Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography
The Toronto Argonauts have released pending CFL free agent linebacker Wynton McManis.
The 31-year-old missed five regular-season games in 2025 but still had a productive year with the team, recording 62 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He was the highest-paid player at his position in the CFL, earning $229,500 last year.
The Memphis, Tennessee native joined the Argos in 2022, earning two All-CFL selections and helping the team win two Grey Cups. His son and daughter were born in Toronto, where McManis makes his year-round home.
“The harsh reality of professional football is that our sport is marked by constant change. There’s a level of indifference that embodies our game when a number of players you bring to training camp are cut every year,” said Argonauts general manager Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons in a statement.
“I do my best to appreciate each and every player that walks through the door, but some players are just different. They leave an indelible mark on your life — and Wynton McManis fits that mold. His family chose to name him Wynton, I believe, already understanding that he would wake up and choose to win every day.
“A two-time Grey Cup champion in Double Blue, Wynton represented a championship standard both on the field and as a leader in our community. I am infinitely grateful we were included on his journey; he made us better — not just a better team but better people. We are so grateful for his contributions, and while we’re sad to see him go, we wish him nothing but the best in the next chapter of his career.”
The six-foot, 220-pound defender originally came to the CFL in 2017 with the Calgary Stampeders, winning a Grey Cup the following year. He signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2020 and appeared in one regular-season game the following season.
In 100 career regular-season CFL games, McManis has recorded 390 defensive tackles, 52 special teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three defensive touchdowns.
McManis originally signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2016, playing two regular-season NFL games. He earned a little over $200,000 USD playing in the NFL, as per Spotrac.
Toronto finished third in the East Division standings in 2025 with a 5-13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Franchise quarterback Chad Kelly was unable to play all season due to a fractured leg he suffered in the East Final the previous year, giving way to Nick Arbuckle, who threw for 4,370 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions to be named the team’s candidate for Most Outstanding Player.
The Argonauts ranked seventh in net offence, sixth in net defence, and seventh with a turnover differential of minus-eight. The club’s leading rusher was Spencer Brown with 314 yards, leading receiver was Dejon Brissett with 907 yards, and leading tackler was Cameron Judge with 79 tackles. Toronto ranked ninth in attendance with average crowds of 15,109, which was a 0.1 percent decrease from the previous year.