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5 impactful free agency signings so far

CFL.ca
@kcostabile1

The clock struck noon ET on February 10 and shortly after, the flood of official announcements poured into our inboxes and across our timelines.

As is usual in the CFL, Free Agency is a flurry of activity for all teams in the league, as they look to reel in new talent from the open waters to build their rosters for the upcoming season.

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Ahead of the market opening, there were already some high-impact new additions across the country, including some that weren’t pending free agents. Tre Ford and Wynton McManis in Hamilton, Austin Mack in Edmonton, James Letcher Jr. in Saskatchewan and DeVonte Dedmon in Montreal were just some of the stars that will wear new threads in 2026.

With the book closed on Day 1 of Free Agency and the second day well underway, here are five signings so far that will make an impact on their new teams.

MALIK CARNEY | EDMONTON ELKS

Malik Carney signed with the Edmonton Elks on the second day of the open market and instantly upgrades the team’s pass rush, one that struggled to get after the quarterback in 2025 (24 sacks, tied for second-least in the CFL).

On his way to helping the Riders win the 112th Grey Cup, Carney tallied eight sacks and, according to PFF, generated 62 pressures. Those 62 pressures were good for fourth in the league behind Julian Howsare (75), Mathieu Betts (70), and Clarence Hicks (65). In layman’s terms: if there was a quarterback in front of him, Carney was making him uncomfortable.

In addition to his instincts in the trenches, what makes Carney so unique is his athleticism. Throughout his career in both Hamilton and Saskatchewan, defensive coordinators were able to drop Carney into coverage, causing confusion for any offensive coordinator trying to scheme against him. Adding that versatility to a defensive line that has lost Jake Ceresna to Winnipeg will be key as the Elks look to bounce back from just barely missing the playoffs last year.

A.J. ALLEN | OTTAWA REDBLACKS

Versatility is a common theme on this list and A.J. Allen may be the most versatile of them all.

Allen, who signed a two-year deal with the REDBLACKS on day two of Free Agency, seemed to be the Roughriders’ best kept secret in 2025. He padded the stat sheet throughout the entire season, but he wasn’t always talked about, which should change heading into 2026. Allen finished in the top 10 in the league in total defensive plays, tied with star linebacker Tyrice Beverette (109). The linebacker can play in the box against the run, in coverage and behind the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by his four sacks, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and five knockdowns last season.

Allen not only gives the Ottawa REDBLACKS a sideline-to-sideline defender that can do it all, but he holds a Canadian passport, giving head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie ratio flexibility with the rest of his roster.

JARELL BROXTON | WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

Jarell Broxton was ranked No. 14 on CFL.ca’s top 30 pending free agents list and provides an immediate upgrade to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ pass protection after signing with the team on Tuesday.

Broxton was part of an offensive line in BC that allowed the fewest sacks in 2025 and, according to PFF, the tackle was the highest-graded offensive lineman at protecting the quarterback with a 81.2 pass protection grade.

Keeping Zach Collaros upright will be imperative for the Bombers in 2026 after surrendering 37 sacks last year and adding Broxton should help significantly.

AYDEN EBERHARDT | OTTAWA REDBLACKS

 

The REDBLACKS have been extremely active, signing a ton of free agents, including receiver Ayden Eberhardt, who signed a two-year deal with Ottawa on the opening day of free agency.

Eberhardt just started to break through with the BC Lions in 2025, his third season in the CFL. He hit career-highs in yards (863), touchdowns (four) and catches (45), but it was his big play ability that set him apart.

The 27-year-old receiver averaged 19.2 yards per catch, good for second in the CFL among starting pass-catchers. Dru Brown has the arm to air it out and with Eberhardt in the fold, he has an explosive receiver who can stretch the field and take the top off of an opposing defence.

C.J. REAVIS | OTTAWA REDBLACKS

As previously mentioned, the REDBLACKS were busy on day one of free agency, reeling in plenty of new faces, as they look to improve on both sides of the ball. With their defence ranked No. 6 in the CFL last season, giving up a second-most points per game (29.8), a big defensive addition on the opening day of free agency was former Roughrider C.J. Reavis.

Reavis played both SAM linebacker and safety in 2025 and his impact on the defence still remained no matter where he lined up. Reavis was among the top 30 players in defensive plays, tallying 74 on the season. The cover linebacker roams around making plays on all three levels of a defence and can be used anywhere head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie and his coaching staff sees fit.

The six-foot, 198-pounder is as versatile as they come, collecting two sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, five knockdowns, a fumble recovery and two tackles for loss, along with 61 defensive tackles on his way to helping the Riders win the 112th Grey Cup.