Toronto Argonauts sign free-agent linebacker Shea Emry to three-year deal

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts signed free-agent linebacker Shea Emry to a three-year contract on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old from Richmond, B.C., spent the first six years of his career with the Montreal Alouettes, winning the Grey Cup in 2009 and 2010.

“Shea is someone who is very familiar to our coaching staff and it was important for us to get him under contract,” Argonauts general manager Jim Barker said in a statement. “He is a proven winner and a very good veteran player who we believe will have a strong presence in our locker-room. We are very happy to have him with us in Toronto.”

The seventh overall pick in the 2008 CFL draft, Emry has 261 tackles, 13 sacks, three fumble recoveries and four interceptions in his career.

“I have many strong relationships with players in Toronto and I know there is a winning culture in the locker-room,” said Emry. “I am eager to rejoin coaches Scott Milanovich, Tim Burke and Marcus Brady, all of whom I enjoyed playing for previously in Montreal.

“It was an easy decision to make this move as I believe the organization has been headed in a positive direction. I look forward to training camp and the opportunity to work toward winning another championship.”

Emry’s best season came in 2012 when he totalled a career-best 87 tackles, including seven sacks, and was named the East Division’s top Canadian and defensive MVP. He was also an East Division and CFL all-star.