The Toronto Argonauts have signed a trio of Americans for the 2024 season, including defensive backs Leonard Johnson and Chris Steele and receiver Justin Marshall.
Johnson played 47 games over five seasons at cornerback for Duke University, amassing 165 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, six interceptions, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 24 pass breakups. The six-foot-one, 190-pound corner went unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft after tearing his ACL in training but eventually signed with the New York Giants ahead of the 2023 season, though he was released prior to training camp.
Steele spent several weeks on the practice roster of the Calgary Stampeders in 2023, following NFL stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers. The six-foot-one, 190-pound defender played three collegiate seasons for the USC Trojans, suiting up in 29 games. He recorded 94 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and 15 pass breakups, while earning second-team All-Pac 12 honours in 2020.
Marshall originally joined the Argos’ practice roster in October of last year, following preseason stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks. The six-foot-three, 210-pound target was the University at Buffalo’s top receiver in 2022, recording 64 receptions for 837 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. He transferred from Louisville for his final season of eligibility, having caught 37 passes for 544 yards and one score in 37 games as a Cardinal.
The Argos are slated to begin their 2024 season on Sunday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET when they host the B.C. Lions.
