The Toronto Argonauts made several key moves on the opening day of CFL Free Agency yesterday, shoring up Canadian talent on the offensive line and bringing in former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker, Lirim Hajrullahu.
OL Josh Bourke:
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.
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.
“Josh Bourke is a fierce competitor with a championship pedigree,” said head coach Scott Milanovich. “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.”
OL Corey Watman:
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.
Watman, who grew up watching the Argos, isn’t shying away from trading in his Rider Green for Double Blue.
“The Toronto Argonauts are a first-class organization and I am excited to play for a team that I grew up watching,” he said.
“2016 is a big year for the Argonauts and I’m looking forward to being apart of the club’s historic year.”
AAAAARRRRGGGGOOOOSSSS!!!!!!!! Haven’t chanted that since I was a kid!! Time to bring the #GC104 to the #6ix #Argos #CFLFA #CFL
— Corey Watman (@69_watman) February 10, 2016
LB Cory Greenwood: The Argonauts re-signed linebacker Cory Greenwood through 2017 Tuesday. Greenwood returns to the Argos for his third season. In 10 regular season games, eight of which he started, he registered 36 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles and one sack. In 2015, he notched 5+ tackles in five games, including a nine tackle effort to lead the team in the Argonauts Eastern Semi-Final loss to Hamilton.
“He’s not only productive on defence but also on special teams,” said GM Jim Barker of Greenwood.
Kicker Lirim Hajrullahu: The Argonauts also acquired former Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. 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.
“He is player who has proven that he can handle all three jobs. As a Canadian, he is a player that provides ratio flexibility.” – GM Jim Barker on K Hajrullahu
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.
I’m extremely grateful to be joining the @TorontoArgos organization and I can’t wait to get on the field at BMO — Lirim Hajrullahu (@Lirim_70) February 9, 2016