Samwise CFL Newsletter
Friday, May 15, 2026
Matthew Shiltz Signs One-Day Contract to Retire as a Hamilton Tiger-Cat
Veteran quarterback Matthew Shiltz officially closed out his CFL career on Thursday, signing a one-day contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats — the team where he says felt most like home. Shiltz, who announced his retirement in December 2025, spent two seasons in Hamilton from 2022 to 2023, appearing in 28 games and compiling 2,491 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions on 193-of-280 completions. He also suited up for the Montreal Alouettes during his CFL career. “To the Ticats fans, thank you for welcoming me in. This place will always have a special place in my heart,” Shiltz said.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN
Taylor Elgersma Stays Grounded as Blue Bombers’ Backup QB Battle Heats Up
Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma is taking a measured approach as he battles for Winnipeg’s backup job ahead of his CFL preseason debut on May 23 in Saskatoon. Camp reports indicate Elgersma has taken the majority of second-string repetitions through five days of training and has impressed coaches. However, incumbent Terry Wilson, former UFL MVP Bryce Perkins, and Auburn product Payton Thorne are all competing for the same spot. Elgersma, a Hec Crighton Trophy winner who signed with the Blue Bombers in April, is considered a long-term successor candidate to starter Zach Collaros.
Sources: 3DownNation
TSN to Broadcast Two CFL Preseason Games, Rest Available on CFL+
TSN will broadcast two of the 2026 CFL preseason games on television, with all remaining contests streaming exclusively on the league’s CFL+ platform. The two televised contests are the Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, May 23, and the Montreal Alouettes at Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, May 29 — both Eastern matchups — with RDS carrying French-language coverage of each. The preseason opener, Saskatchewan at Calgary on Monday, May 18, streams only via CFL+. The 2026 regular season gets underway June 4 in Hamilton, where the Tiger-Cats host the Alouettes, with all nine clubs in action across opening weekend.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
Edmonton Elks Sign Third-Overall Global Draft Pick Jesus Gomez
The Edmonton Elks have signed kicker Jesus Gomez, the third-overall pick in the 2026 CFL Global Draft. Gomez, a native of Puebla, Mexico, split his collegiate career between Eastern Michigan University from 2021 to 2024 and Arizona State University in 2025. Edmonton selected Eteva Mauga-Clements first overall before taking Gomez with their next Global Draft pick. The signing addresses a key specialist need for the Elks, who have reshaped their roster this offseason with signings including edge rusher Malik Carney and receiver Austin Mack. Edmonton opens the preseason on May 23 in British Columbia.
Sources: 3DownNation
Roughriders Add Undrafted Canadian DB Tomlinson, Re-sign Receiver Winfree
The defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders made a pair of training camp additions on Thursday, signing undrafted Canadian defensive back Trae Tomlinson and re-signing veteran receiver Juwann Winfree. Tomlinson, a Winnipeg product, went unselected in the 2026 CFL Draft despite an impressive pro day, recording a 36-inch vertical, 10-foot-2 broad jump, and 4.47-second forty. The 5-foot-8 defender played at the University of Richmond and Louisiana Lafayette, totalling 90 career tackles and 14 pass deflections. Saskatchewan opens preseason play on May 18 in Calgary, the earliest start in franchise history.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division
Alouettes — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Argonauts — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Tiger-Cats — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Redblacks — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Regular season opens June 4
Western Conference
Western Division
Blue Bombers — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Roughriders — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Stampeders — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Elks — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Lions — Pre-season (0-0-0)
Regular season opens June 4
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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