The Toronto Argonauts have signed nine players, including two newcomers in running back, receiver, and return specialist Jordan Byrd and defensive lineman Nelson Jordan.
Byrd signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after going unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft but was waived by the team at the end of training camp. The 23-year-old reportedly ran a 4.52-second forty-yard dash at his pro day and recorded a 34-inch vertical jump.
The five-foot-nine, 170-pounder recorded 1,353 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 47 passes for 219 yards and one touchdown over five seasons at San Diego State. He also recorded over 2,000 kick return yards and three return touchdowns during his tenure with the Aztecs and was twice named first-team All-Conference as a returner.
Jordan made 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 11 sacks at Alabama State in 2022 after transferring from Samford. He played 39 games with the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2021 and made 124 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks.
The other seven additions have all previously spent time with the club, including Canadian fullback Spencer Nichols, American receivers B.J. Byrd and Aaron Parker, Canadian offensive linemen Braydon Noll and Anthony Vandal, and Canadian linebackers Ife Onyemenam and Brendan Murphy.
Nichols was a fourth-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft and played six games as a rookie, recording two special teams tackles. The six-foot-three, 240-pounder won a Vanier Cup with Western University in 2021.
Byrd played one game for the Argos in 2023 but did not register any statistics. He was previously named the Offensive Player of the Year during his collegiate career at Morehead State.
Parker was in training camp with Toronto and spent time on the club’s practice roster this season but didn’t dress for any regular season games. The former Rhode Island standout has previously had NFL stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Noll was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 CFL Draft out of Wilfrid Laurier. He dressed for three games in 2023 in a backup role.
Vandal was an eighth-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft out of Houston Christian. The six-foot-four, 300-pound blocker was sent back to school this past year and attended Sherbrooke where he suited up for the Vert et Or.
Onyemenam was a sixth-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft out of Wilfrid Laurier. He was named a first-team OUA all-star this past year after being sent back to U Sports, recording 36.5 tackles, five tackles for loss, three interceptions, and one sack with the Golden Hawks.
Murphy was a seventh-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft out of Western University.