Argos’ Judge not blue about Roughriders’ decision

A former Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker won’t judge the CFL team for its decision to let him leave in free agency.

“I knew the chance I was taking and I knew the possible outcome,” Cameron Judge told The Green Zone on Monday. “I understand how the business goes, so it’s nothing personal.”

Judge joined the Roughriders in 2017 after they selected him in the first round (second overall) of that year’s draft.

After two seasons as a part-time defender, Judge became a full-time member of the Roughriders’ defence in 2019 — and he ran with the opportunity.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder recorded 61 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, two touchdowns and a forced fumble en route to being named the West Division’s most outstanding Canadian.

After the CFL cancelled the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, Judge opted out of his contract in hopes of finding a job in the NFL.

Nothing happened on that front last year, so he became a free agent Feb. 9. He subsequently had a workout with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

In the meantime, the Roughriders decided to sign other players, with general manager Jeremy O’Day saying the team chose to “attack free agency” instead of waiting on Judge.

“It’s part of the business,” said Judge, 26. “I can’t expect someone to wait around forever. I completely understand the move.”

So Judge had to move — and he signed with the Toronto Argonauts on Feb. 17 in his first foray into free agency.

“It was definitely interesting,” he said of being on the market. “Last time, I was able to sign (with Saskatchewan) before the free-agency date, so this year, I knew it was going to be a little bit of a new experience, especially since the (Las Vegas) workout came after the date.

“I knew if it didn’t pan out (in the NFL) I was going to be testing the waters. After Saskatchewan had made the choice to move on, I knew for sure it was time for a new team — and it was pretty exciting.”

Judge dealt with a shoulder injury in his rookie season and was part of a rotation as a CFL sophomore. By the end of the 2018 season, though, he had a feel for the game and that enabled him to have a breakout season in ’19.

So did the guidance provided during his time in Saskatchewan by linebackers like Sam Eguavoen, Derrick Moncrief and Solomon Elimimian.

“Those guys definitely stand out (as mentors), just in the way that they approached games (and) how they broke down the film,” Judge said. “I was able to see firsthand what it takes to be a great player in this league.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity to play with a bunch of great players and learn how they go about things.”

Another individual who showed Judge the ropes was defensive end Charleston Hughes, whom the Roughriders also let walk this off-season. Like Judge, Hughes signed with the Argos, who have had a busy off-season.

“It’s impressive,” Judge said when asked what he has seen from the Argos. “They’re just trying to compete. That’s what it shows me and that’s what I love to do, so I feel like I went to the right place.”

That said, Judge wouldn’t have gone to Toronto if things had worked out in Las Vegas.

He said the Raiders told him they liked the way he moved on the field, which gave him confidence in his style. However, they didn’t offer him anything other than a compliment.

“It was a great experience, just to get a feel for things, get a feel for the operations (and) get some feedback on where I stand in the eyes (of people) down south,” he said.

“Overall, I’d say it was a good experience even though it didn’t amount to anything. I’m still grateful that I went and did it.”

Judge admitted he would consider another run at the NFL if an opportunity presents itself after the 2021 CFL season. But first there has to be a 2021 CFL season.

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie has said the league is committed to playing this year, but it’s unclear if that will happen given the COVID situation in Canada.

That’s not going to affect Judge’s preparations.

“I’m just basically sitting back and waiting,” he said. “I’m going to prepare like we’re having a season. I’m just going to focus on that and let the people who make those decisions make those decisions.”