Blue Bombers roster - 2025-2026

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign eight, including former Redblacks DB Alijah McGhee
By 3Down Staff -November 18, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed American defensive back Alijah McGhee following a three-year stint with the Ottawa Redblacks.

The six-foot-two, 195-pound native of Warner Robins, Ga. played six regular-season games with the Redblacks in 2025, recording 22 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, one interception, and one touchdown. He made four starts at field-side cornerback and one start at boundary cornerback.

The 26-year-old has played 19 regular-season games since joining the Redblacks in 2023, making 72 defensive tackles, three special teams tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one touchdown. He was released by Ottawa in August.

The Blue Bombers have signed seven other American players, including receivers Tyrone 'T.J.' Davis, Bryce Kirtz, and Kenneth Womack, offensive linemen Zovon Lindsay, Sebastian Pares, and Michael 'Bucky' Williams, and defensive back Michael 'Flip' Dixon.

Davis made 70 catches for 904 yards and 26 touchdowns with the Green Bay Blizzard of the Indoor Football League (IFL) as a rookie in 2025, earning a second-team All-IFL selection and an IFL All-Rookie selection.

The six-foot-three, 180-pound native of Colorado Springs, Co. played quarterback at the University of Nebraska–Kearney, an NCAA Division II program, where he threw for 6,525 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions, and rushed for 4,361 yards and 61 scores. He was twice named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year, a two-time AFCA All-American, and a two-time finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.

Kirtz played five collegiate seasons at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. where he made 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and five touchdowns. The six-foot, 195-pound native of Brownsburg, Ind. had his best season in 2023 when he caught 49 passes for 701 yards and all five of his career scores.

Womack started his collegiate career at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., where he made 98 receptions for 1,234 yards and five touchdowns. The six-foot, 195-pound native of Upper Marlboro, Md. transferred to Western Michigan University in 2023 and spent two years with the team, making 115 catches for 1,236 yards and two scores to earn one first-team All-MAC selection.

Lindsay played five collegiate seasons at North Carolina State University and Coastal Carolina University, dressing for 39 total games. The six-foot-four, 300-pound native of Fayetteville, N.C. played primarily right tackle.

Pares split his collegiate career between the University of Sioux Falls and Eastern Illinois University. The six-foot-six, 310-pound native of Joliet, Ill. played a total of 43 collegiate games and was named second-team All-Conference in 2023.

Williams played 61 collegiate games at Austin Peay State University and Appalachian State University, earning a first-team All-Sun Belt selection and second-team FCS All-American selection. The six-foot-three, 300-pound native of Ringgold, Ga. has since had stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns, though he didn't see any regular-season action with either team.

Dixon played five collegiate seasons at the University of Minnesota and Rutgers University. The six-foot-two, 210-pound native of Statesboro, Ga. recorded 173 defensive tackles, five tackles for loss, 17 pass knockdowns, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers finished fourth in the West Division standings in 2025 with a 10-8 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the crossover team before losing the East Semi-Final to the Montreal Alouettes. Zach Collaros threw for 3,048 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 13 regular-season games, going 6-7 as a starter.

The Blue Bombers ranked fifth in net offence, third in net defence, and eighth with a turnover differential of minus-eleven. The club's leading rusher was Brady Oliveira with 1,163 yards, leading receiver was Nic Demski with 1,001 yards, and leading tackler was Tony Jones with 104 tackles. Winnipeg ranked first in attendance with average crowds of 32,343, which was a 3.7 percent increase from the previous year.

https://3downnation.com/2025/11/18/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-eight-including-former-redblacks-db-alijah-mcghee/

Signings not listed are Hunter Poncius, Ben Dooley, and De'Shaan Dixon. They ended the season on the practice roster then were signed to future contracts.

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Blue Bombers add to roster

WINNIPEG, MB., November 18, 2025 –  The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announce the team has signed American defensive back Michael (Flip) Dixon, and American receiver Bryce Kirtz.

Dixon (6-2, 210, Rutgers; born: January 16, 2002 in Statesboro, GA.) joins the Blue Bombers after a five-year collegiate career with Minnesota and Rutgers.

