The 2026 CFL season gave us plenty of questionable decisions, bad performances and moments that left fans scratching their heads. So when it came time to hand out our Dummy of the Year award on The Analyst Desk, we had no shortage of candidates.
Adam went with Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly, while I made the case for Ryan Dinwiddie after what turned into a disastrous season in Ottawa.
Chad Kelly’s 24 interceptions
Adam’s argument was pretty simple. Chad Kelly threw 24 interceptions this season, and the frustrating part was how many came from the same mistakes. This is a quarterback who was expected to lead Toronto to another strong season. Instead, turnovers became one of the biggest talking points surrounding his performance. Kelly still managed to put up impressive numbers and help Toronto reach the playoffs, but at some point, you have to question the decision-making.
We also talked about Kelly’s offseason comments, including his claim that he was among the top 30 quarterbacks in the world. Then there were reports that Kelly was looking for a five-year contract worth $1 million per season. If those reports are true, that’s a pretty big ask for a quarterback who just threw 24 interceptions.
Ryan Dinwiddie wanted control. He got it.
Jacob’s choice was Ryan Dinwiddie, and there’s a strong argument that he deserves the award.
Dinwiddie wanted more control over football operations during his time in Toronto. He wanted to make the decisions and have a bigger say in how the team was built. Toronto didn’t give him that control. He eventually ended up in Ottawa, where he had the opportunity to take on those responsibilities. And what happened? The REDBLACKS finished with just one win.
That’s not exactly the result you want when you’ve spent time pushing for more control over a football team. that’s what makes Dinwiddie’s season so disappointing. It’s one thing to struggle as a head coach, but when you’re also involved in building the roster, there’s even more responsibility.
Dan wasn’t letting Dinwiddie off the hook either
When Dan joined the discussion, he also picked Dinwiddie. He questioned several personnel decisions, including what happened with Dru Brown, Jake Maier and Geno Lewis.
Dan also pointed out that Toronto had managed to win championships without giving Dinwiddie the control he wanted.
And that’s a fair point.
Who Really Deserves Dummy of the Year?
The Analyst Desk crew was split on this one, and both sides made some interesting arguments. Dan and Jacob believe Ryan Dinwiddie’s struggles in Ottawa were enough to earn him Dummy of the Year. After taking on more control of football operations, the REDBLACKS finished with just one win, raising questions about the decisions made throughout the season. Adam, on the other hand, believes Chad Kelly deserves the award. Despite putting up impressive passing numbers, Kelly’s 24 interceptions were a major problem for Toronto, with many coming from questionable decisions.
So who got this one right?
Do you agree with Dan and Jacob that Dinwiddie deserves Dummy of the Year, or is Adam right about Kelly’s interceptions? Let us know who you would pick and why in the comments below!
Watch our full Dummy of the Year discussion on The Analyst Desk, starting at 4:00:
2026 CFL Season Awards – Dummy of the Year
