TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today that the team has signed international defensive back Johnny Sears Jr. to a one-year contract extension through the 2018 season.
“Johnny was an impact player whenever he touched the field for us in 2017 and we look forward to having him back onboard for the upcoming season,” said Argos GM Jim Popp.
Sears, 30, started seven games for the Argos in 2017, recording 28 defensive tackles, one tackle for a loss, one sack, two quarterback pressures, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, and two pass knockdowns. The 6-1, 193-pound native of Fresno, California, missed the remaining games due to injury and was listed as a reserve in both of the team’s postseason games.
Prior to joining the Argos as a free agent in 2017, the Michigan product spent two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and five seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In 45 games split between Hamilton and Winnipeg, he totaled 158 defensive tackles, 15 special teams tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and 16 pass knockdowns.
After a collegiate career split between Michigan and Eastern Michigan, Sears earned a free agent tryout with the Cincinnati Bengals and played in four preseason games for the club.