The Canadian Football League and its Players’ Association struck the deal to bring the Frenchman’s status in line with that of other foreign-born U Sports alumni, who are allowed to qualify as Nationals under the current collective bargaining agreement, so long as they have played at least three seasons and graduated from their U Sports institution. That rule was not in force when Rouyer graduated from McGill University, which limited him to Global status.

Traditionally, a player’s roster status at the time of his entry into the CFL is permanent and gets grandfathered in with all future changes. The special exception granted to Rouyer is believed to be the first of its kind under the current rules.

Notably, kicker Boris Bede, who hailed from France and attended Université Laval, continued to be counted as an American until his final season in 2024 because neither the current National rules nor the Global program existed when he was a rookie. Australian punter Josh Bartel was also famously considered a National until his final season in 2019, even though the rule that made him one was changed in 2014.

Argonauts defensive back Jonathan Edouard, who is American but played at Carleton University, is the most notable example of a player who counts as a National due to the U Sports pathway. Other recent draft picks to qualify in this way include Mexican offensive lineman Diego Alatorre, who was selected in the third round by Saskatchewan out of UBC in 2022, and French defensive back Yani Gouadfel, who was taken in the sixth round by Ottawa out of Bishop’s in 2024.

Rouyer was the only active Global player for whom the U Sports pathway rule could be applied retroactively.

The 31-year-old was selected fourth overall in the first round of the 2019 CFL European Draft, the precursor to the modern Global Draft, by the Edmonton Elks. He spent two seasons with the team before being released.

Rouyer spent the first part of the 2022 season with the Wroclaw Panthers in the European League of Football, amassing 89 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. The native of Troyes, France, later signed with the B.C. Lions in September of that year, and has been with the team for four seasons, playing a key role on special teams and becoming one of the organization’s CFLPA player representatives.

In 60 career CFL games, Rouyer has collected eight defensive tackles, 26 special teams tackles, and a forced fumble.

Prior to his professional career, the six-foot-one, 225-pound linebacker attended McGill from 2015 to 2018, registering 103 total tackles and 4.5 sacks in 23 total games with the Redbirds. He moved to Canada at the age of 16 to attend Cégep de Jonquière.

Since 2019, CFL teams have been required to dress one Global player, hailing from outside the United States or Canada, as part of their gameday roster. Teams may also elect to use the 45th spot on the roster for either a second Global player or a 21st Canadian, with the majority of franchises in 2025 electing to use the spot for an international athlete. In addition, three extra practice roster spots are available for teams to use on Global players.

While those roster rules have forced teams that were reluctant to play international athletes to do so, Global status has become highly limiting as the level of talent available in the program has increased. While teams initially believed that they could play three or more Globals so long as those additional players replaced American roster spots, pushback from the CFLPA has capped the number at exactly two.

In the case of Rouyer, the Lions were only able to play him in eight games in 2025 due to the presence of South African punter Carl Meyer and Belgian defensive tackle Tibo Debaillie. While the team may have opted to dress the linebacker over other players for special teams value, they could not while their other two Globals were healthy and contributing.

That dynamic has deflated the value of some Global players in free agency and changed the way that teams approach the Global Draft, further entrenching the emphasis on punters and encouraging teams already comfortable with their incumbents to opt for futures picks rather than bring in talent to compete immediately.

The CFLPA has indicated to 3DownNation that they have no plans to pursue further exceptions like the one granted to Rouyer or re-examine the Global roster rules at this time.

Rouyer, who is slated to become a free agent on February 10, no longer has to worry about those problems. He’ll be able to sign his next contract as if he were a Canadian, which could improve his job prospects considerably.

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Hillock attended Western University, where he seized the starting QB job as a freshman in 2021. He helped lead the Mustangs to a 5-1  record in the COVID-shortened season, then rattled off five straight playoff victories to win the Vanier Cup. The six-foot-three, 215-pound passer was the third first-year pivot to win a Canadian national championship as the starter and took home the Ted Morris Memorial Trophy as the game’s most valuable player.

The native of Hamilton, Ont., played out his full five seasons of U Sports eligibility, appearing in 50 career games. He completed 66 percent of his passes for 11,547 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions, while rushing for 304 yards and two majors. Hillock was named a first-team OUA all-star in 2022 and made the second-team in 2023 while helping Western win three consecutive Yates Cups as the Ontario champions.

Despite his impressive university career, Hillock was not selected in the 2025 CFL Draft.

The Goats, formerly located in Kansas City, currently play in St. Joseph, Missouri. The team is co-owned by former Chiefs running back Christian Okoye, as well as by Garage Beer, the brand launched by famous NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce. In their inaugural season in 2024, the team was quarterbacked by former CFL signal-caller Rakeem Cato.

The Arena League was founded in 2024 and currently plays seven-on-seven indoor football with eight franchises in the United States. Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL star Tim Brown serves as the league’s commissioner.

The Goats are currently scheduled to kick off the 2026 season on Friday, May 29, when they visit the Arkansas Diamonds.

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Onyeka played 15 games for the Ottawa Redblacks in 2025, recording one defensive tackle and 11 special teams tackles.

The 29-year-old was originally a fourth-round pick, 29th overall, in the 2018 CFL Draft, and has spent his entire CFL career in Ottawa. Through 81 career games, he is credited with 55 defensive tackles, 55 special teams tackles, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The six-foot-three, 244-pound pass rusher attended Carleton University, where he was twice named a first-team U Sports All-Canadian during his collegiate career.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, but raised in Brampton, Ont., Onyeka is the younger brother of current Calgary Stampeders defensive back Godfrey Onyeka. His three cousins — Nakas, Kosi, and Ifenna — all spent time in the CFL as well.

