Everyone knew that the 2025 CFL Free Agency Communication Window, also known as the "CFL Tampering Window", was going to be a big event for the Edmonton Elks. How big, however, was the unknown factor coming in to today.
As of right now, we know of 9 pending agreements that General Manager and Vice President of Football Operations Ed Hervey has made over the course of a half-day, addressing the many needs on the team. From re-signed veterans to returning All-Stars, Hervey put verbal pen-to-paper and made the biggest splashes in the CFL Free Agency landscape during the first day of the Communications Window, and while all of the agreements made won't be official until February 11th at Noon ET, these tentative agreements generally stay intact which means Elks fans can start getting excited for the roster and team that Ed Hervey is building.
TYRELL FORD
Tyrell Ford coming to Edmonton is a storybook chapter that many in Elks Land, and even around the league, had hoped for. Coming to Edmonton on a 2 year deal, the Canadian All-Star defensive back has had a stellar run in the CFL, and the Ford Factor makes this signing all the more exciting for fans that saw his twin Tre re-sign with the Green and Gold months previous. The 26 year-old had 51 defensive tackles, 4 special teams tackles and 7 interceptions over 18 games with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2024.
DAVID BEARD
An Edmonton classic of his own, David Beard returns to the Edmonton Elks with much fanfare. After being traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2023, Elks fans questioned why he was ever let go to begin with. A former University of Alberta Golden Bear, he reunites with his offensive linemate Mark Korte to gear up in Green and Gold once again. The 31 year-old Canadian was a cog for Hamilton's offensive line, returning to a hungry and reworked Double E with more experience. Home Sweet Home!
BRETT BOYKO
After being released just 3 days previous, Brett Boyko returns to the Green and Gold after briefly testing the market. Most suspected that Boyko was released due to a roster bonus being owed, however, early reports indicate that Boyko may have been given a signing bonus to offset the loss. In any matter, the 32 year-old offensive lineman played in 15 games with the Elks last year, helping his line achieve top honours in multiple weeks.
ROBBIE SMITH
Robbie Smith has worked has way up the rankings in the CFL. Another powerful defensive lineman, Robbie comes to Edmonton with some pedigree, a 2-time Grey Cup Champion starting on the defensive line for the Toronto Argonauts for most of his 5 years in the league. Last year, the 27 year-old Canadian amassed 31 defensive tackles, 5 special teams tackles and 6 sacks over 17 games with the Argos.
KAION JULIEN-GRANT
At 27 years of age, KJG (not to be confused with Kurleigh Gittens Jr, otherwise known as KGJ) has been on the rise as a Canadian talent at wide reciever. With all of his previous games played as a Montréal Alouette, this new chapter has the Toronto, Ontario native moving out west to the green and gold pastures of Edmonton in search of touchdowns and an increased workload. In 2024, Julien-Grant had 36 receptions for 486 yards and 1 touchdown across 12 games, and while the injury riddled stats may not jump at you from the screen, KJG can be a ratio-breaker and a game-breaker if he remains healthy.
JARED BRINKMAN
Adding to the defensive line, Ed Hervey signed Jared Brinkman to the Double E as well on Sunday. The Iowa City native tallied 17 tackles and 3 sacks with the Toronto Argonauts last year, and at 25 years of age, he has many years of football left in the tank. If he can be utilized in the right ways, expect the 2024 Grey Cup Champion to bring that winning mentality to Edmonton.
JAKE CERESNA
Jake Ceresna is a fan-favourite that, quite frankly, should have never been traded away from Edmonton before the start of last season. The 2022 and 2024 CFL All-Star defensive lineman returns to Edmonton with a Grey Cup ring on his hand, after winning the 2024 Grey Cup Championship with the Toronto Argonauts. In 2024, the 30 year-old American notched 29 defensive tackles and 8 sacks over 17 games, those sack celebrations much-welcomed by the Green and Gold faithful. We can thank the return of Coach Demetrious Maxie for having some influence on these pending defensive line agreements.
ROYCE METCHIE
Another Toronto Argonaut joining the Elks is Royce Metchie, a Nigerian-Canadian defensive back and safety with 6 years of experience under his belt. He secured 87 defensive tackles, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles during his 2024 campaign enroute to a Grey Cup, his third overall. Ed Hervey was sure to bring in Champions to restore his franchise to flagship status, a feat yet to be determined.
NYLES MORGAN
Nyles Morgan has been considered a cog for the Edmonton Elks over the course of 4 years. Signing in 2021, the 28 year-old American has been widely considered one of the best linebackers in the league, a bright spot on a team that has seen the darkest of days over that period. At the 2025 CFL Winter Meetings I asked Ed Hervey what the status was on conversations with Nyles, who lead the CFL with 111 tackles in 2024. Ed had mentioned that the linebacker was seeking NFL opportunities and as fate would have it, Nyles is returning to the Double E for two more years. Expect the likes of Nick Anderson to compliment Nyles Morgan on another quest back to the playoffs, the linebacker room already strong with Eteva Mauga-Clements and Joel Dublanko returning to the mix.
Ed Hervey had himself a day, securing what most hope to be an improved roster mixed with veterans, rookies and up-and-comers. Many fans and pundits will tell you that the Grey Cup isn't won in February and this sentiment may ring true, however, the moves made today have improved this Double E team drastically in a matter of 10 hours. The roster is coming along, the chemistry exists for many players, but we are still months away from seeing this team on the turf. It's hard not to get excited about this team but with many dominoes yet to fall for a team potentially facing salary cap issues early, the Edmonton Elks will need to play their cards right to secure an elusive Home Opener victory on June 19th against the Alouettes, let alone a Season Opener victory in BC against the Lions on June 7th. Time will tell but for tonight, the Party is On in Edmonton as the organization makes yet another step in the right direction.
Buckle Up Elks Fans!
I’m really looking forward to the 2025 Season … I feel the Winning Ways are coming back and we will become the respected franchise it once was again in the near future … EE it’s our time!
Definitely steps in the right direction!
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