Jamal Peters’ departure creates ‘big hole’ in Argos secondary

The Toronto Argos are in roster repair mode this week at the CFL winter meetings in Kananaskis, Alta.

The Argos have a hole at cornerback after Jamal Peters, who led the CFL with six interceptions last season, signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, the opening day for CFL players to sign futures contracts with NFL clubs. And Toronto coach Ryan Dinwiddie said the team is waiting to hear from standout Canadian receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr., who reportedly had a strong workout before the New England Patriots’ coaching staff.

The Grey Cup champions were already dealing with uncertainty at a number of key positions, with quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, running back Andrew Harris and linebacker Henoc Muamba among their potential free agents.

“We know (the Peters departure is) a big hole,” Dinwiddie said. “We were looking at the free-agent list today, guys we can bring in. Or do keep with the guys on our roster we trust? But I’m happy for Jamal, I hope he sticks down there and I told him I don’t want to coach you again, I want him to have all the success in the world down there.”

Dinwiddie said one option for the Argos at cornerback could be Robinson Daniel, whose injuries the past two seasons opened the door for Peters to take the position.

Bethel-Thompson, 34, and Harris, 35, are still deciding their futures.

“I gave (Bethel-Thompson) his space through the holidays to figure this thing out,” Dinwiddie said, adding the team is comfortable with Chad Kelly entering training camp as the leading candidate for the No. 1 quarterback spot.

“The nice thing is we have into February to figure it out. Chad’s under contract so if McLeod were to retire, we got a guy we feel good about and we can win with as well.

“I don’t want to disrespect Mac (and) have him think we don’t want him back. We understand his circumstances and we’re allowing him to evaluate that, and we’ll talk at the right time.”

The Argos will likely sign a veteran quarterback, in part to create a healthy competition for Kelly. Former Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, whose rights were acquired by Hamilton last November, remains linked to the Argos. Mitchell led the Stampeders to three Grey Cups and was the CFL’s outstanding player year twice during a four-year span when Dinwiddie was Calgary’s quarterbacks coach.

And the Argos might not be done with Brandon Banks, despite announcing they had parted ways with the fleet-footed receiver last week, Dinwiddie said could return to the Argos if the two sides can work out a new contract. The team wants to get cheaper at his position

Dinwiddie has also had discussions with Muamba, the Grey Cup MVP, and expects the popular linebacker back with the Argos for 2023.

“Henoc is still in discussions, and I feel he is coming back, (but) he’s just been enjoying the last month with the Grey Cup,” the coach said, adding with a laugh, “Every time you want the Grey Cup, you have to call Henoc to get it from him, because he’s got it every day.”

Dinwiddie celebrated with the Grey Cup in grand fashion, taking the coaching staff, their families and the trophy to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a celebration at a local winery before a group photo at the Falls.

With one year remaining on his contract, Dinwiddie and his agent this week presented the Argos with a proposal for an extension. “I want to be in Toronto for a long time,” he said.

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