Argos' O'Shea waits patiently for new deal

As the CFL free-agent season nears, a relaxed Mike O'Shea goes about his business, confident he will remain a Toronto Argonaut.

The 37-year-old middle linebacker and team management have an understanding that O'Shea wants to play a 16th season.

"I haven't seen anything from [the Argos] but I've been told there will be a contract there at some point," O'Shea told CBCSports.ca reporter Doug Harrison. "We've talked and they've said they want me back."

O'Shea is one of the more notable CFLers who could become a free agent come Feb. 16.

Asked if he would consider looking elsewhere should the Argos have a change of heart, the father of three believes it would be a pointless exercise.

"I don't believe there is any other [CFL] team with a pressing need at middle linebacker or with the desire to sign me," said O'Shea, who has spent 11 of his 15 CFL seasons in Toronto.

The six-foot-two, 225-pounder added he's "feeling pretty good," and is in the midst of a six-week session of balancing his body and correcting any deficiencies so he can soon begin pure strength-building exercises.

"I've added a few different things in my workout that has allowed my body to respond better than last year," O'Shea said.

He has started isometric exercise, a type of strength training involving a series of static contractions that stimulate the development of lean muscle tissue. For O'Shea, it helps his muscles fire in the correct sequences.

Gaining an edge

Throughout his CFL career, the North Bay, Ont., native has prided himself on finding new ways to gain an edge on the competition.

O'Shea finished the 2007 season eighth in the CFL in defensive tackles with 74, his highest total since 2004 when he had 89. He added four special teams tackles and four quarterback sacks.

"I don't think the decision [to retire] is ever going to come from me," the three-time Grey Cup champion told CBCSports.ca in December. "Whatever it is that hits people that [tells them] it's time hasn't hit me yet."

Instead, O'Shea is determined to make Argos fans forget about the team's stunning 19-9 loss to Winnipeg in last year's East Division final.

Still fresh in his mind is Keith Stokes's 81-yard punt return for a touchdown early in the third quarter that gave the Blue Bombers a 19-1 lead.

"It was one of those games," O'Shea sighed. "Stuff happens … and the next thing you know, you're looking back on it and it's very hard to figure out why you lost.

"Losing is terrible and we should have won the Grey Cup. I'm fully expecting to win the Grey Cup this year."