Toronto Argonauts sign Cincinnati product Phillip Wilder

Photo: Cincinnati Athletics. Photo edit: 3DownNation.

The Toronto Argonauts have signed American offensive lineman Phillip Wilder.

The six-foot-five, 315-pound blocker spent two seasons at the University of Cincinnati, playing 15 games. After filling a depth role in 2023, he started seven games at right tackle in 2024 and helped the team rank sixth in the Big 12 in total offence.

The 23-year-old native of Jonesboro, Ga. started his collegiate career at Southeast Missouri State where he played 18 games for the Redhawks primarily at left tackle.

The Toronto Argonauts added several key free agents this winter, including offensive lineman Dakoda Shepley, defensive lineman DeWayne Hendrix, strong-side linebacker Adarius Pickett, and defensive back DaShaun Amos. The team’s key losses included receiver Dejon Brissett (Calgary Stampeders) and linebacker Wynton McManis (Hamilton Tiger-Cats).

The Argonauts hold the second overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. EDT. All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Toronto will play its first preseason game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, May 23, then its first regular-season game against the Montreal Alouettes on Friday, June 12.

In 2025, Toronto finished third in the East Division standings with a 5-13 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Mike Miller was promoted to the role of head coach following the departure of Ryan Dinwiddie.