Chad Kelly Becomes First Million-Dollar Player in CFL History With Historic Extension
The former NFL draft pick has signed a five-year deal worth $5.55 million with the Toronto Argonauts.
Chad Kelly has set a new benchmark for quarterback compensation in the Canadian Football League, signing a five-year contract extension with the Toronto Argonauts that is reportedly worth $5.55 million. This deal makes him the first player in the CFL's salary cap era to earn an annual average of over $1 million.
Kelly, who was selected as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2017 NFL Draft, never established himself in the American league before joining the CFL in 2022. His arrival in the league proved transformative, as he led the Argonauts to a Grey Cup championship in his debut year.
According to reports, the total value of his new deal could reach as high as $5,805,250 with bonuses. Prior to this extension, BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke held the distinction of being the CFL's highest-paid player this season, with a salary of $684,700.
"But coming (to the CFL) was the best decision I ever made in my life," Kelly stated during a press conference Tuesday. "I have a beautiful family, I’ve come to love Canada on a whole other level. I never knew I could come to love a place so much (more) than my home and now this is my home forever, I’m just thankful to be in this situation."
Kelly was set to become a free agent after the current CFL season. This past season, he achieved career highs in passing yards with 5,067 and threw 33 touchdowns. He is also the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.
