The defending Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts continue to keep their foundational pieces intact for the future, a week after giving star quarterback Chad Kelly a three-year contract extension. The Argos have locked up one of their homegrown building blocks, extending the rookie contract of G/C Peter Nicastro.
Nicastro is in the final year of his rookie deal. He has $45,000 in guaranteed money remaining. The three-year contract extension, which runs through the 2026 season, is believed to be worth $665,000 over three seasons with a potential earning of an extra 55K in roster and performance bonuses from 2024-2026. The new deal for the Calgary native will make him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the CFL, along with Edmonton’s Mark Korte and Ottawa’s Drew Desjarlais.
Toronto Argonauts Extend Homegrown Star Offensive Linemen Peter Nicastro
The Boatmen drafted the 24-year-old former Calgary Dino with the 7th overall selection in the 2021 CFL Draft, and he would start 11 games that season at both left guard and centre on route to an East Division All-Star nomination as well as East nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie and the Argonauts choice for Most Outstanding Lineman.
After missing most of the 2022 season due to a knee injury, Peter Nicastro has not missed a beat in 2023. If anything, he has played at a higher level than he did as a rookie. The Canadian standout has started all ten games this season and has played a pivotal role in helping the 9-1 Argos offensive line to a league-best ten sacks allowed.
“I am so excited to sign this contract to remain in Toronto,” said Peter Nicastro. “This is where I want to be; I love the city, the fans, and the organization gives us every opportunity to succeed on and off the field. I can’t wait to continue building on the success of the last few years. I want to thank the Argonauts organization, my family, and my agent for all their hard work and support in getting this deal done.”
Pro Football Focus has graded out Peter Nicastro as one of the top interior players in the CFL. Nicastro has seen time at both centre and guard this season.
The Boatmen’s brilliant front office, captained by GM Michael Clemons and one of football’s best talent evaluators, Vince Magri, has successfully put together one of the most diverse and talented rosters in the CFL. Magri, in particular, who is a former Canadian offensive lineman himself, deserves a ton of credit for scouting and bringing on board elite national talents like Peter Nicastro and Kurleigh Gittens Jr., among others. Two young Canadian draft picks will be donning Double Blue for a long time.
DOUBLE BLUE EXTEND CANADIAN OL PETER NICASTRO
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today the club has agreed to a contract extension with OL Peter Nicastro.
Nicastro, 24, has been an integral part of the CFL’s best offensive line in 2023, starting aten 10 games at both right guard and centre while helping the Boatmen get off to a 9-1 start. The 6’2, 305lb lineman has helped Toronto’s offensive line to a league-low ten sacks allowed in 10 games so far this season, 14 better than the next-best team. The Calgary native has given QB Chad Kelly all kinds of time in the pocket, which has led to the QB being towards the top of all major passing categories and in the discussion for Most Outstanding Player. The three-year CFL veteran has been opening up holes for RB AJ Ouellette to run through all season, helping the running back to 710 rushing yards, good for second-best in the CFL so far in 2023. Nicastro is part of an Argonaut offence leading the CFL in points per game (34.8), average yards per play (7.6), average gain on first down (7.5), average yards per pass (10.9), completion percentage (68) and is second in offensive touchdowns (35) and net offence (377.5). The former Calgary Dino was drafted by the Boatmen with the 7th overall selection in the 2021 CFL Draft and would start 11 games that season at both left guard and centre on route to an East Division All-Star nomination as well as East nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie and the Aros choice for Most Outstanding Lineman. A late October injury in 2021 would sideline Nicastro for the remainder of that season as well as all of the 2022 season.
“I am so excited to sign this contract to remain in Toronto,” said Nicastro. “This is where I want to be; I love the city, the fans, and the organization gives us every opportunity to succeed on and off the field. I can’t wait to continue building on the success of the last few years. I want to thank the Argonauts organization, my family, and my agent for all their hard work and support in getting this deal done.”
“Getting Pete locked up is huge for us,” said Argos Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie. “He’s been a starter from the moment he stepped into the league, can play multiple positions along the line, and gets better each week. This was really important for us after getting Chad extended last week. We are thrilled to keep him in Double Blue.”
