The Argos have added 2019 CFL standout rookie LB Nate Holley to their active roster. Several of the CFL’s standout players from the last few years have returned from the NFL in recent weeks. With the likes of Reggie Begelton, Tre Roberson, D’haquille Williams, and others making their way back north of the border.

Nate Holley falls right in line with those major returns. It’s quite the coup by the Boatmen at this late stage of the CFL regular season. Nate Holley returns to the CFL after spending the entire 2020 season with the Miami Dolphins. He was released at final cuts in late August by Miami.

The Toronto Argonauts (7-4) currently reside in first place in the Eastern Division, having secured a playoff berth this past weekend. However, the Argos defence led by Chris Jones and Rich Stubler has struggled in recent weeks, partly due to injuries.

The addition of Nate Holley should bolster the Boatmen’s impressive linebacking corps with names like Henoc Muamba, Cameron Judge, Dexter McCoil, and Chris Edwards.

Cameron Judge has missed several games due to an ankle injury and is attempting to work his way back into the fold. Dexter McCoil (elbow) is banged up and missed this week’s first practice in preparation for a crucial game in Ottawa this Saturday. It remains to be seen how quickly Nate Holley can be inserted into the lineup, but there’s no doubt that he will make a significant impact when he does.

The Double Blue also officially announced the signing of another now-former, Calgary Stampeder in Centre Jonathan Zamora. The Argos signed Zamora off of Calgary’s practice roster. The promising former third-round pick of the Stamps in 2020 could immediately be inserted into Toronto’s lineup, per CFL rules.

It’s worth noting that the Argos current standout rookie C Peter Nicastro is dealing with a knee injury, missed practice on Tuesday, and there’s no doubt that Nicastro’s status precipitated this move to sign Zamora.

It’s also worth noting that last week’s Nick Arbuckle trade to Edmonton, in which Toronto received a second-round pick, and the negotiation rights to former NFL QB Chad Kelly helped free up much-needed cap space for the Argos. Which in turn, has given the Boatmen wiggle room to make roster moves such as these. More specifically, the Nate Holley signing, who certainly commanded great interest from several CFL teams. The Boatmen were able to get Holley onboard for a vital playoff stretch run.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

ARGOS ADD 2019 MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE NATE HOLLEY

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today the signing of American LB Nate Holley. Canadian OL Jonathan Zamora was also claimed off the Calgary Stampeders practice roster.

Holley, 26, had an outstanding 2019 campaign with the Calgary Stampeders, playing in all 18 games while racking up 78 defensive tackles (seventh-highest total in the league), 22 special teams tackles (third-most), one sack, and one interception on his way to winning the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie award. The 6’1, 210lb native of Michigan signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and played three games totaling three total tackles. Holley was waived by Miami as part of final cuts in August of this year. The Kent State product also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017 and the Nebraska Danger of the Indoor Football League and Los Angeles Rams in 2018.

Zamora, 25, was the 26^th overall selection in the 2020 CFL Draft out of St. Francis Xavier. The 6’3, 312lb lineman from Mississauga was an AUS all-star in 2019.

The club also announced the release of Canadian DB Dondre Wright.