Rebuilding their torched headquarters is high on the Toronto Argonauts’ off-season to-do list.
But a far more pressing need is reconstructing a receiving corps that can match the talents of new quarterback Ricky Ray.
“We’re working on it on a daily basis,” Argos general manager Jim Barker said Tuesday from Tucson, Ariz., where he was preparing to check out 2011 top draft pick Tyler Holmes in the college all-star game. “We’re aiming to get better at every position and receiving certainly is one of our top priorities.
“We’re looking at some young guys. But we think we have some guys in our organization who have a good shot at being outstanding receivers.”
The young guys include Laval’s Julian Feoli-Gudino, a 2011 draft pick, and import Andrew Strickland, who played two games with the Atlanta Falcons two years ago. Both were signed on Wednesday.
While the addition of Ray instantly makes the Argos’ league-worst passing attack better, the team isn’t likely to improve dramatically on its 6-12 record without an upgrade in receivers.
“The entire feel of what the Argos could be has changed with Ricky Ray,” said TSN analyst Glen Suitor. “If they can get one or two solid receivers and with Cory Boyd back there, the Argos could do a lot of damage next season.
“But they won’t do it without better receivers.”
The Argo receiving corps was dreadful in 2011, finishing last in every category. They lacked breakaway speed, consistency and play-making ability.
In a league that’s trending toward big receivers, the Argos were a little on the small side last year.
“We have to find people who can make big plays,” Barker said. “We’re looking for quality receivers. If they’re 5-10 and can do it, good. But it helps if they’re 6-4 and 6-5.”
There are a couple of candidates in the upcoming draft — 6-foot-4 Simon Charbonneau-Campeau of Sherbrooke and 6-3 Shamawd Chambers of Wilfrid Laurier — but the Argos don’t have a pick until the second round (ninth overall), so improvement will have to come through imports.
To that end, the team has boosted its off-season search for talent. Starting on Sunday, the Argos will conduct nine free-agent camps across the U.S. with more to be added.
One reason for the increased focus on new players is that by taking on Ray’s $400,000 salary, the Argos can’t afford many more big contracts. That could mean the writing is on the wall for veteran slotback Jeremaine Copeland, who’s coming off his most disappointing year as a pro.
It also likely means the Argos won’t be going after free agents such as non-import Andy Fantuz of Saskatchewan and Greg Carr of Winnipeg.
Fantuz, who tried out unsuccessfully with the Chicago Bears last year, is already trying to land another invitation to an NFL camp. He worked out for the Jacksonville Jaguars recently and reportedly has not responded to offers from the Roughriders.
Even if the Argos could find ways of signing either of those two, it’s not likely to happen.
“I don’t believe in building a team through free agency,” Barker said.
NOTES: Expect special teams coach Mike O’Shea to return to the Argos after interviewing for head coaching jobs in Hamilton and Saskatchewan and a special teams spot in Montreal. He’ll likely take on added duties with the Double Blue this season.