February 17, 2018

Argos add corner Ronnie Yell to secondary

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

TORONTO — The Boatmen made another big splash on Saturday, the team has announced, signing free agent cornerback Ronnie Yell.

The 26-year-old boundary corner joins the Argos one day after they signed defensive halfback T.J. Heath, marking significant changes to their secondary over a two-day span.

Yell joins the Argos from the BC Lions, having started all 18 games in 2017 while hitting career highs in tackles (64) and interceptions (three).

“In four years in the league, Ronnie has developed into a consistent playmaker in the secondary and we are thrilled to welcome him to Toronto,” said Argos GM Jim Popp.


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» Bio: Ronnie Yell by the numbers


The 5-foot-10, 185-pound defensive back spent four seasons on the west coast, playing in 61 games and collecting 168 defensive tackles, eight special teams tackles, seven interceptions, three touchdowns and three forced fumbles over that time span.

He was ranked 29th on CFL.ca’s list of the top 30 free agents, and considered one of the top players remaining on the market going into the third day of free agency.

While the Argos lost Mitchell White, who signed with the Alouettes, and Rico Murray, who joined the REDBLACKS, their defensive backfield appears to be nearly set for the 2018 season. Jermaine Gabriel and Matt Black were re-signed to play safety, while Cassius Vaughn, Qudarius Ford, Alden Darby and Johnny Sears also return to the roster.

Last season the Argos ranked third in the CFL in passing yards, allowing 267.9 yards per game under Defensive Coordinator Corey Chamblin.