My wish heading into the Christmas holidays is for the Calgary Stampeders to make one of the most significant moves of the CFL offseason and sign elite wide receiver Eugene Lewis from the Edmonton Elks. This move would not only bolsters the Stampeders' offensive firepower, but also reunite Lewis with quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., a partnership that previously thrived during their time together with the Montreal Alouettes.
A Star-Studded Resume
Eugene Lewis is one of the most accomplished receivers in the CFL. In 2024, he earned his third career All-CFL selection after an outstanding season with the Elks. He recorded 1,102 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 78 receptions, consistently demonstrating his ability to win 50-50 balls and break away from defenders. Known for his athleticism and precision route running, Lewis was often the go-to option for the Elks in critical moments.
His addition to the Calgary Stampeders would address a pressing need for the Stampeders, who only had one player named to the All-CFL team in 2024. By pairing Lewis with Adams, the Stampeders would clearly inject dynamic and big-play potential into their offense.
Reunion with Vernon Adams Jr.
The reunion of Lewis and Adams Jr. would be one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 CFL season. The two played together with the Montreal Alouettes, where they developed undeniable chemistry. During their time together, Adams’ scrambling ability and penchant for improvisation meshed perfectly with Lewis’ knack for finding openings in coverage. Their on-field connection was a key component of the Alouettes’ offensive success during that period.
While their paths diverged after Adams moved to the BC Lions and Lewis joined the Edmonton Elks, they now have a chance to rekindle their partnership in Calgary. Adams, known for his mobile quarterbacking style, would surely make full use of Lewis’ ability to adjust routes on the fly and capitalize on broken plays.
What This Would Mean for the Stampeders
The addition of Geno Lewis would give the Stampeders a legitimate dual threat at the receiver position, along with Reggie Begelton. With Lewis’ size, speed, and ball skills, Calgary’s offense would be much more versatile. His ability to stretch the field will also create more space for the team’s other offensive weapons and force opposing defenses to adjust their coverage schemes.
For Adams, having a familiar and trusted target like Lewis could significantly boost his productivity. Known for his creative playmaking, Adams’ ability to extend plays would give Lewis more opportunities to get open downfield, especially in broken-play scenarios where defensive coverage tends to falter.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With Lewis and Adams back together, the Stampeders would signal their intent to be a contender in the highly competitive CFL West Division. The duo’s past success with the Alouettes hints at the potential for high-octane performances and highlight-reel plays. Fans in Calgary would be eagerly anticipating the fireworks this duo can provide on the field.
By signing one of the league’s premier receivers and reuniting him with a dynamic quarterback, the Calgary Stampeders would set themselves up as a team to watch in 2025. But for right now, this Stamps fan can only wish.