Toronto Argonauts Hold CFL Negotiating Rights to Shedeur Sanders, But Move Remains Unlikely

The 19-time Grey Cup winner, Toronto Argonauts, have claimed first preference to Browns QB Shedeur Sanders if he decides to play in Canada.

Toronto Argonauts Hold CFL Negotiating Rights to Shedeur Sanders, But Move Remains Unlikely

Shedeur Sanders (Image via IMAGO)

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The Canadian Football League, established in 1958, is a tad different from American football and a long-standing one by all means. A longer field, shorter number of downs and more players on the field just about touch the tip of the differences. The league, contested by nine teams, also has a unique feature called the Negotiating Rights.

According to the CFL rules, in case the player decides to veer north and pursue a career in Canada, the team that has the negotiation rights would be the first preference for the player to join. And though the rights mean little today, they could hold value years down the line if the said player decides to cross borders.

In a recent update, the nine teams released the full negotiation list of up to 45 players, consisting of collegiate athletes and washed-out NFL players, rookies trying to break into the professional league, and even players from abroad.

The Toronto Argonauts, who won the CFL 19 times and hold the record of most Grey Cup wins, had one special name that has raised some eyebrows. The Argonauts have secured exclusive CFL negotiating rights to Shedeur Sanders, the former Colorado quarterback and son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

The addition of Sanders to their negotiation list came on April 28, amid his unexpected slide during the 2025 NFL Draft. Against all expectations, the quarterback was picked late in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Toronto’s move came before his name was officially called, a common tactic in the CFL’s long-term strategy game.

As Sanders joins a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland, with veterans like Joe Flacco, former first-rounder Kenny Pickett, and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, he faces a steep battle just to start. With four quarterbacks, recent reports even suggested that Sanders may end up not featuring on the roster, as well. Additionally, Sanders faces a similar war to secure a long-term role on the Browns’ depth chart.

However, despite the same, Toronto’s claim might remain a technicality after all. Despite being a fifth-round pick, Shedeur Sanders has impressed the coaches and many sportscasters. Sanders, being part of a known last name, is highly unlikely to shift his bases early on. Even if the Browns locker room is a bit stuffed, there are several teams, the Saints, for one, who need a quarterback.

Max Duggan, Trey Lance some of the other familiar names alongside Shedeur Sanders

While Shedeur Sanders drew the most attention after the CFL made its negotiation lists public on Wednesday, he wasn’t the only high-profile quarterback featured.

The Toronto Argonauts, who are the most successful CFL team, have also added former NFL hotshot Max Duggan to their negotiation list. Duggan, a once-promising quarterback from TCU, rose to fame in 2022. He led the Horned Frogs to the 2022 National Championship Game where they lost to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Max Duggan
Max Duggan (Image via ESPN)

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Duggan with the 239th pick. His NFL stint was short-lived, however, as he was released before the 2024 season began. He soon found a new opportunity in the UFL. He currently plays for the St. Louis Battlehawks.

Over in Winnipeg, the Blue Bombers added Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt’s current starting quarterback, to their negotiation list. Pavia is heading into his final college season, having thrown for over 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns last year. The Bombers have also added Ian Book, one of the best quarterbacks in Notre Dame’s history.

Possibly the most recognizable name on the negotiation lists is Trey Lance, the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Saskatchewan Roughriders currently hold the exclusive CFL rights to the former North Dakota State star. Lance’s professional journey has been a winding one. After starting just four games across two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, he had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and now serves as a backup to Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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