Edmonton Elks Make a Splash in CFL Free Agency

The Edmonton Elks made a bold statement on the second day of CFL free agency, announcing the signing of five veteran players: defensive back Tyrell Ford, defensive linemen Jake Ceresna, Robbie Smith, and Jared Brinkman, and offensive lineman David Beard. These moves are a significant step forward for a franchise that has not competed in the CFL playoffs since 2019. General Manager Ed Hervey, now in his second stint with the Elks, is aiming to rebuild a team that once thrived under his leadership, including a Grey Cup victory in 2015. The signings not only bring much-needed experience but also create a sense of familiarity and chemistry, as some players are returning to Edmonton or reuniting with former teammates.

One of the most compelling stories is the reunion of Tyrell Ford with his twin brother, Tre Ford, who is Edmonton’s starting quarterback. The duo previously played together at the University of Waterloo, and Tyrell’s standout performance last season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (51 tackles and seven interceptions) makes him a key addition to the Elks’ defense. Jake Ceresna, a CFL all-star, returns to Edmonton after helping the Toronto Argonauts win the Grey Cup last season. His ability to dominate on the defensive line, including a league-leading eight sacks in 2023, will be a valuable asset. David Beard, a familiar face in Edmonton, brings stability to the offensive line after spending seven seasons with the Elks before a brief stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Robbie Smith, a six-foot-one, 245-pound defensive lineman, joins the Elks after five seasons with the Toronto Argonauts. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses, including a memorable blocked field goal that helped Toronto secure the 2022 Grey Cup, underscores his impact. Jared Brinkman, who recorded 31 tackles and four sacks over three seasons with Toronto, adds depth to Edmonton’s defensive line. These signings demonstrate Hervey’s commitment to building a roster that can compete for a championship.

Impactful Signings Across the League

While the Edmonton Elks were the biggest headline-makers, other teams also made significant moves in free agency. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks bolstered their receiving corps with the signings of Kenny Lawler and Eugene Lewis, respectively. Lawler, a veteran receiver who has played for Winnipeg and Edmonton, brings a championship pedigree to Hamilton. He was instrumental in Winnipeg’s Grey Cup victories in 2019 and 2021 and finished last season with 41 catches for 662 yards and four touchdowns. Lawler’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations will be crucial for the Tiger-Cats as they aim to return to contention.

Eugene Lewis, a three-time CFL all-star, returns to the East Division after two seasons with the Edmonton Elks. Lewis had a stellar 2023 season, recording 74 catches for 1,070 yards and a league-leading 10 touchdowns. He is just two touchdown catches away from tying Hall of Famer Terry Evanshen’s CFL record for consecutive games with a touchdown reception (10). Lewis’s signing is a major coup for the Ottawa Redblacks, who are looking to rebuild their offense. His explosive playmaking ability and consistency will make him a focal point for Ottawa’s passing game.

Hamilton also strengthened its defense with the signings of veteran defensive back Reggie Stubblefield and defensive lineman TyJuan Garbutt. Stubblefield, who spent the last two seasons with Montreal, brings versatility and physicality to the secondary, while Garbutt’s ability to rush the quarterback and create turnovers will be a valuable asset. These signings reflect Hamilton’s commitment to building a well-rounded roster capable of competing for a Grey Cup.

Saskatchewan Roughriders Bolster Offensive Line

The Saskatchewan Roughriders made a key move to strengthen their offensive line by signing Canadian centre Sean McEwen. A three-time CFL all-star, McEwen brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the position. He previously played for the Toronto Argonauts (2016-19) and Calgary Stampeders (2021-24), winning a Grey Cup with Toronto in 2017. McEwen’s ability to anchor the offensive line and protect the quarterback will be critical for Saskatchewan’s offense, which is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2023 season.

The signing of McEwen is a testament to the Roughriders’ focus on building a strong foundation up front. With his expertise in pass protection and run blocking, McEwen will play a pivotal role in helping Saskatchewan’s offense reach its full potential. His addition is a significant upgrade for a team that struggled at times last season to establish consistent offensive production.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Add Quarterback Depth

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicked off free agency by signing American quarterback Shea Patterson to a one-year contract. Patterson, who enters his fourth CFL season, spent the last two years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Despite splitting time as a starter in 2023, he showed flashes of brilliance, including a 19-9 victory over Winnipeg where he threw for 261 yards and a touchdown while adding 35 yards on the ground. Patterson’s dual-threat ability, which includes seven rushing touchdowns last season, adds a dynamic element to Winnipeg’s quarterback room.

Patterson’s signing provides depth behind incumbent starter Zach Collaros, who has been instrumental in Winnipeg’s recent success. While Collaros remains the team’s clear No. 1 quarterback, Patterson’s ability to step in and perform when called upon gives the Blue Bombers a reliable backup option. His experience and athleticism make him a valuable addition to a team that has been one of the most consistent in the CFL over the past few seasons.

Calgary Stampeders Make Defensive Moves

The Calgary Stampeders also made waves in free agency by signing Canadian defensive back Godfrey Onyeka and American defensive lineman Miles Brown. Onyeka, who spent the last four seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, brings a physical presence to Calgary’s secondary. His ability to contribute on special teams, where he recorded 10 tackles last season, adds value to the Stampeders’ roster. Brown, a six-foot-two, 320-pound lineman, joins Calgary after three seasons with Saskatchewan. Known for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Brown recorded 56 tackles, eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries in 41 regular-season games.

The Stampeders also re-signed American offensive lineman Kyle Saxelid, who started three of five games with the team in 2024. Saxelid’s return provides continuity along the offensive line, which will be crucial for Calgary’s offense. However, the Stampeders also parted ways with veteran defensive back Demerio Houston, who is facing a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in North Carolina. Houston was a key contributor to Calgary’s defense last season, recording a team-high 74 tackles, five interceptions, and a forced fumble. His departure leaves a void that will need to be filled as the Stampeders look to rebuild their defense.

The Bigger Picture: A League in Transition

The second day of CFL free agency highlighted the league’s ongoing evolution. Teams are not just competing for talent but also for relevance in a competitive landscape. The Edmonton Elks’ aggressive signings reflect a franchise desperate to return to glory after years of mediocrity. The addition of players like Tyrell Ford, Jake Ceresna, and David Beard signals a commitment to building a roster that can compete with the likes of Winnipeg, Toronto, and Calgary.

Meanwhile, teams like Hamilton, Ottawa, and Saskatchewan are taking calculated risks to address specific needs. Whether it’s bolstering the offensive line, strengthening the defense, or adding explosive playmakers, each move is a puzzle piece in the grand scheme of building a championship contender. As the CFL continues to navigate the challenges of player movement and roster construction, the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. For fans, the excitement is palpable as they await the opportunity to see these new-look rosters in action.