The Toronto Argonauts signed Ka’Deem Carey and Albert Awachie in February. To date, the team has 3 running backs on roster.

The Toronto Argonauts are ready for the ground game after signing Ka’Deem Carey and Albert Awachie in February. Having lost AJ Ouellette to the Roughriders during free agency, the Argos have stacked the backfield with new and familiar faces.

Running back Carey played four years for the Calgary Stampeders during which time he carried the ball 2,855 yards over 44 games averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He racked up 19 touchdowns on the ground and managed 732 yards receiving on 90 receptions. After an all star performance in 2022 Carey missed most of the 2023 season due to injury, a major contributing factor for the Stampeders when they decided to part ways.

Full back Awachie played 3 seasons with the Roughriders since 2019. Despite playing out of the backfield Awachie primarily blocked and acted as receiver. He had 9 receptions amounting to 74 yards in his time in Saskatchewan. In his 43 games Awachie returned 4 kickoffs averaging 10.2 yards per, with a longest of 18 yards.

Both Awachie and Carey are 31 years old.

Off-Season Resignings

The Argos also extended running backs Deonta McMahon and Dan Adeboboye. McMahon, 24 years old, played 7 games in his rookie season last year in Toronto. He managed 134 yards on 38 carries scoring 3 touchdowns along the way. Adeboboye, also 24, debuted in 2022 but had considerably more work last season notching 41 carries for 287 yards and a touchdown.

While losing a running back as impressive as Ouelette was substantial, the Argonauts have stacked the room with plenty of options to take over with the running game. Having more options takes the pressure off Chad Kelly who is listed to start for Toronto in 2024.