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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There are just nine days remaining until the highly touted Canadian quarterback will be made incarnate for viewers during the team’s preseason opener on Saturday, May 23, in Saskatoon. While that game will not be broadcast on TSN, the Winnipeg faithful will flock to the CFL’s online streaming service for a glimpse at the potential heir to Zach Collaros.

Those first live reps have been anticipated for over a year, which should make the first impression all the more potent. But while he’s itching to see the field, Elgersma is choosing not to look that far ahead.

“It’s really living in the moment and being where your feet are,” he told the Winnipeg media on Thursday. “When we’re going and competing against the defence, like we go against every single day, you see those guys are flying around, and we’re getting new installs every single night. You don’t want to look too far ahead. You want to focus on where you are and grow, especially as a young guy. I’ve got to really soak in every single rep that I get. I’ve really got to soak in every single coaching point I’m getting and try to make those improvements daily. And then we’ll see where we get to at the end of this.”

According to reports from training camp, Elgersma has taken the majority of the number two reps in the early going. By all accounts, he’s been impressive, but there is still plenty of competition for the coveted backup job. Incumbent Terry Wilson remains in the fold, while former UFL MVP Bryce Perkins and Auburn signal-caller Payton Thorne are also pushing for an opportunity.

In typical fashion, head coach Mike O’Shea didn’t provide any insight as to how the position battle was progressing when asked for his thoughts, instead complimenting the group’s leadership as a whole. However, he made clear that it would be preseason reps that would be most important in determining the outcome.

“We’ll let the preseason games sort of unfold and see where that takes us,” he insisted. “Obviously, we don’t need preseason games to say that Zach is a stud. How they all sort of sort out after that — to me, we wouldn’t be doing them any favours if we determined on day four of main camp where they all slotted.”

“(The preseason) is, I think, where it matters most. They’re not getting hit here, and there’s potential in preseason that they’re going to get touched even — they don’t get touched here. Being able to process through a call in a game situation — it’s different. We definitely want to see that.”

Elgersma was no more forthcoming with how he felt he was faring in practice, though the Hec Crighton Trophy winner did indicate he was holding his own. When growth is the goal, there is little time for pats on the back.

“I have a high standard of how I play, and I think that there are a lot of things that I can improve upon. I think that we’re all trying to ultimately be the best version of ourselves, and so my job every single day is to come in here, compete to the highest level and get better,” he said. “I’ve got a long road ahead. I’ll hopefully have a long career, and my job is to get better every single day, learn from Zach and compete. Obviously, there’s things that I can do better each and every single day, but I feel like I’m out there and I’m competing.”

As anticipated as Elgersma’s debut might be to fans, new teammates seem to share the sentiment. Former CFL Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira indicated that he reached out to the Wilfrid Laurier product shortly after he was signed and is eager to see the offseason hype become reality.

“We’ve heard a lot about him the last 12 months or whenever we drafted him,” the star running back said earlier this week. “It’s good to finally have him here, see what he’s able to do, the product he puts on the field. From watching him, getting ready for camp in the offseason, he was here a little bit earlier, getting to throw with him, he’s got a massive arm on him. The touch that he puts on the ball, it’s something that you can’t really teach — you’re gifted with that. He throws a really pretty ball.”

“Let’s see how he learns a pro playbook. I know he’s had some opportunities with some other pro teams, but let’s see how he digests everything, if he can go out there and continue to perform well. Really excited to see what guys like that do in a preseason game. Are you built for game day? I think he is.”

In the meantime, Elgersma isn’t tuning out his competition, but rather trying to learn from what Wilson, Perkins, and Thorne do well. He’s also absorbing all he can from Collaros, whom he admires especially for his ability to balance being a demanding leader with being an approachable teammate.

The 37-year-old has offered plenty of invaluable feedback as the rookie works to master Tommy Condell’s detailed and demanding offence, giving him the tools that he may one day use to succeed him.

“Zach’s a guy that he wants you to see it. He understands, he’s been in this league for a long time, we’re all gonna make mistakes. This is about growing,” Elgersma said. “We’re trying to get ready, ultimately, for the preseason, but we’re really trying to get ready for Week 1 so we can go and win some football games and help the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He does a really good job of trying to explain what he sees on a play and maybe what would get him through his progression faster, or where he went with the ball in his mind watching it. I think it’s very effective.”

The real gauge of Collaros’ impact will come when the live bullets start flying against the Saskatchewan Roughriders next week. If Elgersma performs well, the official anointing will begin. If he struggles in his CFL debut, critics of his delayed path to Winnipeg will be all too happy to dismiss him as overrated.

The 24-year-old isn’t giving a moment’s thought to that dynamic. There are still too many practices in front of him and a hefty playbook to master.

“Ultimately, it’s how can I come here every single day, compete to the best of my abilities, learn from my mistakes and not make the same mistake twice,” Elgersma said. “I think that’s gonna be a big theme for me as a young guy.  I’m seeing stuff for the first time. We’re getting used to stuff as a group. How can I not make the same mistakes twice, and how can I get better?”

