Where Edmonton Elks Stand Against CFL After Free Agency Frenzy
Image via X @GoElks
The offseason winners in the CFL were the Edmonton Elks after staying active through the first two days of free agency last week.
Edmonton signed 11 players in free agency through those first two days. The defense was a big focus as the Elks signed the former Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive back Tyrell Ford and former Toronto Argonauts defensive end Jake Ceresna. There were other important signings, including defensive end Robbie Smith, safety Royce Metchie and re-signing linebacker Nyles Morgan.
On offense, the team traded for a new backup quarterback, with Montreal’s Cody Fajardo swapping places with McLeod Bethel-Thompson. On day one of free agency, the team added two receivers, Kaion Julien-Grant and Tyson Middlemost.
This is a massive departure from what the Elks have done after undergoing a regime change in Edmonton. New additions to the leadership group include owner Larry Thompson, team president Chris Morris, general manager Ed Hervey, and head coach Mark Kilam.
Last season, the Elks went 7-11, the best since 2019 when they won eight games. The team made a midseason change with the firing of general manager and head coach Chris Jones, with offensive coordinator Jarious Jackson finishing the season with a 7-7 record.
The massive overhaul in Edmonton marks a new era of Elks football that promises change and a competitive football team. Hervey’s most significant contributions came in defense, solidifying the three levels of defense with All-CFL talent.
Edmonton’s offense was solid last year as the Elks officially handed the unit over to Tre Ford as the full-time starter. Ford will have the support of the best running game in the CFL, with the return of Justin Rankin and Javon Leake leading the one-two punch.
The defense in Edmonton was ranked last in total defense, with 396.1 yards allowed per game. Their five big signings in free agency will change the whole lineup but give them the talent needed to improve from a year ago.
After the moves made, many experts see the Elks becoming playoff contenders. Edmonton has the feel of what the Saskatchewan Roughriders did a season ago. The league needs to watch out as the Elks are ready to take the next step to compete for a Grey Cup.
