Toronto Argonauts Make All-Star Wynton McManis CFL's Highest-Paid Linebacker
The Toronto Argonauts have re-signed pending free agent and superstar linebacker Wynton McManis. The two-time CFL All-Star was set to hit free agency on Feb. 13.
The Boatmen's brass made the extension of McManis' time in the Six a top priority this offseason.
* Update: Wynton McManis signed a one-year extension with compensation at $208,500 for the 2024 season, making him the CFL's highest-paid linebacker.
The Argos have checked a big ticket off their 2024 list and now have two dozen players from last season set to hit the open market.
It's a mild upset that McManis is re-upping with Toronto, considering that he was recruited back into the CFL by former Argonauts defensive coordinator and current Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Mace. Many are expecting Mace to raid the Argos roster when the free agent market opens. And the assumption was that McManis would be at the top of that purge.
The Argonauts, along with McManis and his agency, teased the upcoming extension on social media early Friday before all parties officially let the cat out of the bag.
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) January 26, 2024
A recent report by TSN's Dave Naylor that superstar quarterback Chad Kelly restructured his contract suggests that the 2023 CFL most outstanding player's actions have helped facilitate this move.
Go Argos!!! Let’s goo!!! https://t.co/COetTXdF4g
— Chad Kelly (@RocketmanKelly) January 26, 2024
With just weeks until the flood gate opens on free-agency. The question for Toronto becomes who returns into the fold next. And then, ultimately, who doesn't?
McManis, 29, signed with Toronto as a free agent in 2022 after spending time in the NFL for two seasons. His return to Canada has seen him turn in back-to-back CFL All-Star campaigns for the Double Blue.
We have extended LB Wynton McManis 🌊 pic.twitter.com/hoaxy9RJTT
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) January 26, 2024
Last season saw the 6-1, 225-pound do-it-all playmaker register 79 defensive tackles, five for loss, four sacks, four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and one fumble recovery in 16 games.
In 2022, McManis led the Argonauts in tackles with 95 in just 14 games. He would add three sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble on his way to his first career CFL All-Star nod.
Before joining the Argos, McManis spent 2020 and 2021 with the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins. The Memphis standout came to the CFL in 2017, spending his first three CFL seasons with the Calgary Stampeders and winning his first Grey Cup in 2018.
For his stellar career, McManis has 271 defensive tackles, 49 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, two touchdowns and two Grey Cup championships.
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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.