Toronto Argonauts release two-time CJFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephen Smith, sign two others

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

The Toronto Argonauts have released Canadian linebacker Stephen Smith.

The 24-year-old suited up for seven games in Toronto last season, registering two special teams tackles.

Smith spent the 2024 season pulling double-duty, serving on the practice roster of the Saskatchewan Roughriders while still playing for the Regina Thunder of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). He registered one special teams tackle in two CFL preseason appearances.

The six-foot, 220-pound defender played four seasons with the Thunder, twice winning CJFL Defensive Player of the Year and earning back-to-back All-Canadian selections in 2023 and 2024. Over 40 career games in junior, Smith has amassed 315 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and a blocked kick.

The Argos also added a pair of American defensive backs to their roster, signing Peyton Buckley and Caleb Nelson.

Buckley played four seasons at Augustana University, a Division II program in Sioux Falls, S.D. The six-foot-one, 207-pound safety played in 48 games for the Vikings, amassing 281 tackles, 22 for loss, three sacks, 12 interceptions, 43 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He was named all-conference three times and took home the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, while also earning second-team All-American honours from multiple outlets.

Nelson attended Sacramento State for his final two collegiate seasons, tallying 64 tackles, two interceptions, 23 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick in 24 games. He was named second-team All-Big Sky in 2022. The six-foot-one, 192-pound coverman transferred from the University of North Dakota, where he made 31 tackles in 23 games.