Top Free Agent Shawn Oakman Returns To Toronto Argonauts

Prized free-agent defensive lineman Shawn Oakman is returning to the Toronto Argonauts

The Argos announced the signing on Wednesday.

One of the more dominant interior players in the CFL, the former Baylor star and top NFL prospect has resurrected his career, excelling in Canada after being deemed unworthy of consideration due to off-the-field charges. Oakman was eventually cleared. 

Oakman returns to Toronto where he experienced a resurgence and rebirth in his playing career for another run at a championship. The 6-9, 287-pound behemoth joined the Argos in 2021 after playing for Los Angeles in the XFL and was nominated as a CFL All-Star that season after a six-sack campaign. 

He followed up his rookie campaign with a Division All-Star nod in 2022 after another six-sack season, capping it off with a Grey Cup championship. 

Oakman, 31, played 15 games in 2023 and recorded 27 defensive tackles, six sacks, and one forced fumble in his third CFL season. 

For his career, Oakman has tallied 90 defensive tackles, 18 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 45 regular-season games.

Oakman's return is a big get for Toronto. He helps fortify a Double Blue defensive front, which has already seen the team extend star pass rusher Folarin Orimolade and trade for All-Star lineman Jake Ceresna.

In a corresponding move, Toronto also released of DL Thomas Costigan.

You can find Mike Mitchell on X @ByMikeMitchell.