Geoff Robins/CFL.ca
TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have avoided free agency with one of their top offensive linemen, agreeing to a contract extension with national guard Tyler Holmes, the team announced Friday.
Holmes, 28, has emerged as one of the CFL’s premier guards throughout four seasons with the Argos and was due to become a free agent on Feb. 14. The deal is through 2018.
A native of Ottawa, Holmes was selected in the first round, seventh overall by the Argos in 2011 but didn’t join his CFL team until 2013, first playing out his college eligibility with Tulsa before joining the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings.
He officially signed with the Argos in Sept. of 2013 and has since before a fixture on their O-line, playing all 18 games in each of the last three seasons.
The two-time East Division All-Star played an integral role in paving the way for 2016 East Division rushing leader Brandon Whitaker.
During his time in Toronto, Holmes has also been heavily involved in the Argonauts community initiatives, playing a key role in both the Make the Call campaign and the Huddle Up Anti-Bullying program.
Holmes joins running back/slotback Anthony Coombs and kicker Lirim Hajrullahu as Argos that have scratched their name off the pending free agent list over the last few days.
