Toronto FC bolsters backline by signing veteran centre back Walker Zimmerman

Toronto FC bolstered its backline Friday by signing free-agent centre back Walker Zimmerman, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year, through the 2027-28 MLS season.

The 32-year-old U.S. international has spent 13 years in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC and most recently Nashville SC. Along the way, he became a five-time MLS Best XI honouree, four-time MLS all-star and two-time MLS Defender of the Year (2020 and '21).

The native of Lawrenceville, Ga., had won 45 caps for the United States and served as American captain.

With Toronto declining the 2026 contract options on veteran defenders Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta and Sigurd Rosted, experience was needed in the backline alongside 19-year-old Lazar Stefanovi─22-year-old Zane Monlouis and 23-year-old Nicksoen Gomis.

Veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson has also moved on, signing as a free agent with D.C. United after Toronto elected not to exercise his 2026 contract option.

Zimmerman's signing follows Toronto's acquisition of Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira from Portuguese side CD Santa Clara. TFC has signed the 25-year-old through the 2027-28 MLS season, with a club option for 2028-29.

Toronto (6-14-14) finished out of the playoffs for the fifth straight season in 2025. But its defence improved under first-year head coach Robin Fraser, a former two-time MLS Defender of the year himself.

TFC finished tied for seventh in the league on defence, conceding 1.29 goals a game on average.

General manager Jason Hernandez continues his search for a marquee attacker with Toronto tied for 27th in offence last season, averaging 1.9 goals a game.

Zimmerman is arguably TFC's biggest defensive acquisition since Drew Moor arrived from the Colorado Rapids in December 2015