The Toronto Argonauts begin their Grey Cup title defence facing challenges that make back-to-back championships a steep climb. Key defensive starters departed during the offseason, while rival CFL teams have upgraded their rosters significantly.
The most notable loss is two-time All-CFL linebacker Wynton McManis, who spent four seasons anchoring Toronto’s defence and helping the club win Grey Cups in 2022 and 2024. McManis signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in February 2026 after the Argonauts released him during free agency. In 2025, McManis recorded 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble for Toronto.
The loss of McManis represents a substantial blow to the Argonauts’ defensive front seven. His combination of tackling ability and leadership made him nearly impossible to replace internally. Finding a suitable replacement linebacker is among Ujiri’s critical offseason priorities.
The Argonauts do return quarterback Chad Kelly, who delivered a breakthrough 2025 campaign and remains one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat players. Kelly’s consistency will be essential if Toronto hopes to retain playoff momentum.
Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed confidence in the team’s depth, pointing to strong performances from backup players during the 2025 playoff run. But depth pieces often struggle when thrust into full-time starting roles.
The BC Lions emerge as early Grey Cup contenders after assembling talent on both sides of the ball. Saskatchewan’s modernized offence and Montreal’s proven quarterback also represent serious threats.
For Toronto, the path to defending the championship requires quickly adapting to McManis’s departure and maintaining the defensive intensity that powered their 2024 championship run. The CFL’s parity means any of six teams could realistically win the championship.
