Samwise CFL Newsletter
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Fajardo Calls Edmonton Elks a Grey Cup-Calibre Roster After First Training Camp Session
After just one two-hour session at Clarke Stadium to open training camp, veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo told reporters Wednesday that Edmonton’s roster is good enough to win the Grey Cup. The 34-year-old, who signed a one-year extension with the Elks in December after joining midway through last season, completed 282 of 385 passes for 3,409 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2025. Fajardo, a two-time Grey Cup champion with Toronto in 2017 and Montreal in 2023, acknowledged the Elks discuss winning the championship on Day 1 but says their daily focus quickly shifts to what is immediately in front of them. The 2026 regular season opens June 4.
Sources: 3DownNation, TSN, Global News
Edmonton Elks Sign Canadian Linebacker Dariel Djabome After NFL Tryout Falls Short
The Edmonton Elks have signed Canadian linebacker Dariel Djabome, their third-overall selection in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft, after Djabome attended a rookie mini-camp with the NFL’s Washington Commanders without receiving a contract offer. The Longueuil, Quebec native started two seasons at Rutgers University, recording 192 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries across 47 collegiate games. Djabome gives Edmonton a high-motor Canadian linebacker who can contribute immediately to their linebacking corps as the Elks build toward their June 4 regular season opener. Edmonton also released eight players Wednesday to reach the mandatory 75-player roster limit.
Sources: 3DownNation
Saskatchewan Roughriders Sign Canadian First-Rounder Malcolm Bell to Bolster Secondary
The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed Canadian defensive back Malcolm Bell, the team’s ninth-overall selection in the 2026 CFL Canadian Draft, after Bell attended a tryout with the NFL’s Cleveland Browns without earning a contract offer. Bell, a Montreal native who stands six-foot-one and weighs 190 pounds, developed into a lockdown cornerback at the University of Connecticut before starting for Michigan State in 2025. The defending Grey Cup champions selected Bell to help reinforce a secondary that lost several veterans in free agency this offseason. He projects as a future starter at cornerback in Saskatchewan and joins a training camp roster built around quarterback Trevor Harris, last season’s Most Outstanding Player.
Sources: 3DownNation
CFL Teams Complete Second Round of Training Camp Cuts, All Rosters Down to 75 Players
All nine CFL clubs trimmed their training camp rosters to 75 players by the mandatory Tuesday night deadline, completing the second round of cuts since camps opened May 10. Among the notable releases, the Saskatchewan Roughriders cut American quarterback Jordan McCloud, who had completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,227 yards and 30 touchdowns at Texas State last season before signing with Saskatchewan in January. The league’s final cutdown deadline is May 30, when teams submit their 46-player active rosters. Preseason play begins May 18 with Saskatchewan at Calgary, before the regular season opens June 4 with Montreal visiting Hamilton. CFL.ca documented all moves across each club.
Sources: CFL.ca, 3DownNation
Hamilton Tiger-Cats Release Olympic Bobsledder Keaton Bruggeling in Training Camp Cuts
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats released Canadian receiver Keaton Bruggeling and nine other players Wednesday as part of the mandatory training camp roster reduction. Bruggeling, who re-signed with Hamilton in February, appeared in 40 regular-season games across his CFL career and totalled 15 receptions for 146 yards and one touchdown. The Canadian athlete notably competed in bobsleigh at the 2026 Winter Olympics, representing Canada alongside three other former CFL players, before returning to football. Hamilton’s other cuts included American receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, Global punter Fraser Masin, and American offensive lineman Quinn Carroll. The Tiger-Cats open their 2026 preseason schedule May 23 against the Toronto Argonauts.
Sources: 3DownNation
Eastern Conference
Eastern Division — Preseason (Season Opens 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 — Preseason (Season Opens June 4)
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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