The Tiger-Cats have recently invested draft capital in the defensive end position, selecting Isaiah Bagnah and Luke Brubacher in the first two rounds in each of the past two years. Owen Hubert, a former Winnipeg draft pick with starting experience, was brought over last season by the late general manager Ted Goveia.

Pending CFL free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the communication window, which closes on Sunday, February 8. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular franchise; however, the deals are not legally binding and can’t be made official until after free agency opens on Tuesday, February 10.

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Defensive lineman Nicholas Dheilly has signed with the Saltillo Dinos of the Liga de Futbol Americano Profesional de Mexico (LFA), the team announced this week on social media.

Dheilly retired from the CFL in August 2024, while a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He appeared in five games that season prior to the decision and made a pair of special teams tackles while battling a shoulder injury.

The Regina native was originally selected with the 46th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 CFL Draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, playing in four games for the team as a rookie before moving back home to Saskatchewan. Between the two organizations, he played in 19 career CFL games over four seasons, recording one defensive tackle and six on special teams.

Dheilly began his collegiate career playing for his hometown University of Regina Rams. As a freshman, he was named the 2016 Canada West Rookie of the Year, recording 30 tackles, four sacks and one interception. In his next season, he was named a Canada West all-star, notching 26 defensive tackles and 6.5 sacks.

In 2018, Dheilly left the Rams to play for the Canadian Junior Football League’s Okanagan Sun and was named an all-star after an eight-sack season. He returned to university football in 2019, suiting up for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, where he made 24 defensive tackles, six sacks and one interception.

The LFA was founded in 2016 as the top level of professional football in Mexico. The CFL kick-started its Global program by striking a deal with the league in 2019, holding a draft in Mexico City while facilitating the dispersal of a handful of Canadian prospects to each of the foreign league’s teams. While Mexican players remain eligible for the CFL Global Draft, the player-sharing partnership quietly ended after one season due to mixed reviews from players and a number of concerning reports.

A handful of Canadians have continued to play in the league since 2019, and Dheilly may not be alone on the roster. Former Concordia receiver Jaylan Greaves, who won the Peter Gorman Trophy as the top rookie in U Sports during the 2021 season, has also signed with the Dinos according to his social media, though the team has not confirmed that on their own feed. The Montreal native was a member of the Canadian national tackle football team that lost to Team Mexico in December.

Other notable names signed by Saltillo include former Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrance Williams, who is entering his fourth season in the LFA after amassing over 3,000 yards in the NFL. Six-time NFL Pro Bowler Chad Johnson also briefly played in the league in 2017 with the Monterrey Fundidores. Both players also spent time in the CFL.

The LFA recently struck a seven-year partnership with U.S. private equity firm Global Sports Capital Partners, L.P., that will reportedly result in $100 million in investment over that span.

That announcement came on the heels of the purchase of the Monterrey Osos franchise by a group led by former NFL All-Pro Ryan Kalil and NBA all-star Blake Griffin. NFL stars Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Sam Darnold; retired legends Greg Olsen, Luke Kuechly, Julius Peppers, and Jonathan Stewart; and former NFL head coach Ron Rivera also have stakes in that ownership group.

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Crum started six games for the Ottawa Redblacks in 2025, completing 166-of-234 passes for 1,771 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. He has also rushed 78 times for 429 yards and 11 touchdowns while going 2-4 at the helm. He was 3DownNation’s 32nd-ranked pending free agent.

The 27-year-old started 14 games for the Redblacks as a CFL rookie in 2023, going 3-11. He threw for 3,109 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions that season and rushed 97 times for 741 yards and nine scores. The Grafton, Ohio native threw for 320 yards and two interceptions in 2024 and rushed 39 times for 206 yards with seven touchdowns, but did not make any starts.

Crum was a collegiate star at Kent State University, where he was named the Most Valuable Player of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 2021, as well as the MAC Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-MAC. The six-foot, 210-pound passer threw for 7,417 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with the Golden Flashes and rushed for 2,071 yards and 24 scores. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2022 but was released at the conclusion of training camp.

Alouettes’ franchise quarterback Davis Alexander missed 10 games last season due to a hamstring injury. Veteran backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson and short-yardage specialist Caleb Evans are both pending free agents, making Crum a valuable insurance policy.

Pending CFL free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the communication window, which closes on Sunday, February 8. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular franchise; however, the deals are not legally binding and can’t be made official until after free agency opens on Tuesday, February 10.

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Hutter saw action in eight games last season with the Montreal Alouettes, recording one defensive tackle and seven special teams tackles.

The six-foot, 195-pound native of London, Ont. played five seasons with the Edmonton Elks after being selected in the sixth round of the 2019 CFL Draft out of Wilfrid Laurier University. He suffered a torn ACL in 2024, which limited him to only four games.

The 28-year-old had his best season in 2022 when he made 14 starts at safety and recorded 57 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, and one forced fumble. Over 62 career CFL regular-season games, Hutter has made 62 defensive tackles, 53 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble.

Hutter was named a second-team OUA all-star in his final collegiate season. In total, he recorded 135.5 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 13 pass knockdowns, and 11 interceptions with the Golden Hawks.

