ARGOS BUSY ON FREE AGENCY DAY 1
Toronto – The Toronto Argonauts announced today that the team has signed Canadian offensive lineman Corey Watman through the 2017 CFL season.
Commented from Argonauts General Manager, Jim Barker: “Corey is a local Toronto player from Newmarket’s Huron Heights Secondary School that played multiple positions in Saskatchewan. He’s a young centre who we expect to come in and compete right away, and become a mainstay on our offensive line.”
Watman, a 6-2, 294-pound native of Queensville, ON, previously spent three seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who selected him fourth overall in the 2013 CFL Draft. In three seasons with the Riders, he played 49 regular season games, starting in six of those games.
Commented Corey Watman: “The Toronto Argonauts are a first-class organization and I am excited to play for a team that I grew up watching. 2016 is a big year for the Argonauts and I’m looking forward to being a part of the club’s historic year.”
The Eastern Michigan alum played 46 games, starting in 30, over four seasons with the Eagles.
Commented from Argonauts General Manager, Jim Barker: “Two years ago Lirim was the West Division nominee for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award and is a player who has proven that he can handle all three jobs. As a Canadian, he is a player that provides ratio flexibility. Last year was hopefully a great learning experience for him and we expect him to come back this year in the form he showed as a rookie.”
Hajrullahu, a 5-11, 205-pound native of St. Catherines, Ontario arrives in Toronto after spending the last two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 35 games, the 2014 West Division Most Outstanding Special Teams Player hit 62-of-78 field goals (79.5%, LG 53) and punted 237 times for 10,507 yards, an average of 44.3 yards per punt.
Commented Hajrullahu, “I’m excited for the opportunity to play for the Toronto Argonauts and play closer to home in front of my friends and family. I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity and will be working extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming season. I can’t wait to begin our journey towards the 104th Grey Cup at BMO Field.”
In five seasons at Western University, he set school records career points (402) and career field goals (72). The 2013 OUA All-Star and second-team All-Canadian hit 29-of-34 field goals with a long of 47 yards in his final season with the Mustangs.
Commented Argonauts head coach, Scott Milanovich: “Josh Bourke is a fierce competitor with a championship pedigree. On the field, he is one of the most talented and consistent offensive lineman to play in our league. He has tremendous character and epitomizes the type of teammate and person that we value.”
Bourke, a 6-7, 315-pound native of Windsor, ON, arrives in Toronto in 2016 for his 10th CFL season. In his career, he has played in 134 regular season games, starting 132 with the Montreal Alouettes.
The Alouettes 2004 CFL Draft pick is an eight-time East Division All-Star and two-time CFL All-Star. He was also named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2011 and 2012, and the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman in 2011.
Commented Josh Bourke: “I’d like to say thank you to the Toronto Argonauts organization for bringing me onboard for this historic 2016 campaign. It’s a big day for my family and I. I look forward to my new beginning in Toronto.”
Prior to officially signing with the Alouettes in 2007, the two-time Grey Cup Champion spent two seasons with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers after a productive career at Grand Valley State.
Stop! Stop! Stop the presses Mr Pedersen. My head is spinning with mucho CFL activity. No mas, please.
Today's Sports Cage was awesome! Look forward to tomorrow's show. Wonderful to talk Riders and CFL in the depths of a warm winter.
How in hell is it possible to sign 3 or 4 players (argos bombers) in about 7 hours? Why not start free agency as soon as season is over? Stop the bulls**t.
Impressed with the Argos signings/ deletions. They must think Ray has some career left, and let Harris walk. Bourke, Watman beef up an already solid O-line. Expect some late season noise from the Boatman this year.