Samwise CFL Newsletter
Friday, May 8, 2026
Vernon Adams Jr. Locks In Long-Term Deal with Calgary Stampeders Through 2028
The Calgary Stampeders locked in quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. on Thursday, signing the 33-year-old to a two-year contract extension through the 2028 season. Adams Jr., acquired from the B.C. Lions in November 2024, will earn $500,000 in 2026, including a $225,000 signing bonus, $210,000 in base salary, and $65,000 in additional compensation. Maximum values rise to $565,000 in 2027 and $580,000 in 2028. The extension coincides with new quarterbacks coach Jarious Jackson, who replaces Dakota Prukop. Adams Jr. finished fifth in CFL passing yards in 2025 with 4,247 in 17 games. Calgary hosts the 113th Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium in November.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca, TSN
Ottawa Redblacks Enter Training Camp With Rebuilt Defensive Roster
With full training camp opening May 10, the Ottawa Redblacks enter 2026 with a revamped defence. The pass rush features Italian Global Habakkuk Baldonado — 18 tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in 2025 as a Grey Cup starter for Saskatchewan — alongside Canadian Luiji Vilain, back from four NFL seasons with Minnesota, Carolina, Cleveland, and Dallas. Strong-side linebacker James Reavis contributes 220 career tackles and nine sacks in 55 regular-season games. Ottawa will carry roughly 15 linebackers into camp, expecting at least nine to survive final cuts, with special teams performance a decisive factor.
Sources: 3DownNation
Coulter Woodmansey Leads CFL's Highest-Paid Offensive Linemen as National Salaries Climb
Edmonton Elks offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey has become the CFL's highest-paid Canadian non-quarterback, the first National player to earn $300,000 per season. Winnipeg Blue Bombers tackle Jarell Broxton, who signed a two-year deal in free agency, leads American linemen at $250,000 annually. The Toronto Argonauts' Ryan Hunter ($185,000 total package) and the Tiger-Cats' Steven Revenberg ($205,000 combined) round out the top Canadians, while Edmonton's Brandon Korte returns for a fifth season at $190,000 base. A salary transparency breakdown by 3DownNation shows league-wide investment in premium offensive line talent ahead of training camp.
Sources: 3DownNation
Boris Bede Signs With Paris Lights, Bringing CFL Kicking Pedigree to Europe
Veteran kicker Boris Bede, who became a Canadian citizen in July 2025, has signed with the Paris Lights of American Football League Europe. The 36-year-old played 144 CFL regular-season games, converting 276-of-332 field goal attempts (83.1 percent) and 275-of-296 converts (92.9 percent), while punting 649 times for a 44.5-yard average. Most recently with the Edmonton Elks in 2024, Bede connected on 27-of-34 field goals in 16 games. The Paris Lights are among several expanding European clubs signing former CFL talent, having also added Vanier Cup quarterback Evan Hillock and Canadian defender Justin Howell this year.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division
Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
Ottawa Redblacks
Regular season begins June 4, 2026
Western Conference
Western Division
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Saskatchewan Roughriders
Calgary Stampeders 🏈 Grey Cup Host
Edmonton Elks
B.C. Lions
113th Grey Cup — Nov. 15, McMahon Stadium
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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