New York Jets work out CFL trio, including Bombers' dual-award winner Trey Vaval
By 3Down Staff -November 21, 2025
The New York Jets hosted a trio of CFL players for a workout on Friday, including the league's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player and Most Outstanding Rookie. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston was the first to report the workout.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' returner Trey Vaval took home both awards after he led the league in punt return yards (957), missed field goal return yards (391), and kick return touchdowns (four). The 25-year-old native of Blue Springs, Mo., also finished third in all-purpose yards (2,266) and fifth in kickoff return yards (918).
Joining Vaval for the workout were Hamilton Tiger-Cats returner Isaiah Wooden and Calgary Stampeders receiver Damien Alford.
https://3downnation.com/2025/11/21/new-york-jets-work-out-cfl-trio-including-bombers-dual-award-winner-trey-vaval/
For some reason, didn't consider the possibility of Vaval leaving.
That's incredibly terrible news.
What is the connection, Bombers to New York Jets?
Streveller, Wilson, now Vaval.
Meh, it'll have the same result as all of our other Jets tryouts.
Grant in his first year was better, and he didn't stick (or tryout?) in the NFL. Neither will Vaval.
But best of luck trying! Chasing the dream is good. Hope is good. Big payday is good. If he strikes gold, good for him and we'll miss him. But his odds are not good!
Quote from: markf on November 22, 2025, 12:58:46 AMWhat is the connection, Bombers to New York Jets?
Streveller, Wilson, now Vaval.
Certain teams scout the CFL. It's usually the same ones offering workouts.
Quote from: Jesse on November 22, 2025, 01:50:12 AMCertain teams scout the CFL. It's usually the same ones offering workouts.
Maybe NY Jets have a guy on the payroll just to sit in WPG and go to games / practices ;) ;D ;D
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 01:55:19 AMMaybe NY Jets have a guy on the payroll just to sit in WPG and go to games / practices ;) ;D ;D
Agents just know which guys will take their phone calls.
Quote from: markf on November 22, 2025, 12:58:46 AMWhat is the connection, Bombers to New York Jets?
Streveller, Wilson, now Vaval.
I was afraid this might happen. Even if he doesn't stick, he may be lost for 1/2 of the season. Also worried that Woodbey and Allen might get an NFL look.
Quote from: Blue In BC on November 22, 2025, 02:14:13 AMI was afraid this might happen. Even if he doesn't stick, he may be lost for 1/2 of the season. Also worried that Woodbey and Allen might get an NFL look.
Woodbey only got any film late in the season, and only for a few games. Allen really petered off to end the season -- started looking lackluster. Then again, so did Dequoy!! I see no risk whatsoever. SSK, MTL are the ones who have to worry about poaching (CFL and NFL) now.
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 01:55:19 AMMaybe NY Jets have a guy on the payroll just to sit in WPG and go to games / practices ;) ;D ;D
It's not just Winnipeg. Keep an eye on the CFL guys that will be getting looks during the try-out window. Most will probably play a visit to the Jets.
The Jets also like to bring CFL draft picks to their rookie mini-camps.
Very few ever get signed.
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 02:40:03 AMWoodbey only got any film late in the season, and only for a few games. Allen really petered off to end the season -- started looking lackluster. Then again, so did Dequoy!! I see no risk whatsoever. SSK, MTL are the ones who have to worry about poaching (CFL and NFL) now.
NFL teams always need to find / add players for TC. So it's not a matter of a CFL player particularly excelling. It's more about their desire to find an NFL home. They will try to land that TC shot.
More film doesn't hurt but it's not just about that.
I'm not saying any of them will automatically get an NFL TC offer or will make even an NFL PR. I'm just saying I won't be surprised if these players and others across the CFL don't get some opportunities.
It's often about being in the right place at the right time.
IMO Wilson was good enough to land at least an NFL PR spot but didn't. We see about a dozen CFL players that end up back in the CFL after these attempts.
Very few are gone for an extended time that are actually on an NFL PR. Elgersma is somewhat a typical example. Can't blame any player for following that dream.
With the thousands of new players aging out of the NCAA, there is never a shortage of camp fodder.
Many players come to the CFL in the hopes of getting some tape and parlay that into a chance for an NFL shot.
One in a few hundred turn that opportunity into actual reality. Like Dee Alford, actually starting games in ATL.
So, of course these guys have a shot, but most likely they are back next year. They have that short NFL window, and then their contracts with the CFL kick back in unless they get signed.
This is just a total waste of time. Go chase your dream, but really, an extremely long shot at getting a PR spot and could get hurt in the process. Not a fan of this dream chasing but understand that the players have to give their best shot when given the opportunity, but this tryout is going absolutely no where.
Quote from: Tecno on November 22, 2025, 01:55:19 AMMaybe NY Jets have a guy on the payroll just to sit in WPG and go to games / practices ;) ;D ;D
has anyone even stuck on the pr of the jets from the cfl?
Quote from: Pete on November 23, 2025, 10:23:38 PMhas anyone even stuck on the pr of the jets from the cfl?
Below is Vaughter's NFL journey after 2 successful seasons with the Stamps 2017-18, the paths of these CFL refugees all look the same, very few find any stability.
Chicago Bears
On January 8, 2019, Vaughters signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears.[14] On August 31, 2019, Vaughters was cut and signed to the practice squad the next day.[15][16] He was released on September 12, but returned to the practice squad on October 29.[17] He was promoted to the active roster on November 2,[18] and made his NFL debut in that weekend's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He mostly played on special teams, appearing on nine plays there and four on defense. He was released the next Monday and re-signed to the practice squad.[19] He was promoted back to the active roster on November 9, but waived two days later and re-signed back to the practice squad.[20] He returned to the 53-man roster on November 16 after Trey Burton was placed on injured reserve.[21] He was waived again on November 19 and re-signed to the practice squad.[22] On December 30, 2019, Vaughters was signed to a reserve/future contract.[23] In Week 5 of the 2020 season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, Vaughters recorded his first career sack on Tom Brady during the 20–19 win.[24] He signed a contract extension with the team on March 3, 2021.[25] On August 31, 2021 Vaughters was released by the Bears.[26]
Atlanta Falcons
On September 3, 2021, Vaughters was signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.[27] On September 11, 2021, Vaughters was elevated to the active roster prior to the Falcons' first game of the 2021 season versus the Philadelphia Eagles.[28] He was signed to the active roster on November 2, 2021.[29] On May 2, 2022, he was released by the Falcons.[30]
Pittsburgh Steelers
On August 15, 2022, Vaughters signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.[31] He was waived on August 30.[32]