One might think this is a sign of a player on the decline but it doesn’t appear Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea is at all concerned about the six-time All-CFL selection’s waning sack numbers.

“I think people put too much of a premium on the stat of a sack. I mean, think of how many knockdowns he had last year — those are all dead plays. (The offence is) punting or (the knockdowns) turn into interceptions,” O’Shea told the media on Tuesday.

“They have to account for him, so they work the protection to him, and then somebody has gotta win, too. I think the idea of the stat of a sack can be overrated. How close you are to the quarterback, how you affect the play, how often you affect the play would be more important to measure. He affects a ton of plays and a lot of times, you wouldn’t even notice it, but the play call says that they’re doing that because of Willie.”

Jefferson notched a league-leading 16 pass knockdowns in 2025, improving his career total to 93. He currently ranks second all-time in CFL history behind Hall of Fame defensive back Eddie Davis, who recorded 111 pass knockdowns over 15 seasons with the Birmingham Barracudas, Calgary Stampeders, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

For context, Mathieu Betts tallied a league-leading 15 sacks last season but only four pass knockdowns. Over 79 career regular-season CFL games, he has knocked down seven passes.

That’s not to say Betts isn’t better than Jefferson — the Université Laval product was named the league’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for a reason — but the impact of both players is far more comparable when pass knockdowns are taken into consideration alongside sacks.

For what it’s worth, Pro Football Focus had Betts ranked fourth among defensive ends (min. 300 snaps) in 2025, while Jefferson ranked eighth. The three top-graded players at the position were Julian Howsare, Malik Carney, and Clarence Hicks, who recorded 13, eight, and 12 sacks, respectively.

It’s clear that O’Shea also values what Jefferson brings as a leader. The six-foot-six, 252-pound edge rusher has never shied away from helping younger players learn the position and what it takes to be successful in the CFL.

“When he got here, he stepped right up into trying to help guys out,” said O’Shea. “He’s always done that, since the day he got here.”

The native of Beaumont, Texas turned 35 this offseason, though Winnipeg’s longtime head coach doesn’t seem to care about the veteran edge rusher’s age, so long as he’s disrupting opposing offences.

“He’s ageless, timeless,” said O’Shea. “However you want to describe it.”

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened training camp on May 10. Winnipeg will play its first preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, May 23 and second preseason game against the B.C. Lions 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 Calgary Stampeders on Friday, June 5.

Winnipeg recently selected Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding to the club’s pass rush. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Tim White, offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna.

In 2025, the Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes.

Womack was originally signed by the team in November. He has never appeared in a CFL game.

The six-foot, 195-pound target spent two seasons at Western Michigan University, making 115 catches for 1,236 yards and two scores while earning a first-team All-MAC selection in 2023. He transferred from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., where he made 98 receptions for 1,234 yards and five touchdowns. The native of Marlboro, Md., also played on the school’s basketball team.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened training camp on May 10. Winnipeg will play its first preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, May 23, and their second preseason game against the B.C. Lions 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 Calgary Stampeders on Friday, June 5.

Winnipeg recently selected Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding to the club’s pass rush. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Tim White, offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna.

In 2025, the Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes.

The six-foot-one, 195-pound native of Warner Robins, Ga. played six regular-season games with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2025, recording 22 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, one interception, and one touchdown. He made four starts at field-side cornerback and one start at boundary cornerback.

The 26-year-old played 19 regular-season games over three seasons with the Redblacks, making 72 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one touchdown. He was released by Ottawa in August.

The Blue Bombers have also cut American receiver Jahmal Banks, American offensive linemen Joe More and Tariq Stewart, American defensive lineman Eric Black, American linebacker Aaron Smith, and American defensive backs Michael Dixon and Jordan Taylor.

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

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers opened training camp on May 10. Winnipeg will play its first preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, May 23 and second preseason game against the B.C. Lions 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 Calgary Stampeders on Friday, June 5.

Winnipeg recently selected Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding to the club’s pass rush. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Tim White, offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna.

In 2025, the Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes.

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.

The Winnipeg native is one of 12 people who will be named to the Order of Manitoba in a ceremony scheduled for the Manitoba Legislative Building on July 16, 2026.

Harris played 12 seasons in the Canadian Football League as a member of the B.C. Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Toronto Argonauts. Over 199 regular-season games, he rushed for 10,380 yards, caught 607 passes for 5,489 yards, and scored 83 touchdowns.

The five-foot-nine, 215-pound ball-carrier was a five-time All-CFL selection, six-time All-West Division selection, and one-time Most Outstanding Canadian. He won four Grey Cups as a player, three rushing titles, and two Grey Cup Most Valuable Player awards.

The 39-year-old was hired as the running backs coach with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2025 and helped the team win the Grey Cup that same year. He remains on staff with the club.

Harris ranks fourth in CFL history in yards from scrimmage and fifth in rushing yards. His career was chronicled in the 2024 documentary Running Back Relentless.

“The 12 outstanding Manitobans to be invested into the 2026 Order of Manitoba serve to inspire us and reinforce that we all have the power to make a difference,” said provincial lieutenant governor Anita Neville in a statement.

