By: David Alter
Today the Argos confirmed what we thought was going to happen for the last couple of weeks extending LB Mike O’Shea for this season and an option for next. When the press release went out around 10:45am this morning, there was a statement from GM and VP of Football Operations Adam Rita saying the following:
“Finally! The negotiation took almost as long as his (O’Shea’s) tenure with the Argos”
O’Shea only thought for a short moment that his career could be done, but he says he got over it pretty quickly. “When you let emotion get involved, there might have been one day where I was like oh my, that might have been my last season” says O’Shea. “But that turned around quickly, I went and worked out and felt great and said it’s not for sure.” Of course referring to if his body can stand up to test of another vigorous offseason workout, O’Shea is back and he’s back as the teams’ defensive captain.
While Rita jokes about how long it took get him signed of course he pointed to many factors, one of which being the league’s Salary Management System. “We have a new situation as far as money is concerned” says Rita. “In Coach Stubler’s mind, there was no doubt we wanted him back.
The Argos led in team defensive stats in a majority of the categories last year, so keeping O’Shea around makes sense. Of course there will be a close watch as newer linebackers try to compete for the spot. While O’Shea is under contract, as all players know, it’s not guaranteed.
