3DownNation’s power rankings are created by having our contributors rank each team from No. 1 to No. 9 independently, then averaging out the scores. Each team’s most recent ranking is listed in brackets.

Enjoy the rankings and feel free to roast us on social media for anything you think we got wrong.

1) Saskatchewan Roughriders (1)

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2) B.C. Lions (3)

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3) Montreal Alouettes (2)

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4) Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4)

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5) Calgary Stampeders (5)

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6) Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6)

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7) Edmonton Elks (7)

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8) Ottawa Redblacks (8)

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9) Toronto Argonauts (9)

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The native of Puebla, Mexico, was selected third overall in the first round of the 2026 CFL Global Draft after splitting his collegiate career between Arizona State University (2025) and Eastern Michigan University (2021-24). In 51 career college games, Gomez connected on 68-of-88 field goals (77.3 percent) and 128-of-133 point-after attempts (96.2 percent).

In a corresponding move, American linebacker Michael Dowell has been added to the retired list.

The Edmonton Elks opened training camp on May 10. Edmonton will play its first preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, May 23, and their second preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, May 29. Final roster cuts are due on Saturday, May 30, after which the team will play its first regular-season game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, June 6.

Calgary recently selected Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding a key piece to pair with fellow Canadian linebacker Joel Dublanko. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Austin Mack, offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, and defensive lineman Malik Carney.

In 2025, the Elks finished fifth in the West Division standings with a 7-11 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

One major reason for the Green and Gold’s struggle to climb back over .500 and reach the playoffs: terrible starts over and over again in the regular season. Last year for example, Edmonton began the campaign 1-4 and were fighting an uphill battle from there.

Mark Kilam addressed the issue in his first training camp meeting with the 2026 Elks, according to franchise quarterback Cody Fajardo.

“These early games are really four-point games because they set you up later on and you don’t want to be in that chase pack mentality when everybody’s jockeying for position at the end of the year,” he told the media.

Fajardo did not start until Week 8 last season when Edmonton was already in a hole. However, he able to muster a 6-7 win-loss record and at least put the Elks in the playoff conversation for the stretch run. Having No. 7 as the starter from day one at training camp could help the Green and Gold out the gate.

“You want to put yourself in the driver’s seat of the bus and the only way you can do that is by winning early,” Fajardo said.

“We don’t have to overhaul this whole system. We don’t have a bunch of new guys coming in. We don’t have new systems that we have to learn. We’re able to have that continuity and gel a little bit quicker.”

The 34-year-old led the Montreal Alouettes to a CFL championship in 2023, earning 110th Grey Cup MVP honours. He knows what it takes to become a legitimate contender and compete for a title. Entering his 10th season in the three-down league, the six-foot-one, 215-pound QB sees encouraging traits in Edmonton.

“You talk about Grey Cup day one and then you stop talking about it because then you want your focus to be right in front of you, but you have to let the guys know what the end goal is and the end goal is a Grey Cup. You talk about it day one and then after that you focus on how do we get better to get to that end goal,” Fajardo said.

“This isn’t a team that we just want to make the playoffs, we just want to make a run. We want to win a Grey Cup and this roster is good enough to win a Grey Cup. For me, you only have so many years left, so I’m in the business of winning games and I’m in the business of winning Grey Cups.”

Kilam called the Elks Fajardo’s team and their messaging to the team has been in lockstep with his starting quarterback. That includes the message to double E supporters. Kilam an Fajardo believe the team has to put a winning and exciting product on the field to give fans a reason to come to the Alberta capital and attend games at Commonwealth Stadium.

“I thought we pieced that together last year a couple games here and there, but the only way we can get fans back in the stadium is if we are energetic and we are winning football games. We know that as players, so that’s our goal,” Fajardo said.

“We want this city to be excited about the Edmonton Elks. We have a Grey Cup-winning roster, come out and see it for yourself. This is going to be a great year for the Elks and we’re excited to see all of our fans pushing us forward when it starts in the home opener.”

The Elks have taken aim at making the CFL playoffs for the first time since 2019 and re-energize a fanbase that’s seen a notable downturn since the pandemic.

The native of Longueuil, Que. was the third overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft. He recently attended rookie mini-camp with the Washington Commanders but wasn’t offered a contract by the team.

Djabome played 47 collegiate games over four seasons with Rutgers University, where he made 192 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pass knockdown.

He served as a team captain in 2025, was named an All-Big Ten honourable mention by the media, and was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which is awarded annually to the player with the best combination of academics, leadership, and on-field performance.

The six-foot-one, 233-pound defender was also a finalist for the Jon Cornish Trophy in 2024, which is awarded annually to the top Canadian player in NCAA football.

Djabome’s older brother, Rossini Sandjong-Djabome, was a seventh-round pick in the 2020 CFL Draft and played for Edmonton in 2021.

