By Canadian Press

Source: Toronto Argonauts land linebacker Williams from B.C. Lions

Feb 9, 2023 | 6:44 AM

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have acquired Canadian linebacker Jordan Williams from the B.C. Lions.

According to a source, the Lions will receive a 2023 first-round draft pick for Williams, who was the CFL’s outstanding rookie in 2021.

The source spoke on the condition of anonymity as neither the Argos nor the Lions have confirmed the deal.

The six-foot, 232-pound Williams was the first player taken in the 2020 CFL draft but didn’t play that year as the league did not stage a season due to the global pandemic.

Williams captured the league’s top rookie honour in 2021 after posting 92 tackles, five special-teams tackles, a sack and interception.

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Last season, Williams registered 89 tackles, seven special-teams tackles and three forced fumbles.

The move makes financial sense for Toronto as Williams is on the final year of his rookie deal.

Williams, 28 is a native of North Carolina but deemed a national because his mother is Canadian.

In 2019, the Ottawa Redblacks offered Williams a practice-roster spot after he attended one of the club’s free-agent camps. 

But upon learning of his mother’s nationality, the club recommended Williams investigate getting into the league through the draft. 

Had Williams accepted Ottawa’s invitation, he would’ve been registered with the CFL as an American and his status couldn’t have been reversed afterward.

Canadian veteran Henoc Muamba was Toronto’s starting middle linebacker last season and captured the top Canadian and Grey Cup MVP of the Argos’ 24-23 championship win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Muamba, who’ll turn 34 later this month, is slated to become a free agent Tuesday.

B.C. had dealt its 2023 first-round pick to Montreal last summer in a deal for quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. after Canadian starter Nathan Rourke was hurt but this deal now gives the Lions the No. 9 pick overall.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 9, 2023.

The Canadian Press