The worst kept secret in CFL circles is a secret no more. The Argos have kicked off the official free-agency period by announcing the signing of coveted free agent pass rusher Ja’Gared Davis.

Here is the official press release from the Toronto Argonauts on the signing of Ja’Gared Davis.

ARGOS AGREE TO TERMS WITH DOMINANT DEFENSIVE LINEMAN JA’GARED DAVIS

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today they have agreed to terms with American DL Ja’Gared Davis.

Davis, 31, played 13 games for Hamilton in 2021 tallying 39 defensive tackles and six sacks but it was his playoff run that helped the Ticats get to the Grey Cup for the second season in a row. In three postseason games, Davis recorded seven tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble, disrupting offensive lines along the way. The Texas native was an East All-Star in 2019 after finishing second in the CFL with 13 sacks and adding 54 defensive tackles in his first year in Hamilton. The 6’1, 238lb lineman came to the CFL in 2016 with Calgary, where he worked closely with now Argos defensive coordinator Corey Mace, and averaged nearly eight sacks a season for his three years with the Stampeders. Davis would help Calgary capture the 106^th Grey Cup in 2018 and the lineman has reached the Grey Cup every season of his career. The former Southern Methodist Mustang spent time with Houston, New England, Kansas City, and Washington of the NFL from 2013-2015.

As reported here last week, Toronto also made official today the signing of Calgary Stampeders offensive linemen Justin Lawrence. Like Davis, Lawrence has connections to the Boatmen’s coaching staff. Toronto is returning six of their top offensive linemen next season. Lawrence will help bring added depth to the Argos interior, because of his ability to play guard and centre. Last season, Toronto had to consistently reshuffle the deck upfront due to a rash of injuries. Lawrence should fortify the strength of the Argos’ in the trenches.

Below is the official press release on Lawrence’s signing.

ARGONAUTS ADD CANADIAN OL JUSTIN LAWRENCE

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today they have agreed to terms with Canadian OL Justin Lawrence.

Lawrence, 25, spent the last three seasons in Calgary here he would play in 31 games, making 12 starts, while winning a Grey Cup with the Stamps in 2018. The 6’1, 300lb lineman from Edmonton was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 CFL Draft after playing four seasons at The University of Alberta (2014-2017).

TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club announced today they have agreed to terms with Canadian OL Justin Lawrence.

Lawrence, 25, spent the last three seasons in Calgary here he would play in 31 games, making 12 starts, while winning a Grey Cup with the Stamps in 2018. The 6’1, 300lb lineman from Edmonton was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 CFL Draft after playing four seasons at The University of Alberta (2014-2017).

Ja’Gared Davis To The Argos

CFL.ca had Ja’Gared Davis as the top free agent available leading into the start of free agency on Tuesday. And with good reason, the star pass rusher has been one of the best big-game performers in the CFL in recent years.

The Toronto Argonauts can attest to that because they witnessed Ja’Gared Davis single-handedly spoil their Grey Cup hopes this past December. In the East Final against the Argos, Davis had two sacks, countless pressures, and helped the Hamilton defence keep Toronto out of the end zone on multiple occasions. Specifically, on a key pass breakup in the end zone on an assured touchdown by DJ Foster. Davis played a significant factor in the Ti-Cats 27-19 victory over the Argonauts.

The 31-year old, former SMU standout, Davis, has a propensity for performing at a high level on the biggest stage. It’s become a trademark characteristic for the five-year CFL veteran, who has been to 5 consecutive Grey Cups and three straight with the Calgary Stampeders and then back-to-back with Hamilton.

Last season, In 13 regular-season games played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Davis had 39 tackles and six sacks. But it was during the postseason that he once again shined. Davis registered five sacks and a forced fumble in three playoff games played. Davis was a catalyst in Hamilton returning to the Grey Cup for the second season in a row.

Depending on what side of the Canadian fence you reside. Ja’Gared Davis is either a former enemy turned hero for joining the Argos or a villain for jumping on board with the dastardly Double Blue.

Corey Mace Putting His Stamps On The Argos Defence

By bringing on board the 31-year-old CFL veteran Ja’Gared Davis. Argos’ newly minted defensive coordinator Corey Mace continues to put his stamp on his defence. The Boatmen have been adding former Stamps defenders in waves in recent days. Adding DB Royce Metchie through trade and signing former standout linebacker Wynton McManis. And based on reports, there are likely more on the way.

Ja’Gared Davis began his pro football journey in the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2013with the Houston Texans. The versatile edge rusher had five different NFL stints with four different teams before landing in Calgary with the Stampeders in 2016.

During Ja’Gared Davis’s time in Calgary, he flourished and became an All-Star, registering 23 sacks in three seasons for the Stamps. And Corey Mace saw Davis’s talents firsthand. It’s no surprise that Mace would seek to recruit Davis when the legal tampering period was open for business. The former NFL and CFL defensive linemen, Mace, has firsthand knowledge of the player and person Davis is.

For the Argos, this is a massive signing for what was a good defence in 2021 that lacked a consistent pass rush. Davis will bring that ability to Toronto, but he is also a well-liked leader in the locker room who can help the Argos take the next step to a Grey Cup. Can Davis get to a sixth straight Grey Cup in a row playing in the Six? The Argonauts certainly hope so.