The Elks have also released American running back Antario Brown, Canadian receivers Kolby Hurford and Jackson Tachinski, American receivers Ayir Asante, Ketron Jackson Jr., and J.J. Jones, American offensive lineman Jason Laliberte Jr., and Canadian defensive back Jerrell Cummings.

All nine CFL teams are required to trim their rosters to 75 players (not including draft picks) by 11:59 p.m. local time on Tuesday, May 12.

The Edmonton Elks opened training camp on May 10. Edmonton will play its first preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, May 23 and its second preseason game against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, May 29. Final roster cuts are due on Saturday, May 30, after which the team will play its first regular-season game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, June 6.

Calgary recently selected Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding a key piece to pair with fellow Canadian linebacker Joel Dublanko. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Austin Mack, offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, and defensive lineman Malik Carney.

In 2025, the Elks finished fifth in the West Division standings with a 7-11 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

Though teams have a general idea of how their rosters will look come Week 1, there are always at least a few starting spots open for the taking.

3DownNation has taken the liberty of highlighting one key position battle for each team. Be sure to follow along with each of them before final roster cuts are due on Saturday, May 30.

B.C. Lions — left tackle

The Lions lost arguably the best offensive lineman in the CFL when Jarell Broxton signed with the Blue Bombers in free agency to become the highest-paid American blocker in the league.

According an internal report, Kory Woodruff will be given the first shot to replace him at left tackle. The 26-year-old native of Sioux City, Ia. is entering his third season with B.C. and started all 18 regular-season games last year — 16 at left guard and two at left tackle.

Joshua Coker could be in the mix for the job, though he’s not expected to be available until the late summer or early fall. The six-foot-two, 336-pound blocker spent the past five seasons with the Calgary Stampeders, dressing for 43 regular-season games and making 29 starts.

Isiah Cage, who joined the team in February, also seems like an intriguing option. The 32-year-old won two recent Grey Cups with the Argonauts, though he didn’t play in the CFL last season for reasons that remain unclear.

Other possible challengers include Tyran Hunt, Christian Olmstead, Brandon Yates, Logan Zschernitz, and CFL veteran Chris Schleuger.

Calgary Stampeders — defensive tackle

Jaylon Hutchings was sensational for the Stampeders in 2025, making eight sacks and earning an All-CFL selection in his first full season. After his departure for the NFL, there’s now a massive hole for the team to fill beside Miles Brown.

Calgary has around a half-dozen American suitors in training camp, including Wisconsin standout Elijah Hills, Miami of Ohio award-winner Savio Frazier, two-time All-Southern Conference selection Brandon Maina, James Madison standout Khairi Manns, and former first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection Devonte O’Malley.

There are also two Canadians in the mix in Justin Sambu and Max von Muehldorfer.

Sambu, who finished his collegiate career at Baylor, has been productive over two seasons in Calgary, making 20 defensive tackles and five sacks over 20 regular-season games.

Von Muehldorfer, a seventh-round pick in the 2025 CFL Draft, was named first-team U Sports All-Canadian at Western while completing his collegiate eligibility last year.

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

Edmonton Elks — receiver

The Elks signed Austin Mack following his release from the Alouettes in January. The 28-year-old was named All-CFL when he and Cody Fajardo won a Grey Cup together in Montreal in 2023, so the two have built-in chemistry.

Edmonton also added Joe Robustelli from Saskatchewan, Brendan O’Leary-Orange from Hamilton, and homegrown product Carter Kettyle in the 2026 CFL Draft.

Mack, Robustelli, and incumbent starter Kaion Julien-Grant seem like safe bets to start, leaving the other two spots up for grabs. Given the team’s ratio flexibility, they can seemingly be filled by American or Canadian players.

O.J. Hiliare, Binjimen Victor, Jalon Calhoun, Zach Mathis, and T.J. Luther are all back from last year, as are Jackson Tachinski and Kolby Hurford after wrapping their U Sports careers. There’s also Éloa Latendresse-Regimbald, who is looking to transition from quarterback to receiver.

Edmonton’s newcomers at the position include All-American Athletic Conference selection Joshua Cephus, Albany standout Julian Hicks, All-Patriot League selection Ayir Asante, Baylor product Ketron Jackson Jr., All-SWAC honouree Kisean Johnson, North Carolina product J.J. Jones, and big-bodied Justin McGriff.

Saskatchewan Roughriders — defensive end

Three players started at defensive end for the Roughriders in 2025, none of whom remain with the team. Malik Carney and Habakkuk Baldonado left for larger pay days elsewhere, while it appears Ray is done with professional football.

James Vaughters, who was signed in free agency after tying a career-high with six sacks last year, seems like a lock to start at one defensive end spot. The other appears wide open.

Aaron Patrick, who dressed for 16 regular-season games in a depth role last season, was moved to the retired list on Sunday. The six-foot-five, 250-pound defender was thought to be the front-runner to win the starting job opposite Vaughters, though he’s now out of the running — at least for now.

