Argos axe all-star Lin-J Shell By BILL LANKHOF, QMI Agency

Lin-J Shell tackles Winnipeg Blue Bombers slotback Terrence Edwards during the first half of their CFL game in Winnipeg, Oct. 28, 2011. (REUTERS/Fred Greenslade)

The Toronto Argonauts released defensive back Lin-J Shell Thursday.

General manager Jim Barker said in a statement that Shell, the club’s leading tackler with 94 last season, was “no longer a fit for our team.” Chances are it won’t take long for another team to find a “fit” for him.

The move appears to be mostly financially motivated. The 2012 CFL salary cap is set at $4.35-million and the team just traded for quarterback Ricky Ray and they have several key defensive players going into free agency on Feb. 16.

The club is also looking to re-sign linebacker Kevin Eiben, defensive back Willie Pile and cornerbacks Jordan Younger and Byron Parker.

“Lin-J has been a great player for us but with a new defensive scheme and philosophy planned for this season, and operating within the salary management system, he is no longer a fit for our team,” Barker said.

Shell joined the Argonauts from the Arena League in 2009 and started 53 regular season games and two playoff games over three seasons.

He was the Argos’ outstanding rookie in 2009 and was named an East all-star in both 2010 and 2011.