Well folks, if there is such a thing as an “Elk Rodeo,” then this off-season for the Edmonton Elks has been a wild ride. With multiple player signings, massive contracts, and surprising cuts, the herd is going to look alot different when training camp opens in May. Oh, and lets not forget, maybe the biggest off-season signing was the new President/CEO, Victor Cui who has already brought back hope and enthusiasm for a disgruntled fan base. Now, will new GM Chris Jones live up to our expectations?

Key Signings and Re-Signings

• Kenny Lawler – WR – AMERICAN – Two-year vet of the CFL (2019 & 2021 Grey Cup Champion and 2021 CFL all-star). The CFL’s leading receiver of 2021 is now the highest paid wideout in the league after signing an estimated 300k contract with the Elks. He last played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and he was a Seattle Seahawks draft pick in 2016. He chose Edmonton over the BC Lions as he likely wanted a one-year deal, so he could pursue NFL dreams in 2023. BC wanted him to commit for two years.
• Deon Lacey – LB – AMERICAN – Four-year vet of the CFL. Lacey returns to the Green & Gold where he won the Grey Cup with Chris Jones back in 2015.
• Makana Henry – DL – NATIONAL – Five-year vet of the CFL. Henry last played with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He will be missed in Regina as he was a stand-out contributor to the community. Edmonton surely needs another ambassador in the community.
• Jalin Marshall – WR – NATIONAL – Two-year vet of the CFL. He last played with the Hamilton Tiger-cats and was a former WR with the NY Jets. The former Ohio St. Buckeye will reunite with his QB J.T. Barrett who was recently signed by Edmonton.
• Tobi Antigha – LB – AMERICAN – Four-year vet of the CFL. He last played with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
• Adam Konar – LB – NATIONAL – Six-year vet of the CFL (2015-2018 with Edmonton, 2015 Grey Cup Champion, former Elks draft pick). Konar last played with the BC Lions.
• Ed Gainey – DB – AMERICAN – Nine-year vet of the CFL (2017 & 2018 CFL All-star). Last played with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
• Mark Korte – OL – NATIONAL – Three-year vet of the CFL (former 1st round pick of Ottawa & local Edmonton product and U of A Golden Bears alumni). The Spruce Grove native, last played with the Ottawa Redblacks, he has been reported to become the highest paid Offensive Lineman in the CFL, which will see him earn $210000 in ’22 and $220000 in ’23.
• Derel Walker – WR – AMERICAN – Six-year vet of the CFL (2015 CFL Rookie of the Year and 2015 Grey Cup Champion). Last played with the Edmonton Elks.
• Antonio Simmons – DE – AMERICAN – Two-year vet of the CFL (traded to Edmonton from Montreal for Trevor Harris in 2021). Last played with the Edmonton Elks.

Thank you for your Service

• Sean Whyte – K – NATIONAL – Signed by the BC Lions. Whyte is a 12-year vet of the CFL and was a Grey Cup Champion with Edmonton in 2015.
• Matt O’Donnell – OL – NATIONAL – Retired from the Elks after nine seasons and a 2015 Grey Cup with Edmonton.
• Greg Ellingson – WR – AMERICAN – Eight-year CFL vet, signed with Winnipeg after two seasons with Edmonton.
• Kwaku Boateng – DE – NATIONAL – Four-year CFL vet, signed with Ottawa after spending his entire career with Edmonton.
• Derrick Moncrief – LB – AMERICAN – Four-year CFL, returns to where he started with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Free Saskatchewan Roughrider Gear

With Gainey, Lacey, and Henry all plucked from the Roughriders, CFL News Hub asked Ed Gainey about how he feels to be ditching the swag of the Green & White:

“I’ll be giving it away to anyone in Saskatchewan who wants it!”

Ed Gainey – Elks media availability on 8 February 2022.

Why all the Doubt on Arbuckle?

Many members of the media and some fans seem to have no confidence that Nick Arbuckle will win the number one QB job in Edmonton. With six QBs already in camp, many people question whether or not Arbuckle is in the Elks future. Today. I’m going to go on record by saying – “I assure you Nick will win the starting job and have a killer season.” Write it down fans. I’ve never been wrong before, if you need proof just ask my loving wife!

Well, I wonder what happens tomorrow on Free Agency Day 2.