The Toronto Argonauts released defensive back Willie Drew Jr. on Friday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Willie Drew Jr. is six foot and weighs 185 pounds. The 25-year-old from Smithfield, Virginia, signed with the Toronto Argonauts on August 12, 2025. In 2025, Drew Jr. made 14 tackles and one interception in seven games.
The Carolina Panthers signed Drew Jr. as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, Drew Jr. played two preseason games with no stats. The Panthers released him on August 27, 2024. The Toronto Argonauts signed Drew Jr. on September 23, 2024, and spent the season on the practice squad. The Argonauts released him on November 18, 2024.
The D.C. Defenders signed Drew Jr. on December 4, 2024. In 2025, he made four tackles (4 solos), one interception for 17 yards, and two pass breakups in seven games.
In the playoffs, he made one tackle (1 solo) and one fumble recovery in two games, helping D.C. win the UFL Championship over the Michigan Panthers. The Defenders released him on August 8, 2025.
Collegiately, Drew Jr. played two seasons at James Madison University (2018-19) with 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assists) and two pass breakups in 11 games for the Dukes. Then, Drew Jr. transferred to Virginia State (2021-23) with 99 tackles (74 solo, 25 assists), 5.5 tackles for loss, 11 interceptions for 54 yards, one touchdown, 39 pass breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one kick return for nine yards in 28 games for the Trojans. He was named First Team All-CIAA, First Team All-American, and the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year.
