The Toronto Argonauts released running back Deonta McMahon and linebacker Stephen Smith on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Deonta McMahon is five foot nine and weighs 185 pounds. The 25-year-old from Frostproof, Florida, re-signed with the Argonauts on January 10, 2025. In 2025, he had 42 carries for 156 yards, one rushing touchdown, 18 catches for 130 yards, and seven kick returns for 151 yards in 14 games.
The Toronto Argonauts signed McMahon on May 3, 2023. In 2023, he had 38 carries for 134 yards, three touchdowns, 10 catches for 64 yards, and four kick returns for 80 yards in seven games.
In 2024, he had 48 carries for 288 yards, four touchdowns, 30 catches for 237 yards, one touchdown, 22 kick returns for 456 yards, and six punt returns for 39 yards in 18 games, helping the Argonauts win the 111th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In the Grey Cup, McMahon made two catches for 41 yards.
Collegiately, McMahon played two seasons at Butte College (2018-19) with 236 carries for 1,507 yards, 19 touchdowns, 18 catches for 210 yards, four kick returns for 111 yards, and one punt return for five yards in 17 games for the Road Runners. He was named an All-American in 2018.
Then, he transferred to McNeese State (2020-22) with 337 carries for 2,155 yards, 21 touchdowns, 57 catches for 519 yards, two touchdowns, 13 kick returns for 272 yards, one pass for 33 yards, and one touchdown in 27 games for the Cowboys. He was named All-Southland Conference Second Team in 2021 and First-Team All-Conference in 2022.
Stephen Smith is six foot and weighs 220 pounds. The 24-year-old from Stony Plain, Arizona, signed with the Toronto Argonauts on December 19, 2024. In 2025, Smith made four tackles, one tackle for loss, and two tackles on special teams in two preseason games. Smith appeared in seven games in 2025 with two tackles on special teams.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Smith on May 12, 2024. In 2024, Smith made one tackle on special teams in two preseason games. The Roughriders released him on June 1, 2024, and Smith returned to Regina for his final season.
In 2024, Smith made 77 tackles (43 solos, 33 assists), five tackles on special teams, two tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one interception in 11 games.
Smith played four seasons for the Regina Thunder (CJFL) with 294 tackles (174 solos, 120 assists), 21 tackles on special teams, three tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, and one blocked kick in 40 games.
In 2023, Smith made 89 tackles (52 solos, 36 assists), 1 tackle on special teams, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one fumble recovery in 10 games for the Regina Thunder (CJFL) in 2023. Smith was named the CJFL Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Canadian.
