During the offseason, attention has mainly centered on the movement of pending free agents, yet the Toronto Argonauts persist in extending contracts for players beyond the 2024 season.
The Toronto Argonauts’ dedication to long-term success is further demonstrated by their recent decision to extend the contract of All-Star offensive lineman Ryan Hunter through the 2026 season.
It is anticipated that Hunter’s multi-year deal with Toronto will elevate him to one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the CFL, as well as among the league’s top-paid Canadian players.
Hunter’s earnings exceeded $200,000 last year, inclusive of bonuses, placing him among the top earners in his position.
As of the current press time, the complete details of the contract are not fully disclosed. However, excluding performance-based incentives, Hunter’s new three-year agreement is expected to yield an average annual salary of $256,000, with his base pay increasing in the final two years of the contract.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 315 pounds, Hunter’s ability to perform exceptionally well across various positions on the offensive line, whether on the interior or as a tackle on the outside, makes him a highly valuable asset for the Argonauts.
With the extension of Hunter’s contract, alongside those of Peter Nicastro and the re-signing of Darius Ciraco, the Toronto team has secured their elite trio of Canadian players on the interior for the next three seasons.
The Toronto Argonauts have taken a proactive approach this offseason by securing their key players a year earlier than expected. This strategy was evident with Nicastro, quarterback Chad Kelly, wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, edge rusher Folarin Orimolade, and now with Hunter.
In Hunter’s case, the team’s patience following his selection in the 2018 draft has proven to be highly rewarding. Despite waiting four years for the Ontario native to return home from his NFL stint, once Hunter joined the team, he made an immediate impact.
Arriving late in the 2022 season, Hunter played in five games, including crucial matchups like the Eastern Final and the Grey Cup. Notably, he holds the distinction of being one of the few players to have won both a CFL and NFL championship. He achieved the latter as an active member of the Kansas City Chiefs when they triumphed over the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl four years ago.
During the 2023 season, Argonauts supporters witnessed Hunter’s peak performance. In his inaugural full season, he garnered All-Star recognition, participating in 18 games for the Argonauts offensive line, which permitted a league-low 19 sacks. At 28 years old, he is currently in his athletic prime, indicating that his most exceptional contributions to the Argos are still ahead of him.
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