Tracy Lured Out of Retirement

Photo: Courtesy Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The Toronto Argonauts turned heads today in signing non-Calgary Stampeder, American DL Adrian Tracy.

The 6’3”, 248lb defensive end was a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and was part of the New York Giants team that defeated the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XLVI.

Tracy played in Hamilton from 2015-2019, starting 51 games. He signed in Montreal for 2020, but announced his retirement from football when the season was cancelled.

Tracy is 34-years-old, but as well rested as he’s ever been, not playing football over the past two years. He’ll join a talented group of defensive linemen that include fellow Super Bowl participants Kony Ealy and Shane Ray, as well as newly signed Ja’Gared Davis.

It’s difficult to say how impactful Tracy can be without having seen him play since 2019. If he can regain his previous form, he’s got a great shot at being a contributor at the very least, especially with Shane Ray getting NFL looks and Cordarro Law still unsigned. But the Argos have also seen how quickly a player’s explosiveness can disappear in his mid-30s, and when that happens as a defensive end, it’s curtains.