Argos' Wilder Jr. plans to sit out 2018 season over contract concerns

The Toronto Argonauts will likely be without James Wilder Jr. for the 2018 season as the star running back announced he plans to remain in the United States to train and work.

The CFL's Most Outstanding Rookie last season raised concerns over his contract with the club and the unwillingness of the Argos to allow him to pursue NFL opportunities.

"I don't want to put my football dreams aside but as the father of four, playing for $56,000 Canadian (about $45,000 USD) without any protection from career-ending injury isn't enough to give my family comfort," Wilder said in a statement to 3 Down Nation. "I've received expressions of interest from several NFL teams and I've reached out to the Argonauts on multiple occasions but have been told they won't allow me to pursue those opportunities. They are also unwilling to re-negotiate my contract to reflect the value I believe I bring to the team."

Wilder ran for 872 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season while also catching 51 passes for 533 yards. He became a focal point of the Argonauts offense toward the end of the year and scored a touchdown for the team in their Grey Cup victory over the Calgary Stampeders.

The dynamic rusher is eligible to become a free agent in 2019 unless the Argonauts release him prior to that date.