Free agency rarely delivers exactly what a club needs. Toronto FC just got exactly what they needed.
Walker Zimmerman signed with the Reds last Friday, inking a deal through the 2027-28 season. On paper, it reads like another veteran acquisition. In reality, it might be the most important signing Toronto has made in years.
The 32-year-old defender spent six seasons anchoring Nashville SC's backline. Before that, he won Supporters' Shields with FC Dallas and LAFC, collected two MLS Defender of the Year awards, earned five consecutive MLS Best XI selections, and represented the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He started all four games, including that unforgettable 0-0 draw against England where he blocked Harry Kane in the tenth minute and kept the Three Lions at bay for ninety brutal minutes.
That's the player Toronto just acquired for nothing.
Why this works
Toronto's defensive issues aren't mysterious. They finished last season without playoffs for the fifth straight year. They declined options on Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta, and Sigurd Rosted—veteran defenders who weren't cutting it. What remains is young: 19-year-old Lazar Stefanović, 22-year-old Zane Monlouis, 23-year-old Nicksoen Gomis.
Youth needs leadership. Zimmerman provides it.
"A player of his stature provides us with quality, experience and a track record of delivering defensive results in MLS," Toronto GM Jason Hernandez said Friday. "Beyond his on-field performances, his leadership, intensity and professionalism will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to build a winning culture."
This isn't corporate speak. Zimmerman captained Nashville for years. He's the kind of defender teammates trust and opponents plan around. Head coach Robin Fraser—himself a two-time MLS Defender of the Year—knows exactly what he's getting.
The price of experience
Zimmerman won't come cheap. He made nearly $3.5 million as a designated player in Nashville last season. Toronto is investing real money here, but they're investing it in reliability—something this backline has desperately lacked.
"Toronto FC has such a rich history of success in MLS," Zimmerman said after signing. "When the opportunity came to represent this club and city, it was an easy decision. I can't wait to compete alongside my new teammates and perform for some of the best fans in the league as we chase trophies together."
The last time Toronto had a defender of this caliber, they went to back-to-back MLS Cup finals, winning it all in 2017. Drew Moor anchored that backline. He reduced goals against from a league-worst 58 to 39 in one season.
Zimmerman isn't Moor. He might be better.
For a club that's missed the playoffs five straight years, this signing feels like something different. Not just an addition—a statement.