Edmonton Eskimos' Jason Barnes (L) catches a touchdown pass in front of Calgary Stampeders' Brandon Smith during the first half of their semi-final CFL football game in Calgary, Alberta, November 13, 2011.Reuters
Receiver Jason Barnes and quarterback Ricky Ray are together again.
Barnes signed a contract for one year, plus an option, with the Toronto Argonauts on Tuesday after being released last month by the Edmonton Eskimos.
Barnes and Ray were teammates in Edmonton for three seasons. The Eskimos dealt Ray to Toronto on Dec. 12.
"I am definitely excited about the opportunity to come to Toronto and continue to play with Ricky; I'm glad it worked out the way it did," Barnes said in a statement. "I can't wait to learn from coach (Scott) Milanovich; I like what he did in Montreal and look forward to working with him."
Barnes had 50 receptions for 869 yards and seven TDs last season, all career highs despite missing five games with injury.
During his three seasons in Edmonton, the six-foot-three, 185-pound Barnes had 99 receptions for 1,633 yards and 11 TDs.
"Jason Barnes is a legitimate receiving threat with size and experience in the CFL," Milanovich said. "We believe he is just beginning to realize his potential and will continue to get better.
"His chemistry with Ricky is obviously another positive as we continue to add weapons for 2012."