Toronto Argonauts Add Former USFL Defensive Lineman Jordan Williams
The Toronto Argonauts now have 60 players on their current roster after adding American defensive lineman Jordan Williams. The former Virginia Tech/Clemson player most recently played for the Memphis Showboats in the United States Football League.
Williams is the second American spring pro football player signed by Toronto after the fallout from the USFL-XFL Merger, which saw the now-UFL cut down its teams from 16 to eight. XFL running back DeAndre Torrey, who played for the Vegas Vipers in 2023, signed with Toronto earlier this month.
Williams recorded 21 tackles and 5.5 sacks for Memphis last season. Prior to his time in the USFL, the 6-5, 285-pound lineman was with the Miami Dolphins after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The Virginia native attended Virginia Tech as a transfer in 2021 and tallied 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 11 games for the Hokies. Williams transferred from Clemson, where he played from 2017-21. During his time with the Tigers, he recorded 55 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble in 38 games.
We have signed 🇺🇸 DL Jordan Williams. pic.twitter.com/7XQBLz8WGg
— Toronto Argonauts (@TorontoArgos) January 24, 2024
Williams profiles as a potential tweener in Toronto's defensive front, now coached by former Argonaut Demetrious Maxie. Williams can play inside at defensive tackle or at defensive end if needed.
The Argonauts have 25 pending free agents set to hit the open market on February 13th, four of whom are defensive linemen; with Shawn Oakman, DeWayne Hendrix and Brandon Barlow serving as key starters and contributors to last year's stout Argos defense.
With the addition of Williams, the Argos have nine defensive linemen on their off-season roster. The team recently added negotiation rights player and 2023 NFL draft selection Derek Parish to the mix.
Toronto has also brought back Folarin Orimiolade. With the team's recent moves, however, coupled with the blockbuster deal for Jake Ceresna, the Argonauts could have a revamped look on their defensive line in 2024.
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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.