Elks release Canadian QB Ford, commit to Fajardo for 2026 CFL season

Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo passes during the second half of a CFL football game against the B.C. Lions, in Vancouver, on Friday, October 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks have released Canadian quarterback Tre Ford and committed to Cody Fajardo under centre for the upcoming CFL season.

The 27-year-old Ford, from Niagara Falls, Ont., started the 2025 season as the Elks’ starting quarterback but lost the job to Fajardo after a 1-4 start to the season.

Fajardo, who was traded by the Alouettes to Edmonton in December 2024 after being displaced in Montreal by rising star Davis Alexander, went 6-7 for the remainder of the season and passed for 3,408 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Ford was originally selected by the club in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2022 CFL Draft.

In 60 career games with the Elks, Ford passed for 4,651 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.

The 33-year-old Fajardo, from Brea, Calif., is entering his 11th CFL season. He was named the MVP of the 2023 Grey Cup when he led Montreal to a 28-24 win over Winnipeg.

The commitment to Fajardo comes a day after the Elks signed star receiver Austin Mack, who was a favourite target of Fajardo that season.

“We believe a fresh start is in the best interests of both Tre and the organization,” Elks general manager Ed Hervey said in a release.

“This decision should not be viewed as a reflection of Tre’s character or ability as a player, but rather as a strategic move aligned with our goal of building the most competitive football team possible for 2026.”

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Redblacks release Santos-Knox

OTTAWA -- The Redblacks have released linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox after three seasons in Ottawa.

Redblacks general manager Shawn Burke said the move will give Santos-Knox a head start on free agency, which officially begins Feb. 10.

The 31-year-old Santos-Knox, from Waterbury, Conn., suited up in 42 games over his three seasons in Ottawa, registering 209 total tackles, five quarterback sacks and two interceptions.

He was named the Redblacks’ nominee for outstanding defensive player last season

Santos-Knox has 549 total tackles, 16 sacks, five interceptions and four forced fumbles in 111 games with Winnipeg, Edmonton, Hamilton and Ottawa.

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Returner Dedmon heads to Montreal

MONTREAL -- The Alouettes have signed returner DeVonte Dedmon to a one-year deal.

Dedmon returned 22 kickoffs for 513 yards and returned 20 punts for 232 yards in eight games for Ottawa last season.

He played 42 regular-season games and one playoff game over six seasons with the Redblacks, posting 128 kickoff returns for 3,347 yards and three touchdowns with 151 punt returns for 1,985 yards and three touchdowns.

The 30-year-old from Williamsburg, Va., also had 25 receptions for 226 yards with one touchdown and 18 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown.

Dedmon earned the CFL’s outstanding special teams player award in 2021 after leading the league in punt return yards (737), kickoff return yards (1,223), punt return touchdowns (two) and kickoff return touchdowns (one).

He was released by Ottawa on Tuesday.

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Fields re-signs with Riders

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed defensive back DaMarcus Fields to a two-year contract extension.

The native of Taylor, Texas, posted career-highs in 2025 with 57 defensive tackles, 11 special teams tackles, two interceptions and a team-leading eight pass knockdowns over 18 regular season games.

Fields added five defensive tackles and one special teams tackle in the playoffs as Saskatchewan defeated Montreal 25-17 in the Grey Cup.

Fields has played all 36 regular-season games since joining the Riders in 2024.

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Tiger-Cats re-sign Talbert

HAMILTON — The Tiger-Cats have re-signed defensive back Destin Talbert.

The 26-year-old from Darien, Ill., has recorded 113 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, five interceptions and one defensive touchdown since joining the Ticats in 2024.

He led the team and was second in the league with 12 pass knockdowns last season.

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Mayala is back in B.C.

VANCOUVER — The B.C. Lions have re-signed wide receiver Hergy Mayala to a one-year contract.

Mayala was originally signed to the Lions’ practice roster last August after a stint with the Toronto Argonauts, where he made three receptions for 40 yards in seven appearances.

A veteran of 72 CFL games, the Montreal native was selected eighth overall by the Calgary Stampeders in 2019.

He hauled in 67 receptions for 846 yards and five touchdowns across two seasons with the Stamps.

Mayala moved to his hometown Alouettes from 2022-23, recording 40 catches for 527 yards and two majors in 20 games.

He signed with the Edmonton Elks for 2024 and registered 47 receptions for 503 yards and five touchdown grabs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2026.

The Canadian Press