What will Keon Raymond bring to the Argonauts?

The Toronto Argonauts have been active in free agency so far, bringing in big-name guys like LT Josh Bourke and DT Brian Bulcke, and their latest signing continues that trend; former Calgary linebacker/defensive back Keon Raymond. Raymond's been known for plenty of big plays over his eight seasons with the Stampeders, and the Argos will certainly be hoping that he can continue that trend in Toronto.

There's a lot to like about this move, as Raymond has been one of the best and most versatile defensive players in this league for a while. He also should be a perfect fit for the defensive system the Argonauts want to run, as Toronto's new defensive coordinator is Rich Stubler, who held that role with the Stampeders in 2014 and 2015. Raymond has been playing at a high level recently, too; he's been a frequent selection in our weekly Three Stars, and he finished the 2015 regular season with four interceptions, two sacks and 41 tackles, plus added a crucial pick-six in Calgary's West semifinal win over the B.C. Lions.

It's interesting to see Raymond move on, as his entire CFL career to date came with the Stampeders. He played in college at Middle Tennessee State, then had a brief stint with the NFL's Tennessee Titans in 2006 before spending time with the Nashville Katz and New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League. Raymond came north of the border with Calgary in 2008, John Hufnagel's first season as head coach and general manager, and soon became a vital part of the Stampeders' defence. He won Grey Cups with Calgary in 2008 and 2014, and became Calgary's all-time leader in defensive touchdowns at the start of last season. He's far from the first long-time figure to switch teams this offseason (others include Weston Dressler, John Chick and Chad Owens), but he's another notable one, and one it will be hard to get used to seeing in the Argos' double blue. For his part, Raymond penned an emotional goodbye to Stampeders' fans, saying "Calgary will always be home":

The question is how long Raymond will be able to keep up this kind of performance in his new colours. He is 33, and some defenders have had their level of play fall off pretty substantially around that age. Others have been able to stave off the effects of age for some time, though, and if Raymond can join that latter camp, this might turn out to be a great signing. If he still has the ability to make the big plays we've often seen from him, he may become a fan favourite in Toronto the way he was in Calgary.