Four players who have been brought in to compete include Chico Bennett Jr., who was signed late last year, North Carolina standout Desmond Evans, NFL journeyman Marcus Haynes, and Kentucky standout Justin Weaver.

Former first-round CFL draft pick Lake Korte-Moore could also factor into the position battle as he returns from a torn ACL he suffered in 2025. The six-foot-four, 262-pound native of Ottawa has made 29 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, and two sacks over 41 career regular-season games.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers — backup quarterback

There are a few spots open for the taking in Bomberland — left guard, defensive end, and cornerback, to name a few — but all eyes are on the battle behind Zach Collaros.

There are four players fighting for Winnipeg’s backup quarterback job, only one of whom has previous CFL experience. Terry Wilson has spent the last two seasons with the team, completing 12-of-22 pass attempts for 79 yards and one interception.

The other three suitors, Bryce Perkins, Payton Thorne, and Taylor Elgersma, all have intriguing resumés.

Perkins won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams, then was named the UFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2025. Thorne went 26-22 as a collegiate starter at Michigan State and Auburn, and was mentored at the latter by Grey Cup-winning quarterback and head coach Kent Austin.

Elgersma has yet to dress for a regular-season professional football game but this is his sixth professional training camp. If the rocket-armed native of London, Ont. can turn that experience into on-field success, it won’t be long before he’s being hailed as the future of the franchise.

For more on Winnipeg’s backup quarterback battle, click here.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats — field-side secondary

Jamal Peters and Destin Talbert still have the boundary side locked down for the Tabbies but they lost DeShaun Amos and Jonathan Moxey to free agency without bringing in any proven replacements.

Quavian White, who made one start last year, appears to have the inside track to one of the two starting jobs. The 25-year-old product of Georgia State dressed for two regular-season games in 2025, his first year in the CFL, and made one special teams tackle.

Zamari Walton, who made two starts in place of Peters in 2025, should also be in the mix. The six-foot-three, 185-pound native of Melbourne, Fla. has rare size for a CFL defensive back and strong collegiate pedigree, having made 38 total tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass knockdowns during his senior year at Ole Miss.

Others who should factor into the race include Cameron Bergeron, who spent part of 2025 on the team’s practice roster, and Florida A&M product Kendall Bohler.

For more on Hamilton’s position battles, click here.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

Toronto Argonauts — running back

The Boatmen had a historically poor rushing attack last season, so it’s key that they get better in the backfield to have a more balanced offensive attack.

Spencer Brown, who started six games last season, is likely the projected starter, though he only averaged 4.2 yards per carry last year. The 27-year-old was arguably best as a receiver out of the backfield, making 42 catches for 290 yards and a touchdown.

Toronto has brought six other running backs to training camp, including CFL veteran Peyton Logan, Walter Payton Award finalist Jyran Mitchell, Abilene Christian star Samuel Hicks, and 240-pound bruiser Qualan Jones.

The Argonauts also took two Canadian running backs in the draft, selecting Isaiah Smith out of Guelph in round two and Weagbe Mombo out of Windsor in round eight. Given how highly Smith was selected, he seems likely to make the active roster.

Ottawa Redblacks — kick returner

Kalil Pimpleton is a game-breaking return specialist, though the Redblacks may want him focus on his duties as a receiver. If that holds, this would leave Ottawa without any returners with CFL experience on the roster as DeVonte Dedmon was cut before signing with the Montreal Alouettes.

The two newcomers who appear to have the inside track to becoming the team’s new return specialist are Jacquez Stuart and Cade McDonald.

Stuart was a two-time All-Conference selection during his collegiate career at the University of Toledo, where he returned 75 kicks for 1,945 yards and three touchdowns. The five-foot-nine, 175-pound speedster reportedly ran a 4.53-second forty-yard dash coming out of college.

McDonald was named second-team All-Conference during his collegiate career at Miami University in Ohio, where he brought back 32 punts for 311 yards. The native of Naperville, Ill. attended training camp with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

Other players on the roster with limited return experience include Jordan Bly, Sam Schnee, Gavin Holmes, Shakur Brown, John Dunmore, and Daniel Jackson. The Redblacks also signed NFL veteran Andy Isabella this offseason, though he did not report for the start of training camp.

Montreal Alouettes — wideout

Austin Mack and Charleston Rambo are no longer with the Alouettes, draining the team’s receiving corps of arguably its two best deep threats.

Montreal’s brass seems high on Jerreth Sterns, who scored four touchdowns with Winnipeg in 2025, though he’s a possession-style slotback — not a burner. The same is true for Cole Spieker, who has been with the Alouettes since 2022.

Alexander Hollins is still under contract as he looks to get back to his form from 2023 when he was named All-West Division with the B.C. Lions.

Two players to keep an eye on are Austin Watkins and Sean Ryan. Watkins, who was named All-Conference at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, reportedly ran a 4.56-second forty-yard dash coming out of college, while Ryan leaped a 39-inch vertical jump at six-foot-three and 198 pounds.

