Tag: Toronto Argonauts

Browns sign Canadian Football League standout defender

The Browns have added a former Toronto Argonaut to their roster

The Cleveland Browns are turning over every rock to add talent to their roster, signing star Toronto Argonauts defensive tackle Ralph Holley.

The Argonauts defender is coming off one of his best-performing seasons in the Canadian Football League, recording eight sacks during the 2024 season. Despite missing time, his sack total was still tied for first among all CFL defenders. Holley is also a member of the 2021 Western Michigan Broncos graduating class, where he accumulated 138 tackles and 19.5 sacks over four consistent seasons. The up-and-coming defensive tackle found his way to Canada’s football league after going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft.

The length and total value of the contract have yet to be determined, but Holley will undoubtedly have to earn his spot in what should be a very competitive defensive line group. Signing with Cleveland earlier in the offseason may give him an advantage, as it allows him to prepare thoroughly for training camp.

Time will tell if this preparation gives him a leg up as he competes for a roster spot this upcoming season.

Saints work out CFL sacks leader, Grey Cup champion

The New Orleans Saints worked out CFL sacks leader and Grey Cup champion Ralph Holley. Here’s the scoop on the young defensive lineman:

The New Orleans Saints are already looking to add players to their 2025 roster just a couple days after their last season came to a close.

On Tuesday, the team worked out Toronto Argonauts defensive lineman Ralph Holley.

Holley, standing at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, tied for the CFL lead with eight sacks in his rookie season, helping his team to a Grey Cup victory. Holley spent his collegiate career at Western Michigan where he amassed 138 tackles, 45.5 for loss, and 20.5 sacks in five years. During his tenure, he earned first and second-team All-MAC honors as one of the top players in his conference.

In terms of Holley’s strengths, he comes as an extremely athletic player in the interior. Holley participated in Western Michigan’s pro day in 2022 where he  recorded a 4.99-second 40 yard dash, a 30-inch vertical jump and churned out 24 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. That made for an above-average 6.82 Relative Athletic Score, if you’re curious.

Holley is currently eligible to sign with the team even though he’s technically still under contract with the Argonauts’. Players in the CFL have about a month-long window where they are able to sign NFL contracts which usually opens in early January.

If all goes well, the Saints would be landing one of the CFL’s most coveted players to their defensive line room.

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Unlikely hero Nick Arbuckle leads Toronto Argonauts to Grey Cup victory

A career backup quarterback led the Toronto Argonauts to victory in the Grey Cup

There are unlikely heroes in sports. You can add Toronto Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle high up on the list.

The Argos quarterback Chad Kelly shattered his ankle in a semifinal meaning it was up to Arbuckle on Sunday against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup.

Despite having beaten Winnipeg twice since July 27 — the Bombers’ lone two losses since that date — Toronto came in a double-digit underdog.

Nobody told Arbuckle, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns as Toronto won the CFL championship, 41-24. He was named Grey Cup MVP.

Why was Arbuckle such an unlikely hero?

Per the Toronto Star:

Arbuckle, 31, had started 25 games in his CFL career.

He had thrown only 1,017 regular-season passes, with 27 touchdowns and 32 interceptions, and produced an 87.0 quarterback rating over stops with Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, Ottawa again, and Toronto again. He didn’t have a contract before this season and was only signed by the Argos when Kelly was suspended for half the season.

Before the Grey Cup, Arbuckle had started one playoff game … in high school.

He was a backup and played tight end that year. His chance came in the playoffs and his team lost.

“I remember that a lot,” Arbuckle told the Star.

He will remember the 2024 Grey Cup a lot more.

CFL reinstates Argonauts QB Chad Kelly on ‘last chance agreement’

The CFL has reinstated Chad Kelly of the Toronto Argonauts

The CFL has reinstated Toronto Argonauts QB Chad Kelly on a “last chance agreement.”

Kelly, who has found trouble every stop on his football career from college to the NFL to the CFL, must abide by the agreement … or else.

Per the league:

On May 7, the CFL levied a suspension for a minimum of nine games against Mr. Kelly, based on the findings of a thorough third-party investigation into allegations made against him. Over the course of his suspension, Mr. Kelly was required to attend psychological assessments and mandatory counselling sessions conducted by an independent expert in the field of gender-based violence. Mr. Kelly served the ninth game of his suspension on August 9.

