The Edmonton Elks have signed kicker Boris Bede to a two-year contract, tying him to the team through 2025. He was recently released by the Toronto Argonauts, allowing him to join the Elks ahead of the official start of free agency on Feb. 13.
The 34-year-old spent the past three seasons with the Argos and is coming off the best year of his career during which he converted 37-of-39 field goal attempts (94.9 percent). He also went 53-of-57 on converts and led the league with a kickoff average of 71.2 yards.
“Boris is a weapon and a game changer, whether pinning opposing teams deep or closing out a game with a long field goal. We’re excited to have him in Green and Gold,” said assistant general manager Geroy Simon in a statement.
Edmonton struggled in the kicking game this past season as Dean Faithfull made 23-of-29 field goal attempts (79.3 percent) with a long of 46 yards. He also finished last in the league in kickoffs with an average of 57.9 yards.
Bede has been named an East Division all-star three times since he entered the league as a member of the Montreal Alouettes in 2015. Despite being born in France and playing collegiately at Université Laval, he is considered an American player.
Toronto released Bede after signing Canadian kicker Lirim Hajrullahu following a four-year stint in the NFL.
The Elks will open their 2024 regular season by hosting the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, June 8.
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