Where All CFL Teams Stand Ahead of Free Agency

With CFL free agency set to open on February 11, teams have been busy extending key players, negotiating potential signings, and preparing to reshape their rosters. Here’s a breakdown of where all nine teams stand before the market officially opens.

BC LIONS

• Key Retentions: QB Nathan Rourke, WR Justin McInnis, DB Garry Peters, K Sean Whyte, DE Mathieu Betts, OL Andrew Peirson, OL Chris Schleuger
• New Additions: OL Dejon Allen (via trade), DL DeWayne Hendrix, RB James Butler
• Notable Departures: WR Alexander Hollins (released)

The Lions have focused on keeping their core intact while strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

• Key Retentions: RB Dedrick Mills, K Rene Paredes, WR Jalen Philpot, LB Micah Teitz, OL Zack Williams
• New Additions: WR Dominique Rhymes, DL Folarin Orimolade (via trade)
• Notable Departures: DL James Vaughters, DL Mike Rose, LB Cameron Judge

With Vernon Adams Jr. now at QB and Reggie Begelton extended, Calgary fans are eager for more receiver additions in free agency.

EDMONTON ELKS

• Key Retentions: LB Nyles Morgan, OL Brett Boyko, QB Tre Ford
• Reported Offers: CB Tyrell Ford (Winnipeg), DL Jake Ceresna (Toronto), S Royce Metchie (Toronto), C David Beard (Hamilton), WR Kaion Julien-Grant (Montreal)

GM Ed Hervey has been aggressive, making big offers to top free agents, signaling a major rebuild for the Elks.

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

• Key Retentions: WR Tyler Ternowski, WR Kiondre Smith, RB Ante Milanovic-Litre
• New Additions: WR Kenny Lawler, WR Drew Wolitarsky, OL Liam Dobson
• Reported Offers: LB Reggie Stubblefield (Montreal)
• Notable Departures: OL David Beard (potentially to Edmonton), DL DeWayne Hendrix

Hamilton’s offseason was quiet until they made a splash by landing Kenny Lawler, a major boost to their receiving corps.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

• Key Retentions: QB Davis Alexander, QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, DB Kabion Ento, DB Najee Murray, RB Walter Fletcher
• Notable Departures: WR Kaion Julien-Grant (expected to sign with Edmonton)

The Alouettes focused on locking in their existing talent rather than chasing big-name free agents.

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

• Key Retentions: QB Dru Brown, WR Justin Hardy, DL Lorenzo Mauldin IV, LB Adarius Pickett
• New Additions: RB William Stanback
• Reported Offers: DB Robert Priester (Toronto), DB Nafees Lyon (Montreal)
• Notable Departures: WR Dominique Rhymes

Ottawa has largely stuck with the group that helped them return to the playoffs but could make targeted free-agent moves.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

• Key Retentions: QB Trevor Harris, QB Jake Maier, LB Jameer Thurman, DL Malik Carney
• New Additions: QB Tommy Stevens, DB Tevaughn Campbell, DL Shane Ray, DL Mike Rose, WR Tommy Nield
• Notable Departures: WR Ajou Ajou (signed with NFL’s Indianapolis Colts)

The Riders strengthened their QB depth and reinforced the defense, particularly on the line.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

• Key Retentions: LB Wynton McManis, WR Damonte Coxie, DB Tarvarus McFadden, KR Janarion Grant, QB Nick Arbuckle
• Reported Offers: DB Darrius Bratton (Edmonton)
• Notable Departures: DL Jake Ceresna, DL Folarin Orimolade, DB Royce Metchie (potentially to Edmonton), DB Robert Priester (potentially to Ottawa)

The defending Grey Cup champions have seen several defensive starters leave, meaning they may need to reload in free agency.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

• Key Retentions: DE Willie Jefferson, DL Jake Thomas, DB Jamal Parker Jr., DB Evan Holm, OL Stanley Bryant, WR Dalton Schoen
• New Additions: WR Dillon Mitchell, WR Reggie White Jr., DL James Vaughters
• Notable Departures: WR Kenny Lawler, LB Adam Bighill, WR Drew Wolitarsky

Winnipeg continues its push for a sixth straight Grey Cup appearance, but losing Tyrell Ford to Edmonton would be a major blow.

Final Thoughts

With free agency opening on February 11, expect more roster shake-ups as teams finalize their squads for 2025. Edmonton has been the most aggressive so far, while Hamilton made a major splash with Kenny Lawler. Keep an eye on Winnipeg’s defensive backfield, Toronto’s defensive line, and Calgary’s receiver additions in the coming days.