Argos release veterans Chad Kackert, Adrian McPherson

Toronto Argonauts running back Chad Kackert runs the ball during third quarter CFL Grey Cup action against the Calgary Stampeders in Toronto on November 25, 2012. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

GUELPH, Ont. -- The most valuable player of the 100th Grey Cup is looking for a new job.

The Toronto Argonauts released veteran running back Chad Kackert on Wednesday. Also let go were veteran quarterback Adrian McPherson, defensive linemen Jamal Young and J.C. Copeland, receivers Shane Williams-Rhodes and Christion Jones and linebacker Marquis Sprull.

All seven players were Americans.

The five-foot-eight, 206-pound Kackert spent five injury-plagued seasons with Toronto. He was named the MVP of the 2012 Grey Cup game, rushing for 133 yards on 20 carries and adding eight catches for 62 yards in the Argos' 35-22 win over the Calgary Stampeders at Rogers Centre.

Kackert suffered a horrific ankle injury prior to the 2013 East final against Hamilton. He retired from football prior to the 2014 season but joined the Argos' practice roster midway through the year and dressed for a playoff loss to the Ticats.

The 29-year-old Californian re-signed with Toronto as a free agent in 2015 and played seven games, starting one. He ran for 235 yards on 39 carries and added 10 catches for 76 yards.

Kackert had one carry for two yards in Toronto's 25-16 exhibition win over Hamilton on Saturday.

The six-foot-three, 220-pound McPherson was entering his second season with Toronto. He played previously in Montreal (2008-12) and Calgary (2014).

McPherson didn't dress for Toronto's exhibition game with Hamilton. On Monday, Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said Logan Kilgore had secured backup duties behind incumbent Ricky Ray.

Kilgore was 8-of-13 passing for 107 yards and a TD as the starter against Hamilton. Mitchell Gale also impressing in his return to Toronto (6-of-6, 75 yards, one TD versus the Ticats).