Ex-Ole Miss Rebel Chad Kelly Signs Contract Extension With Toronto Argonauts
OXFORD, Miss. -- Former Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly has found a home in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts.
Kelly signed a three-year contract extension with Toronto on Thursday after leading the Argos to an 8-1 start in his first year as a full-time starter in the CFL.
Kelly previously signed with the Argonauts ahead of the 2022 season and started off as their backup before coming off the bench during the postseason to help lead Toronto to its 18th championship in the 109th Grey Cup.
The former Rebel was named Toronto's starting quarterback ahead of the 2023 season and has been playing at an MVP level since. Kelly currently leads the CFL with six rushing touchdowns, a QB rating of 118.7, and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 2.29.
Through nine games, Kelly has thrown for 2,402 yards and 16 touchdowns with a 70 percent completion percentage, which ranks second in the CFL. With Kelly at the helm, the Toronto offense is currently averaging 29.2 points per game and 380.9 yards per game, both second in the CFL.
“I couldn’t be happier to sign this extension and proudly represent the historic Double Blue,” Kelly told reporters following his extension. “Today marks not only a contract extension, but an extension of my commitment to the amazing city of Toronto, my teammates, coaches, front office and MLSE... I look forward to leading this team to future Grey Cups."
Kelly is making the most of his professional football career in Canada after his first stint in the NFL did not go too well.
After his career at Ole Miss ended, the former four-star recruit was drafted with the final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Kelly later bounced between Denver and the Indianapolis Colts before off-field issues eventually ended his initial opportunity in the NFL. Kelly has not been on an NFL roster since 2020.
Kelly has since rejuvenated his career in Canada, however, and while his newfound success could eventually land him a spot in the NFL, "Swag" will be staying in Toronto for the time being.
