As the Canadian Football League (CFL) progresses into the offseason, all nine CFL teams have made public ten names from their respective negotiation lists. This disclosure, mandated twice annually in September and December, is a continuation of a policy established during the CFL winter meetings in 2018.

The negotiation list allows teams in the league to secure the exclusive CFL rights to 45 players by placing them on these lists. Players can be shifted in and out or even traded at any point, enabling teams to strategically manage their rights to potential future signings.

Historically, negotiation lists have included a myriad of players who often generate substantial buzz, such as quarterbacks Dustin Crum and Chad Kelly, and dynamic receivers like Lucky Whitehead. Below is a snapshot of notable entries on the 2023 winter negotiation lists for each CFL team:

BC LIONS have indicated an interest in diverse quarterback talent with names like Brennan Armstrong from North Carolina State and Noah Fifita from Arizona. The Lions are also eyeing wide receivers such as Devron Harper and Jermaine Jackson.

EDMONTON ELKS revealed a keenness on quarterbacks with Holton Ahlers and KJ Jefferson making the list alongside Utah’s Cameron Rising. Strengthening their defensive line with players like Noah Taylor is also on their agenda.

CALGARY STAMPEDERS’ list includes productive college quarterbacks James Blackman and Davis Brin. Wide receivers like Jadon Haselwood and Auden Tate also hint at Calgary’s desire to elevate their pass-catching options.

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS have shown an affinity for defensive talent with Ryan Anderson and Aaron Patrick. They’re also exploring offensive contributions from quarterbacks like Chase Garbers and Josh Malone at the receiver position.

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS‘ selections including Praise Amaewhule to fortify their defensive line and Michael Ayers to strengthen their linebacker core. Quarterback Carter Bradley is a name to note for future offensive potential.

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS have quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and receiver R’Shaun Henry among their winter selections, possibly hinting at plans to boost their offensive capabilities in the coming seasons.

TORONTO ARGONAUTS have placed their sights on quarterbacks such as Jason Bean from Kansas, along with pivot John Rhys Plumlee and offensive lineman Jason Poe, demonstrating a focus on securing foundations for a strong attack.

OTTAWA REDBLACKS feature players such as quarterback Will Howard and receiver Tyler Hudson. Their aim seems to be on bringing in talents that can enhance their offensive firepower.

MONTREAL ALOUETTES have disclosed an interest in quarterbacks like James Morgan and Brett Gabbert, as well as wide receiver Darwin Thompson. This shows their intent to maintain a competitive edge.

2023 WINTER NEGOTIATION LISTS
​(Name | Position | College)

BC LIONS

• Brennan Armstrong | QB | North Carolina State
• Sean Chambers | RB | Montana State
• Noah Fifita | QB | Arizona
• Devron Harper | WR | Mercer
• Frank Harris | QB | Texas-San Antonio
• Smoke Harris | WR | Louisiana Tech
• Jermaine Jackson | WR | Idaho
• Mikey Keene | QB | Fresno State
• Gevani McCoy | QB | Idaho
• Kaidon Salter | QB | Liberty

EDMONTON ELKS

• Holton Ahlers | QB | East Carolina
• Isaiah Davis | RB | South Dakota State
• Malik Flowers | WR | Montana
• KJ Jefferson | QB | Arkansas
• Cameron Rising | QB | Utah
• Spencer Sanders | QB | Mississippi
• Cody Schrader | RB | Missouri
• Noah Taylor | DL | North Carolina
• BJ Wilson | OL | Quincy
• Dresser Winn | QB | Tennessee Martin

CALGARY STAMPEDERS

• James Blackman | QB | Arkansas State
• Davis Brin | QB | Georgia Southern
• Theo Day | QB | Northern Iowa
• Jadon Haselwood | WR | Arkansas
• Jerome Kapp | WR | Kutztown
• Marquel Lee | LB | Wake Forest
• Josh Love | QB | San Jose State
• Armani Marsh | DB | Washington State
• Auden Tate | WR | Florida State
• Dee Williams | DB | Tennessee

SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS

• Ryan Anderson | DL | Alabama
• Jerrion Ealy | RB | Mississippi
• Chase Garbers | QB | California
• Thakarius Keyes | DB | Tulane
• Josh Malone | WR | Tennessee
• Jordan McCloud | QB | James Madison
• George Moore | OL | Oregon
• Aaron Patrick | DL | Eastern Kentucky
• Jarrid Williams | OL | Miami
• Zach Zebrowski | QB | Central Missouri

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS

• Praise Amaewhule | DL | Texas El Paso
• Michael Ayers | LB | Ashland
• Carter Bradley | QB | South Alabama
• Kody Case | WR | Illinois
• Darren Grainger | QB | Georgia State
• Mark Gronowski | QB | South Dakota State
• Penny Hart | WR | Georgia State
• Gavin Holmes | WR | Baylor
• Jalen Redmond | DL | Oklahoma
• Anthony Witherstone | DB | Merrimack

HAMILTON TIGER-CATS

• Shemar Bridges | WR | Fort Valley State
• Thomas Castellanos | QB | Boston College
• DeQuan Finn | QB | Toledo
• Ra’Shaun Henry | WR | Virginia
• Jason Huntley | RB | New Mexico State
• Andrew Peasley | QB | Wyoming
• Adam Plant Jr. | DL | UNLV
• Austin Reed | QB | Western Kentucky
• Taulia Tagovailoa | QB | Maryland
• Rejzohn Wright | DB | Oregon State

TORONTO ARGONAUTS

• Jason Bean | QB | Kansas
• Isaiah Bowser | RB | Central Florida
• Nolan Henderson | QB | Delaware
• Leonard Johnson | DB | Duke
• Xavier Malone | WR | Henderson State
• John Matocha | QB | Colorado School of Mines
• Derek Parish | DL | Houston
• John Rhys Plumlee | QB | Central Florida
• Jason Poe | OL | Mercer
• Matt Sluka | QB | Holy Cross

OTTAWA REDBLACKS

• Tarik Black | WR | Texas
• Ben Bryant | QB | Northwestern
• Tim DeMorat | QB | Fordham
• Mac Hippenhammer | WR | Miami (OH)
• Will Howard | QB | Kansas State
• Tyler Hudson | WR | Louisville
• Cam Miller | QB | North Dakota State
• David Perales | DL | Fresno State
• Kalil Pimpleton | WR | Central Michigan
• Kris Thornton | WR | James Madison

MONTREAL ALOUETTES

• Davis Cheek | QB | Elon
• Brett Gabbert | QB | Miami (OH)
• Jaray Jenkins | WR | Louisiana State
• Parker McKinney | QB | Eastern Kentucky
• James Morgan | QB | Florida International
• Daviyon Nixon | DL | Iowa
• EJ Perry | QB | Brown
• Lindsey Scott Jr. | QB | Incarnate Word
• Marquez Stevenson | WR | Houston
• Darwin Thompson | RB | Utah State

The negotiation lists offer fans a glimpse into the future strategies and potential roster moves that may shape the CFL landscape in the seasons ahead. As the off-season continues, these lists will likely evolve, reflecting the ever-changing dynamics of team planning and player availability.