The Canadian Football League’s (CFL) free-agency period launched with a flurry of activity on Sunday, marking a significant moment for teams eager to bolster their rosters. Within just minutes of the negotiation window opening at noon ET, reports emerged that American defensive back Jonathan Moxie had inked a deal with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, setting the tone for a day filled with strategic signings and agreements.
Major Signings Across the League
The Ottawa Redblacks made headlines by securing key agreements with standout Canadian linebacker A.J. Allen and American wide receiver Ayden Eberhardt. Allen, who impressed last season with 87 tackles while playing for the Grey Cup-winning Saskatchewan Roughriders, joins Eberhardt, known for his impressive 45 receptions for 863 yards and four touchdowns with the B.C. Lions. Eberhardt’s average of 19.2 yards per catch ranked him second in the league, making him a valuable addition to Ottawa’s offence.
Eberhardt’s two-year contract with the Redblacks carries a guaranteed value of $285,000, which could rise to a maximum of $299,000. This financial detail was confirmed by a league insider who preferred to remain anonymous, as CFL teams typically do not disclose specific contract numbers.
A Busy Day for Teams
As the day progressed, other teams also made their moves. The Blue Bombers continued to strengthen their lineup by signing Canadian receiver Tommy Nield, offensive lineman Jarrell Broxton, and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, all on two-year contracts. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Elks reached agreements with offensive linemen Coulter Woodmansey and Brendan Bordner, defensive lineman Malik Carney, and quarterback Taylor Powell. Reports suggest Woodmansey’s deal is a two-year agreement worth approximately $385,000, while Carney’s contract is valued at $270,000 annually.
The Ottawa Redblacks further intensified their roster by adding American running back Greg Bell, who rushed for a career-high 1,038 yards last season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Additionally, they secured returner James Letcher Jr., who previously played with the Montreal Alouettes. The Redblacks also confirmed a deal with American defensive back Demerio Houston, who previously had a two-year offer from B.C. rescinded.
More Moves Across the League
In Toronto, the Argonauts signed American defensive back Robert Priester to a one-year contract, having previously enjoyed success with the team from 2022 to 2024, during which he won two Grey Cups. The Argonauts also finalised deals with veteran defensive back DaShaun Amos and Canadian defensive lineman Jonathan Kongbo.
In Hamilton, the Tiger-Cats reached a deal in principle with American offensive lineman Eric Lofton, who spent the last two seasons with Winnipeg. Prior to the opening of the negotiation window, the Elks restructured American defensive back Chelen Garnes’s rookie contract, extending his deal through 2027 with a new guaranteed value of $200,000. Garnes had a standout season last year, recording 62 tackles and an interception, earning him recognition as Edmonton’s nominee for the CFL’s outstanding rookie award.
Adding to the roster moves, the Saskatchewan Roughriders secured American running back A.J. Ouellette on a one-year extension. Ouellette, who was a pending free agent, was the CFL’s second-leading rusher last season with 1,222 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns.
Why it Matters
The opening of the CFL’s free-agency window signals a crucial time for teams looking to refine their line-ups ahead of the upcoming season. As franchises invest in new talent, the dynamics of the league are poised to shift, creating fresh rivalries and enhancing competition. The strategic moves by teams like the Ottawa Redblacks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers not only reflect their aspirations for the season ahead but also set the stage for a thrilling CFL campaign that fans will not want to miss. As rosters take shape, the excitement builds towards the start of the season, with every signing potentially impacting the championship race.
