Free agents for 2026

[paulwoods13]

There is no way we are getting raided in free agency the way we have the past couple of years. But after going 5-13, having most of the roster locked up is not exactly reason for celebration IMO.

If 3DN's list is accurate (and Hogie has promised to compile a list, so it will be interesting to compare), here you go:

Quarterback
None

Running back
None

Fullback
Felix Garand-Gauthier (N)

Receiver
Dejon Brissett (N)
David Ungerer III (N)
DaVaris Daniels (A)

Offensive line
Shane Richards (N)
Dylan Giffen (N)
Ryan Sceviour (N)

Defensive line
Thiadric Hansen (G)
J-Min Pelley (N)
Anthony Lanier II (A)
DeMarcus Christmas (A)
Bryan Cox Jr. (A)

Linebacker
Jack Cassar (N)
Isaac Darkangelo (A)
Brian Harelimana (N)
Wynton McManis (A)
Jordan Herdman-Reed (N)
Ryder Varga (N)

Defensive back
Branden Dozier (A)
Benjie Franklin (A)
Kenneth George Jr. (A)

Specialist
Adam Guillemette (N)
Janarion Grant (A)

IMO there are only a handful of must-signs: Brissett, Cassar, Franklin, Guillemette and either McManis (at the right price) or Darkangelo. I saw McManis as the absolute No. 1 priority re-sign last year, but given his injury history, his age and his big cap hit, I'm far less determined to see him brought back. I think Darkangelo or Casey could slot in there if he doesn't return. Most of the others can test the market IMO. I'd be fine with bringing back Giffen, Ungerer, Lanier, Varga, Dozier and Grant, but won't be upset if any or all of them move on.

[Scooter McCray]

Seems like a much more manageable list than past years. Would like to see McManis back but at lower cost so pieces can be added around him and the defence can become elite once more. He is the team leader without question.

[Scooter McCray]

There is no way we are getting raided in free agency the way we have the past couple of years. But after going 5-13, having most of the roster locked up is not exactly reason for celebration IMO.

If 3DN's list is accurate (and Hogie has promised to compile a list, so it will be interesting to compare), here you go:

Quarterback
None

Running back
None

Fullback
Felix Garand-Gauthier (N)

Receiver
Dejon Brissett (N)
David Ungerer III (N)
DaVaris Daniels (A)

Offensive line
Shane Richards (N)
Dylan Giffen (N)
Ryan Sceviour (N)

Defensive line
Thiadric Hansen (G)
J-Min Pelley (N)
Anthony Lanier II (A)
DeMarcus Christmas (A)
Bryan Cox Jr. (A)

Linebacker
Jack Cassar (N)
Isaac Darkangelo (A)
Brian Harelimana (N)
Wynton McManis (A)
Jordan Herdman-Reed (N)
Ryder Varga (N)

Defensive back
Branden Dozier (A)
Benjie Franklin (A)
Kenneth George Jr. (A)

Specialist
Adam Guillemette (N)
Janarion Grant (A)

IMO there are only a handful of must-signs: Brissett, Cassar, Franklin, Guillemette and either McManis (at the right price) or Darkangelo. I saw McManis as the absolute No. 1 priority re-sign last year, but given his injury history, his age and his big cap hit, I'm far less determined to see him brought back. I think Darkangelo or Casey could slot in there if he doesn't return. Most of the others can test the market IMO. I'd be fine with bringing back Giffen, Ungerer, Lanier, Varga, Dozier and Grant, but won't be upset if any or all of them move on.

Agree with must haves. Maybe add Grant too. He did not have as many TDs in 2025, but still set the offence up with field position more often than not. Argos need to be active in FA, and hopefully can land a potential starter with #2 pick in draft.

[RichK]

Would like to see McManis back but at lower cost so pieces can be added around him and the defence can become elite once more. He is the team leader without question.