Pending CFL free agents can negotiate with teams across the league during the communication window, which closes on Sunday, February 8. Players can agree to terms on a contract with a particular franchise; however, the deals are not legally binding and can’t be made official until after free agency opens on Tuesday, February 10.

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When we first sat down to rank our top 50 free agents on November 26, the class of 2026 looked chock-full of franchise-changing talent. 66 days later, and just 11 players from that original list remain unsigned ahead of the opening of the league’s free agency communications window.

Often referred to as the legal tampering window, pending free agents will be allowed to negotiate with teams across the CFL without restrictions beginning at 12:00 p.m. EST on February 1. The window will close a week later, at noon on February 8.

Some players will agree to terms on contracts with new teams during this time, though they can’t be signed until free agency officially gets underway on February 10. Still, a large portion of next season’s rosters will be shaped before last year’s contracts officially expire.

3DownNation has already ranked this year’s pending free-agent quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, and specialists. Now, it is time to update our top 50 list with the top players still available.

These rankings were made based on feedback from 3DownNation contributors as well as CFL personnel people, who were granted anonymity.

Please note that “N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians), “A” denotes American players, and “G” denotes Global players.

Top 50 Pending Free Agents

Photo courtesy: Paul Yates/B.C. Lions

1) OL Jarell Broxton, B.C. Lions (A)

Elite left tackles are rarer than hen’s teeth these days, but Broxton is one hell of a chicken molar. The 32-year-old surrendered just 15 pressures last season despite playing 16 games, resulting in a league-best pressure rate of 2.4 percent. The six-foot-five, 325-pound blindside protector rightfully earned All-CFL honours and should be looking to push Jermarcus Hardrick for the title of highest-paid American offensive lineman.

Editor’s note: Broxton has reportedly agreed to terms with Winnipeg.

2) DL Malik Carney, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Carney doesn’t produce eye-popping sack numbers, setting a career-high with eight last season, and has yet to receive all-star recognition. However, his down-to-down consistency puts him in the category of elite pass rushers, and he finished last season as Pro Football Focus’ second-highest graded defensive end. The 30-year-old will be looking to cash in after playing a key role in the Riders’ Grey Cup victory, which appears to have put him at a stalemate with the team.

Editor’s note: Carney has reportedly agreed to terms with Edmonton.

3) OL Coulter Woodmansey, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

The Toronto, Ont., native was the highest-graded centre in the CFL last season, according to ProFootballFocus, though issues with his snapping accuracy led to him being shifted out of that role in the postseason. The 28-year-old is more natural at guard and should be coveted across the league due to his age and physical road-grading ability. The Guelph product already has 75 career starts to his name and is just now entering the prime of his career.

Editor’s note: Woodmansey has reportedly agreed to terms with Edmonton.

4) LB A.J. Allen, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Allen had his coming-out party during the Riders’ Grey Cup campaign in 2025, amassing 87 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Ratio-breaking Canadians rarely become available in their primes, and the Guelph product is just entering his at 27 years old. He may not have received all-star honours last season, but there should be accolades in his future if he maintains this clip.

Editor’s note: Allen has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

5) LB Wynton McManis, Toronto Argonauts (A)

It wasn’t long ago that Mr. Great Business was the consensus top linebacker in the CFL, earning league all-star recognition in 2022 and 2023. The 31-year-old is still firmly in that conversation when healthy, but he has missed significant time with injury in each of the last two seasons. Age, passport, and availability are the only things that bump McManis behind Allen here, as he and his iconic toothpick managed 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 13 games last year.

Arthur Ward/CFL.ca

6) DL Jake Ceresna, Edmonton Elks (A)

2025 was an uncharacteristically down year for Ceresna, who was limited to a career-low 16 tackles and one sack after commanding huge dollars to join the Elks’ defensive line. The 31-year-old appeared in just 11 games before undergoing season-ending surgery, but is on track for a healthy return for training camp. With 46 career sacks to his name and unique inside-outside positional flexibility, the two-time All-CFL pass rusher is a safe bet to bounce back.

Editor’s note: Ceresna has reportedly agreed to terms with Winnipeg.

7) SAM C.J. Reavis, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

The 30-year-old is the unquestioned top strongside linebacker available, even if he did finish the 2025 campaign by playing safety in the Grey Cup. Reavis made 61 defensive tackles, two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble last year, while earning All-CFL honours in each of the past two seasons. The native of Chester, Va., brings a special combination of range and physicality into the secondary, which should be highly coveted.

Editor’s note: Reavis has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

8) RB A.J. Ouellette, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Ouellette is the top running back available, not because he ran for 1,222 yards and eight touchdowns last season but because of his pass-blocking ability. The five-foot-eight, 208-pound native of Covington, Ohio earned a pass-blocking grade of 57.7 from Pro Football Focus in 2025, the second-best grade of any running back (min. 50 attempts). The 30-year-old also delivered when it mattered most in the playoffs, rushing 34 times for 196 yards and one touchdown in the West Final and Grey Cup.

Editor’s note: Ouellette re-signed with the Roughriders on Sunday.

9) DB Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Critics will argue that Dequoy isn’t quite the same player who captured back-to-back All-CFL honours in 2023 and 2024, but being a hair under the best in the league still makes you pretty damn good. The 31-year-old still possesses unique game-breaking ability for a Canadian safety, finishing with 34 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, three sacks, and a pick-six in 2025. Seeing the Ile Bizard, Que., native play anywhere other than Montreal might feel wrong, but it looks like an increasing possibility.