“The vast and varied contributions made by these individuals, whether their impact is felt on the local, national or international level, are most worthy of acknowledgement and acclaim.”

Established in 1999, the Order of Manitoba is meant to “honour Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic well-being of the province and its residents.”

This year’s other inductees include vocalist Tracy Dahl, musician Chantal Kreviazuk, hockey player Jocelyne Larocque, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Peter MacDonald, clothing magnate Ash Modha, former premier Brian Pallister, physician and educator Dr. Joss Reimer, Indigenous leader Diane Roussin, Métis elder Billie Schibler, scientist Dr. Lotfollah Shafai, and philanthropist Douglas Stephen.

The native of Edmonton, Alta. was the fourth overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft. He recently attended rookie minicamp with the Denver Broncos, though he went unsigned following its conclusion.

The six-foot-three, 239-pound defender made 39 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and one forced fumble over 12 games at Wake Forest University in 2025. Pro Football Focus credited him with 21 quarterback hurries on the year.

The 23-year-old previously played at Colorado State University, where he made 68 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass knockdowns, two forced fumbles, and one interception over 17 games.

Gatkuoth ran a 4.92-second forty-yard dash at his pro day, though he was timed as fast as 4.80 by at least one scout. He also recorded a 4.62-second shuttle, 7.26-second three-cone drill, 17 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, a 31-inch vertical jump, and a nine-foot, ten-inch broad jump.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers recently selected Wake Forest defensive lineman Nuer Gatkuoth with their first-round pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, adding to the club’s pass rush. The team’s other major offseason additions include receiver Tim White, offensive lineman Jarell Broxton, and defensive lineman Jake Ceresna.

All CFL training camps are scheduled to open on May 10. Winnipeg will play its first preseason game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, May 23 and its regular-season game against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday, June 5.

In 2025, Winnipeg finished fourth in the West Division standings with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes.

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 two-time All-CFL defensive lineman is thrilled to be with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers — he called defensive coordinator Jordan Younger a “defensive genius” — and seems excited for 2027, when the league’s expanded playoff format will take effect.

“I think it’s going to be good for the league. We’re gonna get an extra week of playoffs,” said the 31-year-old native of New Fairfield, Conn.

“You could lose the first week of the playoffs and then go on to win a Grey Cup, which would be crazy. I think it would be a hell of a story. What if you lose to the team week one, and then you beat someone, and then you gotta come back and play them again, and then you beat them?

“I think it’ll be good. We get an extra week of playoffs, so it’s not really short. Right now, if you win your division, you only get one home game, and then you’re right to the Grey Cup, so it gives more opportunity for fans around the league to come to playoff games in a better atmosphere. I think it’ll be good.”

After this year, the CFL playoffs will grow to eight teams and four rounds, including the Grey Cup.

The top two teams in both divisions will play non-elimination games in round one, while the bottom four seeds face-off in “play-in” games. The next two rounds will play out similarly to the current playoff format, culminating in the Grey Cup.

The changes have received positive reviews and negative reviews, with league commissioner Stewart Johnston suggesting fans will “get past” the optics of having eight teams in the playoffs.

Ceresna understands those who have criticized the new format, though he appreciates the CFL’s willingness to shake things up.

“(Critics) probably will (scoff at eight of nine teams making the playoffs). We’ll see what happens. Maybe we get a couple of extra teams in the league or something down the road, and then it kind of evens it out, but you know what I like? Stewart’s trying new things,” said the veteran defender.

“For a long time, the thing about the CFL was always, ‘It’s a dying league, it’s just the same old thing,’ but now he’s trying new stuff and throwing stuff at the wall, so we’ll see — that’s better than just the same old song and dance and letting it decline. Let’s try something new, let’s switch it up. If it doesn’t work, I guess we could always go back.”

Brady Oliveira was a vocal detractor of the new format when the announcement was made last month.

“Eight out of nine teams in the (CFL) playoffs takes away from what makes those games special,” he wrote on social media. “Playoff football is supposed to be earned. If anything, grow the league by adding more teams, not the number of automatic spots.”

On Sunday, the two-time All-CFL running back reiterated some of this criticism while also acknowledging the league’s leadership must have made it with good intentions.

“Optically, when you just say in a sentence, ‘Eight of the nine teams are going to be in the playoffs,’ that was the only thing that was kind of a concern for me. I was like, ‘Might as well put all nine teams in then,'” said Oliveira.

“At the end of the day, we have to have belief and faith that the commissioner, the board of governors, they’re all making the best decision, whatever is going to grow this league. (The format change) is not ’til next year. Let’s really hope that they’re making the best decisions possible. I love this league, I want to continue to see it grow. I know the product is so amazing and we need to get more eyes on it.”

“I get it from a business standpoint with more games, more revenue, TV partnerships, all that stuff, so if that’s going to bring more eyes to the game, then I’m for it.”

The CFL’s playoff format has remained unchanged for 2026, which is the campaign on which everyone’s currently focused.

Come next year, expect even more coaches, players, and members of the media to weigh-in on both sides of the debate.

For a full breakdown of the new playoffs, click here.