The Washington Commanders worked out Edmonton Elks’ punter Jake Julien on Tuesday, per the NFL transaction wire.
The 27-year-old rejoined the Elks partway through the 2025 season after he was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In eight games, he punted 49 times for a net average of 40.4 yards. He also made two special teams tackles.
The native of Barrie, Ont. had a standout season with Edmonton in 2024 when he led the CFL in gross punting average (54.0 yards) and net punting average (40.0 yards). He broke the league’s single-season gross punting record set by Jon Ryan in 2005 and tied for the league lead with eight punts inside the 10-yard line. He also recorded 15 singles, including a memorable game-winner in overtime.
Julien was originally selected by the Ottawa Redblacks in the fourth round of the 2021 CFL Draft. He chose to return to school for his final year of eligibility at Eastern Michigan University, then signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He was released by the team in training camp.
Last offseason, the specialist signed with the Buccaneers after working out for at least six NFL teams. He has now visited three teams this offseason, including the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL workout window opened on Monday, November 17. The window to sign with an NFL team opens January 5, 2026, and ends February 10, 2026, at 12:01 p.m. EST.
NFL teams must ask CFL franchises for permission to work out players, and the request cannot be denied. Julien is under contract with Edmonton for 2026, though CFL players can opt out of their agreements north of the border if an NFL team offers a contract. Edmonton would maintain his rights through the duration of the voided contract.