At Minnesota (2020-2022), he totalled 45 tackles (27 solo, 18 assisted), one interception, 1.5 tackles-for-loss and four passes defended in 30 games (six starts).

Dixon transferred to Rutgers for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, where he totaled 138 tackles (84 solo, 54 assisted), 3.5 tackles for loss, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one blocked punt while starting all 25 games. He has earned Academic All-Big Ten honours from 2021 to 2024.

Kirtz (6-0, 195, Northwestern; born: April 27, 2000, in Brownsburg, IN.) signs on after a five-year collegiate career at Northwestern University (2020-2024).

Kirtz appeared in 47 games from 2020 to 2024, finishing with 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and five touchdowns. He added two rushing attempts for seven yards and served as a team captain in his final season.

Kirtz's breakout year came in 2023 when he led the Wildcats with 49 catches for 701 yards and five touchdowns, including a career-best 215-yard performance against Minnesota. In 2024, he followed with 39 receptions for 598 yards, averaging 15.3 yards per catch.

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Transactions:

2025-11-21   WPG   Hodges, Johnny   LB   A   Texas Christian   ADD   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign linebacker Johnny Hodges
November 21, 2025 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed linebacker Johnny Hodges on Friday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Johnny Hodges is six foot and weighs 237 pounds. A native of Darnestown, Maryland, Hodges attended the Los Angeles Chargers rookie minicamp in 2025.

Collegiately, Hodges was a lacrosse player at the Navy in 2019, where he played one game, causing a turnover in a 19-3 win over Furman. Then, he played football (2020-21) with 63 tackles (27 solos, 36 assists), three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, five passes defended, one forced fumble, and one kick return for 12 yards in 16 games for the Midshipmen.

Then, he transferred to TCU (2022-24) with 204 tackles (107 solos, 97 assists), 18 tackles for loss, five sacks, and one pass breakup in 31 games for the Horned Frogs. In 2024, he had a career-high 89 tackles (47 solos, 42 assists), 4.5 tackles for loss, and one sack in 13 games. Hodges was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention.

In 2022, Hodges made 87 tackles (45 solos, 42 assists), 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one pass defended in 14 games, helping TCU win the Fiesta Bowl over Michigan before losing to Georgia in the CFP Playoff National Championship. In the Fiesta Bowl, Hodges made five tackles (3 solos, 2 assists) and one tackle for loss.

Hodges was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Second Team All-Big 12, and Second Team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2025/11/21/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-linebacker-johnny-hodges/

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Blue Bombers add quarterback
November 25, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers today announce the team has signed American quarterback Bryce Perkins.

Perkins (6-2, 215, Virginia; born: December 20, 1996, in Chandler, AZ.) signs a futures contract with the Blue Bombers after three seasons in the NFL (2021-2022, 2025), two in the UFL (2024-2025), and a four-year collegiate career split between Arizona State (2015-2016), and Virginia (2018-2019).

Perkins signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and was a part of the Super Bowl LVI winning squad in 2021. Perkins appeared in five games with one start, where he completed 13 passes on 23 attempts, threw one touchdown, and rushed nine times for 44 yards in a 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Perkins signed briefly with the Carolina Panthers in August 2025 but was released shortly after.

His 2025 UFL season with the Michigan Panthers saw him completing 109 passes for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 269 yards on 47 tries for five touchdowns in six starts. After the season, Perkins was awarded UFL MVP and UFL Offensive Player of the Year and led the league in yards-per-attempt (8.5), and passer rating (108.7).

A native of Chandler, Arizona, Perkins played college football at Arizona State and Virginia. At Virginia, he set the school record for single-season total offense with 3,603 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2018 and followed with 3,540 total yards and 33 touchdowns in 2019.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/11/25/blue-bombers-add-quarterback/

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Transactions:

2025-11-25   WPG   Davis, Javaris   DB   A   Auburn   ADD   Active Roster
2025-11-25   WPG   PERKINS, Bryce   QB   A   Virginia   ADD   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign former UFL MVP quarterback Bryce Perkins
November 25, 2025 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed quarterback Bryce Perkins on Tuesday.

