The Toronto Argonauts released defensive lineman John Daka on Monday according to the CFL Transactions page. Daka has been on the league’s suspended list since May 12, 2024.
John Daka is six foot two and weighs 240 pounds. The 26-year-old from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 6, 2020. He also spent time with the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, and Chicago Bears.
In 2022, Daka was drafted by the Houston Roughnecks (XFL) in the second round (13th pick) in Phase 3 of the 2022 XFL Draft. He made 26 tackles (13 solo, 13 assists), six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, five quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles in ten games.
The Houston Roughnecks were not included in the XFL and USFL merger which formed the United Football League (UFL) but the Gamblers took on the Roughnecks brand. The St. Louis Battlehawks drafted Daka in the 2024 UFL Dispersal Draft. He was later released on March 10, 2024. Then, Daka signed with the Toronto Argonauts on April 29, 2024.
Collegiately, Daka played four seasons at James Madison University (2016-19) with 137 tackles (67 solo, 70 assists), 47.5 tackles for loss, 27.5 sacks, four pass breakups, six forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick in 51 games for the Dukes. He was named First Team All-CAA and STATS FCS All-American in 2018. Daka finished his collegiate career ranked fourth all-time in sacks (27.5).
