February 13, 2019

Argos, Lemon reunite in free agency

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts have signed defensive end Shawn Lemon, General Manager Jim Popp announced Tuesday morning on TSN Radio.

Lemon returns to Toronto for a second stint, after being traded part way through the 2018 season. The 30-year-old edge rusher played in 13 games with the Lions in 2018, after his trade from the Boatmen, collecting one special teams tackle and 10 sacks with the Leos.

Along with BC, the six-foot-two, 251-pounder has spent time Saskatchewan Roughriders (2011, 2016), Edmonton Eskimos (2012), Calgary Stampeders (2013, 2014), Ottawa REDBLACKS (2015), Toronto Argonauts (2016-2018). Lemon was named a CFL East All-Star in 2016, the season he tallied a career-high in sacks with 14. He is also a two-time Grey Cup Champion, winning with the Stampeders in 2014 and Argonauts in 2017.


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Lemon had the best season of his career with the Argos in 2016, recording 14 sacks in 16 contests. The following year he thrived under defensive coordinator Corey Chamblin, recording eight sacks in 12 games and helping the Argos win the 105th Grey Cup Championship.

It’s speculated that Chamblin’s return to Toronto as head coach this year, after spending a year outside of the CFL, had an impact on Lemon’s decision to return.

In 93 career games, Lemon has amassed 132 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, 61 sacks and one interception.

Lemon was ranked No. 30 on CFL.ca’s top 30 pending free agent list.