Bryce Perkins is six foot three and weighs 214 pounds. The 28-year-old from Queen Creek, Arizona, re-signed with the Michigan Panthers on August 26, 2024. In 2025, he completed 109 of 158 passes (69%) for 1,342 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, 47 carries for 269 yards, and five touchdowns in seven games.

In the playoffs, Perkins completed 41 of 60 passes (68.3%) for 576 yards, five touchdowns, one interception, 12 carries for 42 yards, and one rushing touchdown in two games, leading the Panthers to appear in the UFL Championship Game against the D.C. Defenders.

Perkins was named the UFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and the All-UFL Team in 2025. He also earned the UFL's Pizza Hut Offensive Player of the Week honor three times.

The Michigan Panthers released Perkins on August 17, 2025, and he signed with the Carolina Panthers on August 18, 2025. He played one preseason game, completing 10 of 11 passes (90.9%) for 71 yards, and two carries for 28 yards. The Panthers released him on August 25, 2025.

The Los Angeles Rams signed Perkins as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2020. In 2021, he completed 56 of 91 passes (61.5%) for 451 yards, three touchdowns, one interception, and 22 carries for 114 yards in three preseason games. He was on the practice squad when the Rams won the Super Bowl in 2021. In 2022, Perkins played five games for the Rams, completing 19 of 34 passes (55.9%) for 161 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and one carry for 19 yards.

The Michigan Panthers signed Perkins on April 24, 2024. In 2024, he completed 30 of 38 passes (79%) for 343 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception, 20 carries for 180 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 4 games.

Collegiately, Perkins started at Arizona State (2015-16) but redshirted his freshman year and missed the 2016 season with a broken neck. Next, He transferred to Arizona Western Community College in 2017, completing 114 of 180 passes (63.3%) for 1,311 yards, 7 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 69 carries for 353 yards, and four touchdowns in 10 games for the Matadors.

Then, Perkins transferred to Virginia (2018-19), completing 545 of 845 passes (64.5%) for 6,218 yards, 47 touchdowns, 21 interceptions, 439 carries for 2,235 yards, and 20 touchdowns in 27 games for the Cavaliers. In 2019, Perkins set the UVA single-season passing record with 3,538 yards.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2025/11/25/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-former-ufl-mvp-quarterback-bryce-perkins/

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-sign defensive back Javaris Davis
November 25, 2025 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed defensive back Javaris Davis on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Javaris Davis is five foot ten and weighs 186 pounds. The 28-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, signed with the Jacksonville Sharks on January 15, 2025. Shortly after signing with them, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 18, 2025.

The Blue Bombers placed Davis on the league suspension list as he returned to Jacksonville. In 2025, Davis made 53 tackles (32 solos, 21 assists), one tackle for loss, two interceptions for 40 yards, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 10 games.

The Orlando Guardians drafted Davis in the second round (16th pick) of Phase 2 of the 2023 XFL Draft. In 2023, he played one game for the Guardians with no stats.

The Guardians released him on March 15, 2023. Next, the Arlington Renegades signed Davis on March 28, 2023. Davis played two games with one tackle (1 solo) when the Renegades won the XFL Championship over the D.C. Defenders. He became a free agent after the 2023 season. Davis did not play football in 2024.

The Kansas City Chiefs signed Davis as an undrafted free agent on April 30, 2020. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals. Davis played one regular-season game for Miami with two tackles (2 solos).

Collegiately, Davis played four seasons at Auburn (2016-19) with 147 tackles (115 solos, 35 assists), 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, eight interceptions for 133 yards, one touchdown, one forced fumble, 27 pass breakups, and one kick return for 29 yards in 49 games for the Tigers.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2025/11/25/winnipeg-blue-bombers-re-sign-defensive-back-javaris-davis/

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Transactions:

2025-11-27   WPG   UWUBANMWEN, Iwinosa   OL   N   Alberta   ADD   Active Roster

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Winnipeg Blue Bombers sign offensive lineman Iwinosa Uwubanmwen
November 27, 2025 Michael Heilman

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers signed offensive lineman Iwinosa Uwubanmwen on Thursday according to the CFL Transactions page.

