The Edmonton Elks have an abundance of riches at the linebacker position, but don’t expect all four of the franchise’s top players to be back next season.
“Is there a place where all four can be on the team? I’m sure there possibly could be. At the expense of getting better? I can’t see that,” general manager Ed Hervey told the media during locker-room clean-out day. “I can’t see us holding on to any player if it meant that we’re not getting better. We’re going to get better. That’s where we’re at. We have to get better, and we have a cap. This is what it is.”
The Elks entered the 2025 season with veteran Nyles Morgan and reigning Most Outstanding Rookie Nick Anderson as their two unquestioned starting linebackers. But just one year removed from tying for the league lead in defensive tackles, the pair struggled to stay healthy and opened the door for others to receive playing time. Joel Dublanko, the first overall pick in the 2024 CFL Draft, stepped through it and became the team’s nominee for Most Outstanding Canadian, while rookie Brock Mogensen established himself as an impact player at middle linebacker down the stretch.
Both Dublanko and Mogensen have another season remaining on their entry-level contracts, which makes them extremely cost-effective options. However, the Elks are still on the hook to pay both Morgan and Anderson big money in 2026, beginning with offseason bonuses on February 1.
A five-year veteran of the team, Morgan would appear to be the likeliest cap casualty at 29 years old. Hervey did not dispute that suggestion, but made clear that all linebackers are the same in his book.
“I guess we will see. The reality of that is that you guys know how I feel about the linebacker position,” he said. “I’ve told our guys this — you guys know how I am — I look at linebackers like you can replace them. I’ve always felt that way, and it’s nothing personal. Wherever this goes, or however you try to make it, it’s not anything against (Nyles). But we have to evaluate our roster on how we get better.”
This latest campaign has likely reinforced Hervey’s belief system. After notching just two defensive tackles as a rookie, Dublanko racked up 80 as a starter in 2025 and added a pair of sacks. Mogensen didn’t even join the team until the dog days of training camp and still managed 40 defensive tackles, one interception, and a forced fumble in his run at middle linebacker.
Hervey applauded both players for doing their jobs effectively without fanfare, but reserved much of his praise for coordinator J.C. Sherritt and the defensive staff.
“You have to give the coaches credit for getting these young guys ready. Most coaches don’t like young players,” he said. “I’ve been places where they just complain and complain. Now they’re enjoying them, but in the past, they were always whining about young players. This staff has embraced young players, and not only has embraced them, but has gotten them ready. Whenever their number was called, those guys were out there.”
Even if the Elks youth wave is promising, letting established talent walk is always a risk. In 62 career games, Morgan has amassed 377 defensive tackles, seven sacks, an interception, and four forced fumbles. Anderson is just 25 and has posted 152 defensive tackles, four sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 25 games, earning All-CFL honours in his first season.
The talent of neither player is in dispute. The challenge is ensuring there is still a role for them going forward.
“I think that with Mogenson, and Joel, and Nick, and Nyles, those are four excellent linebackers. But for areas that we need to improve salary-wise, we kind of have to really look and assess the overall roster to see how can we make it work,” Hervey said. “If we can make it work, then great. But if we can’t, we’re gonna do what’s best for this club.”
