The Argos are signing former Calgary Stampeders standout linebacker Wynton McManis. New defensive coordinator Corey Mace is putting his Stamp on the Boatmen’s defence with Toronto by bringing on board another one of his former players.
The Argos Bring Wynton McManis Back To The CFL
Just days after the Boatmen completed a sign and trade, sending linebacker Cameron Judge to Calgary for budding young star DB Royce Metchie. The Argos have found Judge’s replacement and Henoc Muamba’s new running mate at linebacker.
Toronto’s top brass, including head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, general manager Michael Clemons, and Corey Mace, recruited Wynton McManis back to the CFL after a two-season stint in the National Football League.
Wynton McManis, the 27-year old Memphis native, and grad spent three seasons with the Calgary Stampeders after starting his pro career as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.
After leading the CFL with 25 special teams tackles in 2018. The 6’1 225-pound linebacker had a breakthrough 2019 season with the Stamps, starting twelve games and finishing second on the team in total tackles with 95.
The ascension of McManis up north caught the attention of NFL teams down south. McManis opted out of his contract with the Stampeders and was signed by the New Orleans Saints. He would spend time on and off the Saints roster and practice squad for the next two NFL seasons before ending up on the Miami Dolphins practice squad to end the 2021 NFL campaign.
Although some NFL teams have transitioned to having undersized linebackers in the 220-pound range, McManis couldn’t break through to the starting lineup as he did in Canada. Despite making a solid impression when given an extensive look in training camp and preseason games.
In the CFL, McManis is a perfect fit for the Canadian game. He is a true every-down linebacker who can cover a lot of ground.
For the Argos, replacing the retired Dexter McCoil and Cameron Judge won’t be easy. But not only will McManis be playing next to two standouts in MIKE linebacker Henoc Muamba and CFL All-Star SAM backer Chris Edwards. But McManis will be back playing in a defensive system and with a coach in Corey Mace, which he is very familiar with.
Calgary East? The Toronto Stamps? ‘The Stampeders in The Six.’ Judging by the sense of humor of the Argos social media team and the football club’s actions. They are not running from it; they embrace it with open arms. There could be more former Stamps like Wynton McManis headed to Toronto as free agency officially opens at noon on Tuesday.
Toronto Argonauts Official Press Release
DOUBLE BLUE BRING LB WYNTON McMANIS ABOARD
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today they have signed American LB Wynton McManis.
McManis, 27, played one game for the New Orleans Saints in 2021 after being signed by the club in August of last year and finished the year on the Miami Dolphins practice squad. The 6’1, 225lb linebacker was signed by the Calgary Stampeders in 2017 and would go on to play three seasons in red and white (2017-2019), totaling 104 defensive tackles, 41 special teams tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in 43 games. The native of Memphis led the CFL in special teams tackles in 2018 with 25 helping the Stamps capture the 106th Grey Cup that same season. The former University of Memphis Tiger started his pro career with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 where he would see action in two games, after being signed as an undrafted free agent that year.
