Samwise CFL Newsletter
Monday, May 4, 2026
CFL Expands Grey Cup Playoffs to Eight Teams Starting in 2027
The Canadian Football League has restructured its postseason format beginning in 2027, expanding from six to eight playoff teams across a three-round structure. Eight of the league's nine teams will qualify, with Play-In Games determining two additional participants for Elimination Games. Winners advance to Grey Cup Semi-Finals, with the final two squads competing for the championship. The format guarantees at least one team from each conference reaches the third round, preventing same-division Grey Cup matchups barring upset results. The league and CFL Players' Association agreed to the expansion as part of broader negotiations that also shift the 2027 season opener to an earlier May start date.
Sources: 3DownNation, Global News, TSN
CFLPA Secures Record Financial Gains Through 2027 Playoff Expansion Deal
The CFL Players' Association has secured record financial gains through the 2027 Grey Cup playoff expansion agreement, with playoff compensation nearly doubling league-wide. Grey Cup winning shares could now reach $32,200 per player, approaching half a minimum base salary. The 2026 salary cap rose by $50,000 to $6,330,514 per team, with further growth guaranteed under the current collective bargaining agreement. Training camp weekly stipends increased for all veterans, and two new weekly reserve roster spots create 18 additional paid positions each season. Practice roster sizes also expanded by two, with one dedicated Canadian spot. CFLPA president Solomon Elimimian led negotiations to secure these gains.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN
Clarence Hicks Signs Three-Year Extension with Calgary Stampeders Through 2028
Calgary Stampeders defensive end Clarence Hicks has signed a three-year contract extension through the 2028 CFL season. The 27-year-old from Pensacola, Florida will earn $221,000 in hard money during the 2026 season, including a $100,000 signing bonus. Additional clauses include $500 per active-game snap and up to $20,000 in statistical and award incentives. Hicks earned the extension after recording 12 sacks in the 2025 regular season across 18 games — third-most in the CFL — while also forcing two fumbles. He was named Calgary's Most Outstanding Defensive Player and earned West Division all-star honours for the Stampeders.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Lose Fisher and Brubacher to Retirement Ahead of Training Camp
Two Hamilton Tiger-Cats have announced their retirements ahead of the 2026 CFL season, with American linebacker Kyle Fisher and Canadian defensive lineman Luke Brubacher both stepping away from the game. Fisher, 25, had been projected as a starter at weak-side linebacker entering the upcoming campaign after five NCAA seasons at the University of Iowa, where he played primarily as a special teams contributor across 58 games. Brubacher, a second-round draft pick by Hamilton in 2024, had his time with the club interrupted by injury. Both departures arrive as Hamilton prepares for rookie camp on May 6 and full training camp opening May 10.
Sources: 3DownNation
Ottawa Redblacks Sign Five 2026 Canadian Draft Picks Including First Overall Selection Vaccaro
The Ottawa Redblacks have signed five members of their 2026 Canadian Draft class along with two national free agents. Purdue offensive lineman Giordano Vaccaro, selected first overall, headlined the group. Second-round pick Emeric Boutin, a 6-foot-3 tight end from Laval University who earned two first-team All-Canadian honours, also signed. Fourth-round selection Charlie Parks, a Saskatchewan-raised defensive end, recorded 6.5 sacks and was named the Canada West Most Outstanding Lineman with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies last season. Ottawa's rookie camp begins May 6, with the full training camp opening on May 10 ahead of the preseason schedule commencing May 22.
Sources: 3DownNation
Calgary Stampeders Lock Up First-Round Pick Rascoe Among Eight Pre-Camp Signings
The Calgary Stampeders have signed first-round pick Eric Rascoe and seven additional players from their 2026 draft class and free agency pool. Rascoe, a Canadian linebacker selected by Calgary in the first round of the 2026 CFL Draft, joins receiver Jesulayomi Ojutalayo, defensive linemen Tristan Marois and Steven Kpehe, receiver Matt Sibley, offensive linemen Mitchel Schechinger and Jack Warrack, and Global first-round kicker Jude McAtamney. McAtamney, an Irish import via Rutgers, was Calgary's first-round selection in the 2026 CFL Global Draft. All players are expected to report for rookie camp beginning Wednesday, May 6, ahead of full training camp on May 10.
Sources: 3DownNation
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Sign Draft Class and American Edge Rushers Before Camp
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed four members of their 2026 CFL Draft class, along with undrafted defensive lineman Carter Hooper, ahead of rookie camp opening May 6. Tight end Dante Daniels, selected 10th overall after the club traded up in the second round, headlines the group alongside receiver Joshua Jack, linebackers Charles-Elliot Bouliane and Brody Clark. The Bombers also separately signed three American edge rushers to bolster depth at a critical position for a team coming off a 2025 playoff appearance. Winnipeg opens full training camp on May 10 with preseason games beginning May 18 as the club looks to contend in the West Division.
Sources: 3DownNation, 3DownNation
Grey Cup Broadcast Stint Opens Post-Playing Options for Zach Collaros
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros says his work as a TSN broadcast analyst during November's 112th Grey Cup in Winnipeg has opened his eyes to a possible post-retirement media career. Collaros, who has expressed interest in continuing to play in 2026, initially declined the broadcast opportunity before reconsidering after advice from trusted advisors. He appeared on SportsCentre and provided analysis throughout the Grey Cup weekend. The veteran quarterback said the experience was enjoyable and acknowledged it “definitely opened my eyes a little bit” to a potential future in broadcasting. Collaros remains part of Winnipeg's plans as the Blue Bombers open training camp on May 10.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — 2025 Final
1. Hamilton Tiger-Cats — 22 pts (11-7-0)
2. Montreal Alouettes — 20 pts (10-8-0)
3. Toronto Argonauts — 10 pts (5-13-0)
4. Ottawa Redblacks — 8 pts (4-14-0)
2026 training camps open May 10
Western Conference
Western Division — 2025 Final
1. Saskatchewan Roughriders — 24 pts (12-6-0) 🏆
2. BC Lions — 22 pts (11-7-0)
3. Calgary Stampeders — 22 pts (11-7-0)
4. Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 20 pts (10-8-0)
5. Edmonton Elks — 14 pts (7-11-0)
🏆 2025 Grey Cup Champions (25-17 vs. Montreal)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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