Editor’s note: Dequoy announced his retirement on February 2.

Photo courtesy: Geoff Robins/CFL.ca

10) RB Greg Bell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

The native of Chula Vista, Calif., was named All-East Division this past year after making 14 regular-season starts and recording his first 1,000-yard season. Bell took full advantage of Hamilton’s top-ranked offensive line and also showed impressive versatility as an outlet receiver, making 62 catches for 426 yards and one touchdown. The 27-year-old needs to improve as a pass blocker, but there’s no questioning his explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

Editor’s note: Bell has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

11) QB Tre Ford, Free Agent (N)

Ford’s tenure with the Edmonton Elks came to an end ahead of an offseason bonus on Friday, and it is easy to poke holes in his tenure with the team. However, the 27-year-old is still able to perform jaw-dropping athletic feats that most quarterbacks can hardly conceive of, which means his teams are never truly out of it. The Niagara Falls, Ont., native has amassed 4,651 passing yards with 29 touchdowns versus 19 interceptions in 23 career starts, while rushing 124 times for 1,129 yards and four majors on the ground. He’ll continue to be relegated to backup duty at his next destination, but could still flourish into a franchise QB with the right development.

Editor’s note: Ford has signed with Hamilton.

12) DB Kobe Williams, Edmonton Elks (A)

Despite his diminutive five-foot-nine, 174-pound frame, Williams has established himself as a reliable boundary halfback over five seasons in the CFL. The Arizona State product was a constant on the Elks backend last season, amassing 54 defensive tackles and six more on special teams. Even with 66 games under his belt, the Long Beach, Cal., native is still only 27 years old and should have plenty of tread on the tires.

13) QB Jake Maier, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

The six-foot, 200-pound native of Fullerton, Calif., served as the backup to Trevor Harris in Riderville last season and saw limited action, but showed flashes over four seasons with the Calgary Stampeders. The 28-year-old is one of the most experienced quarterbacks available, having thrown for 12,302 yards, 62 touchdowns, and 41 interceptions over 84 regular-season CFL games. The question is whether Maier has the potential to become a starter again in the future or if he’s now permanently relegated to backup duty.

Editor’s note: Maier has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

14) REC Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Edmonton Elks (N)

The native of Ottawa, Ont., has struggled to recapture the All-CFL form that he had in 2022, but he has been consistently productive over six seasons in the league. Still just 28 years old, Gittens’ 777 yards receiving on 62 receptions ranked ninth amongst Canadians last season, and he has averaged nearly 50 yards per game since the pandemic. Given Edmonton’s lack of overall aerial success last season, he could be a prime candidate for improved production in a new system.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

15) QB Taylor Powell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

The 27-year-old has had a bizarre start to his CFL career because it’s gone backwards, in a way. Powell played a lot as a rookie in 2023, then a little in 2024, then almost not at all in 2025. This trend has nothing to do with him, and he has shown promise when he’s been on the field. If a team is looking for a future franchise quarterback, one could argue that the native of Fayetteville, Ark., is the only pending free-agent passer who could potentially live up to that role.

Editor’s note: Powell has reportedly agreed to terms with Edmonton.

16) DB Jonathan Moxey, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Even at 30 years old, Moxey has proven that he can be effective as a field corner, finishing the 2025 season with the fifth-highest PFF grade at the position. The native of West Palm Beach, Fla., notched 40 defensive tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble for the top seed in the East Division, even if he was often overshadowed by Jamal Peters to the boundary.

Editor’s note: Moxey has reportedly agreed to terms with Winnipeg.

17) REC Dominique Rhymes, Calgary Stampeders (A)

Size mismatches aren’t easy to come by in the CFL, and even at 32 years old, Rhymes still offers one. The six-foot-four, 215-pound target is no longer the dominant outside playmaker we saw at his peak in 2022, but he still led the Stampeders with 50 catches for 886 yards and six touchdowns last season. The Miami, Fla., native can be a reliable field stretcher in any offence, even if he shouldn’t be your number one option anymore.

18) DL Habakkuk Baldonado, Saskatchewan Roughriders (G)

A product of Rome, Italy, Baldonado could be the first Global player to command substantial money in free agency. He secured 17 defensive tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble in rotational minutes last year in Saskatchewan, recording the sixth-best pass rush grade of any defensive end from PFF. At 26 years old, he is primed to take the next step into a full-time starting job.

Editor’s note: Baldonado has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

19) REC Dejon Brissett, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Brissett was highly coveted in the 2020 CFL Draft, but had failed to live up to the hype of being the second overall pick until this year. The 29-year-old blasted past his previous career highs with 65 receptions for 907 yards while adding three touchdowns to lead the Argos in receiving. Suitors will have to determine whether the Mississauga, Ont., native’s stats were inflated on a bad team, or if 2025 was a preview of a top-tier Canadian hitting his prime.

Editor’s note: Brissett has reportedly agreed to terms with Calgary.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

20) QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, Montreal Alouettes (A)

The 37-year-old native of San Francisco, Calif., is arguably the most accomplished quarterback on this list available, but it’s hard to ignore how much he struggled at times in 2025. Bethel-Thompson started eight games for the Alouettes and went 3-5, throwing for 1,746 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions. The six-foot-three, 230-pound passer isn’t without accolades, though — he’s a two-time All-East Division selection and previously led the CFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

21) DL James Vaughters, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Even though he’ll be 33 in June, Vaughters continues to produce at roughly the same clip as he did when arriving in the CFL as a raw rookie. The Stanford product has never produced fewer than five sacks and matched a career-high with six last year, all while putting up 36 defensive tackles and his first touchdown. He’s a reliable, veteran presence off the edge that probably won’t break the bank.