None of this is to say Montreal’s receiving corps lacks speed — Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead, the team’s two top incumbent receivers, have plenty — but it’ll be interesting to see if a newcomer can break into the starting lineup.

With this in mind, it’s time to take a look at the highest-paid players in the league regardless of position.

Please use these links to check out our positional breakdowns of each group: quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs.

1) Nathan Rourke, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $684,700
Maximum value: $684,700

The CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Player was the highest-paid player in the CFL last year, too, earning $624,200. The Victoria, B.C. native’s compensation comes in the form of a $275,000 base salary, $210,000 offseason roster bonus, $160,000 in marketing, $14,700 in housing, and a $10,000 training allowance.

2) Chad Kelly, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $625,000
Maximum value: $625,000

Kelly’s compensation includes a $210,480 base salary, $160,000 offseason roster bonus, $125,000 in marketing, a $65,000 signing bonus, $25,000 report and pass bonus, $20,000 training allowance, $15,420 in housing, and a $4,100 travel allowance.

3) Zach Collaros, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $550,000
Maximum value: $550,000

Collaros recently took a $50,000 pay cut but remains top-three on the list. The two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player’s contract includes a $50,000 signing bonus, $300,000 in base salary, and two $100,000 offseason bonuses.

4) Vernon Adams Jr., Calgary Stampeders (A)

Hard money: $500,000
Maximum value: $500,000

The native of Pasadena, Calif.’s contract includes a $225,000 signing bonus, $210,000 base salary, $20,000 travel allowance, $15,000 training allowance, $15,000 in marketing, and $15,000 in housing.

5) Bo Levi Mitchell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $485,300
Maximum value: $515,300

The 36-year-old’s contract includes a $210,000 signing bonus, $210,000 base salary, $40,000 in marketing, $15,300 in housing, and a $10,000 travel allowance. Mitchell has an additional $30,000 available in incentives, which can be unlocked if he plays in least 16 regular-season games.

6) Trevor Harris, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $455,300
Maximum value: $509,300

The reigning Grey Cup MVP will earn a $220,000 base salary, $190,000 signing bonus, $25,000 in marketing, $15,300 in housing, and $5,000 travel allowance. Harris has an additional $54,000 available in playtime incentives — $3,000 per game in which he plays 51 percent of Saskatchewan’s offensive snaps.

7) Davis Alexander, Montreal Alouettes (A)

Hard money: $404,000
Maximum value: $446,000

The burgeoning star got an $180,000 signing bonus on his most recent extension, and will also earn $141,080 in base salary, $50,000 in marketing, $15,420 in housing, $12,500 in travel, and $5,000 in training. He has an additional $36,000 available in playtime, plus $6,000 in award incentives.

James Maclennan/CFL.ca

8) Cody Fajardo, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $395,500
Maximum value: $447,500

The veteran passer’s compensation includes a $190,000 signing bonus, $135,080 base salary, $35,000 in marketing, $20,000 in travel, and $15,420 in housing. He has an additional $52,000 available in active roster, statistical, and awards incentives.

9) Dru Brown, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $321,00
Maximum value: $387,000

The five-foot-eleven, 200-pound passer will earn a $150,000 signing bonus, $131,000 base salary, $15,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, and a $10,000 travel allowance. Brown has an additional $66,000 available in playtime, statistical, all-star and award incentives.

10) Coulter Woodmansey, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $300,000
Maximum value: $300,000

The 28-year-old is the top-ranked non-quarterback on this list. Woodmansey received a $100,000 signing bonus to sign a three-year deal in free agency, which also includes $152,600 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,400 in housing, and $12,000 in travel in 2026.

11) RB Brady Oliveira, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $290,000
Maximum value: $290,000

The two-time rushing champion, two-time All-CFL selection, two-time Most Outstanding Canadian, one-time Most Outstanding Player, and television star reset the running back market on a three-year extension with his hometown team. Oliveira’s deal includes $140,000 in salary, a $120,000 signing bonus, and $30,000 in marketing.

12) Keon Hatcher Sr., B.C. Lions (A)

Hard money: $287,500
Maximum value: $318,500

The two-time All-CFL target got a $125,000 signing bonus, $122,800 in salary, $25,000 in marketing, and $14,700 in housing to sign back with the Lions. The 31-year-old can also earn up to $31,000 in incentives, including $10,000 for playing his first regular-season snap of the year.

T-13) Dakoda Shepley, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $285,000
Maximum value: $291,000

The native of Windsor, Ont. received a $115,000 signing bonus to join the Boatmen and will also collect $129,700 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $10,000 in training, $10,000 in marketing, and $5,000 in travel. Shepley’s deal also includes $6,000 in possible awards incentives.

