Top Free Agent Shawn Oakman Returns To Toronto Argonauts
Prized free-agent defensive lineman Shawn Oakman is returning to the Toronto Argonauts
The Argos announced the signing on Wednesday.
One of the more dominant interior players in the CFL, the former Baylor star and top NFL prospect has resurrected his career, excelling in Canada after being deemed unworthy of consideration due to off-the-field charges. Oakman was eventually cleared.
Oakman returns to Toronto where he experienced a resurgence and rebirth in his playing career for another run at a championship. The 6-9, 287-pound behemoth joined the Argos in 2021 after playing for Los Angeles in the XFL and was nominated as a CFL All-Star that season after a six-sack campaign.
He followed up his rookie campaign with a Division All-Star nod in 2022 after another six-sack season, capping it off with a Grey Cup championship.
Oakman, 31, played 15 games in 2023 and recorded 27 defensive tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble in his third CFL season.
For his career, Oakman has tallied 90 defensive tackles, 18 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 45 regular-season games.
Oakman's return is a big get for Toronto. He helps fortify a Double Blue defensive front, which has already seen the team extend star pass rusher Folarin Orimolade and trade for All-Star lineman Jake Ceresna.
In a corresponding move, Toronto also released Thomas Costigan. It was a busy day for the Boatmen as by day end; the Argos also announced the signings of former NFL defensive lineman LaDarius Hamilton and Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Malik Clements.
Clements, 27, the 6-0, 216-pound linebacker, played 12 games for Winnipeg last season, recording 23 defensive tackles, six special teams tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble.
Hamilton, 26, a 6-2, 260-pound edge rusher, spent time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 after a two-year stint with the Green Bay Packets and played in nine games. The Texas native broke into the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, followed by a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hamilton attended North Texas and, over the course of 51 games, recorded 121 tackles, 28.5 for loss, 17 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He was named first-team all-conference in 2018.
CFL Free Agency Update: Toronto Argonauts Announce Multiple Signings
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Mike Mitchell is a pro football writer/insider with decades of experience covering and following multiple leagues. He covers the New York Jets for TheJetPress.com at FanSided. He has also written for XFL Board and at Hub Publishing covering the CFL, XFL and USFL.