Editor’s note: Vaughters has reportedly agreed to terms with Saskatchewan.

22) LB Jovan Santos-Knox, Free Agent (A)

The six-foot-one, 233-pound defender from Waterbury, Conn., is quietly consistent and largely underrated as one of the CFL’s best run defenders. Santos-Knox put up 80 defensive tackles and made one interception last season, earning the third-highest PFF grade among true linebackers who played starting minutes. The 31-year-old still has gas left and can be a stabilizing presence on any defence after being released early by the Ottawa Redblacks.

23) DB DaShaun Amos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

One of the league’s most reliable takeaway artists, Amos snagged four more interceptions in 2025 to bring his career tally up to 20, while adding 45 defensive tackles. The 31-year-old brings a veteran presence to his field halfback spot and has now earned divisional all-star recognition with all three teams he’s played for: Calgary, Toronto, and Hamilton. He very well could make it four if he hits the market again.

Editor’s note: Amos has reportedly agreed to terms with Toronto.

24) DL Anthony Lanier II, Toronto Argonauts (A)

The six-foot-five, 285-pound interior disruptor is on the back half of his career and is unlikely to recapture his 2022 peak, when he posted eight sacks in 11 games for Saskatchewan. However, the move to Toronto proved that the 32-year-old can still be effective, producing a respectable 30 tackles and three sacks last year.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

25) OL Joshua Coker, Calgary Stampeders (A)

A 28-year-old tackle with three years of starting experience would rank higher on this list under normal circumstances, but Coker suffered a substantial knee injury late last season, which could delay his start to 2026. The former Division III All-American is worth absorbing some risk for, as his 4.4 percent pressure rate makes him one of the most effective pass protectors in the league.

26) RB William Stanback, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

The 31-year-old averaged only 4.7 yards per carry in 2025, the second-lowest mark of his seven-year career. The two-time All-CFL selection didn’t run behind an elite offensive line last season, though, and has improved as a receiver in recent years, so it seems fair to question if he should still be an undisputed starter. If and when Stanback gets signed, it will mark the third straight offseason he’s changed teams.

27) OL Sean McEwen, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

McEwen was a prized acquisition for the Riders in free agency last offseason, but was never able to play a snap for the team after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. The 32-year-old centre will have to rebound after a year of rehab, which is considerably more challenging late in one’s career. The University of Calgary alum has four divisional all-star selections and three All-CFL honours on his resume, the last of which came in 2023.

28) REC Joe Robustelli, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

The six-foot-three, 220-pound target oozes potential and made the most of limited opportunities in the Riders’ loaded receiving corps, catching 59 passes for 544 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games last season. That included a 191-yard outing in Week 6 that should be proof of concept for what he can accomplish in a larger role. With just three seasons of high-level football experience, there is plenty of room for Robustelli to grow, but he’ll need to make a leap now at 28 years old.

Editor’s note: Robustelli has reportedly agreed to terms with Edmonton.

29) OL Jordan Murray, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Murray is a tough tackle prospect to evaluate, as his performance as a rookie in 2021 landed him an opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts, but he has struggled to stay on the field since returning. The six-foot-eight, 300-pounder spent much of 2025 as a healthy scratch before taking back the left tackle job late in the year. The 28-year-old is now entering the prime of an offensive lineman’s career and possesses unique length, which still makes him a desirable reclamation project.

Editor’s note: Murray has reportedly agreed to terms with Edmonton.

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

30) REC Dalton Schoen, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

The 29-year-old was the hardest player to place on this list, as he has only played eight games over the past two seasons due to back-to-back ACL tears and might not be ready for 2026. That will drive his price tag down and may be enough to scare teams away entirely, though it is worth remembering what Schoen accomplished when healthy. The six-foot-one, 205-pound slotback led the CFL in receiving as a rookie in 2022 and earned All-CFL honours in each of his first two years, with a career average of 73.2 yards per game.

31) LB Josh Woods, Free Agent (A)

Woods had all the makings of a budding star coming off a brilliant performance in the 2023 playoffs, but tore his ACL four games into the 2024 campaign. The player who returned last season never quite looked the same, though he still finished with 62 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and one sack. After an early release by the B.C. Lions, the 28-year-old could be an intriguing reclaimation candidate.

32) QB Dustin Crum, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

The six-foot, 210-pound native of Grafton, Ohio, made six starts in 2025 and enjoyed his best season as a passer, though the numbers were still somewhat pedestrian at 1,771 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. There’s no questioning what Crum brings as a runner, however, as he’s rushed for 1,376 yards and 27 touchdowns through three seasons with the Redblacks.

Editor’s note: Crum has reportedly signed with Montreal.

33) REC Tommy Nield, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Nield may never have to buy a drink in Regina again, thanks to his game-winning touchdown catch in the West Final. That shouldn’t dissuade him from commanding a nice pay raise after proving he can be a valuable starting Canadian receiver. In 13 games last season, of which he only saw meaningful offensive snaps in 11, the Guelph, Ont., native produced 42 receptions for 535 yards and four touchdowns. Still just 26 years old, ‘Touchdown Tommy’ may not have reached his ceiling.