T-13) Samuel Emilus, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $285,000
Maximum value: $291,000

The reigning Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian cashed in with a $110,000 signing bonus. Emilus will earn a $139,700 salary, $15,300 in housing, a $10,000 travel allowance, and $10,000 in marketing, plus up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-13) Ryan Hunter, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $285,000
Maximum value: $290,000

The native of North Bay, Ont. collected a $100,000 roster bonus in February, and will earn an additional $170,300 in salary and $14,700 in housing this year. Hunter’s deal also includes $5,000 in possible awards incentives.

Photo: Montreal Alouettes

16) Tyson Philpot, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $275,000
Maximum value: $284,500

The 25-year-old received a $100,000 signing bonus in December and will take home $119,580 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,420 in housing, and $10,000 each in travel and training. Philpot also has up to $9,500 available in awards incentives.

T-17) Mathieu Betts, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $270,000
Maximum value: $276,000

The CFL’s two-time Most Outstanding Defensive Player earned an $80,000 roster bonus in January and will also collect $175,300 in salary, $14,700 in housing, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives. Betts is entering the final year of his contract with the Lions.

T-17) Malik Carney, Edmonton Elks (A)

Hard money: $270,000
Maximum value: $272,500

The six-foot-three, 245-pound defender got a $150,000 signing bonus to sign with the Elks in February. The native of Alexandria, Va. will also earn $85,000 in salary, $15,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, and $5,000 in travel.

19) Kenny Lawler, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $263,700
Maximum value: $275,700

The 31-year-old took home a $50,000 signing bonus in February and will earn $193,280 in salary, $15,420 in housing, $2,500 in marketing, and a $2,500 travel allowance. The two-time All-CFL target can also make up to $12,000 in playtime and awards incentives.

20) Justin McInnis, B.C. Lions (N)

Hard money: $255,000
Maximum value: $261,000

The native of Pierrefonds, Que. collected a $100,000 offseason bonus and another $25,000 for reporting to training camp and passing his physical. McInnis will also earn $116,000 in salary, $14,000 in housing, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-21) Drew Desjarlais, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $250,000
Maximum value: $256,000

The native of Belle River, Ont. received a $25,000 offseason roster bonus in January and $20,000 for reporting to training camp and passing his physical. Desjarlais will also earn $170,300 in salary, $15,000 in marketing, $14,700 in housing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

Photo: Reuben Polansky/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

T-21) Logan Ferland, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $250,000
Maximum value: $255,000

The 29-year-old was named All-CFL for the second-straight season in 2025 and collected a $50,000 roster bonus in January. Ferland will also earn $164,700 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,300 in housing, and up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

T-21) Jarell Broxton, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $250,000
Maximum value: $250,000

The native of Olney, Md. got a $125,000 signing bonus to join the Blue Bombers in free agency, and will earn an additional $94,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, and $5,000 in travel.

T-24) A.J. Allen, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The Burlington, Ont. native got a $60,000 signing bonus to join Ottawa in free agency and will also earn $144,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $15,000 in marketing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-24) Pier-Olivier Lestage, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The Université de Montréal product was named All-East Division for the first time last season, leading to a new contract that included a $70,000 signing bonus, $170,000 in salary, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-24) Zack Williams, Calgary Stampeders (N)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The Winnipeg native earned a $40,000 roster bonus in January, then signed a new three-year contract in April. The six-foot-five, 310-pound blocker will earn $164,000 in salary, $16,000 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, a $10,000 report-and-pass bonus, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

Photo: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

T-24) Nic Demski, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $255,000

The 32-year-old earned a $65,000 signing bonus to stay in Winnipeg on a deal that also includes $150,000 in salary and $25,000 in marketing. Demski’s deal also includes $15,000 in awards incentives.

28) Jake Ceresna, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $235,000
Maximum value: $235,000

The two-time All-CFL selection got a $120,000 signing bonus to join the Blue Bombers in free agency. The six-foot-four, 295-pound defender will also earn $70,000 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, $5,000 in travel, and $5,000 in training.

T-29) Robbie Smith, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $248,500

The Wilfrid Laurier product got a $50,000 signing bonus to rework his deal with the Elks in November, which carries through 2027. The native of Brampton, Ont. will also earn $135,000 in salary, $25,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, $5,000 in travel in 2026, and up to $18,500 in incentives.

T-29) Brandon Revenberg, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The 33-year-old got a $25,000 roster bonus in February and will also earn $184,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, and $5,000 in marketing, plus up to $16,000 in playtime and awards incentives.

T-29) Tyrice Beverette, Montreal Alouettes (A)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $236,500

The two-time All-CFL defender got a $75,000 signing bonus when he reworked his deal with the Alouettes in January. The native of Lakewood, N.J. will also collect $102,300 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,000 for reporting to training camp, $14,700 in housing, $3,000 in training, and up to $6,500 in statistical and awards incentives.