Iwinosa Uwubanmwen is six foot four and weighs 300 pounds. The 23-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the eighth round (71st pick) of the 2025 CFL Draft. He missed training camp due to an injury and headed back to Alberta for his final collegiate season.

Collegiately, Uwubanmwen spent seven seasons at the University of Alberta (2019-25), playing left tackle in 25 games for the Golden Bears. In 2025, he played left tackle in six games. Alberta's offense averaged 22.50 points per game, 299.13 passing yards per game, 107.6 rushing yards per game, 391.5 total yards per game, 22 touchdowns, and allowed 14 sacks, finishing the season with a 1-8 record.

https://www.bgmsportstrax.com/2025/11/27/winnipeg-blue-bombers-sign-offensive-lineman-iwinosa-uwubanmwen/

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1st & 10 | The Blue Bombers Pending Free Agent List
November 28, 2025  Ed Tait  @EdTaitWFC

There's a long offseason to-do list for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to attack — some of it already well underway — including solidifying Mike O'Shea's coaching staff and the scouting department alongside GM Kyle Walters, to planning for the here and now and life beyond the 2026 Canadian Football League season.

And while getting after all that there's also a long list of pending free agents — some 35 names in total — on which decisions will be made before the communication window opens on February 1st at 11 a.m. and runs to February 8th before the market opens on February 10th.

The Blue Bombers are at a crossroads organizationally, having cranked out nine consecutive double-digit win seasons but coming off a 10-8 season in which they finished fourth in the West Division and lost in the opening round of the Grey Cup playoffs after making five consecutive championship game appearances. It is a roster still greying around the edges but having already introduced some talented fresh faces into the lineup over the last two years.

The club's pending free agent list is a reflection of that as it features a collection of future hall of famers, solid starters, emerging talents and, yes, some question marks.

The CFL's entire list of pending free agents can be found here:

    Official 2026 Free Agent Tracker

And let's take a deeper dive into that list in this week's edition of 1st & 10...

STARTERS

Canadians

RB Brady Oliveira

This will likely be expensive for the Blue Bombers but is still an absolute must. He's a hometown hero, a former CFL Most Outstanding Player, a two-time CFL Most Outstanding Canadian and a player who has rushed for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons. He also set a career high in receiving numbers in 2025 with 61 catches for 546 yards. Oh, at just age 28 he's already sixth in franchise history for career rushing yards.

SB Nic Demski

Posted his third straight 1K season, despite missing two games and while working in an offence that struggled to find consistency. He'll be 32 in December but playing the best ball of his career and it would be almost criminal to see another hometown guy in different colours.

Dime Redha Kramdi

Widely regarded as the QB on defence, Kramdi can play the difficult dime spot that requires pass coverage skills and the ability to step up and stuff the run and, also, the safety position. He's still just 28 and an integral part of the defence.

Right guard Pat Neufeld

Still steady at 36 and one of the important leaders in the locker room. The club did draft Ethan Vibert in 2025, and he could be Neufeld's heir apparent, but that would be categorized as 'still TBD.'

Centre Chris Kolankowski

A grinder in the middle of the O-line who is now 33 and has had Tui Eli breathing down his neck for a few seasons. The dilemma for management is balancing the desire for continuity up front vs. the need to continually draft, develop and play Canadians along the O-line.

Defensive tackle Jake Thomas

He's 34 now and coming off a season in which he had nine tackles and no sacks for the first time in his career since 2016. His value as a leader is unquestioned, but the club also has an emerging Canadian talent who needs more snaps behind him in Cam Lawson.

Americans

DB Evan Holm

Just completed the best season of his career, one in which he was named a CFL All-Star and the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Defensive Player

LT Stanley Bryant

The birth certificate doesn't lie: the big man turns 40 next May. There's also this: he was just named the team's top O-lineman for an eighth time and selected to the CFLPA All-Star team. The scouts keep bringing in import tackles to challenge him and be ready as his replacement and yet he still mans the left flank because he's still so freaking solid.

