Argos release veteran linebacker Wynton McManis ahead of free agency

TORONTO — Wynton McManis is on the open market.

The Toronto Argonauts released the veteran middle linebacker Tuesday, a week ahead of the start of CFL free agency. McManis, 31, was set to become a free agent next week.

“The harsh reality of professional football is that our sport is marked by constant change,” Toronto general manager Mike Clemons said 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 mould. 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.”

Hamilton would appear to be the likeliest destination for McManis, who lives in Toronto year-round and has a daughter and son. The Tiger-Cats have a definite need at middle linebacker after Canadian Devin Veresuk signed this off-season with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

A CFL source requesting anonymity told The Canadian Press shortly after McManis’s release to “look for” the two-time CFL all-star to land in Hamilton.

McManis had 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games last season. The Memphis, Tenn., native spent four CFL campaigns with the Argos (2022-25), helping them win Grey Cups in 2022 and 2024.

The six-foot, 220-pound McManis began his CFL career with Calgary (2017-19), winning his first Grey Cup with the Stampeders in 2018.

McManis has 390 tackles, 52 special-teams tackles, 16 sacks, nine interceptions and four forced fumbles while scoring three defensive touchdowns in 100 career regular-season CFL games.

“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,” Clemons said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 3, 2026.