Instead of being one of the four top pass-catchers on the Ottawa REDBLACKS, Ernest Jackson may have an opportunity to be the only top receiver with the Toronto Argonauts should he not re-sign in Ottawa .

In 2016, for the first time in CFL history, there were four different Ottawa receivers who caught over 1,000 yards for the second time in as many years. Greg Ellingson, who avoided free agency by signing a two-year deal on Friday, Brad Sinopoli, Chris Williams (also a pending free agent) and Jackson all surpassed the 1000-yard milestone.

Along with hauling in 88 catches for 1225 yards and 10 touchdowns – his best season in his five-year CFL career – Jackson also made the game-winning catch in the 104th Grey Cup presented by Shaw in overtime to solidify the REDBLACKS win over the Calgary Stampeders.

“Ernest played second fiddle to Manny (Arceneaux) and Geroy (Simon) back in BC, he was kind of playing second fiddle (in Ottawa) until he stole the fiddle (in the Grey Cup),” Davis Sanchez said in the latest edition on The Waggle podcast. “I think Jackson might want a team of his own and say, ‘You know what? This is my team, the Argos, let’s go.’ And maybe (he’ll) sign there and start something.”

Could Ernest Jackson re-ignite Drew Willy and the Argos offence if he were to sign in Toronto? His ties to the University of Buffalo could prove why.

If Jackson does decide to go jump ship to the Argonauts, he’ll be joining his former University of Buffalo teammate, Drew Willy, who will likely be the starting quarterback in Toronto in 2017. Familiarity with Willy might be enough of a push for the 30-year-old to decide to move on from Ottawa and take things into his own hands in Toronto.

In 2007, Willy and Jackson combined for 645 yards and six touchdowns on the season as the REDBLACK receiver sat second on the team in receiving.

After releasing three of their top receivers near the end of last season, the Argos could use a steady, reliable receiver – Jackson didn’t drop a single pass all year in 2016. Kenny Shaw and Diontae Spencer stepped up in the second half of the season but with the two of them 25- and 24-years-old respectively, they could use a veteran presence to lead the way.

“I think Ernest Jackson ends up in Toronto with his former college teammate Drew Willy,” speculated Sanchez. “They need another target; obviously they have a couple young guys, Shaw and Spencer who are pretty good. Adding EJ there, that gives Drew Willy what he needs.”

Perhaps what Jackson needs is a fresh start and maybe Toronto is going to give it to him.

Listen to the entire free agency edition of ‘The Waggle’ by streaming it above or clicking here.