Photo courtesy: Kevin Sousa/CFL.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have signed American linebacker Wynton McManis to a one-year contract for the 2026 CFL season, per sources.
Hamilton defensive coordinator Brent Monson coached linebackers for the Calgary Stampeders in 2017 when McManis first signed in the Canadian Football League. He was released by the Toronto Argonauts on Tuesday.
The Ticats had a hole to fill at middle linebacker after East Division Most Outstanding Rookie, Canadian Devin Veresuk signed with the Indianapolis Colts in January.
McManis, who was 3DownNation’s fifth-ranked pending CFL free agent, missed five regular-season games due in part to a groin injury in 2025 but was productive when on the field with Toronto, recording 62 defensive tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He was the highest-paid player at his position in the three-down league last season, earning $229,500.
The 31-year-old had been with the Argos since 2022, earning two All-CFL selections and helped the team win two championships in 2022 and 2024. He arguably could have been the 111th Grey Cup MVP after leading the Double Blue with six defensive tackles and intercepting Zach Collaros once in an upset victory. His son and daughter were born in Toronto, the city the six-foot, 220-pounder calls home.
“Wynton is one of the premier defenders in our league,” said head coach Scott Milanovich in a statement. “He plays the game the right way — with physicality, intelligence, and a relentless motor. Beyond what he brings on the field, his experience as a Grey Cup champion and his leadership in the locker room are invaluable and we’re excited to welcome him to our organization.”
McManis entered 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 game the following season, later spending time with the Miami Dolphins prior to returning to Canada.
In 100 career CFL games, McManis has amassed 390 defensive tackles, 52 special teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three defensive touchdowns.
The Memphis, Tennessee native originally signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2016, playing two NFL games. He earned around $211,000 USD while in the NFL.
While at the University of Memphis, McManis posted 110 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception in 47 NCAA games for the Tigers.
Hamilton finished first in the East Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record, though the team lost the East Final to the Montreal Alouettes. Bo Levi Mitchell led the CFL with 5,296 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions after starting all 18 regular-season games, earning the East Division’s nomination for Most Outstanding Player.
The Tiger-Cats ranked third in net offence, eighth in net defence, and first with a turnover differential of plus-ten. The team’s leading rusher was Greg Bell with 1,038 yards, leading receiver was Kenny Lawler with 1,443 yards, and leading tackler was Stavros Katsantonis with 69 tackles. Hamilton ranked fourth in attendance with average crowds of 22,858, which was a 3.9 percent increase from the previous year.