T-29) Tyrell Ford, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $230,000*
Maximum value: $236,000*

The Niagara Falls, Ont. native received a $55,000 signing bonus in October to extend with the Elks through 2027. Though it appears these funds counted against the salary cap in 2025, we’ve included them here to provide a fair comparison to other defensive backs around the league. Ford will also earn $140,000 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-29) Jermarcus Hardrick, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $235,000

The CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman got a $120,000 signing bonus to agree to a one-year extension with Saskatchewan.. The 35-year-old will also make $85,200 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $7,500 in marketing, and $2,000 in travel in 2026, plus up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

The native of Scarborough, Ont. started four seasons at the University of British Columbia, where he recorded 162 defensive tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 29 pass breakups, five interceptions, and five forced fumbles over 41 games. He played strong-side linebacker, cornerback, and free safety.

The six-foot-one, 194-pound defender ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at UBC’s pro day in March. He also recorded 13 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a 4.28-second short shuttle, 7.01-second three-cone drill, 37-inch vertical, and ten-foot, nine-inch broad jump.

Sangmuah recently attended rookie minicamp with the Indianapolis Colts, though it doesn’t appear he was offered a contract by the team. Edmonton secured Sangmuah’s CFL rights by selecting him with the No. 12 pick in the recent 2026 CFL Draft.

The Elks have also signed Canadian defensive back Jaxxon Brashear.

The six-foot-one, 220-pound defender played collegiately at the University of Ottawa, where he made 87 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups over 29 games.

The native of Neuville, Que. is the son of former NHL player Donald Brashear.

The Edmonton Elks recently selected Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding a key piece to pair with fellow Canadian linebacker Joel Dublanko. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Austin Mack, offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, and defensive lineman Malik Carney.

All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Edmonton will play its first preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, May 23 and its first regular-season game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, June 6.

In 2025, Edmonton finished fifth in the West Division standings with a 7-11 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

Today’s we’re breaking down the top 10 highest-paid defensive backs in the Canadian Football League.

3DownNation will be unveiling the CFL’s highest-paid players from each position group over the coming days. We’ve already covered quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and linebackers.

“Hard money” is a CFL term that refers to any portion of a contract that is paid even if a player is hurt. This includes base salary, signing bonuses, roster bonuses, housing allowances, travel allowances, and training allowances. Marketing money, which is officially called “non-football-related services,” isn’t always guaranteed, though we’ve decided to include it in hard money for this series.

Any additional components — often referred to as “playtime” or “performance incentives” — are outlined in part or in full in the paragraph accompanying each player. These bonuses are often tied to how much a player sees the field, produces yardage, scores a touchdown, makes tackles, or whether or not they’re named an all-star.

“N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians) and “A” denotes American players

1) Tyrell Ford, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $230,000*
Maximum value: $236,000*

The Niagara Falls, Ont. native received a $55,000 signing bonus in October to extend with the Elks through 2027. Though it appears these funds counted against the salary cap in 2025, we’ve included them here to provide a fair comparison to other defensive backs around the league. Ford will also earn $140,000 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,000 in housing, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-2) Stavros Katsantonis, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $205,000

The Bakersfield Bandit got a $50,000 signing bonus to sign a three-year contract extension with the Tiger-Cats after earning his first All-CFL selection in 2025. The 29-year-old will also earn $180,580 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,420 in housing, $6,000 in travel, and up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

Photo: Reuben Polansky/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

T-2) Tevaughn Campbell, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $205,000

The All-CFL selection and Grey Cup champion cashed a $50,000 signing bonus to return to the Roughriders for 2026. The 32-year-old will also make $121,200 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $7,500 in marketing, $6,000 in travel, and up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

4) Adarius Pickett, Toronto Argonauts (A)

Hard money: $190,300
Maximum value: $201,300

The veteran strong-side linebacker got $80,000 to rejoin the Argonauts after a two-year stint with Ottawa. The three-time All-East Division selection will also collect $85,000 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, and up to $11,000 in awards incentives.

T-5) Evan Holm, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $180,000
Maximum value: $186,000

The 28-year-old earned his first All-CFL selection in 2025 and capitalized with a new contract that has him in the upper echelon of earners at his position. Holm has already collected a $71,700 signing bonus and will make another $80,000 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, $3,000 in travel, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-5) Redha Kramdi, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (N)

Hard money: $180,000
Maximum value: $185,000

The Montreal native got a $55,000 signing bonus to commit to Winnipeg for two more seasons, where he’s the CFL’s only Canadian starter at strong-side linebacker. Kramdi will also earn $94,700 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

7) Deatrick Nichols, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $175,000
Maximum value: $182,000

The three-time All-West Division selection got a $60,000 signing bonus to return for a sixth season in Bomberland. The longtime boundary halfback will also make $90,000 in salary, $15,000 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, and up to $7,000 in awards incentives.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

8) Jamal Peters, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $172,500
Maximum value: $177,500

The two-time All-CFL cornerback got a $45,000 signing bonus to commit to Steeltown for two more years. Peters will also make $100,080 in salary, $15,420 in housing, $7,000 in marketing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

9) C.J. Reavis, Ottawa Redblacks (A)

Hard money: $160,000
Maximum value: $166,000

The two-time All-CFL strong-side linebacker got a $55,000 signing bonus to join Ottawa in free agency after helping Saskatchewan win the Grey Cup. The 30-year-old will also receive $77,100 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $7,500 in marketing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

10) Rolan Milligan Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $159,200
Maximum value: $165,200+

The league’s former Most Outstanding Defensive Player collected a $39,000 signing bonus to return for a sixth season in Riderville. The 31-year-old will also earn $96,800 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $5,000 in marketing, $3,000 in travel, $6,000 in awards incentives, and an extra $100 or $200 each time he makes a special teams tackle or interception.

