Argonauts sign QB Chad Kelly to five-year extension reportedly worth $1M a year

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have signed starter Chad Kelly to a five-year extension.

The Argos confirmed the signing Tuesday morning and will hold a formal news conference later in the day.

Contract details weren’t divulged, but the deal will reportedly pay Kelly over $1 million annually, making him the league’s highest-paid player.

Kelly, 32, is enjoying the best season of his five-year CFL career with career highs in passing yards (5,067), TDs (33), completions (366), and completion percentage (70.9).

He has also thrown a CFL-high 24 interceptions.

Kelly was the CFL’s outstanding player in 2023 after leading Toronto to a 16-2 record that tied a CFL record for most regular-season wins in a year.

Toronto has won two Grey Cups during Kelly’s tenure with the CFL club (2022, ’24).

Kelly (knee) didn’t play in Toronto’s 33-16 loss Friday night to the Montreal Alouettes but is expected to suit up Saturday when the Argos host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the East Division semifinal.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press