Samwise CFL Newsletter
Thursday, April 30, 2026
CFL Players Endorse Eight-Team Playoff Expansion as Financial Breakthrough for League
Hamilton Tiger-Cats safety Stavros Katsantonis and Ottawa kicker Brett Lauther endorsed the CFL's eight-team playoff expansion on Wednesday, calling it a meaningful financial step for players. Katsantonis cited new revenue opportunities as the key benefit, while Lauther argued expanded playoff revenue would support a higher salary cap and broader league competitiveness. CFLPA executive director David Mackie said the proposal “represents a meaningful step forward that supports both player compensation and the continued growth and excitement of the league.” The new structure adds four playoff games — an 80 per cent increase — and the regular season shifts to Victoria Day weekend beginning in 2027.
Brady Oliveira Criticizes CFL Playoff Expansion as Dilution of Competitive Value
Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira pushed back Wednesday against the CFL's newly announced eight-team playoff expansion, calling it a dilution of competitive value. Oliveira posted that eight of nine CFL teams qualifying “takes away from what makes those games special” and that “playoff football is supposed to be earned.” The two-time All-CFL Canadian back argued the league should grow by adding franchises, not expanding automatic berths. Ottawa Redblacks linebacker C.J. Reavis echoed the criticism. TSN analyst Milt Stegall had argued players would welcome the format for added earning opportunities. The debate reflects a tension between competitive integrity and the league's financial growth strategy.
Sources: 3DownNation
Vaccaro Signs Three-Year Deal With Ottawa After 'Best Phone Call' as First-Overall Pick
Ottawa Redblacks first-overall pick Giordano Vaccaro signed his three-year entry-level contract Wednesday, one day after being selected with the top pick in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound guard from Purdue described Ottawa's call as “the best phone call of my whole entire life.” Canadian draft picks sign three-year entry-level deals under the CFL collective agreement, locking Vaccaro to Ottawa through 2028. Head coach and GM Ryan Dinwiddie confirmed Vaccaro topped their board based on size, technique, and interior blocking profile. He will compete for a starting role when training camp opens May 10 at TD Place alongside new additions Jake Maier, Greg Bell, and C.J. Reavis.
Sources: TSN, 3DownNation
Specialists Dominate as CFL Completes 2026 Global Draft in Two Rounds
The 2026 CFL Global Draft wrapped Wednesday in two rounds of 18 selections, with kickers and punters dominating the picks. Ottawa selected South African punter Aidan Laros of Kentucky first overall, though Laros had signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the NFL draft, making him a developmental pipeline pick. Toronto took Australian offensive lineman Jordan Spasojevic-Moko second, while Edmonton drafted Mexican kicker Jesus Gomez of Arizona State third. Winnipeg added Finnish defensive lineman Edward Vesterinen, one of few non-specialist selections. Hamilton took two punters across both rounds, reflecting a broader league emphasis on developing international kicking talent for future CFL roster spots.
Sources: TSN, 3DownNation
Calgary Stampeders Unveil Redesigned Red-and-White Uniforms for 2026 Season
The Calgary Stampeders unveiled redesigned home and away uniforms for the 2026 CFL season Wednesday, produced in partnership with New Era, the league's official outfitter. The new look retains the traditional red and white colour scheme while introducing altered shoulder striping, a Western-style number font, the team logo beneath the front collar, and a CGY wordmark on the back of the neck. Pants carry the same CGY wordmark on the hip with a single side stripe. Calgary will debut the new jerseys in Week 1 hosting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Black alternate uniforms remain in the rotation alongside the refreshed primary set.
Sources: CFL.ca
Global Draft Program Proves Its Value as Haggerty, Baldonado Lead Current CFL Contributors
As the 2026 CFL Global Draft concluded Wednesday, CFL.ca spotlighted former Global selections currently making impacts across the league. Australian punter John Haggerty of Toronto — a 2022 Global pick — ranked second in the CFL in punt average last season at 50.3 yards. Italian-born defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado, taken by Saskatchewan in the 2023 Global Draft, signed with Ottawa this offseason after a breakout year with the Grey Cup champions. Belgian defensive lineman Tibo Debaillie has logged five CFL seasons since being selected by Edmonton in 2021. The Global program has produced consistent depth contributors across specialist and defensive positions since its launch in 2019.
Sources: CFL.ca
Ottawa Leads the Field as CFL.ca Grades All Nine Teams' 2026 Canadian Draft Classes
CFL.ca analyst Marshall Ferguson graded all nine teams following the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft, with Ottawa earning top marks for selecting Giordano Vaccaro first overall alongside a well-rounded class. Calgary and Edmonton received strong grades after filling needs at tight end and defensive line in the early rounds. The draft featured an unusual volume of offensive linemen and 12 linebacker selections league-wide. Ferguson noted several clubs prioritised athletic-upside developmental picks over immediate contributors in middle rounds. The full draft class reports to training camps when they open May 10, giving coaches first live evaluations before the 2026 regular season begins.
Sources: CFL.ca
Eastern Division
Pre-Season — Training Camp Opens May 10
Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Ottawa Redblacks
Western Division
Pre-Season — Regular Season Starts Late May
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders
Edmonton Elks
B.C. Lions
Curated by JD · samwise.agency