The six-foot-two, 193-pound target had a productive six-year collegiate career at the University of Texas San Antonio. He made 313 receptions for 3,639 yards and 28 touchdowns, earning a first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection in 2023. The Houston native went on to have a stint on the practice roster with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.

The Elks have also signed American running back ShunDerrick Powell, American receiver Julian Hicks, American offensive lineman Jason Laliberte Jr., American linebacker Jadon Pearson, American defensive back Terez Reid, and Canadian long snapper Orin Schellenberg.

Powell rushed for 2,359 yards and 20 touchdowns over 22 collegiate games at the University of Central Arkansas. The five-foot-nine, 180-pound ball-carrier previously played at the University of North Alabama, where he rushed for 1,421 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2022. He has since been a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Hicks made 72 receptions for 1,139 yards and 17 touchdowns over 23 collegiate games at the University of Albany. The six-foot-two, 200-pound target previously played at Akron and Central Michigan. He has since had stints with the Green Bay Packers and the Birmingham Stallions.

Laliberte Jr. played 41 games over five seasons at the University of St. Thomas. The six-foot-seven, 312-pound blocker was a second-team All-Pioneer Football League selection in 2025.

Pearson made 106 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three passes defended, one forced fumble, and 0.5 sacks over 13 games at Fresno State in 2025. The six-foot-one, 220-pound defender previously played at Utah State, Utah, Reedley College, and Air Force.

Reid finished his collegiate career at Florida Atlantic University in 2025, where he made 41 total tackles, one interception, and nine passes knockdowns over 12 games. The five-foot-ten, 187-pound defender had previous stints at UTEP and Grand Valley State.

Schellenberg went unselected in the recent 2026 CFL Draft. The five-foot-eleven, 200-pound native of Edmonton caught 26 passes for 397 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver while also contributing on special teams.

The Edmonton Elks recently selected Rutgers linebacker Dariel Djabome with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding a key piece to pair with fellow Canadian linebacker Joel Dublanko. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Austin Mack, offensive lineman Coulter Woodmansey, and defensive lineman Malik Carney.

All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Edmonton will play its first preseason game against the B.C. Lions on Saturday, May 23 and its first regular-season game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, June 6.

In 2025, Edmonton finished fifth in the West Division standings with a 7-11 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season.

Clubs pay a premium for the big boys up front, who are responsible for opening holes in the run game and protecting the quarterback. Below, we’ve ranked the CFL’s highest-paid offensive linemen.

3DownNation will be unveiling the CFL’s highest-paid players from each position group over the coming days. We’ve already covered quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks, and receivers, so don’t forget to check back for the rest.

“Hard money” is a CFL term that refers to any portion of a contract that is paid even if a player is hurt. This includes base salary, signing bonuses, roster bonuses, housing allowances, travel allowances, and training allowances. Marketing money, which is officially called “non-football-related services,” isn’t always guaranteed, though we’ve decided to include it in hard money for this series.

Any additional components — often referred to as “playtime” or “performance incentives” — are outlined in part or in full in the paragraph accompanying each player. These bonuses are often tied to how much a player sees the field, produces yardage, scores a touchdown, makes tackles, or whether or not they’re named an all-star.

“N” denotes National players (ie. Canadians) and “A” denotes American players.

1) Coulter Woodmansey, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $300,000
Maximum value: $300,000

The 28-year-old became the highest-paid Canadian non-quarterback in CFL history in February when he signed a three-year deal with the Elks. Woodmansey received a $100,000 signing bonus to accept the deal, which also includes $152,600 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, $15,400 in housing, and $12,000 in travel. The Toronto native spent the last five seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

T-2) Dakoda Shepley, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $285,000
Maximum value: $291,000

The native of Windsor, Ont. called the Argonauts about a potential contract after his NFL opportunities dried up and it didn’t take long to agree to a deal. The former first-round pick out of UBC received a $115,000 signing bonus to join the Boatmen and will also collect $129,700 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $10,000 in training, $10,000 in marketing, and $5,000 in travel. Shepley’s deal also includes $6,000 in possible awards incentives.

T-2) Ryan Hunter, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $285,000
Maximum value: $290,000

The native of North Bay, Ont., who was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2024, is Toronto’s second entry on the list. Hunter got a $100,000 roster bonus from the team on February 1, and will earn an additional $170,300 in salary and $14,700 in housing this year. Hunter’s deal also includes $5,000 in possible awards incentives.

