Decision day coming for Argos on Drew Willy

With a big bonus due Jan. 15, the Argonauts have a decision to make on quarterback Drew Willy.

It’s been widely – and erroneously – reported that the 30-year-old QB has a $100,000 payment that would’ve come his way Jan. 1, based on his current contract. But the real date is 14 days after that.

If the Argos commit that amount of cap space to the 30-year-old QB in one lump payment it’s likely Willy will be on the Double Blue roster for the entire 2017 campaign and, based on the financials, have the edge in terms of being the starter to open the season. However, general manager Jim Barker could speak with the Willy camp and find out if a restructured contract can be agreed upon.

Conversely, Willy could simply wait to see if the payment goes through on Jan. 15. If the Argos come asking for a reworked deal, his people could point to the assets Toronto gave up in the trade to get him (2017 No. 1 overall pick, 2016 CFL all-star defensive back T.J. Heath and a 2018 third-round selection). It’s unlikely the Argonauts want to release him with nothing to show for the deal, other than four games played.

What’s most likely to happen with the bonus approaching? Willy’s contract gets redone. The Argos feel the five-year CFL veteran can be a legitimate starting pivot. On Willy’s side, it might be the best possible situation for him to be a starter. That means it’s beneficial for both sides to work together and come to an agreement on a fair contract going forward.