The 2025 Canadian Football League (CFL) free agency officially began on Tuesday, marked by teams scrambling to acquire the best available talent to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. The day kicked off with numerous signings, bolstering hopes for teams eager to improve on their previous campaigns.
One of the first big announcements came from the Calgary Stampeders, who confirmed they had signed all-star defensive back Damon Webb. Webb, who was previously with the Ottawa Redblacks, had an outstanding 2024 season, where he led the league with two interception-return touchdowns. The 30-year-old also recorded 68 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 5 interceptions, which earned him both East Division and CFL all-star honors. With 191 total tackles and extensive playoff experience, Webb is expected to provide significant support to the Stampeders’ secondary as they look to rebound from last season’s struggles.
Alongside Webb, Calgary also welcomed linebacker Derrick Moncrief, another seasoned player who brings substantial experience from stints with Edmonton and Saskatchewan. The 32-year-old boasts 298 career tackles and was named to the West Division All-Star team twice. Moncrief’s versatility and strong presence on the field are anticipated to make him a formidable addition to Calgary’s defense.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers weren’t idle either, quickly announcing their acquisition of Canadian receiver Gavin Cobb from the Edmonton Elks. The 27-year-old receiver accounted for 308 yards and two touchdowns across his last two seasons, adding valuable experience to the Bombers’ receiving corps. Shortly after Cobb's signing, Winnipeg solidified their roster by bringing in American receiver Jerreth Sterns, who had recorded 941 yards and three touchdowns with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The addition of these two receivers aims to bolster the Bombers' aerial attack, especially following the departure of standout player Kenny Lawler.
Winnipeg continued its momentum by adding defensive back Josh Hagerty and running back/kick returner Peyton Logan. Hagerty, effective on special teams, has prior championship experience from his time with the Toronto Argonauts, and Logan is expected to contribute both offensively and as a return man after excelling with the Calgary Stampeders.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats also made headlines by signing American linebacker Brian Cole II, who is known for his quick impact on defenses. The 27-year-old linebacker previously recorded 28 tackles and forced one fumble during his time with the Bombers, bringing additional depth to Hamilton’s line.
Another significant move featured the arrival of veteran receiver Tevin Jones to the Stampeders. Jones led the CFL with 18.3 yards per catch last season and has displayed impressive versatility as both a receiver and special teams player. The 32-year-old’s signing adds depth to Calgary’s receiving corps, which is expected to be rejuvenated following recent challenges.
Perhaps one of the more remarkable stories of the free agency period came from the Ottawa Redblacks, who declared their forward momentum by announcing multiple signings. The Redblacks solidified their defensive unit by acquiring cornerback Tunde Adeleke and other American defensive backs Nafees Lyon and Amari Henderson. The team has also made strides to balance its offensive strategy, signing veteran quarterback Tommy Stevens from the Stampeders, who is known for his short-yardage expertise.
Among the other notable transactions, the Toronto Argonauts confirmed they have re-signed running back Ka'Deem Carey. The 32-year-old had impressive statistics last season, amassing over 1,000 yards rushing and ranking third among CFL rushers, ensuring his role as one of the cornerstones of Toronto's offense.
The free agency frenzy continues to create excitement among fans and analysts alike, as teams finalize signings and strategize for the 2025 season. Analysts speculate on how these new additions will integrate within their respective squads and contribute to the on-field dynamics.
Fans eagerly await the season opener, hopeful their teams will leverage these signings for greater success. With the free agency period still underway, the enthusiasm surrounding potential additions and trades suggests this will be one of the most transformative seasons for many CFL teams.
Stay tuned for continued updates, analysis, and insights as the free agency period evolves, providing more opportunities for teams to heighten their competitiveness heading toward the season.