Edmonton Elks Release QB Tre Ford Ahead of CFL Offseason Bonus

The Edmonton Elks have made a significant roster change by releasing Canadian quarterback Tre Ford ahead of a $110,000 offseason bonus. This decision comes just days before the bonus was due on February 1, 2026. Ford’s departure leaves him as a free agent and marks a pivotal moment for the Elks as they look to reshape their team.

Tre Ford’s Contract and Performance

Tre Ford was set to earn a total of $327,000 for the 2026 CFL season, which included the $110,000 active roster bonus. Additionally, his contract contained various incentives, including:

• $70,000 in playtime bonuses
• $6,000 in all-star and award bonuses
• $14,500 in statistical performance markers

This brought Ford’s potential maximum earnings to $417,500. However, after a rough start to the season, he found himself benched. Starting the first five games of the season, Ford finished with a 1-4 record, throwing for 984 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions.

The Elks’ Quarterback Situation

Following Ford’s struggles, Cody Fajardo took over as the starting quarterback. Fajardo played the final 13 games of the season, achieving a 6-7 record. He threw for 3,408 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Under Fajardo, coach Mark Kilam and general manager Ed Hervey decided to extend his contract for the subsequent 2026 season.

Team Performance in 2025

The Edmonton Elks finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-11 record, landing them in fifth position in the West Division. This result marked the fifth consecutive year the team missed the playoffs.

Attendance Trends

During the 2025 season, the Elks recorded an average attendance of 19,050 fans per game. This figure represents a 7.1 percent decrease from the previous year, reflecting challenges in engaging the fanbase amidst their on-field struggles.

The Edmonton Elks face a crucial offseason as they navigate the challenges ahead without Tre Ford and aim to improve their standing in the CFL.