With 28-year-old defensive lineman Mike Moore traded to the Montreal Alouettes, subtract 269 lbs from the Edmonton Elks 2022 roster. With the trade acquisitions of 35-year-old year offensive lineman Tony Washington and 29-year-old returner Martese Jackson, add 489 lbs. Then add 335 lbs with the free-agent signing of Canadian offensive lineman Nicholas Summach. If the scales in the Elks locker room are accurate, a total of 824 lbs has been added to their roster on 14 January 2022.

Tony Washington Returns to Edmonton

With two Grey Cup rings on his hand, standing 6’7″ and weighing 318 lbs, the New Orleans born, blindside offensive lineman reunites with GM/HC Chris Jones. Washington was in Edmonton in 2015 when the Elks won their last Grey Cup. Washington brings over 10 years of CFL experience. His size, speed, love for Edmonton will truly enhance the offensive line in 2022. At the media availability on 14 January 2022, Washington reinforced his excitement to be back in the City of Edmonton and he was thrilled to be able to work with Chris Jones once again. When asked about which D-lineman he looks most forward to facing in the ultra-competitive West Division he simply stated “all of them.”

Martese Jackson Returns to Edmonton

With one Grey Cup ring on his hand, standing 5’5″ and weighing 171 lbs, the North Carolina born, speedy running back/kick returner returns to Edmonton where he played in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Jackson’s most successful season in the CFL was with the Toronto Argonauts in 2017 where in 15 games, he finished with 2,214 total kick return yards and 3 return TDs. Since the 2018 season, his production has been limited, but Edmonton hopes he can bring back some electricity to a dismal Elks return game.

Mammoth Rookie Canadian – Nicholas Summach

With two Hardy Cups on his resume, standing only 6’8″ and weighing a mere 335 lbs, the Saskatoon born, 2020 Elks 7th round draft pick, signs with the herd in Edmonton. Summach will bring some much needed Canadian talent to the Elks offensive line. To the dismay of Saskatchewan fans, the towering home-grown lineman will finally shed the green and white colours and don the brilliant green and gold as he begins his professional career in Alberta.

“”They just got a great player who has a ton of potential…He’s big, athletic and a student of the game with a lot of potential to be a good pro.”

Scott Flory – HC of the U of S Huskies after Summach was drafted in 2020 by Edmonton

What’s Next for the Elks?

With a list of pending free agents, Chris Jones still has a tonne of work to do to shape the roster for the 2022 season. Look for the Elks to start solidifying their Special Teams coaching staff and to lock-up stars like kicker Sean Whyte and linebacker Derrick Moncrief….but…with Jones, be prepared for more surprises to come.