Samwise CFL Newsletter
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
BC Lions Complete Full Draft Class Signings, Add QB Kaidon Salter
The BC Lions had an active Monday, signing all seven of their 2026 CFL Canadian Draft picks and adding quarterback Kaidon Salter as a depth option behind starter Nathan Rourke. The draft class is headlined by first-round receiver Nate DeMontagnac from North Dakota, selected seventh overall. Also signed were defensive back Jett Elad (15th), defensive back Pierre Kemeni (36th), receiver Nick Cenacle (45th), offensive lineman Ethan Graham (54th), linebacker Chase Henning (63rd), and defensive lineman Ebenezer Dibula (72nd). Salter, a Dallas native, played collegiately at Liberty and Colorado, throwing for 1,404 yards and ten touchdowns in his senior season.
Sources: CFL.ca, 3DownNation
Saskatchewan Roughriders Sign Five from 2026 CFL Draft Class
The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced Monday the signing of five players from their 2026 CFL Canadian Draft class. Receiver Dylan Djete, selected 18th overall from Alabama State, headlines the group. Joining him are East Carolina offensive lineman Darius Bell (29th), University of Calgary linebacker Osasere Odemwingie (38th), Southern Mississippi offensive lineman Jez Janvier (47th), and UBC receiver Shemar McBean (65th). The Roughriders, who play a preseason opener in Calgary on May 18 before their regular-season debut June 4, have completed the bulk of their draft class signings. All nine CFL training camps open May 10.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
Tiger-Cats Lock Up First-Round Pick Jonathan Denis and Seven Draft Classmates
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats completed the signing of eight players from their 2026 CFL Canadian Draft class on Monday. The group is led by offensive lineman Jonathan Denis, the fifth overall pick from Université de Montréal, who signed a three-year deal through 2028. Six additional draft picks joined Denis: Devynn Cromwell, Brayden Szeman, Loïk Gagné, Marc Rondeau, Aamarii Notice, and Kyler Laing. Hamilton opens the 2026 regular season on June 4, hosting the Montreal Alouettes at Tim Hortons Field in the league opener. Denis earned strong pre-draft reviews for his athleticism and footwork at the U Sports level.
Sources: 3DownNation
Rourke Tops CFL QB Pay Rankings as 2026 Salary Cap Rises to $6.28 Million
A 3DownNation breakdown of CFL quarterback salaries reveals BC Lions starter Zach Rourke leads all signal-callers in total 2026 compensation. Rourke's package includes a $275,000 base salary, a $210,000 active roster bonus, $160,000 in marketing money, and additional housing and training allowances. Montreal Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. ranks second, while Calgary Stampeders pivot Bo Levi Mitchell comes third. Kyle Harris of Edmonton ranks fourth with a hard total of $455,300 before performance incentives. The 2026 CFL salary cap has risen to $6.28 million, an increase of nearly $220,000 from the $6.06 million ceiling set in 2025.
Sources: 3DownNation
Ottawa Redblacks Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman Sean McEwen
The Ottawa Redblacks announced Monday the signing of veteran offensive lineman Sean McEwen, adding experience to a front line that also welcomed first-overall Canadian Draft pick Giordano Vaccaro last week. McEwen brings multiple seasons of CFL experience to Ottawa, bolstering depth ahead of training camp opening May 10. Ottawa selected Vaccaro, a Winnipeg native and Purdue University product, with the top pick in last week's draft, signalling a clear organizational emphasis on rebuilding the offensive line. The Redblacks open their 2026 regular season on June 6 at TD Place, hosting the Edmonton Elks in their home opener.
Sources: 3DownNation
Argonauts Sign Global Lineman Denzel Daxon and Two Canadian Draft Picks
The Toronto Argonauts signed Global defensive lineman Denzel Daxon alongside Canadian Draft picks Louis-Philippe Gauthier and Tyriq Quayson on Monday, completing another round of roster-building ahead of training camp. Daxon adds pass-rush depth to Toronto's defensive front. Gauthier and Quayson bring national depth, joining a class that includes second-overall pick Niklas Henning, the Queen's University offensive lineman selected last week. The defending Grey Cup champion Argonauts open regular-season play June 5, hosting a nationally televised game at BMO Field. Toronto's training camp, like all nine CFL clubs, begins Sunday, May 10.
Sources: 3DownNation
Luke Willson Moves from Sideline to Booth as CFL on TSN Colour Commentator
Former CFL receiver Luke Willson announced Monday he will serve as colour commentator for Friday Night Football on CFL on TSN during the 2026 season. Willson, who joined the broadcast team as a sideline analyst in 2025, moves into the booth as a full colour analyst. The veteran pass-catcher brings first-hand CFL playing experience to TSN's flagship Canadian football broadcast. His promotion arrives as TSN prepares for a regular season beginning June 4, headlined by the Montreal Alouettes visiting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Willson will work alongside TSN's play-by-play voices on Friday nights throughout the 2026 CFL campaign.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — Preseason (Season begins June 4)
Montréal 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 — Training Camp Opens May 10
Winnipeg Blue Bombers — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Saskatchewan Roughriders — 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)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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