Samwise CFL Newsletter
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Ottawa Redblacks Sign QB Max Duggan After Toronto Release
Ottawa Redblacks signed quarterback Max Duggan on Monday, one day after the former TCU standout was released by the Toronto Argonauts. Duggan, 25, originally joined Toronto’s practice roster last summer before seeing action in three regular-season games, completing 13-of-17 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown. The move reunites Duggan with head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who coached him in Toronto before becoming Ottawa’s head coach and general manager this past offseason. Duggan was a seventh-round NFL pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 but did not take a regular-season offensive snap. He now joins Jake Maier in the Redblacks’ quarterback room.
Sources: 3DownNation
Edmonton Elks Sign Draft Pick Benjamin Sangmuah After NFL Minicamp
The Edmonton Elks announced two roster additions on Monday as training camp gets underway. National defensive back Benjamin Sangmuah, the team’s 12th-overall pick in April’s CFL Draft, signed with Edmonton after attending rookie minicamp with the Indianapolis Colts but not receiving a contract offer from the NFL club. The Elks also added national defensive back Jaxxon Brashear to the camp roster. Sangmuah’s path back to Edmonton, via an NFL trial, is a common route for CFL-drafted Canadians hoping to test NFL waters first. Both players will compete for roster spots ahead of the preseason opener on May 18 against the Calgary Stampeders.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
Dickenson Gives Cautious Update on Begelton and Orimolade at Stampeders Camp
Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson offered a measured injury update on two key players on Day 1 of training camp Monday. Wide receiver Reggie Begelton, who missed most of the 2025 season with a knee injury suffered in Week 2, was on the field in workout clothes but not in pads. Defensive end Folarin Orimolade, who tore his Achilles in September’s Labour Day Classic, wore an ankle brace while jumping rope on the sidelines. Dickenson said neither player had completed his physical yet and that both are progressing but experiencing some difficulties on certain days. Calgary aims to host the 2026 Grey Cup in November.
Sources: 3DownNation
Roughriders Release National Defensive Back Billy Jonas Pernier
The Saskatchewan Roughriders released national defensive back Billy Jonas Pernier on Monday, the club announced. The move came as the defending Grey Cup champions continue trimming their training camp roster, having already released eight players following rookie camp last weekend. Pernier’s release further reshapes Saskatchewan’s secondary as the team prepares to defend its title. The Roughriders enter 2026 as the West Division favourite behind quarterback Trevor Harris, last season’s CFL championship game MVP. With the second round of roster cuts due Tuesday night, Saskatchewan’s competition at defensive back remains fierce. The Roughriders open the regular season June 13 at home against the B.C. Lions.
Sources: 3DownNation
De’Shaan Dixon Impresses on Day One of Blue Bombers Training Camp
Defensive end De’Shaan Dixon made an immediate impression on the first day of Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp Monday at Princess Auto Stadium. In a one-on-one drill against veteran offensive lineman Stanley Bryant, Dixon exploded from his stance and knocked the veteran onto his back, drawing notice from coaches and teammates. The Chesapeake, Virginia native joined Winnipeg’s practice roster last October. Head coach Mike O’Shea mentioned Dixon during rookie camp last week as a name to watch in the defensive end competition. Dixon’s strong opening session suggests he will be a genuine factor in Winnipeg’s pass-rush rotation when the Bombers open preseason play May 22.
Sources: 3DownNation
Jake Ceresna Endorses CFL’s New Expanded Playoff Format
Two-time All-CFL defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, who signed with Winnipeg this offseason, endorsed the CFL’s newly expanded playoff format as Blue Bombers training camp opened Monday. Under the revised structure, a team can lose in the opening round and still advance to the Grey Cup. Ceresna, returning from a knee injury that ended his 2025 season, acknowledged critics of the format but praised the league for its willingness to experiment. The expanded playoffs, announced on April 28 alongside a Victoria Day weekend season-start beginning in 2027, represent the most significant structural changes to CFL football in years. The regular season remains unchanged for 2026, opening June 4.
Sources: 3DownNation
Nathan Rourke Tops CFL’s 30 Highest-Paid Players List for 2026
3DownNation published its comprehensive list of the CFL’s 30 highest-paid players on Monday, concluding a week-long position-by-position salary series. B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, the 2025 Most Outstanding Player, topped the league in total compensation according to the publication’s review of publicly available CFL salary cap data. The survey reveals significant variation in pay across positions, with marketing allowances and housing supplements considerably increasing total packages beyond base salaries. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros ranks among the highest-paid players, with $300,000 in base salary and additional bonuses. The full rankings arrive as all nine CFL clubs enter the second full day of training camp.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — 2026 Pre-Season
1. Alouettes — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Redblacks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Regular season opens June 4
Western Conference
Western Division — 2026 Pre-Season
1. Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Elks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Roughriders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
5. Stampeders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Regular season opens June 4
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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