Samwise CFL Newsletter
Thursday, July 2, 2026
B.C. Lions Have No Timeline for Hiring Special Teams Coordinator
The B.C. Lions fired special teams coordinator Cory McDiarmid after Sunday night's 41-33 loss to Calgary — their third straight defeat to open the 2026 season. GM Ryan Rigmaiden says the team has no set timeline for a replacement, with a committee taking over for Week 5 in Kelowna. The Lions plan to conduct interviews during their upcoming bye week. 'We want to make sure we bring in the right person,' Rigmaiden said. B.C. (0-3) faces the Edmonton Elks (3-0) at the Apple Bowl in Kelowna on Saturday, July 4.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Eight Years After Trevor Harris, Ottawa Redblacks Still Searching for a Franchise QB
A Justin Dunk analysis revisits the long shadow cast by Trevor Harris's departure from Ottawa — the result of a signing bonus dispute eight years ago that fractured one of the CFL's most promising quarterback situations. In the years since, the Redblacks have cycled through starters without finding a true franchise pivot, a revolving door that has plagued the club at the game's most important position. Ottawa sits at 0-3 entering Week 5, their ongoing struggles under centre spotlighting a hole that has never fully healed. The search for stability at quarterback remains the defining challenge of the franchise.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Ottawa Redblacks Release Long-Anticipated QB Nicholas Vattiato
The Ottawa Redblacks have released quarterback Nicholas Vattiato, ending a tenure that generated considerable excitement but ultimately limited playing time. Vattiato had been regarded as a potential future starter and drew attention from CFL observers since joining the club, but the 0-3 Redblacks are moving in a different direction at the position. The release signals Ottawa's intent to reshape the quarterback room rather than invest in a longer developmental timeline. Ottawa's QB depth chart remains unsettled heading into Friday's matchup against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in what is a must-win atmosphere for the struggling club.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Calgary Stampeders Sign Ajou Ajou, Saying Receiver Has Earned a Second Chance
The CFL reinstated Canadian receiver Ajou Ajou on Tuesday, and the Calgary Stampeders quickly signed the 24-year-old 6'3", 218-lb pass-catcher to their roster. Ajou was suspended following unwelcome physical contact with multiple women at a Regina restaurant after the Grey Cup, resulting in his release by Saskatchewan. Reinstatement required 15 mandatory counselling sessions with a gender-based violence expert, a psychological assessment, and a meeting with commissioner Stewart Johnston. He must still serve a six-game suspension before dressing for Calgary but may practise and attend team meetings with the club immediately.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Alonzo Addae and Eugene Lewis Return to Ottawa Redblacks Lineup
The Ottawa Redblacks get a significant boost heading into Friday's game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with veteran safety Alonzo Addae and star receiver Eugene Lewis both returning to the active lineup after missing recent action. Their returns give Ottawa's offence and defence welcome reinforcements at a critical moment in the season. Lewis is one of the CFL's most reliable pass-catchers, while Addae brings experience and leadership to the defensive backfield. The pair could prove pivotal as the winless Redblacks attempt to avoid an 0-4 start and salvage momentum in a challenging early stretch.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Saskatchewan Roughriders Place Returner James Letcher Jr. on Six-Game Injured List
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have placed returner James Letcher Jr. on the six-game injured list ahead of Friday's visit to Ottawa, forcing the team to rely on a less-experienced option in the return game. Letcher has been one of Saskatchewan's most dynamic weapons as a returner and his absence is a meaningful blow heading into a division matchup. The Roughriders (2-1) will need to develop a fresh solution at the position as they try to maintain their standing near the top of the West Division and keep pace with the league-leading Edmonton Elks.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Edmonton Elks Sign Idaho Linebacker Isiah King to Practice Roster
The Edmonton Elks (3-0) have added linebacker depth by signing University of Idaho standout Isiah King to their practice roster. The 6'3", 215-lb San Diego native spent five seasons with the Vandals, totalling 152 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions across 41 games while earning first-team All-Big Sky honours in 2025. King went undrafted in 2026 and was released by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in June. The signing addresses a depth shortage behind Nick Anderson (six-game IL), with Brock Mogensen also expected to miss time.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Calgary Stampeders Bench William Barnes, Tab Bakyne Coly at Right Tackle Against Toronto
The Calgary Stampeders (1-2) will start Bakyne Coly at right tackle against the Toronto Argonauts, benching William Barnes for Saturday's 9:00 p.m. EDT kickoff at McMahon Stadium. The move reflects Calgary's effort to shore up their offensive line as they look to build on the momentum of last week's 41-33 win over B.C. The game — broadcast on TSN and CBS Sports Network — pits the Stampeders against a Toronto club sitting at 2-1. Barnes's demotion is a significant development for a Calgary team still searching for consistency along the offensive front.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Re-Sign American Receiver Blayne Taylor
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-1) have re-signed American receiver Blayne Taylor, a 6'4", 212-lb pass-catcher from Saginaw, Texas. Taylor impressed during camp and through the preseason, recording three catches for 48 yards before earning his roster spot. At Abilene Christian University he produced 133 catches for 2,026 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning second-team all-conference recognition. Taylor spent time in the Indianapolis Colts' training camp in 2025 before making his way north to Hamilton. He now joins a Tiger-Cats receiving group preparing to host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-2) on Sunday, July 5.
Sources: 3DownNation Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division
1. Montreal — 6 pts (3-1-0)
2. Toronto — 4 pts (2-1-0)
3. Hamilton — 4 pts (2-1-0)
4. Ottawa — 0 pts (0-3-0)
Western Conference
Western Division
1. Edmonton — 6 pts (3-0-0)
2. Saskatchewan — 4 pts (2-1-0)
3. Winnipeg — 2 pts (1-2-0)
4. Calgary — 2 pts (1-2-0)
5. B.C. — 0 pts (0-3-0)