The move wasn't a total surprise as the Argos recently signed free-agent defensive end Joe Montford during the off-season. Montford collected 86 sacks in the past four years with Hamilton and captured the CFL's top defensive player award three times.
Payton signed with Toronto as a free agent last season and quickly became a pivotal member of the Argos' defence that was ranked No. 2 in the league.
Last season, the 34-year-old finished second in the CFL in sacks with 15 and recovered four fumbles. He was also named a league all-star for the fourth time in his 11-year CFL career.
"Elfrid served this organization well last season," said Gary Etcheverry, the Argos head coach and vice president of football operations. "We wish him the best for this season and his career."
The Argos were the fifth CFL team for the six-foot-one, 230-pound Payton since joining the CFL in 1991 when he signed as a free agent with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Payton, a Grambling University product, also spent time with the Shreveport Pirates, Baltimore Stallions and Montreal Alouettes, as well as a second stint with Winnipeg.