Editor’s note: Nield has reportedly agreed to terms with Winnipeg.

Courtesy: Calgary Stampeders

34) DL Lorenzo Mauldin IV, Calgary Stampeders (A)

The 2022 CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player saw his production decline massively in 2025, finishing with 26 tackles and just two sacks after being traded mid-season from Ottawa to Calgary. However, the 33-year-old has continued to grade out relatively highly according to advanced analytics, suggesting that he could return to the mean in the right system. That could be worth one more “prove-it” contract for a player who has done that time and time again.

35) REC Ayden Eberhardt, B.C. Lions (A)

The Wyoming product finished last season with the sixth-most receptions on the B.C. offence, but amassed the 15th-most yards in the CFL thanks to some clutch plays downfield. The 27-year-old notched 45 catches for 863 yards and four touchdowns, with his 19.2 yards per catch being the highest for any qualifying receiver in the league. Those numbers came despite receiving just 13 targets of 20 yards or more, proving that Eberhardt makes the most of his opportunities.

Editor’s note: Eberhardt has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

36) LB Micah Awe, Free Agent (A)

Awe’s nomadic CFL career has featured stops with six different teams, and there are undeniable limitations to his game that make those stays brief. However, the 32-year-old is a magnet for tackles and has led the league in total defensive plays multiple times, including last year with the B.C. Lions. The Nigerian-born defender notched 114 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 2025. He still got released in favour of another veteran, but can be a valuable bridge player for yet another franchise.

37) DL Blessman Ta’ala, Ottawa Redblacks (G)

The first overall pick in the 2023 CFL Global Draft has quietly carved out a meaningful role for himself over three seasons in Ottawa, playing 472 defensive snaps last year. The native of American Samoa notched 16 tackles and four sacks, proving that he can be an effective rotational contributor. In an era where most teams are playing two Globals and dress eight defensive linemen, the 26-year-old has value.

38) OL Trevon Tate, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

While he may not be your first option, Tate has carved out an impressive career as the ultimate band-aid, able to fill in at either tackle or guard spot. The 29-year-old has made 37 career starts for five different teams, and his turn at left guard in Saskatchewan helped to secure a championship ring last year. In four regular-season starts, the Channelview, Tex., native allowed just a 3.1 percent pressure rate.

Photo courtesy: Maggie Stemp-Turner/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

39) DL Shane Ray, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

The former NFL first-round pick will turn 33 in training camp and is coming off a season-ending injury, but he showed flashes as a pass rusher when reunited with Corey Mace. Ray notched 14 tackles, five sacks, and a forced fumble in 13 games for the Green and White, nearly equalling his totals from before returning to the NFL. He would be best suited in a rotational role going forward.

40) LB C.J. Avery, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Avery played just 34 snaps in 2025 before suffering a season-ending injury, but his lone season of production as a rookie in 2024 makes him an intriguing gamble. A seven-game starter at weakside linebacker, he posted 50 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, one sack, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. Still just 26 years old, the Louisville product is young enough to bounce back from a year on the sideline.

41) LB Adam Auclair, B.C. Lions (N)

The 2025 campaign was not a banner one by Auclair’s standards, as he was limited to 10 games due to injury and finished with a career-low eight tackles, just one of which came on defence. Even so, the former Presidents’ Trophy winner has a well-established reputation for being able to start games at weakside linebacker if needed. At 29 years old, the Laval native should still have a few more productive years left.

42) DL Dylan Wynn, Montreal Alouettes (A)

The three-time East Division all-star’s days as a full-time starter have been over for several seasons, but Wynn has played quality minutes as a rotational contributor. In 14 games for the Alouettes in 2025, the 32-year-old recorded 20 defensive tackles and a sack — just his second in the past three seasons. The Concord, Cal., native could be a depth addition for a team lacking veteran experience.

43) RET Mario Alford, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

The soon-to-be 34-year-old Alford was all but condemned to the scrap heap entering the 2025 season, with critics questioning whether the 2022 Most Outstanding Special Teams Player could still be effective at his age. That proved to be an ice-cold take, as the West Virginia product came out of the gates with his hair on fire and set a new career-high with an average of 28.3 yards on kickoff returns, adding a game-winning touchdown along the way. Though a midseason injury limited him to 11 games and slowed his pace slightly, the Riders might not have been champions without his electric skillset.

Courtesy: Montreal Alouettes

44) RB Sean Thomas-Erlington, Montreal Alouettes

The native of Montreal, Que. started the first nine games of the 2025 season for his hometown team, though he was eventually replaced by Travis Theis and Stevie Scott III. Thomas-Erlington is smooth as a receiver out of the backfield, but averaged only 4.4 yards per carry in 2025, the lowest mark of his eight-year career. The Université de Montréal product is 33, and though he likely has some game left, he’s near the end of his career.

45) LB Frankie Griffin, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

The six-foot, 205-pound weakside backer has spent some productive seasons with the Redblacks, but was limited to just five games last year after suffering a fractured wrist that required surgery. While that is not a career-threatening ailment, the 30-year-old has missed time in every year he’s played in the CFL, which could prompt some pause from potential suitors.

46) LB Brian Cole II, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

The 28-year-old saw his defensive reps decrease in his first season with Hamilton, and is unlikely to ever be more than a rotational contributor at this stage. Still, Cole brings tremendous special teams value and finished with 19 tackles in kick coverage last year. He could be a target for a team looking to beef up their depth and add physicality.

