN receiver.

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/montreal-alouettes-make-tyson-philpot-highest-paid-canadian-receiver-in-cfl/

That's a lot of money.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Al's sign Tyson Philpot - Highest paid CDN receiver.

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/montreal-alouettes-make-tyson-philpot-highest-paid-canadian-receiver-in-cfl/

Wowsers, $275,000 with a $100k signing bonus, that upsets the apple cart as most GM's were working to keep elite receiver pay around $225k. Hopefully this doesn't increase Demski's price beyond the $225k he currently earns, the team has been paying him a premium for many years and he' isn't getting any younger.

[Blue In BC]

Wowsers, $275,000 with a $100k signing bonus, that upsets the apple cart as most GM's were working to keep elite receiver pay around $225k. Hopefully this doesn't increase Demski's price beyond the $225k he currently earns, the team has been paying him a premium for many years and he' isn't getting any younger.

Looks like the Als used some of the 2025 SMS increase left with $100K singing bonus.  I don't know what Philpot earned in 2025 but in that sense it may be a similar SMS hit for 2026. 

He extended a year in 2025 from his original ELC. Just guessing but maybe he was at $175K for his 4th year? Either way, he's a top receiver regardless of nationality.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Looks like the Als used some of the 2025 SMS increase left with $100K singing bonus.  I don't know what Philpot earned in 2025 but in that sense it may be a similar SMS hit for 2026. 

He extended a year in 2025 from his original ELC. Just guessing but maybe he was at $175K for his 4th year? Either way, he's a top receiver regardless of nationality.

It's a bit of a risk, Philpot has missed significant time due to injury, participating in only 34 of 54 games over the last 3 seasons.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Huff defects to the Argos.

John Hufnagel to join Toronto Argonauts in senior advisory role[/url]

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/john-hufnagel-to-join-toronto-argonauts-in-senior-advisory-role/

[markf]

Huff defects to the Argos.

John Hufnagel to join Toronto Argonauts in senior advisory role[/url]

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/john-hufnagel-to-join-toronto-argonauts-in-senior-advisory-role/

That is a big surprise.

Dave Dickensen can take ALL the credit, and blame now.

[The Zipp]

Huff defects to the Argos.

John Hufnagel to join Toronto Argonauts in senior advisory role[/url]

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/john-hufnagel-to-join-toronto-argonauts-in-senior-advisory-role/

wow.  never thought i would see that - thought he was a Stamp lifer. 

[dd]

wow.  never thought i would see that - thought he was a Stamp lifer. 

Indeed that is surprising, shocking acutallym=, but  i guess, he's done everything he can in Calgary, still,  I thought Huffer bled red, nope, now its blue!!

[GOLDMEMBER]

Huff defects to the Argos.

John Hufnagel to join Toronto Argonauts in senior advisory role[/url]

https://3downnation.com/2025/12/02/john-hufnagel-to-join-toronto-argonauts-in-senior-advisory-role/

Just a strange move. Whatever huffer is kinda of now.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Indeed that is surprising, shocking acutallym=, but  i guess, he's done everything he can in Calgary, still,  I thought Huffer bled red, nope, now its blue!!

As HC and GM he did well but as President of the Stamps for over 10 years did he really succeed?  Compared to what Wade did in Wpg off the field, the answer is no. Jay McNeil took over as president and introduced the Stampede Bowl in his first year to try and raise their profile and improve attendance.

[bunker]

Wowsers, $275,000 with a $100k signing bonus, that upsets the apple cart as most GM's were working to keep elite receiver pay around $225k. Hopefully this doesn't increase Demski's price beyond the $225k he currently earns, the team has been paying him a premium for many years and he' isn't getting any younger.

I wonder if this is what Brady now sees as his comparable? Not sure I would want to pay him that much. But I am also tired of losing a few of our best players every year because we refuse to pay high salaries.

[Jesse]

The cap for 2026 is likely going to be at least 800k larger than in 2025.

The 400k bump that wasn't used prior to free agency and likely another bump (hopefully announced earlier than last year).

The salaries we are used to seeing are going to increase.

[Tecno]

This was not unexpected , he is the top NAT receiver, so pay him accordingly. Good for him

Philpot can do Kenny-like catches (see ESF), and he's semi-versatile.  He's like a Demski, but with circus, and much younger.  If Demski was 8 years younger he'd probably be getting closer to that kind of money, too.

Personally, I like them both.  It would be hard to choose between them.  But if Demski remains closer to $200 than $300, I'm taking Demski.

[Tecno]

Huff defects to the Argos.

John Hufnagel to join Toronto Argonauts in senior advisory role[/url]

Put me down in the "pigs must be flying" camp, too.  This is insane.  The only thing I can think of is he was kind of ousted by the owners.  Maybe they got tired of losing and empty stands?

Or maybe the idea was he'd retire (he's getting quite old and haggard) and the old codger is doing the "I'm not dead yet!" routine.

My only question is: where are teams getting all the coaches cap space to hire all of these "advisors"?  Same question to WFC with Hall/Jarius.  I smell funny business.  Huff goes from massive pay day head honcho in CGY to be lowly "advisor" in TOR at $100k (or whatever)?  Explain how that makes sense.

Maybe "advisors" are outside the cap?  That would make a lot of sense...