T-4) Drew Desjarlais, Ottawa Redblacks (N)

Hard money: $250,000
Maximum value: $256,000

The native of Belle River, Ont. received a $25,000 offseason roster bonus in January and will get another $20,000 when he reports to training camp in Ottawa and passes his physical. Desjarlais’s contract for 2026 also includes $170,300 in salary, $15,000 in marketing, $14,700 in housing, $5,000 in travel, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

Photo: Reuben Polansky/3DownNation. All rights reserved.

T-4) Logan Ferland, Saskatchewan Roughriders (N)

Hard money: $250,000
Maximum value: $255,000

The 29-year-old was named All-CFL for the second-straight season in 2025 and collected a $50,000 roster bonus in January. He will also earn $164,700 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, and $15,300 in housing this year, along with up to $5,000 in awards incentives. The native of Melfort, Sask. originally joined the Roughriders as a territorial exemption in 2019.

T-4) Jarell Broxton, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A)

Hard money: $250,000
Maximum value: $250,000

The native of Olney, Md. joined Winnipeg in free agency after being named All-CFL for the first time in his career with the B.C. Lions in 2025. Broxton got a $125,000 bonus to sign with the Blue Bombers, and will earn an additional $94,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, and $5,000 in travel in 2026.

T-7) Pier-Olivier Lestage, Montreal Alouettes (N)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The Université de Montréal product was named All-East Division for the first time last season, leading him to sign a contract extension through 2028. Lestage got a $70,000 signing bonus to ink the deal, which also includes $170,000 in salary for 2026. The veteran blocker can also earn up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-7) Zack Williams, Calgary Stampeders (N)

Hard money: $240,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The Winnipeg native earned a $40,000 roster bonus in January, then signed a new three-year contract in April, which ties him to the Stampeders through 2028. In 2026, the six-foot-five, 310-pound blocker will earn $164,000 in salary, $16,000 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, a $10,000 report-and-pass bonus, and up to $6,000 in awards incentives. He was named All-West Division in 2025 for the first time in his career.

T-9) Brandon Revenberg, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $246,000

The 33-year-old got a $25,000 roster bonus in February ahead of his tenth season with the Tiger-Cats. Revenberg will also earn $184,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, and $5,000 in marketing this year, along with a $10,000 bonus if he plays at least 12 regular-season games. The native of Essex, Ont. can also earn up to $6,000 in awards incentives.

T-9) Jermarcus Hardrick, Saskatchewan Roughriders (A)

Hard money: $230,000
Maximum value: $235,000

The CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman got a $120,000 signing bonus to agree to a one-year extension with Saskatchewan, where he plays right tackle. The 35-year-old will also make $85,200 in salary, $15,300 in housing, $7,500 in marketing, and $2,000 in travel in 2026, plus up to $5,000 in awards incentives.

Photo courtesy: Bob Butrym/RFB Sport Photography

T-11) Quinton Barrow, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (A)

Hard money: $220,000
Maximum value: $228,000

The 25-year-old got one of the biggest raises of any CFL player this offseason, going from a rookie contract to a deal worth well over $200,000. Barrow got a $70,000 signing bonus to agree to the extension with the Tabbies and will also earn $122,600 in salary, $15,400 in housing, $10,000 in marketing, $2,000 in travel, and up to $8,000 in awards incentives.

T-11) Mark Korte, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $220,000
Maximum value: $226,000

The native of Spruce Grove, Alta. got a $30,000 roster bonus in January as he returns for a fifth season with the Elks. Korte will also earn $190,000 in salary, plus up to $6,000 in awards incentives. It’ll be interesting to see how the veteran blocker fits into Edmonton’s high-priced offensive line, which has around $1.4 million committed to seven players.

13) Carter O’Donnell, Edmonton Elks (N)

Hard money: $218,000
Maximum value: $255,000

The University of Alberta product got a $30,000 roster bonus in February and will earn an additional $153,000 in salary, $20,000 in marketing, and $15,000 in marketing in 2026. O’Donnell can also earn up to $27,000 in playtime incentives and $10,000 in awards incentives this year.

14) Peter Nicastro, Toronto Argonauts (N)

Hard money: $217,500
Maximum value: $232,500

The veteran centre got a $40,000 roster bonus in February and will also earn $146,200 in salary, $15,000 in marketing, $13,800 in housing, and $2,500 in travel. The University of Calgary product can also earn up to $10,000 in playtime incentives and $5,000 in awards incentives in 2026.

15) Liam Dobson, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N)

Hard money: $200,000
Maximum value: $214,000

The former first-round CFL draft pick got a $28,300 roster bonus this offseason and will make an additional $157,000 in salary, $14,700 in housing, and $5,000 when he takes his first regular-season snap. Dobson also has $5,000 available in playtime incentives and $4,000 available in awards incentives.