GUELPH, Ont. — The band is back together, and Tarvarus McFadden couldn't be happier.
Veteran defensive backs DaShaun Amos and Robert Priester rejoined Toronto in the off-season after spending 2025 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks, respectively. In 2022 and '24, McFadden, Amos and Priester all helped the Argonauts win Grey Cup championships.
"It's great that we have those guys back," McFadden said following Tuesday's practice at Alumni Stadium. "We communicate, we know where the others are going to be at certain times on the field and during certain plays.
"It's just been great."
But not only have the three been reunited on the field, they've been able to re-establish their friendship off it.
"Our chemistry off the field is as important as it is on the field," McFadden said. "Being friends and doing things together outside of football has just been great also."
The six-foot, 185-pound Amos — a three-time Grey Cup champion — had 45 tackles and four interceptions last season with Hamilton (11-7). The Tiger-Cats finished atop the East standings before dropping a 19-16 decision to Montreal in the division final at Hamilton Stadium.
The five-foot-eight, 180-pound Priester appeared in 15 regular-season games with Ottawa (4-14, missed CFL playoffs), registering 27 tackles, three special-teams tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble.
The six-foot-two, 198-pound McFadden was a Divisional All-CFL team selection last season after registering career highs in tackles (43) and interceptions (six), the latter leaving him tied for the league lead.
But the '25 campaign was a tough one for Toronto (5-13, missed CFL playoffs). The Argos' defence allowed the most offensive touchdowns (54), offensive points per game (28.8), passing TDs (35), yards per play (7.07) and 30-plus yard catches (39) while standing eighth against the run (105.7 yards per game).
Toronto finished tied with Calgary for most defensive return TDs (five) and was fourth in sacks (41). But opposing offences drove for touchdowns a league-high 22.6 per cent of time.
Also returning to Toronto is linebacker Adarius Pickett, who was the East Division’s outstanding defensive player in ‘23 while with the Argos before heading to Ottawa. He joins Canadian linebacker Cameron Judge, who last year posted a team-high 83 tackles (79 defensive, four special teams), three sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a TD.
Both Amos and Priester are not only veteran leaders but have the experience and savvy that provide cornerbacks like McFadden, 29, and Benjie Franklin with the comfort of knowing both halfbacks will be where they're supposed to be. That allows McFadden and Co. to concentrate fully on their jobs.
"It's almost immeasurable how much it means," Toronto head coach Mike Miller said of the return of Amos and Priester. "We talk about being accountable, discipline, respect, trust and passion and they're all of those and then some.
"They're both very physical football players, great communicators (and) understand the defence but more so the adjustments you must make in-play and then on the sidelines and the way they communicate. Extremely valuable and we're extremely blessed to have them."
Miller added both veterans also embrace being a mentor to younger players.
"The thing they do, and what we ask of our veteran leaders, is they're bringing guys with them," Miller said. "You can see it with the young guys that are working with them, the other rookies and guys from the U.S. as they continue to learn the Canadian game.
"They're kind of like captains, extra assistants out there. When they come to the sideline, it's just the way how we want to go about our business, being professional and having that diligence."
Greg Quick is in his first season as Toronto's defensive co-ordinator after two previous stints as its linebacker coach (2010-11, 2018). Former CFL defensive back Jovon Johnson — the league's top defensive player in 2011 with Winnipeg — is in his first year as Toronto's secondary coach, but McFadden said having a former player in that role is beneficial.
"It helps a lot," said McFadden, who played collegiately at Florida State. "He has seen the game and knows how to coach us as far as technique and what we see on the field in regards to offensive formations and reading routes."
Hope always springs eternal during training camp, but having Amos and Priester back in the fold has definitely buoyed McFadden's confidence for 2026.
"We're getting better day by day, improving our chemistry on and off the field," he said. "I feel like this is going to be one year to remember."
