Argos Trade Away Jalen Collins And Martez Ivey

The Toronto Argonauts have traded DB Jalen Collins and OT Martez Ivey to the Edmonton Elks for a 6th-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft.

Trading away Jalen Collins is a clear sign that the Argos’ new defensive staff is turning the page on last year’s top contributors in their secondary. In recent times, Toronto has parted ways with Treston Decoud, Crezdon Butler, and Jeff Richards. Three players who played significant snaps a season ago.

As is often the case whenever there is turnover on a coaching staff. Holdover players like Jalen Collins have a hard time proving themselves all over again to new coaches. A year ago, the former NFL player and second-round pick out of LSU was one of the best late-season pickups in all of the CFL. The 6’1 29-year-old veteran Collins joined the Boatmen and became an instant starter in late October. He played in five games and had 12 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Collins was often matched up against the opposing team’s top pass-catchers and passed the test with flying colours.

When Collins arrived in the Six in 2021, he did so as a CFL rookie, playing without a position coach. Toronto used a committee approach after Joshua Bell, who has since returned to Toronto, was away from the team due to a personal choice. Collins never worked with Bell or new secondary coach Will Fields. But he did work with Chris Jones. So it’s no surprise that the former DC of the Boatmen would bring him over to Edmonton to patrol their boundary corner spot.

As for Toronto, new defensive coordinator Corey Mace and Joshua Bell have reunited with a couple of defensive backs in their secondary from Calgary. In Royce Metchie and Dashaun Amos, both players figure to be key components of the Argos’ defensive backfield.

The trade of Jalen Collins also opens the door for players like Tarvarus McFadden and Robert Priester. Two players who were coached by William Fields in the XFL. Jamal Peters, another quality player from 2021, figures to be a starter on the boundary. But nothing can be assumed at this point, based on the Argos’ recent decisions. Matt Boateng could also factor into the team’s plans on defence.

This is a questionable move by Toronto. The Argos gave Collins away for practically nothing. You have to wonder if there was some sort of disconnect between Collins and his new coaches. Obviously, they feel comfortable moving on without him.

As for Martez Ivey, the 26-year-old former Florida player was regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com; Ivey was ranked as the No. 1 offensive tackle prospect in his class. But injuries derailed his collegiate career, and it’s been an uphill climb for him ever since. Ivey has spent time in the NFL and XFL. Last year, he showed promise down the stretch, starting games at right tackle.

However, the writing was on the wall for Ivey in making Toronto’s roster. After Saturday’s cuts, the team was carrying over a dozen players on the offensive line. As of this moment, Trevon Tate figures to be the team’s #3 Offensive Tackle. But with two players like Collins and Ivey traded off of the roster and the questionable status of Peter Nicastro to start the year. There could be more roster movement in the coming days. After all, the Toronto Argonauts’ regular season doesn’t commence until Week 2, Thursday Night, June 16th, at BMO Field against the Montreal Alouettes.