Editor’s note: Cole has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

47) RET Janarion Grant, Toronto Argonauts (A)

One year after winning Most Outstanding Special Teams Player with a four-touchdown campaign, Grant saw his production drop amidst a difficult year for the Argos. The 32-year-old scored just one major, while averaging 12.8 yards per punt and 22.9 yards per kickoff. Even if those were down from 14.8 and 24.4 in 2024, the diminutive speedster can’t be counted out as he continues to climb up the all-time return touchdowns list.

48) OL Darius Ciraco, Free Agent (N)

Things have not gone Ciraco’s way since he was named the All-CFL centre in 2023. He suffered a season-ending injury in 2024 and spent much of 2025 relegated to the bench despite playing for arguably the league’s worst line, then was released on Monday. Though he turns 30 next month, there is still time for the former first-round pick to resurrect his career if given the right opportunity.

49) DB Demerio Houston, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Off-the-field issues kept Houston out of the league for the first half of 2025, but he has since been cleared to return and started five games for the Bombers to end the year. The 29-year-old is just two years removed from an All-CFL campaign in 2023 where he led the league in interceptions, and has produced 14 picks in 50 career games. That type of production makes him worth consideration at cornerback.

Editor’s note: Houston has reportedly agreed to terms with Ottawa.

50) SAM Branden Dozier, Free Agent (A)

Granted an early release by the Argonauts, Dozier hits the market with time served for five different CFL franchises already. The 32-year-old has established himself as the person you call when your starter goes down or the one you lean on until they get healthy. Split between Hamilton and Toronto last year, he saw action in 13 games and produced 45 defensive tackles, five special teams tackles, and five sacks.

Best of the rest: REC Charleston Rambo, Montreal (A) | REC Keric Wheatfall, Winnipeg (A) | REC Bralon Addison, Ottawa (A) | QB Caleb Evans, Montreal (A) | FB Tanner Green, Edmonton (N) | REC Steven Dunbar Jr., Edmonton (A) | REC Shemar Bridges, Hamilton (A) | REC Jerreth Sterns, Winnipeg (A) — MTL | P Richie Leone, Ottawa (A) | LB Davion Taylor, Ottawa (A)

The post 2026 CFL free agent rankings: top 50 appeared first on 3DownNation.

This is a thin class, especially if you are looking for a kicker. However, there are a couple of award-winning returners in the backhalf of their careers who are headed for the market.

The league’s free agency communications window, often referred to as the legal tampering window, will be open from Feb. 1-8. During this time, all pending free agents will be allowed to negotiate with teams across the CFL without restrictions.

Some players will agree to terms on contracts with new teams during this time, though they can’t be signed until free agency officially gets underway on Feb. 10.

3DownNation has already ranked this year’s pending free-agent quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs. Check back later today for our updated top 50 list.

These rankings were made based on feedback from 3DownNation contributors as well as CFL personnel people, who were granted anonymity.

Please note that “N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians), “A” denotes American players, and “G” denotes Global players.

Kickers/Punter

1) Richie Leone, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

The easiest ranking we’ve made to date, Leone is the last remaining kicker or punter available. Age is no limitation for the 33-year-old at his position, and his five-time All-CFL resume speaks for itself, but his passport makes him a vestige of a bygone era. When Global punters are so cheap and plentiful, paying top dollar for an American who finished last in net punting last year will be a tough sell.

Long snappers

Photo: Michael Scraper/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

1) Jorgen Hus, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

After 13 professional seasons, Hus finally got a championship ring with his hometown team in 2025. The 36-year-old is still at the top of his game as one of the league’s best snappers, but has openly contemplated retirement this offseason. If he does want to return, it would be difficult to imagine him trading in his Rider colours.

2) Kyle Nelson, B.C. Lions (N)

The 39-year-old has had as good a career as you can possibly have at the professional level, including 12 years in the NFL. However, there have been questions about Nelson’s consistency over the past two years in B.C., and his time in the league might be drawing to a close. With over $6.5 million in career earnings, he should be just fine either way.

3) Aaron Crawford, Free Agent (N)

Crawford was given an early release by the Stampeders in large part due to concerns that he’ll never fully recover from the knee injury that ended his 2025 campaign. If it is the end, the 39-year-old has had a career to be proud of, with 166 games played and time spent with five franchises.

Returners

1) Mario Alford, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

The soon-to-be 34-year-old Alford was all but condemned to the scrap heap entering the 2025 season, with critics questioning whether the 2022 Most Outstanding Special Teams Player could still be effective at his age. That proved to be an ice-cold take, as the West Virginia product came out of the gates with his hair on fire and set a new career-high with an average of 28.3 yards on kickoff returns, adding a game-winning touchdown along the way. Though a midseason injury limited him to 11 games and slowed his pace slightly, the Riders might not have been champions without his electric skillset.

Photo: Shaun McLeod/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

2) Janarion Grant, Toronto Argonauts (A)

One year after winning Most Outstanding Special Teams Player with a four-touchdown campaign, Grant saw his production drop amidst a difficult year for the Argos. The 32-year-old scored just one major, while averaging 12.8 yards per punt and 22.9 yards per kickoff. Even if those were down from 14.8 and 24.4 in 2024, the diminutive speedster can’t be counted out as he continues to climb up the all-time return touchdowns list.

