Samwise CFL Newsletter
Sunday, May 17, 2026
CFL’s Rapid Roster Cuts Leave Players With No Fair Chance to Compete
CFL teams are trimming rosters at a pace the game itself cannot justify, according to a critical analysis published Saturday by 3DownNation. Main camp opened league-wide on May 10, and by May 12 rosters had to shrink to 75 players — yet the CFL’s collective bargaining agreement prohibited padded practices until that same cutdown deadline. Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Scott Milanovich publicly acknowledged the bind, telling reporters he “felt badly” for players released before full contact work was permitted. Critics argue the accelerated structure rewards pre-camp reputation over genuine evaluation, undermining the very purpose of training camp and eroding opportunity for marginal players trying to earn a spot.
Sources: 3DownNation
Edmonton Elks Sign 345-Pound Lineman Erick Cade to Deepen Rebuilt Offensive Line
The Edmonton Elks added further depth to an already revamped offensive line Saturday, signing American blocker Erick Cade ahead of tomorrow’s preseason opener against the Calgary Stampeders. The six-foot-seven, 345-pound tackle spent three seasons at Missouri State University, where he started 32 games. Cade joins a unit the Elks rebuilt aggressively in free agency, adding former Hamilton Tiger-Cats linemen Coulter Woodmansey, Brendan Bordner, and Jordan Murray. Edmonton, seeking a first playoff berth in six seasons, has given head coach Mark Kilam one of the deepest offensive line rooms in the CFL heading into the 2026 campaign.
Sources: 3DownNation
Can BC Lions’ Record-Setting Offence Sustain Its 2025 Dominance Under Rourke?
Nathan Rourke and the BC Lions carry enormous offensive expectations into 2026 training camp after the Canadian quarterback’s historic 2025 season — 5,290 passing yards, 352 completions, and 12 games with 300 or more yards, all single-season records for a Canadian-born pivot. TSN’s analysis published Saturday examines how the Lions will replace retired receiver Dominique Rhymes while integrating key additions, including veteran linebacker Darnell Sankey, a two-time East All-CFL selection who arrived from Montreal. Running back James Butler returned on a two-year deal, and Rourke himself signed an extension through 2028. BC finished 11-7 last season before falling to Saskatchewan in the West Final.
Sources: TSN
Edmonton’s Rebuilt Offensive Line Arrives at Camp as Team’s Most Improved Unit
A central question for the Edmonton Elks entering 2026 is whether their heavily reconstructed offensive line can protect Cody Fajardo long enough for the offence to function. In 2025, Fajardo absorbed the most sacks of any CFL quarterback while the Elks surrendered 52 overall — second-worst in the league. General manager Ed Hervey addressed the deficiency with purpose in free agency, signing Coulter Woodmansey, Brendan Bordner, and Jordan Murray from Hamilton, and adding edge rusher Malik Carney from Saskatchewan. TSN’s Coty Wiles assessed Friday that Edmonton now has at least seven starters-capable linemen, making depth the Elks’ most improved dimension heading into camp.
Sources: TSN
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — Season Opens June 4
Montreal Alouettes — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Toronto Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Ottawa REDBLACKS — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Western Conference
Western Division — Preseason Opens May 18
Saskatchewan Roughriders ★ — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Calgary Stampeders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Edmonton Elks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
BC Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
★ = Defending Grey Cup Champions
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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