Some of you believe that James Franklin should've seen the field more than he did the last 2 seasons and I don't completely disagree with you there. The point I've been trying to make is that he was used in a way that a lot of backup QB's have been over the years and that being the professional that he is, he doesn't feel like he was mistreated or that his development was stunted. Do you think he'd be attracting the NFL & CFL interest that he is if that was the case? If I was his agent I'd be selling the facts which are that he's learned a lot about being a pro and that he has withstood very little in the way of wear & tear on his body. And that's on top of the athleticism and strong mindset he arrived here with in the first place.
Because of my wording I think you took what I meant differently than what I intended to state. No I don't think Franklin would have a narrative of feeling mistreated, he's not at all that type. He's clearly a glass full person all day. I mean here he is talking about the fun and importance of sending plays into the receivers. Not everybody is like that. He's a QB that fully knows his skill level, he knows he could have accomplished a lot here, and he's a competitor, and wants to be playing. Of course his situation here wasn't as good as it could have been. But he won't say that.
I don't know how you think that the Eskimos use of Franklin helped him get NFL auditions. I actually think how much reps he got will hinder how far he goes or what kind of consideration he gets. For sure he doesn't have a Ricky Ray type shot in the NFL. In NFL depth charts depending what you've shown you can have different qualifications in camp. If you're a Flutie obviously you are go to in NFL camp. The org has a huge eye on you. If you're a QB from the CFL that has barely got on the field the past 3 seasons there are HUGE question marks, then the player suddenly becomes the long ago college prospect that hadn't made any noise since college. Your audition in TC is more of a bit part. You're essentially in that position a little better than a walk on. You're not a high prospect anymore even if you were. Football world is all about what have you done the last couple years.
In short if Franklin does anything other than be amazing everytime he touches the ball in NFL camp he won't get a sniff, won't get a game rep, and he'll be right back in the CFL. I would bet on it.
You gave the Esks the out that this wasn't really a trade, that Franklin is gone to NFL and Argos only get negotiating rights as if to suggest that's all the Argos have. The reality is the Argos have Franklin, as a player, if he's wanting to continue to play football, because it won't likely be in the NFL. The Argos got a ringer QB, and they are set at the position because of this deal for the next half dozen years. That's how I see it.