The Toronto Argonauts are making a pitch to sign free agent Canadian linebacker Henoc Muamba, per league sources.
Muamba first began playing football at the age of 16 at Father Michael Goetz Secondary School in Mississauga, which means it could be a homecoming for the talented defender. He wants stability for him and his family while having the opportunity to pursue post-football opportunities — staying in the greater Toronto area checks all the boxes.
The 31-year-old was one of the key leaders in a remarkable turnaround in La Belle Province during the 2019 campaign. He was the defensive captain as the Montreal Alouettes went 10-8 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Muamba played at an elite level — regardless of his passport — earning CFL all-star honours while capturing the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian award. Over his last two years in Montreal, the 2011 No. 1 overall CFL Draft pick has tallied 201 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and one interception.
The St. Francis Xavier University product has played in 108 career CFL games, recording 468 tackles, 75 special teams tackles, 14 forced fumbles, 12 sacks, five interceptions and one defensive touchdown. He’s been named a league all-star twice in his eight-year career in Canada.
Following a CFL all-star campaign in 2013, the Indianapolis Colts signed Muamba. He played 13 games making three solo tackles and two assisted tackles during the 2014 season south of the border. Muamba earned $420,000 USD for the one season he played in the NFL.
Muamba was scheduled to earn $223,000 during the 2020 season, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Argos have focused on bringing in local talent since Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons took over as general manager, and getting Muamba’s signature on a contract could continue the trend for Toronto.
