August 7, 2017

Argos add Gaydosh; bring back Black

Adam Gagnon/CFL.ca

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have scooped up former first overall pick and defensive tackle Linden Gaydosh, the team announced Monday.

The top pick in the 2013 CFL Draft by Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Gaydosh played with the Ticats from 2014-2016 and appeared in 10 games until he was traded to Riders near the end of the 2016 season.

The team also announced Monday that it has brought back veteran safety Matt Black, who was released last week.

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Gaydosh, a 26-year-old Peace River, Alta. native was released by the Riders last week.

After a stellar college career at the University of Calgary, Gaydosh struggled with injuries after being drafted. He landed in Hamilton after a year-long stint with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers out of school before being traded to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2016.

For the Argos, the move represents some potential upside with little risk. The 6-foot-4, 298-pound interior lineman could help the Argos’ ratio, especially after the team has faced injuries on the defensive line — including to Canadian Cleyon Laing.

Black, a nine-year CFL veteran, returns to the Double Blue after being released by the club last week. The Saginaw Valley product played all 109 of his career regular season games in Double Blue after being selected by the team in the sixth round (45th overall) of the 2008 CFL Draft.

In 109 career games, the Toronto native tallied 128 defensive tackles, 80 special teams tackles, three interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. The 2012 Grey Cup champion also appeared in six playoff games for the Boatmen, registering one defensive tackle, five special teams tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The Argos are in action on Friday in Montreal for the start of a home and home.