The Edmonton Elks have signed Canadian defensive back Tyrell Ford to a contract extension through 2027. He was previously under contract through 2026.
The 27-year-old recorded 56 defensive tackles, two interceptions, one special teams tackle, and one touchdown over 18 regular-season starts at cornerback in 2025. He was the highest-paid defensive back in the CFL, earning $230,000.
“Tyrell Ford’s contract extension is a move that reinforces our commitment to building a championship-caliber team,” said general manager and vice-president of football operations Ed Hervey in a statement. “His consistency and professionalism reflect the culture we are establishing, and this decision underscores our focus on continuity, elite talent, and long-term success.”
The native of Niagara Falls, Ont. was originally selected in the second round of the 2022 CFL Draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He recorded 13 total tackles with the team as a rookie in 2022 before getting a shot with the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
Ford was named All-CFL in 2024 after he returned to the Blue Bombers and made 51 defensive tackles, seven interceptions, and four special teams tackles. He is the win brother of Canadian quarterback Tre Ford, with whom he played collegiately at the University of Waterloo.
The Edmonton Elks finished fifth in the West Division standings in 2025 with a 7-11 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Cody Fajardo started the team’s final 13 regular-season games and went 6-7, throwing for 3,408 yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Tre Ford started the first five, going 1-4, and threw for 984 yards, five touchdowns, an three interceptions.
The Elks ranked ninth in net offence per game, ninth in net defence per game, and fifth with a turnover differential of plus-four. The club’s leading rusher was Justin Rankin with 1,013 yards, leading receiver was Kaion Julien-Grant with 820 yards, and leading tackler was Joel Dublanko with 80 tackles. Edmonton finished seventh in attendance with average crowds of 19,050, which was a 7.1 percent decrease from the previous year.
