Courtesy Toronto Star:

It appears that Michael O’Shea and the Argonauts have finally agreed on terms that will bring the veteran linebacker back into the fold for a 16th CFL season and 12th with the Boatmen.

A reliable source told the Star that an “agreement in principle” had been reached and a formal announcement could come as early as Friday.

Argo head coach Rich Stubler offered a “no comment” when asked if O’Shea, who will turn 38 in September, would be back to patrol the interior of the linebacking corps.

O’Shea did not return a telephone message left at his home.

The North Bay native, a five-time East Conference all-star who was named the CFL’s outstanding Canadian player in 1999, became a free agent in February after playing out his option during the 2007 season.

Negotiations have been going on continuously as the Argos sought to retain O’Shea, yet bring his contract in line so that the team could meet the league’s $4.2 million salary cap.

The club had already released or traded several veterans and were prepared not to re-sign O’Shea had a compromise not been met.

Argos have two promising young Canadians, who they hope will eventually step into the inside linebacking spot that has been O’Shea’s exclusive turf – except for one season – since he joined the team in 1996.

Aaron Wagner, from Lethbridge, Alta., joined the team last year after being selected in the 2006 draft out of Brigham Young University.

Coming into camp will be Eric Maranda, a pick in last year’s draft, who returned to Laval University for his final year of eligibility.

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