Just 24 hours after defeating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 25-14 to close the preseason, the Toronto Argonauts have finalized their roster for the upcoming 2024 CFL season—at least as much as any pro football roster can be considered final.
Friday night’s exhibition game at Alumni Stadium showcased standout performances from Cameron Dukes and first-round rookie receiver Kevin Mital. It also provided a final opportunity for several fringe players to make a lasting impression before the final cuts, many of whom just missed the initial roster.
On Saturday, the Argonauts released 24 players and announced the initial practice roster, which includes 12 players (CFL teams can carry up to 15).
Toronto Argonauts Transactions:
Placed on Practice Roster:
– CDN John BOSSE (OL) Calgary
– CDN Brandon CALVER (RB) Laurier
– AME Isaac DARKANGELO (LB) Illinois
– AME Amani DENNIS (DB) Carthage College
– GLO Jeremy EDWARDS (P) Eastern Kentucky
– GLO Alfredo GACHUZ LOZADA (K) Naucalpan Raptors
– CDN Tyson HERGOTT (DL) Waterloo
– AME Ralph HOLLEY (DL) Western Michigan
– AME Darius JOINER (DB) Duke
– AME Justin MARSHALL (WR) Buffalo
– AME Makai POLK (WR) Mississippi State
– CDN Richie SINDANI (WR) Regina
Released:
– AME Nick AMOAH (OL) California Davis
– CDN Blaise BARBER (LS) McMaster
– AME Atlias BELL (DL) Houston
– AME BJ BYRD (WR) Morehead State
– AME Jordan BYRD (RB) San Diego State
– AME Maurice CARNELL (DB) North Alabama
– CDN Jerrell CUMMINGS (DB) UBC
– AME LaDarius HAMILTON (DL) North Texas
– AME Changa HODGE (WR) Virginia Tech
– AME Khalan LABORN (RB) Marshall
– AME Darta LEE (OL) Texas El Paso
– AME John MATOCHA (QB) Colorado School of Mines
– AME Tarvarus MCFADDEN (DB) Florida State
– CDN Owen MUELLER (OL) Windsor
– CDN Brendan MURPHY (DB) Western
– CDN Spencer NICHOLS (FB) Western
– CDN Braydon NOLL (OL) Laurier
– CDN Ifenna ONYEKA (DL) Carleton
– CDN Ife ONYEMENAM (LB) Laurier
– AME Dare ROSENTHAL (OL) LSU
– AME Justin SAMBU (DL) Baylor
– AME Trea SHROPSHIRE (WR) UAB
– AME Chris STEELE (DB) Southern California
– AME Khalan TOLSON (LB) Illinois
Suspended/Returned to School:
– CDN Daniel SHIN (OL) Alberta
Notably, defensive backs Tarvarus McFadden and Maurice Carnell IV were among the surprising cuts. McFadden, who started 29 games for the Argonauts since 2022, had a notable career in both the NFL and XFL. Carnell struggled with injuries and couldn’t recapture his form from two years ago, leading to his release.
Quarterback John Matocha’s release was expected due to the team’s depth chart and his recent arrival. However, the Division II standout and former Harlon Hill award winner might still return on the practice roster.
The wide receiver position posed challenges during cuts. Toronto kept eight on its active roster, with veterans Richie Sindani, and camp standouts Justin Marshall and Makai Polk landing on the practice roster.
When the Argonauts kick off their 2024 campaign next Sunday against the BC Lions, the team will look significantly different from last season’s squad, which won a record-tying 16 games.
The 151st year for the Argonauts club promises plenty of twists and turns.
