Toronto Argonauts Kick Off Free Agency by Signing All-Star DB
After unofficially losing three defensive starters to rival Hamilton, the Toronto Argonauts have signed All-Star defensive back Tunde Adeleke away from the Tiger-Cats on the first official day of CFL free agency, as first reported by TSN's Farhan Lalji.
Rated by many experts as one of the top free agents available on the market, the Nigerian-born Ottawa native has spent the past four seasons with Hamilton after starting his CFL journey with Calgary in 2017, winning a Grey Cup with them in 2018.
With the loss of All-Star cornerback Jamal Peters to Hamilton. Adeleke fills an immediate need for experience in Toronto's secondary. However, there's a question as to what position he will play when he dons Double Blue.
Lots of talk about the losses for the #Argos during the #CFLFA tampering period. But they also added 🇨🇦 DB Tunde Adeleke who could alter their ratio. Will be interested to see if they add RB Kadeem Carey. @CFLonTSN pic.twitter.com/PMlqfwmAAS
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) February 13, 2024
Adeleke's national status could also alter the Argos ratio configuration, depending on where he ultimately lines up. Sources close to Toronto have indicated that they plan on playing a different style of defense in the post-Corey Mace world.
Adeleke has mostly played safety during his time in Hamilton, earning a CFL All-Star selection in 2019, East Division All-Star honors from 2019-22, and the Ticats' nomination for Most Outstanding Canadian in back-to-back seasons (2021-22).
In theory, the 5-10 208-pound Adeleke could play any one of the defensive back positions for Toronto, maybe even sliding into the SAM spot vacated by Adarius Pickett. The 28-year-old Carleton product has always been a sure tackler and could assume a role where he plays closer to the line of scrimmage for the Boatmen.
Adeleke was the highest-paid defensive back in the league last season, but an injury-marred campaign limited him to playing in only ten games. As a result, he wound up losing playing time to 2023 breakout star Stavros Katsantonis.
As a result, Adeleke might have an added chip on his shoulder when he faces the Black and Gold, now as a member of Double Blue.
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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.