The CFL received Mr. Kelly’s final assessment on August 10, and the league immediately began a thorough review process of its findings. The CFL sought guidance from an expert who specializes in gender-based violence and met with the psychologist and counsellor who worked with Mr. Kelly. He then took part in an in-person discussion with Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

The ongoing mandatory conditions surrounding Mr. Kelly’s reinstatement reflect the need for him to demonstrate a continued commitment to upholding league standards. These conditions are confidential and will not be disclosed.

The Argonauts, who are currently 5-4 and in third place in the CFL East, weighed in with a statement:

Kelly released a statement:

“I am sorry for my actions and the impact it has had on many people personally, the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL,” Kelly said in a statement issued by the Argos. “I recognize that this is just one step in the process of bettering myself, but it is an important one, and I am committed to doing what is needed to be a better teammate, colleague and person.

“With that commitment in mind, I have accepted the League’s conditions of reinstatement, including its ‘Last Chance Agreement.’ ”

This sounds like an idea the NFL and NFLPA should get think about knocking off from the CFL.

CFL team signs Broncos tryout QB John Matocha after Chad Kelly’s suspension

After losing Chad Kelly to a suspension, the CFL’s Argonauts are set to sign record-breaking QB John Matocha, who tried out for the Broncos.

After trying out for the Denver Broncos at rookie minicamp earlier this month, record-setting quarterback John Matocha will now get an opportunity in the Canadian Football League.

The Toronto Argonauts are set to sign Matocha, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. While playing for the Colorado School of Mines (Division II), Matocha threw 162 touchdown passes in four seasons, setting an NCAA record. He also rushed for 28 scores, giving him 190 total touchdowns.

“He’s been fun to work with,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of Matocha on May 11. “He’s sharp, he’s smart and has a lot of energy. We had him here for the local pro day that we were allowed to have, and it’s good to have him back.”

Matocha had a three-day tryout in Denver during rookie minicamp.

“[He’s been] awesome,” the QB said when asked about Payton. “Obviously, [he’s] a very smart coach and a great guy. He runs this place really well and like I said, I’m super happy to be here.”

Matocha’s tryout did not end with a contract offer from the Broncos, but he’ll now get a chance in the CFL. The Argonauts needed more depth at quarterback after losing Chad Kelly to a suspension.

Kelly was suspended for a minimum of nine games after an investigation determined that he violated the league’s gender-based violence policy. Kelly initially denied the allegations of harassing a former Argonaut coach, but his tweeted statement was deleted, and the investigation resulted in a hefty suspension.

The ex-Denver quarterback was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. With Kelly suspended, Matocha will join a Toronto quarterback room that includes Nick Arbuckle, Cameron Dukes and Bryan Scott. The Argonauts are set to open the 2024 regular season against the BC Lions on Sunday, June 9.

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Chad Kelly suspended 9 games by CFL for violating gender-based violence policy

Chad Kelly suspended 9 games by CFL for violating gender-based violence policy:

Nephew of Buffalo Bills and Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, Chad Kelly, has been suspended by the CFL for at least nine regular-season games.

The news comes following the CFL’s investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength and conditioning coach against both the player and club for violating its gender-based violence policy.

The decision comes after the league commissioned an independent third-party investigation into allegations made against Kelly by a female former Argos assistant strength coach who is suing him for sexual harassment and the team for wrongful dismissal.

Kelly, 30, was named the CFL’s outstanding player last season after leading Toronto to a league-best and franchise record 16-2 record. The Argos’ season ended with a 38-17 home loss to eventual Grey Cup-champion Montreal in the East Division final.

Kelly will be required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated in a news release. “They are expected to be leaders in the locker room and role models in the community. It was important that we performed our due diligence to properly review this matter from all points of view. That in-depth investigation found that Mr. Kelly unequivocally violated the CFL’s Gender-based Violence Policy.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behavior. The addition of mandatory counselling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal betterment in order to return to the CFL.”

There is no report on whether or not the Argonauts are facing any repercussions.

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CFL suspends Argos quarterback Chad Kelly for minimum of nine games

CFL 2023 Most Outstanding Player Chad Kelly hit with long ban

The Toronto Argonauts hopes to win the Grey Cup in 2024 were jarred on Wednesday when the CFL announced it has suspended quarterback Chad Kelly for a minimum of nine games.

The ban comes because Kelly violated the league’s Gender-based Violence Policy

Per the CFL:

Mr. Kelly will be required to undergo confidential assessments by an independent expert and attend mandatory counselling sessions conducted by a gender-based violence expert.

