February 10, 2010

Argos, Eskimos make a deal

CFL.ca Staff

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The Toronto Argonauts Football Club has acquired import DT Eric Taylor and a conditional 2011 draft pick from the Edmonton Eskimos in exchange for veteran WR Andre Talbot and WR Brad Smith.

Coming to Toronto is two-year CFL veteran Eric Taylor. His career numbers include: 19 games played, 45 defensive tackles, 3 quarterback sacks, 4 pass knock downs and a fumble return. The 29-year old from Winchester, Tennessee played college football for the Memphis Tigers and was a seventh round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004.

Adam Rita, General Manager/VP, Football Operations, remarked, “With the departure of Walter Curry to the Jacksonville Jaquars, we felt it was important for us to acquire someone with CFL experience at defensive tackle.  Eric Taylor brings size and quickness to the anchor spot and we look forward to seeing him compete at training camp.”

Commented Argos’ new defensive tackle, Eric Taylor, “I’m really excited to come to Toronto. There’s a great tradition of football in the city and I’ve heard good things about new head coach Jim Barker. I look forward to being part of the team and helping to get the Argonauts back into the playoffs.”

Talbot, a Toronto native who attended Paul Dwyer high school in Oshawa, played nine seasons and 113 regular season games for the Argonauts. He caught 261 passes for 3,402 yards and 17 touchdowns and was part of the team’s 2004 Grey Cup championship squad. The Argos originally drafted Talbot in the fifth round, 34th overall, of the 2001 CFL Canadian Draft.

Talbot says, “I’m really looking forward to the change.  Edmonton has a reputation as a very well run organization with a winning tradition, and I’m excited to be part of it”.

Smith was originally drafted by the Argonauts in the sixth round, 45th overall, of the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft. He dressed in 16 games, with six starts, over parts of three seasons with Toronto. Smith enjoyed his best season statistically as a pro in 2009 catching 14 passes for 142 yards.

“This is a fresh start,” says Smith.  “I’ve worked hard to earn a starting spot in the CFL and am eager to continue that development with the Eskimos”.  

The Toronto Argonauts also announced today that import CB Jordan Younger has been released.