Toronto Argonauts’ head coach Mike Miller believes franchise quarterback Chad Kelly can regain his CFL Most Outstanding Player form after rehabbing from a broken right leg he suffered in the 2024 East Final.
“I don’t see any reason why not. Chad’s a great competitor, he’s very skilled, very passionate, loves to play this game, and I know he loves to be a Toronto Argonaut. We’re excited about 2026, and we’re excited about moving forward,” Miller said from the CFL Combine in Edmonton.
Kelly produced his best CFL season in 2023 when he led the Argos to a 16-2 regular-season record. He completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 4,123 yards with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions to be named the three-down league’s MOP. The Buffalo, N.Y. native went 15-1 as a starter and added 40 carries for 248 yards with eight touchdowns.
Following a nine-game suspension in 2024, Kelly started Toronto’s nine remaining regular-season games. The six-foot-one, 216-pound QB completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 2,451 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also carried the ball 48 times for 214 yards and five majors.
No. 12 has not played in a game since Saturday, November 9, 2024, meaning he won’t have seen the field in 580 days if he’s ready for Toronto’s 2026 regular-season opener on Friday, June 12 in Montreal. His return to regular-season action could come in the same place he suffered a broken tibia and fibula.
Miller stated Kelly has been fully cleared to start training camp on Sunday, May 10 and will enter 100 percent healthy.
“That’s the way we understand it,” Miller said. “He continues to work. As I’ve said before, we have no reason to think otherwise. He will be ready to start training camp, and he will be our number one quarterback.”
According to Miller, he has an excellent relationship with Kelly. That’s important as those two men will be tasked with turning around the Argos ship.
The Argonauts added several key free agents in the offseason, including offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley, defensive lineman DeWayne Hendrix, strong-side linebacker Adarius Pickett, and defensive back DaShaun Amos. Toronto’s key losses included receiver Dejon Brissett (Calgary Stampeders) and linebacker Wynton McManis (Hamilton Tiger-Cats).
The Argos hold the second overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on Sunday, May 10. Toronto will play its first preseason game against the Ticats on Saturday, May 23.
In 2025, Toronto finished third in the East Division standings with a 5-13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Miller was promoted to head coach following Ryan Dinwiddie’s departure to Ottawa.
