Toronto Argonauts sign three, including American quarterback Ben Holmes

Photo courtesy: Tartleton State Athletics

The Toronto Argonauts have signed American quarterback Ben Holmes, American defensive lineman Brandon Barlow, and American receiver Jeremiah Haydel. 

Holmes was the fourth overall selection in the USFL Draft by the New Jersey Generals but was released after breaking his foot in training camp. The six-foot, 200-pound passer has spent time with the Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Elks this season, though he has yet to see action in a regular season CFL game.

The 27-year-old passed for nearly 6,000 yards and 62 touchdowns over three years at Tarleton State (2017-19) and rushed for 560 yards. He previously attended Nassau Community College and passed for 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns en route to being named Freshman of the Year, Player of the Year, and National Bowl Game MVP during his time with the Lions. 

Barlow spent six years at Boston College (2016-2021) where he made 128 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery over 50 games with the Eagles. The six-foot-four, 260-pound native of New York was named to the ACC All-Academic Team in 2020.

Haydel was in training camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders this year following a stint with the Los Angeles Rams. The six-foot, 170-pound target attended Texas State (2017-2020), where he caught 96 passes for 1,141 yards and nine touchdowns over 44 games with the Bobcats.

The Houston native also returned 54 kickoffs for a 22.1-yard average and one touchdown while bringing back 16 punts for an average of 13 yards and one touchdown. He was named All-American by ESPN and First-Team All-Sun Belt as a punt returner as a senior.

The Argos have also released American defensive lineman Jachai Polite and American receiver A.J. Richardson.