CFL NOTEBOOK: JUMPING SHIP

It’s shaping up to be a difficult off-season for the Toronto Argonauts.

On Tuesday, Argos running back A.J. Ouellette, special-teams dynamo Javon Leake, cornerback Jamal Peters and defensive lineman Brandon Barlow all agreed in principle to contracts with other CFL teams. This sets up a scenario where all four will be free to sign their respective deals when CFL free agency opens at noon ET next Tuesday.

According to CFL sources, Ouellette has reached an agreement with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Leake’s contract is with the Edmonton Elks while both Peters and Barlow have deals with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The sources all spoke on the condition of anonymity as free-agent contracts can’t be signed until after the free-agent period begins.

On Monday, Toronto agreed to release veteran linebacker Adarius Pickett after he agreed in principle to a one-year deal worth $170,000 with Ottawa. The Redblacks formally announced Tuesday the signing of Pickett, the East Division’s top defensive player last year.

All four players helped Toronto (16-2) post the CFL’s top regular-season record last season. The 16 wins were an Argos club record and tied the single-season league mark for victories.

On Tuesday, the Bombers signed Winnipeg-born running back Brady Oliveira to a two-year contract extension and agree to terms on one-year deal with receiver Dalton Schoen. Oliveira was the CFL’s top Canadian last season after rushing for a league-high 1,534 yards while Schoen, the league’s top rookie in 2022, has registered 141 catches for 2,663 yards and 26 TDs over his two CFL seasons in Winnipeg.

Financial details of both agreements weren’t divulged. TSN reports Oliveira will earn $230,000 this season and $240,000 in 2025 while Schoen will reportedly receive $230,000 this year

Both players were eligible to become free agents next Tuesday.

But Winnipeg cornerback Demerio Houston, who led the CFL in interceptions (seven) and defensive takeaways (10) last season, agreed in principle to a two-year contract with Calgary. According to an anonymous league source, Houston’s deal is worth over $275,000 in hard money, making him one of the league’s highest-paid defensive backs.

Defensive back Jalon Edwards-Cooper agreed in principle on a one-year deal with Saskatchewan. According to a source, the contract is worth $128,000 in hard money, which would make Edwards-Cooper one of the league’s top-paid defensive backs.

B.C. did sign veteran running back William Stanback to a one-year contract Tuesday. The 29-year-old American had spent the last five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes before being released last week.

The CFL’s negotiation window opened Sunday, allowing teams to speak with all pending free agents until next Sunday. Players can agree to 2024 deals but they can’t be made official until free agency begins at noon ET on Feb. 13.

TORONTO – It didn’t take Boris Bede long to find a new CFL home.

The veteran kicker signed a two-year contract with the Edmonton Elks on Tuesday. The move comes a day after Bede was released by the Toronto Argonauts after three seasons with the East Division team.

Toronto also signed veteran Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu on Monday.

(Canadian Press)