Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts have brought back a key leader on their defence, announcing Tuesday they’ve re-signed linebacker Bear Woods through 2018.
Woods, 30, became a free agent on Feb. 30 after starting 17 games for the Argos in 2017 and leading the team with 91 defensive tackles.
“Bear is a player who leads by example on and off the field and has shown he has what it takes to be one of the league’s best at his position,” said Argos GM Jim Popp. “He was a key part of our championship-winning team last season and we’re thrilled to have him return in 2018.”
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Marcus Ball (left) and Bear Woods (right) form a strong duo at linebacker for the Argos (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)
The 6-foot, 245-pound native of Macclenny, Fla., also tallied four tackles for a loss, two sacks, and five quarterback pressures in his first season in Double Blue. The veteran linebacker started both the Eastern Final and 105th Grey Cup, posting six defensive tackles in the two post-season games.
Woods was signed as a free agent by the Argos on May 31, 2017 after being released by the Montreal Alouettes. In six seasons with the Als, Woods was twice selected as a CFL All-Star and was named the East Division’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2014 and 2016.
Prior to joining the Alouettes, Woods spent the 2010 season as a member of the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. He joined Montreal as a free agent late in the 2011 season and made his CFL debut in the 2011 Eastern Final against the Tiger-Cats.
