Samwise CFL Newsletter
Friday, May 1, 2026
Toronto Argonauts' Global Draft Pick Faces CFL Review for Prior Harassment Charges
Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, selected second overall in the 2026 CFL Global Draft, will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and league review under the CFL's Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Policy before any contract is registered with the Toronto Argonauts. The Australian offensive lineman was charged with two counts of violating a protection order while attending Texas A&M University in September 2023. The CFL was aware of the allegations prior to the draft. Spasojevic-Moko later transferred to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and concluded his career at UC Berkeley in 2025. No timeline for completing the review has been announced.
Sources: 3DownNation
CFLPA Secures Salary Cap Increase and New Jobs Through 2027 Playoff Expansion Agreement
The CFL Players' Association secured significant gains for its membership through the league's 2027 Grey Cup playoff expansion agreement. The CFLPA negotiated an additional $50,000 in salary cap space for all nine teams in 2026, along with permanent increases to weekly training camp compensation: first-year veterans earn $725 per week, second-year veterans $825, and three-year-plus players $925. The deal creates 18 fully paid roster spots through a new weekly reserve designation and expands practice rosters by two, with one spot reserved for a Canadian. Revenue-sharing provisions are preserved, and playoff compensation has been increased across all postseason rounds.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN
Diego Pavia Signs With Baltimore Ravens, Closing the Door on CFL Speculation
Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia, who went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, agreed to sign with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent, ending the immediate prospect of a CFL career. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers held Pavia's exclusive CFL negotiation rights and had made contact with his camp following the draft, with general manager Kyle Walters noting that conversations had picked up. Baltimore signed the Vanderbilt quarterback to a three-year rookie deal ahead of its rookie minicamp. Pavia was the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014. Winnipeg retains his CFL rights should his NFL career not advance.
Sources: 3DownNation, The Score
Former NFL Quarterback P.J. Walker Retires After One Season with Calgary Stampeders
Veteran quarterback P.J. Walker has informed the Calgary Stampeders of his retirement from professional football after nine years as a pro. The 31-year-old American played backup to starter Vernon Adams Jr. last season, making one start in 13 games suited up. Walker earned his profile as the XFL's leading passer during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season before moving to the NFL, going 5-4 as a starter with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. He completed 54.6 percent of his passes for 2,135 yards with six touchdowns and 16 interceptions in the NFL. Calgary signed Walker in November 2024 as the team's backup option behind Adams.
Sources: 3DownNation, Global News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Restructure Front Office, Sign Four 2026 Draft Picks
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers made twin announcements on Thursday, reshuffling their front office and completing contracts with members of their 2026 draft class. Danny McManus, a former CFL quarterback now elevated to senior assistant general manager, takes on expanded duties in the organization, while Jim Jauch moves into an assistant general manager role. The team also signed four players from its 2026 CFL Draft class: tight end Dante Daniels, receiver Joshua Jack, and linebackers Charles-Elliot Bouliane and Brody Clark. Undrafted free agent defensive lineman Carter Hooper was also added to the training camp roster. Winnipeg's camp opens May 10.
Sources: 3DownNation, 3DownNation
Ottawa Redblacks Starting Centre Peter Godber Retires After Seven CFL Seasons
Ottawa Redblacks starting centre Peter Godber has retired from professional football. The Toronto native, 31, was selected third overall in the 2018 CFL Draft by the B.C. Lions out of Rice University. Godber played 82 career games with 73 starts over seven seasons with the Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Redblacks. He joined Ottawa ahead of 2025 and went on to start 11 games last season as the team's first-string centre. In a retirement statement, Godber said the opportunity to play in the CFL had been a dream fulfilled, having grown up attending league games with his father.
Sources: 3DownNation
Saskatchewan's Seth Hundeby Retires Without Playing a CFL Game
Canadian linebacker Seth Hundeby has informed the Saskatchewan Roughriders he is retiring to pursue other professional opportunities. The Saskatoon native was drafted by Saskatchewan in the fourth round of the 2025 CFL Draft. The team anticipated he would finish a fifth year at the University of Saskatchewan before reporting. Hundeby did attend training camp last season but never appeared in a regular-season game. He was the 2025 U Sports Presidents' Trophy winner, recording 58 defensive tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, and two interceptions with the Huskies in his final year. Hundeby earned two first-team U Sports All-Canadian selections at linebacker during his university career.
Sources: 3DownNation, Global News
Ottawa Redblacks and B.C. Lions Among Teams Trimming Rosters Ahead of Training Camp
Multiple CFL teams made pre-camp roster cuts on Thursday, with the Ottawa Redblacks releasing three players and the B.C. Lions parting with a veteran Canadian. Ottawa cut offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek, a Canadian who had been re-signed in January after suffering a leg injury in 2025, along with American defensive lineman Chase McGowan and Canadian defensive back Charlie Ringland. The B.C. Lions released Canadian linebacker Isaiah Guzylak-Messam. All nine CFL training camps open on Sunday, May 10. Rookie camps begin May 6, and teams must trim their rosters to 85 players, excluding non-counters, by May 9.
Sources: 3DownNation, 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — Season Begins June 4
1. Montreal Alouettes — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Toronto Argonauts — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Ottawa Redblacks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Western Conference
Western Division — Training Camp Opens May 10
1. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
2. Saskatchewan Roughriders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
3. Calgary Stampeders — 0 pts (0-0-0)
4. Edmonton Elks — 0 pts (0-0-0)
5. B.C. Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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