CFL.ca Staff

MISSISSAUGA -- The Toronto Argonauts continue to reload this off-season by acquiring two-time CFL All-Star linebacker Zeke Moreno, along with Winnipeg’s best sixth round selection in the upcoming CFL Canadian Draft. In exchange, the Boatmen have sent non-import DE Riall Johnson to the Blue Bombers.

Commented Argonauts GM/Vice President, Football Operations, Adam Rita, “I feel very fortunate that we were able to get a player of Zeke Moreno’s toughness, grit and aggressiveness.  He has strong leadership skills, both on the field and in the locker room.  Zeke is a proven player who had led the league in tackles for two seasons.  We expect him to do the same with the Argos and be an anchor for our defence.”

Moreno, who first joined the CFL as a member of the Ticats in 2007, is a proven CFL starter who has twice been named a CFL and East Division All-Star. He earned the nickname ‘Zeke and Destroy’ for his tenacious on-field pursuit and reliability as a tackler. As a rookie in 2007, he set the Tiger-Cats team record and led the CFL with 114 defensive tackles. He was traded to Winnipeg mid-way through the 2008 season and still finished the year as the CFL’s top tackler with 97 defensive stops.

Remarked Moreno on coming to Toronto, “Believe it or not, my goal is not to play for every CFL team, although I’m almost halfway there - I plan to finish my career as an Argonaut.  I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I’m blessed to be able to play this game that I love so much.  I plan to bring all of the hard work and intensity I’ve shown throughout my career.  Get ready Toronto - I’m so glad to be on board when we turn this thing around.”

Moreno originally signed as a free agent with Hamilton in 2007 and was traded to Winnipeg, in exchange for the rights to non-import DT Cory Mace and a first round pick in the 2009 CFL Canadian Draft, after CFL week 10. He started at middle linebacker in the final eight regular season games and East Semi-Final for the Bombers. He was a three-year starter and team MVP as a senior for the formidable USC Trojans football programme. He also played four years in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers after being drafted by the club in the fifth round of the 2001 NFL Draft. Moreno started 12 games in 2003 for San Diego at linebacker.

Johnson comes to Winnipeg after spending the last four seasons in Toronto.

“Riall is a proven quality starter that can rush off the edge, or move inside. We’re always looking for players that can provide us with versatility and we can put him a few different spots,” said Winnipeg head coach Mike Kelly.

Johnson appeared in 15 games last season with the Argonauts, getting 10 starts on the defensive line. He recorded four sacks, 34 defensive tackles, two tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

“We believe that he is one of the best non-import players out there,” Kelly said.

The 31-year-old out of Stanford had an outstanding season for Toronto in 2007, when he finished third in the league with 10 sacks.

Before he started his career in the CFL in 2005, Johnson spent some time in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals. He was originally drafted by the Bengals in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Prior to his professional career, Johnson had a stellar collegiate career at Stanford. He led the PAC-10 in sacks in his final two seasons at Stanford. In 1999 he was named Second-Team All-Pac 10.