‘People can say what they want to say’ about the Argos salary cap situation: VP John Murphy

There are many armchair capologists adding up imaginary numbers and deeming the Toronto Argonauts to be over the CFL salary cap already in 2021.

The Argos have signed quarterback Nick Arbuckle, receiver Eric Rogers, defensive lineman Charleston Hughes and ratio-breaking linebacker Cameron Judge along with other recognizable CFL and former NFL players. However, all the transactions doesn’t automatically put the boatman over the cap.

“People can say what they want to say, but we’re in the bottom three in guaranteed money spent, we’re in the top two or three if not No. 1 in terms of long-term contracts signed.” vice president of player personnel, John Murphy told Postmedia reporter Dan Barnes.

“And it’s really a credit to those players and their agents and everyone involved in the organization that they had the willingness to strategize to come up with some contracts that made sense for both sides.”

The league office has advised teams to spend only to the salary cap floor this year due to the financial ramifications of COVID-19. Although, there have been questions about the enforcement and effectiveness of that gentlemen’s agreement.

Even though the Argos went over the allotted salary cap amount in 2019 under then-general manager Jim Popp, it’s a new regime under current GM Michael “Pinball” Clemons. The legendary Argo insists the double blue have not spent more than is allowed.