Teams typically have to work hard to recruit top free agents, especially when coming off a losing season. In the case of the Toronto Argonauts and Canadian offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley, however, things worked quite the opposite.
“We were very fortunate to take an inbound call from his team — and him directly, as well. In this life, we were very fortunate to get this opportunity, and it didn’t take long (to agree to a contract). He knew where he wanted to play,” general manager Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons said via videoconference.
“He reached out. We responded. It was magic from the first go, the first conversation, and in even the last conversation. He just had his first child born. He’s very mature and a guy that will not only help us on the field, but in the locker room and community as well.”
The native of Windsor, Ont. was originally a first-round pick in the 2018 CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He signed with the team in 2019 after a stint with the New York Jets and played all 18 regular-season games, eventually becoming a starter at guard.
The six-foot-five, 305-pound blocker opted out of his CFL contract amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He ended up spending six years down south as a member of the 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts, dressing for 16 regular-season NFL games and earning close to $2 million.
Shepley and his representation may have initiated conversations with the Argonauts but he didn’t come cheap. Per sources, he’ll earn $285,000 in hard money in 2026, tying him with teammate Ryan Hunter as the second-highest-paid offensive linemen in the CFL. Coulter Woodmansey, the league’s highest-paid offensive lineman, will earn $300,000 with the Edmonton Elks.
The Argonauts allowed a league-worst 56 sacks in 2025 and averaged 3.9 yards per rush — almost one fewer yard than every other team. Toronto identified the offensive line as a position that needed to be upgraded this offseason, making Shepley a perfect fit.
Clemons didn’t address why Shepley wanted to sign with the Argonauts, suggesting the veteran blocker will speak for himself come the start of training camp. With that said, the 31-year-old has professional acting experience and recently welcomed his first child. It seems fair to speculate he chose Toronto for professional and/or family reasons.
Regardless, judging by Clemons’ mile-wide smile, it’s clear the Argonauts are thrilled to have him.
The Toronto Argonauts added several key free agents this winter, including offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley, defensive lineman DeWayne Hendrix, strong-side linebacker Adarius Pickett, and defensive back DaShaun Amos. The team’s key losses included receiver Dejon Brissett (Calgary Stampeders) and linebacker Wynton McManis (Hamilton Tiger-Cats).
The Argonauts hold the second overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Toronto will play its first preseason game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, May 23, then its first regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes on Friday, June 12.
In 2025, Toronto finished third in the East Division standings with a 5-13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Mike Miller was promoted to the role of head coach following the departure of Ryan Dinwiddie.