IIRC he was the highest-paid defensive player in the league this year. Did we overpay him? In hindsight, if we had a choice between re-signing him or, say, retaining two of the D-lineman we lost, I’m not so sure we made the right call.

On the other hand he IS the team leader as you say, and he still made some spectacular plays this year. And there is little doubt that he played hurt and at less than 100% for much of the season. I’d still love to have him back, but what are the chances of getting him at a reasonable price this time?

[Scooter McCray]

Would like to see McManis back but at lower cost so pieces can be added around him and the defence can become elite once more. He is the team leader without question.

IIRC he was the highest-paid defensive player in the league this year. Did we overpay him? In hindsight, if we had a choice between re-signing him or, say, retaining two of the D-lineman we lost, I’m not so sure we made the right call.

On the other hand he IS the team leader as you say, and he still made some spectacular plays this year. And there is little doubt that he played hurt and at less than 100% for much of the season. I’d still love to have him back, but what are the chances of getting him at a reasonable price this time?

He was paid for the player he was last year...the best defensive player in league. He was still very good this year when he played, and he played hurt all year long. I believe he wants to be in Toronto. Get healthy, take a little less, and let Pinball get other all stars to play with you and let you get back to being elite.

[Scooter McCray]

I think if Dinwiddie, Pinball and Murphy believed that Kelly would not play in 2025 they would have approached the defence differently last winter. Probably not let as many FA players get away.
They must have thought the offence under Kelly would mask defensive shortcomings and they might have been right in that assessment.
With Arbuckle as well as he played, margin of error goes down. And the margin was thin. For 2026 they have an opportunity to get back to 2023/2024 level of play. If you were a vet FA and wanted to win a championship where would you like to go?

[Will]

Quarterback
None

Running back
None

Fullback
Felix Garand-Gauthier (N)

Receiver
Dejon Brissett (N)
David Ungerer III (N)
DaVaris Daniels (A)

Offensive line
Shane Richards (N)
Dylan Giffen (N)
Ryan Sceviour (N)

Defensive line
Thiadric Hansen (G)
J-Min Pelley (N)
Anthony Lanier II (A)
DeMarcus Christmas (A)
Bryan Cox Jr. (A)

Linebacker
Jack Cassar (N)
Isaac Darkangelo (A)
Brian Harelimana (N)
Wynton McManis (A)
Jordan Herdman-Reed (N)
Ryder Varga (N)

Defensive back
Branden Dozier (A)
Benjie Franklin (A)
Kenneth George Jr. (A)

Specialist
Adam Guillemette (N)
Janarion Grant (A)

I have bolded those I want back.

[OV Argo]

The only Argo FAs there that I could see fetching a lot of attention (+ maybe a good buck$ contract) from any other CFL teams are: McManis (still a stud MLB - important position); J. Grant (proven dangerous return guy = valuable) & Brissett (teams like Montreal & Winnipeg are not as deep in Canadian receiver talent as most others).

[Nob 2.0]

There may be a few subtle differences, but probably a lot of similarities in the Wish Lists.

There are few “musts”, as a 5-13 record would indicate. There are good players there, but the overall talent needs to be upgraded.

The “musts” as I see them are: Brissett, Darkangelo, Franklin, Guillemette, and Cassar. McManis……..want him back as the team leader again, but the price has to be right. Grant as well, because special returners are hard to find.

Everyone else….. ??? There are a few “nice to haves”: Giffen (and please stay healthy), Ungerer, and …. that’s probably it.

I don’t think that the Argos did a good job at filling depth for Special Teams. I said it before, and will say it again - losing Adebeboye was a huge blow at RB, but even more on Specials. I’m hoping that the Argos can find some solid depth pieces that can compete for playing time and Special teams, in free agency and in the draft.

[RichK]

I think if Dinwiddie, Pinball and Murphy believed that Kelly would not play in 2025 they would have approached the defence differently last winter.

This is a great point. And surely they would have approached the RB position differently too. The Kelly situation impacted personnel decisions across the board.