ARGOS SIGN VETERAN LINEBACKER TAYLOR REED
TEAM ALSO ADDS NATIONAL DE JOHN BIEWALD
TORONTO – The Toronto Argonauts announced today that the team has signed international linebacker Taylor Reed to a one-year contract through the 2018 season.
“Taylor is an established veteran who has solidified himself as one of the CFL’s top tacklers,” said Argos GM Jim Popp. “We’re excited to add a player of his calibre to our defence and we look forward to his contributions in 2018.”
Reed, 26, has played 69 games in four CFL seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Calgary Stampeders, and Ottawa Redblacks. He started all 18 games for the Redblacks in 2017 and led the team with 94 defensive tackles and five tackles for a loss to go along with four sacks, seven quarterback pressures, one forced fumble, one pass knockdown.
The 6-0, 241-pound linebacker out of Beaumont, Texas, has recorded 315 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions in his CFL career.
Prior to signing with the Tiger-Cats in 2014, Reed spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and New England Patriots. The product of Southern Methodist University played in 52 games for the Mustangs and recorded 400 total tackles. He was named second-team All-Conference USA in 2011 and 2012, honorable mention All-Conference USA in 2010 and All-Freshman Conference USA in 2009.
The Argos also announced today that the team has signed Canadian defensive end John Biewald.
Biewald, 23, played five years of U Sports Football at Western University, racking up 64.5 tackles (54 solo), 21 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in 30 regular-season games for the Mustangs. In seven playoff games, he elevated his game to record 28 tackles (27 solo), three tackles for a loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The 6-4, 225-pound native of Ottawa, Ontario, spent time with the Ottawa Redblacks during training camp in each of the past two years and recorded two special teams tackles in two preseason games with the team in 2017.