The Toronto Argonauts are keeping their quarterback in the fold long-term.
Chad Kelly and the Argos have agreed to a five-year extension, keeping him in Toronto through the 2031 season, the team announced Tuesday.
Kelly is in the final season of a three-year deal he signed in August 2023 that paid him $1.865 million. Figures for the new deal were not disclosed but the Canadian Press reported that the contract is worth $5,555,250 and can go up to $5,805,250 after bonuses.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be signing back in Toronto long term,” Kelly said in a statement released by the team. “Before I ever came up here, I knew this was where I wanted to be — and when the time comes, this is where I want to finish my career.
"This city and this community mean so much to me. Toronto is where I met my wife, where I became a father to my son and daughter, and where my family and I have built a life together. This city gives me energy every single day — the energy to chase records, compete for championships, and keep pushing myself to be better."
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Kelly called his choice to lace up in the CFL and join the Argonauts "the best decision I ever made in my life.
"I have a beautiful family, I've come to love Canada on a whole 'nother level that I never knew I could love a place so much ... Now this is my home forever," Kelly said of Toronto. "I'm just so thankful to be in this situation."
The deal comes as the Argos prepare to host the CFL's East semifinal against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon.
The 32-year-old finished the regular season with 5,067 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
Kelly won the CFL's Most Outstanding Player award in 2023 and has captured two Grey Cups since joining the team in 2022.
"This place is a special place," he said of Toronto, less than two hours from his hometown of Buffalo. "The energy that is in Toronto, for all of us to enjoy every single day. I mean, look at this stadium. This is by far the best stadium, I think, in the CFL. This is by far the best city in Canada, and I would even say United States of America. I love it here."
He didn't play in Toronto's 33-16 home loss to Montreal on Friday in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Kelly suffered a knee injury in Toronto's 40-39 loss to Ottawa on Oct. 16, but the expectation is he'll start in the East semifinal.
“When you get a chance to sign a player like Chad Kelly for the foreseeable future, you make it happen,” Argos GM Michael “Pinball” Clemons said in a statement. “What he brings to the football field has no bounds. His indomitable spirit, dedication, preparation, work ethic, and drive to win extend far beyond what we see on game day. These are the qualities that make him so special. We are excited to commit to Chad, and equally excited for Chad to commit to us."
Kelly helped the squad win the Grey Cup in 2022, replacing an injured McLeod Bethel-Thompson in the fourth quarter as Toronto edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 24-23.
He became the club's starter the following season and was named the league's outstanding player after completing 270 of 394 passes (68.5 per cent) for 4,123 yards with 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while rushing for 248 yards and eight TDs — tied for second-most in the CFL.
Kelly won 15 of his 16 starts as Toronto (16-2) tied the CFL record for most regular-season victories and set a franchise record.
He rejoined the Argos in 2026 after missing all of last season due to a leg injury suffered in the 2024 East Division final.
Nick Arbuckle replaced Kelly in Toronto's 30-28 win over Montreal, then guided the Argos to their 41-24 Grey Cup victory over Winnipeg, earning game MVP honours.
Kelly is the nephew of Jim Kelly, the former Buffalo Bills star quarterback.
Kelly joined the Argos after spending time in the NFL with the Denver Broncos (2017-18) and Indianapolis Colts (2019-2020).
Denver selected Kelly with the final pick of the 2017 NFL draft out of Ole Miss.
--with files from The Canadian Press
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