Samwise CFL Newsletter
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
CFL Board Ratifies 2026 Rule Changes: Tie Games Eliminated, New 35-Second Play Clock Takes Effect
The CFL Board of Governors approved several rule changes for 2026, headlined by the elimination of tie games in regular-season play. Under the previous format, games could end in a tie if overtime was not resolved after two mini-game sequences. The new rules introduce alternating two-point convert attempts from the three-yard line until a winner is determined. The board also ratified a new 35-second play clock designed to speed up the game, along with a return to a 20-second clock whistled in by officials during the final three minutes of each half. The changes take effect when the season opens June 4.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
B.C. Lions Sign Three Americans, Cut Twelve as Training Camp Roster Takes Shape
The B.C. Lions completed a flurry of moves during the first days of their 2026 training camp, signing three Americans while releasing 12 players to meet the May 12 roster cutdown deadline. The Lions added receiver Kaiden Robinson, who caught 147 passes for 2,614 yards and 14 touchdowns over 34 collegiate games at Appalachian State, offensive lineman Brock Bethea out of Rhode Island, and defensive lineman A.J. Pena, a former FCS All-American with 11 sacks across his college career. The Lions also face a rebuilt roster at receiver after losing top offensive lineman Jarell Broxton to Winnipeg in free agency.
Sources: 3DownNation, CFL.ca
Canadian Lineman Gregor MacKellar Retires; REDBLACKS Also Sign QB Max Duggan
Canadian offensive lineman Gregor MacKellar was moved to the retired list by the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Tuesday, just months after signing with the club as a free agent in February. The six-foot-four, 311-pound blocker, a first-round pick in the 2022 CFL Draft, made 13 starts at right guard for the Edmonton Elks in 2025. As part of Tuesday's transactions, the Redblacks also added quarterback Max Duggan, who went undrafted out of TCU and appeared in three games for the Toronto Argonauts last season, completing 13 of 17 pass attempts for 109 yards and one touchdown. Hajj-Malik Williams was released in the corresponding move.
Sources: 3DownNation
Saskatchewan Roughriders Add Receiver Mathew Sexton After His Release From Ottawa
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed American receiver Mathew Sexton on Tuesday, one day after he was released by the Ottawa REDBLACKS during training camp roster cuts. The 28-year-old, five-foot-ten, 176-pound target played college football at Eastern Michigan, recording 100 receptions for 1,135 yards and nine touchdowns over 43 games. Sexton's professional career has included stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL. He joins a Saskatchewan receiving corps supporting reigning Grey Cup MVP Trevor Harris heading into the 2026 regular season.
Sources: 3DownNation
The CFL's Highest-Paid Player at Every Position Revealed as 2026 Training Camps Open
With the 2026 CFL season set to open June 4, 3DownNation published a comprehensive breakdown of the highest-paid player at each position across the league. The analysis confirms that running back Brady Oliveira, who won back-to-back CFL rushing titles and the league Most Outstanding Player award, reset the market for his position on a three-year extension that includes $140,000 in base salary and a $120,000 signing bonus in 2026. Jarell Broxton became the highest-paid American offensive lineman in the league after signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in free agency. The league-wide salary cap sits at $6.28 million for 2026.
Sources: 3DownNation
CFL Training Camps Enter Second Week With Quarterback Battles Dominating Nine Rosters
All nine CFL training camps are into their second week on Wednesday with key position battles emerging at every franchise. In Winnipeg, four quarterbacks including Bryce Perkins, the 2025 UFL MVP and a Super Bowl LVI winner with Los Angeles, are competing for the backup role behind Zach Collaros. In Saskatchewan, reigning Grey Cup MVP Trevor Harris holds the starting job while four players compete for the backup slot. Rosters were cut to 75 players by 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, excluding injured players. The CFL preseason opens May 18 when Saskatchewan hosts Calgary, with the regular season beginning June 4 in Hamilton.
Sources: 3DownNation
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Sign First-Round Draft Pick Nuer Gatkuoth to Boost Pass Rush
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed their first-round CFL Draft selection, defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth, to a contract on Tuesday. Taken fourth overall in last month's draft, the 23-year-old Edmonton native played college football at Colorado State and Wake Forest, compiling 107 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks over 29 games. Gatkuoth declared one year early due to NCAA eligibility issues and attended a Denver Broncos minicamp but went unsigned. He is expected to fill a pass-rush need for Winnipeg, whose defensive front struggled in 2025. The Blue Bombers open their preseason schedule on May 22.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — Pre-season | Season Opens June 4
Montreal 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 — Pre-season | Season Opens June 4
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)
B.C. Lions — 0 pts (0-0-0)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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