The Toronto Argonauts operate under the CFL’s $6.065 million salary cap for 2025, featuring quarterback Chad Kelly earning $615,000 as the league’s second-highest paid player behind only BC’s Nathan Rourke at $624,200.
Toronto signed offensive lineman Ryan Hunter to $270,000 deal making him the CFL’s highest-paid Canadian and Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman.
Former head coach Ryan Dinwiddie compiled 51-35 record with two Grey Cup championships (2022, 2024) before departing to Ottawa, earning estimated $350,000-425,000 annually under Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment ownership.
The defending Grey Cup champions averaged just 15,127 attendance at 30,000-capacity BMO Field despite championship success.
Estimated Top 5 Highest-Paid Toronto Argonauts Players
| Rank | Player | Position | Est. Salary (CAD) | Contract Type | Notes |
| 1 | Chad Kelly | Quarterback | $615,000 | Through 2026 | $625K in 2026, no incentives |
| 2 | Ryan Hunter | Offensive Line | $270,000 | Through 2027 | CFL’s highest-paid Canadian |
| 3 | Wynton McManis | Linebacker | $229,500 | Multi-year | $231K max, All-CFL 2024 |
| 4 | Cameron Judge | Linebacker | $197,000 | Multi-year | $202K max, 2x All-CFL |
| 5 | DaVaris Daniels | Receiver | $180,300 | Through 2025 | 3x Grey Cup champion |
Chad Kelly’s $615,000 flat salary ranks second among CFL quarterbacks without performance incentives, representing unprecedented guaranteed compensation structure.
The 31-year-old Buffalo native receives $250,000 signing bonus annually but forfeits payment if signing NFL contract between December-February. His three-year extension signed August 2023 totals $1.865 million through 2026, escalating to $625,000 in final two seasons.
Ryan Hunter’s $270,000 hard money makes him the CFL’s highest-paid Canadian player, with $275,000 maximum including all-star bonuses. The 29-year-old North Bay native earned Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2024 after allowing league-low 19 sacks protecting Kelly.
Toronto Argonauts Coaching Staff & Management
Ryan Dinwiddie served as head coach earning estimated $350,000-425,000 CAD annually before departing to Ottawa in November 2025 after five seasons.
The 47-year-old compiled remarkable 51-35 regular season record with two Grey Cup championships, four consecutive Eastern Finals, and 2023 CFL Coach of the Year.
Dinwiddie’s total Toronto tenure earnings approached $1.8-2.1 million across five years under MLSE’s competitive compensation.
New head coach search underway with industry sources projecting $300,000-400,000 salary range maintaining Toronto’s upper-tier coaching investment.
MLSE ownership provides financial flexibility allowing premium coaching salaries exceeding Saskatchewan ($275K-350K), Hamilton ($275K-350K), and Ottawa ($225K-275K).
Assistant coach salaries range $90,000-135,000 CAD annually, the CFL’s highest tier. Total coaching staff budget estimated at $1.8-2.1 million represents league maximum.
How CFL Salaries Work at Toronto Argonauts
The CFL’s $6.065 million hard salary cap increased $412,365 from 2024, with Toronto allocating 10.1% to Chad Kelly’s quarterback position—league’s second-highest percentage behind only BC.
Toronto’s Top-Heavy Championship Core:
- Chad Kelly (QB): $615,000 – League’s 2nd-highest salary
- Ryan Hunter (OL): $270,000 – Highest-paid Canadian
- Wynton McManis (LB): $229,500 – All-CFL anchor
- Cameron Judge (LB): $197,000 – Two-time All-CFL
- Total: ~$1,311,500 (21.6% of cap)
Toronto’s philosophy concentrates 55-60% of salary cap on 15-18 elite starters while maintaining 25-30 minimum-salary depth players earning $70,000-85,000.
The Argonauts believe championship experience justifies reduced roster depth, producing consecutive Grey Cup finals (2022 champion, 2023 runner-up, 2024 champion).
Chad Kelly Contract Breakdown
Chad Kelly signed three-year extension August 2023 earning $615,000 flat salary for 2024-2025 escalating to $625,000 in 2026, totaling $1.865 million guaranteed.
His unprecedented structure eliminates performance incentives, playtime bonuses, statistical achievements, and all-star payments unlike typical CFL contracts.
The deal includes $200,000 base salary, $250,000 signing bonus, $15,000 marketing money, $14,700 housing allowance, and additional $135,300 compensation mechanisms.
Kelly’s 2024 season produced 3,459 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions before Grey Cup championship victory over Winnipeg.
His dual-threat rushing ability adding 513 yards and 7 touchdowns justifies premium salary despite pedestrian 62.1% completion percentage.
Former NFL earnings totaled $1.141 million across four seasons before September 2020 release, making this $1.865 million CFL contract his largest career guarantee.
Financial Reality for Toronto Argonauts Players
Average Toronto Argonauts salary approximates $100,000-110,000 CAD, below league average due to top-heavy roster construction prioritizing star compensation over depth spending.
Only 8-10 players earn above $180,000, creating massive salary disparities. Starting positions command $150,000-615,000 while 25-30 depth players earn league minimum $70,000-85,000, contrasting Saskatchewan’s balanced $110,000-120,000 average.
Toronto’s cost of living creates severe financial pressure with average rent exceeding $2,400 monthly consuming 30-35% of rookie salaries despite $14,700 housing stipends.
Only elite earners like Chad Kelly ($615K), Ryan Hunter ($270K), and Wynton McManis ($229K) afford comfortable Toronto lifestyle without secondary employment.
Off-season jobs remain necessary for 70-80% of roster earning under $120,000, though Toronto’s corporate market provides sales, finance, media, and coaching opportunities unavailable in smaller cities. MLSE ownership provides organizational stability supporting competitive spending despite attendance challenges.
FAQs
How much does Chad Kelly make?
Chad Kelly earns $615,000 flat salary for 2024-2025 escalating to $625,000 in 2026, totaling $1.865 million through contract expiration. His structure eliminates all performance incentives except $250,000 annual signing bonus forfeited if signing NFL contract.
What is Ryan Hunter’s salary?
Ryan Hunter earns $270,000 hard money for 2025 with $275,000 maximum including all-star bonuses, making him the CFL’s highest-paid Canadian player. His 2024 Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman award justified contract extension through 2027 with $100,000 signing bonus.
Why is Toronto attendance so low despite championships?
Toronto averaged just 15,127 attendance at 30,000-capacity BMO Field in 2024 despite defending Grey Cup champions. Competition from Maple Leafs, Raptors, Blue Jays, and TFC plus BMO Field’s inconvenient location create fan engagement challenges.
Can Toronto Argonauts players afford living in Toronto?
Only top 8-10 earners afford comfortable Toronto lifestyle. Most players earning $70,000-120,000 face severe financial pressure with $2,400+ monthly rent consuming 30-35% of rookie salaries despite $14,700 housing stipends requiring off-season employment.
