Toronto Argonauts Looking To Repeat Recent American Import Success

The Argos’ quest to help fortify their cornerback position after losing Jamal Peters to the Atlanta Falcons will be one of their top priorities this offseason. One of Toronto’s first steps in that process is their signing of former West Virginia standout Keith Washington Jr.

Replacing CFL All-Star CB Jamal Peters, who recently signed on with the NFL, won’t be easy for Toronto. But the Grey Cup Champion Argonauts have had a lot of success with American imports the last two seasons. Particularly in their secondary, look no further than the two players who started at cornerback in the Grey Cup, Jamal Peters and Tarvarus McFadden.

ARGONAUTS SIGN AMERICAN DB KEITH WASHINGTON JR.

Keith Washington Jr., 26, most recently played eight games for the New Orleans Breakers of the USFL in 2022, recording 18 tackles and one interception. He was the Breakers’ second-round selection in the USFL’s positional draft for defensive backs.

The 6’1, 180lb DB spent 2020 and 2021 with the New Orleans Saints after being signed by the NFL team as an undrafted free agent following his collegiate days.

The Alabama native played two seasons at West Virginia University (2018-2019), where throughout 22 games, he made 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six interceptions, and 24 pass deflections. Washington Jr. started his college career at Michigan in 2015 when he redshirted before playing nine games in 2016. A move to Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 2017 saw Washington Jr. play nine more games before his final transfer to WVU.

Keith Washington II has the potential and talent to be a front-line starter in the CFL. The lanky 6’1 defensive back with 4.3 timed speed in the 40-yard dash has a profile that compares favorably to Toronto’s recent American acquisitions at the position.

The Prattville, Ala. native has excellent athleticism. Washington was a two-time Montgomery Advertiser Player of the Year (2014-15). He was a dual-threat quarterback in high school, throwing for 1,718 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,201 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. Washington’s father, Keith Sr., played defensive end at Louisiana Tech, where he was an All-Big West selection in 1994.

Very often, signings like these fly under the radar in Canada. Especially with CFL free agency coming up a month from now. However, based on the Argonauts’ recent track record of success in signing quality American free agents. Keith Washington Jr. could be more than just an afterthought in the Argos offseason by the time the season arrives.