Both the counselling sessions and the assessments must be satisfactorily completed before the CFL will consider Mr. Kelly’s reinstatement. If he is unable to satisfactorily complete those sessions and assessments, the CFL reserves the right to modify his discipline.

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie made a statement on the decision.

“Players are the ambassadors of our great game,” said CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “They are expected to be leaders in the locker room and role models in the community. It was important that we performed our due diligence to properly review this matter from all points of view. That in-depth investigation found that Mr. Kelly unequivocally violated the CFL’s Gender-based Violence Policy.

“Mr. Kelly’s suspension is the direct result of his behaviour. The addition of mandatory counselling focuses on his need for self-reflection and understanding of his actions. He must take full advantage of this opportunity for personal betterment in order to return to the CFL.”

Kelly was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player in 2023. He led the Argos to a 16-2 record in the regular season.

Dolphins hosting CFL Rookie of the Year for an NFL draft top-30 visit

Miami hosts CFL CB for pre-draft visit.

The 2024 NFL draft is less than a month away, so all 32 teams, including the Miami Dolphins, are beginning to have some prospects in for pre-draft visits to get to know about them before they have a chance to select them.

On Friday, NZone Sports Management Agency announced that their client, cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers, will visit the Dolphins on April 1.

Stiggers, 22, played Fan Controlled Football in 2022 before signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League for 2023.

In 16 regular season games for Toronto, Stiggers recorded 56 total tackles and five interceptions. He was named an All-Star and the CFL’s equivalent of the Rookie of the Year.

According to Sports Illustrated, 29 teams attended his solo Pro Day.

Miami will likely be looking for secondary depth in this year’s selection process, so it wouldn’t be surprising at all for Stiggers to end up in South Florida after the seven-round event’s completion.

Ex-Broncos QB Chad Kelly shining in CFL, still hoping for NFL comeback

Ex-Broncos QB Chad Kelly has led the Toronto Argonauts to a 6-0 record in the CFL while scoring 13 touchdowns (8 passing and 5 rushing).

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Chad Kelly has had an excellent start to the 2023 Canadian Football League season with the Toronto Argonauts.

Kelly has led the Argos to a perfect 6-0 record while completing 104-of-148 passing attempts for 1,530 yards and eight touchdowns against four interceptions. Kelly has also rushed 20 times for 109 yards and five scores on the ground in the CFL this year.

Kelly, who was cut by the Broncos after he was arrested on suspension of criminal trespassing in October 2018, is still hoping for another chance in the NFL. He played just one snap — a kneel-down — during his brief stint in Denver.

“Getting a little taste of one snap in the NFL, it’s almost like the biggest tease of all teases, right?” Kelly said in a recent interview with ESPN. “You’re just there to kneel the ball down, not even there to actually run a play or hand it off. I definitely have just learned to take every moment for what it is and enjoy where you’re at in this present moment and understand the capabilities and things that you could endure throughout the life and just be able to approach every day like it’s your last.”

The nephew of Jim Kelly, Chad has had tryouts with multiple NFL teams since being cut by the Broncos and he had a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts before getting an opportunity in the CFL. If his impressive performances in Canada continue, perhaps the 29-year-old quarterback will get another chance in the NFL down the road.

Up next for Kelly and the Argonauts is a showdown with the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, Aug. 4 at 7:00 p.m. MT on CFL+.

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Former Bills WR Tanner Gentry signs with Toronto Argonauts

Former #Bills WR Tanner Gentry signs with Toronto Argonauts:

The Buffalo Bills have lost a depth wide receiver to the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

The team announced the signing of Tanner Gentry on Tuesday. Gentry posted the update himself on his social media account on Twitter and said “new chapter” regarding the update:

Gentry, 28, has spent parts of the past two seasons in Buffalo. In college, Gentry played alongside Bills quarterback Josh Allen at Wyoming. He went on to sign with the Chicago Bears following the 2017 NFL draft, the year before Allen was a first-round pick by Buffalo.

During his time in Buffalo, Gentry was on the practice squad. He was active for three games in 2022 but did not record a catch and only had one target.

Gentry’s position on the Bills practice squad was considered to be due to his close relationship with Allen. But with Gentry not venturing far up to Toronto, the two won’t be too far apart.

Because of Gentry’s final standing in 2022 as a member of the taxi squad, he was able to sign in the CFL prior to the start of free agency in March.

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