3) James Letcher Jr., Montreal Alouettes (A)

The Alouettes had concerns regarding Letcher’s consistency and reliability during his time in the job, leading to him being benched late in the 2025 season. However, in a returner class that skews old, he brings plenty of upside as a 26-year-old. In 30 games, the Washburn product has averaged 13.7 yards per punt return and 24.0 yards per kickoff, while adding five total touchdowns.

4) Lawrence Woods III, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Though he has flashed at times with a couple of majors, Woods probably isn’t the guy you want to anoint as your primary returner at this point. However, the 31-year-old is unique as a defensive player who can handle the job, which provides a certain degree of roster flexibility with him as an insurance policy.

The post 2026 CFL free agent rankings: specialists appeared first on 3DownNation.

“You can read into it,” O’Day acknowledged on Friday. “You can read into it, but in fairness to the players involved, I won’t comment.”

Maier is a pending free agent after spending the 2025 season behind Trevor Harris in Regina. He was acquired by the Riders through a trade in December 2024 and signed a one-year contract extension last January.

The 28-year-old dressed for all 18 regular-season games with the Roughriders in 2025, making two starts and completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 617 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. The six-foot, 200-pound passer produced a 1-1 win-loss record, though it’s worth noting he did not finish his Week 20 start against Winnipeg as Coan entered in the fourth quarter to get some playing time.

While Maier and Saskatchewan seemed like a match made in heaven after he was pushed out of the starting role in Calgary, that may no longer be the case.

“As I’ve said before, everyone’s in a different position in their career. Jake, we brought in last year, thought he was excellent, did a great job for us. I think for him, he’s got to evaluate where he’s at in his career. Where’s the best opportunity for him?” said O’Day.

“I think last year, the best opportunity for him was with us, seeing that Trevor had a couple of years where he got dinged. This year, Trevor was healthy and finished the season strong and had a great year, as we know. Things can change.”

Coan has been with Saskatchewan for two years, but dressed for just five games last season as Maier’s presence relegated him to a healthy scratch. He has completed 12-of-29 passes for 138 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in his career, while rushing 16 times for 54 yards with three majors.

It appears that it could be time for the Notre Dame product to take on a larger role, if and when Maier departs the organization on February 10 in search of a clearer path back to a number one job.

Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division for the first time since 2019 with a 12-6 record in 2025. The Riders went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup at Princess Auto Stadium, marking the team’s first title in 12 years. Harris went 11-5 as a starter, throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts.

The Roughriders ranked second in net offence, second in net defence, and tied for third with a plus-eight turnover differential. The team’s leading rusher was Ouellette with 1,222 yards, the leading receiver was KeeSean Johnson with 1,159 yards, and the leading tackler was A.J. Allen with 91 tackles. Saskatchewan finished second in attendance with average crowds of 28,427, which was a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year.

The post Jeremy O’Day: Jack Coan contract a clue Roughriders won’t re-sign Jake Maier appeared first on 3DownNation.

“It’s going to be an open competition,” general manager Jeremy O’Day said on Friday. “The roster is still fluid, but regardless of who we bring to camp, it’ll be a competition.”

It remains to be seen whether Lauther, the team’s incumbent kicker, will be part of that competition. The 35-year-old is scheduled to receive a $25,000 offseason bonus on February 1, which could trigger a decision regarding his future.

Lauther connected on just 39-of-54 field goal attempts in 2025 for a rate of 72.2 percent, the worst mark of his eight-year tenure in Saskatchewan. He also made a league-worst 91.2 percent of his converts.

The native of Truro, N.S., was perfect in the West Final, when he connected on all three of his field goal attempts and both of his converts. He missed a 39-yard field goal attempt in the Grey Cup, however, which would have given the Roughriders a two-score lead midway through the fourth quarter.

In the week leading up to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg, 3DownNation reported that Saskatchewan inquired about kicker Lirim Hajrullahu prior to the trade deadline, though the Toronto Argonauts weren’t interested in striking a deal at that time. The Riders did sit Lauther due to injury on two occasions, including the regular-season finale when American Michael Hughes connected on both of his attempts.

Saskatchewan brought back the former second-team All-American kicker after he finished the year on the practice roster, and it would appear that he’ll be in the mix for the top job in training camp.

“What we like about Michael Hughes is he’s got a huge leg.  Something for us to all start racking our brains about is the goalpost is going to move back in a year, so how is that going to affect the kicking game?” O’Day said, referencing the CFL’s structural rule changes that will be enacted in 2027.

“We like his leg strength. He was also very accurate, has done it for a long time in college at a high rate of success. And we had him in the building. We actually brought him in on a tryout with some other kickers, and he was pretty near perfect on his kicks in the tryout and then got an opportunity to play a little bit in the game. Just a good quality kicker that we’re going to give an opportunity to compete.”

Lauther and Hughes are currently the only two kickers on the Riders’ roster, though there is plenty of time before training camp to add bodies to the competition — or subtract one contender from the equation.

Saskatchewan finished first in the West Division for the first time since 2019 with a 12-6 record in 2025. The Riders went on to defeat the Montreal Alouettes in the 112th Grey Cup at Princess Auto Stadium, marking the team’s first title in 12 years. Harris went 11-5 as a starter, throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts.

The Roughriders ranked second in net offence, second in net defence, and tied for third with a plus-eight turnover differential. The team’s leading rusher was Ouellette with 1,222 yards, the leading receiver was KeeSean Johnson with 1,159 yards, and the leading tackler was A.J. Allen with 91 tackles. Saskatchewan finished second in attendance with average crowds of 28,427, which was a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year.

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