DB Deatrick Nichols

We've all come to appreciate how solid he is as a halfback over the last few years. What's underrated is how much of a leader he has become not only on the Blue Bombers defence, but for the entire squad.

DE Willie Jefferson

His sack totals have dipped over the last three years from 11 to six to three this past season. He's still a force in knocking down passes and those sack totals are down partly because of a defensive philosophy that often rushes just three and drops the rest into coverage. Jefferson is THE most vocal leader in the room and one of the team's most popular players – two parts of his resumé that do have value.

LB Kyrie Wilson

Quietly steady, Wilson played a full season for the first time since 2019. He did turn 33 this month and there options already on the roster to potentially replace him in Michael Ayers and Canadian Connor Shay but the coaching staff does love his skillset.

WR Jerreth Sterns

Posted the best numbers of his three-year career this season with 48 catches for 530 yards and four TDs in 14 games and, in the process, emerged as one of the most reliable targets in the offence. At just 26, his career arrow trajectory is trending upwards.

WR Keric Wheatfall

Took a step this year with a boost to his numbers to 42 catches for 655 yards and four TDs – although he had just seven receptions in his last six games. Has played in 23 games over two years and is at a critical juncture in his CFL career to either continue to blossom or plateau.

DE James Vaughters

He was exactly as advertised in his first year with the Blue Bombers – a steady, veteran presence who tied a career high with six sacks. That said, he is 32 now and the work of Kydran Jenkins and Matt Jaworski in the regular-season finale – just a one-game sample size – does give the club intriguing options to go younger and cheaper.

DT Jamal Woods

Injuries limited him to just four games this year and two sacks. Just 26, it will be interesting to see what kind of attention he might garner if he hits the CFL free agent market.

CB Demerio Houston

He helped stabilize the secondary when he arrived with 17 tackles and two knockdowns in just five games. Still, at 29 he's vulnerable to younger options but his experience could make him popular if he gets to market.

CB Jamal Parker, Jr.

Valuable because of his versatility, Parker, Jr. had 36 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries in 2025 in just 11 games.

CB Dexter Lawson

Dressed for 10 games, starting eight this season and his experience was noticeable. There will be no promises if he's re-signed and he'll have to fight for a gig all over again in training camp.

OTHER

Canadians

DT Cam Lawson

Mentioned above, Lawson was arguably the team's best defensive tackle this year even if his snap count might not have reflected that. At 27, he simply needs to play more, but will that be with the Blue Bombers.

OL Tui Eli

He's 29 and the club has been waiting for him to push for a starting gig on the OL. He could be the option at centre if Kolankowski hits the market.

LB Tanner Cadwallader

Consistent veteran presence on special teams who finished with 14 tackles on the kick cover units – third on the team to Michael Ayers (23) and Jaylen Smith (22). Five years with the club now and still only 28.

LB Shayne Gauthier

He's 33 now and still gets it done on special teams game in and game out. The challenge for the Blue Bombers is these roster spots are also critical for younger talent and draft picks.

DB Nick Hallett

So many similarities to Gauthier – he's trusted on special teams and can play safety in a pinch. Still, he's now 32 and teams are always eyeballing these spots in the CFL Draft.

SB Gavin Cobb

Dressed for only four games, starting a pair, but he does offer veteran experience both as a receiver and returner.

Americans

DB Michael Griffin II

Another defender valued for his versatility, Griffin II finished third on the Blue Bombers in total defensive plays, including 47 tackles and a sack. And at 27 he's one of the younger defensive backs with significant experience now.

QB Chris Streveler

Say what you will about how it looked this year, but the Blue Bombers were 4-1 in games he started this year. Immensely respected in the room, he is however at a bit of a career crossroads after suffering another knee injury in the regular-season finale.

OL Eric Lofton

Played in only one game all year after starting every game at right tackle in 2024. He's 32 and the club has settled on Kendall Randolph at the spot.

WR Dillon Mitchell

A frustrating and disappointing season for one of the team's high-profile free agent signings this year just got worse with his arrest this week for multiple offences after a high-speed chase in Arkansas.

Specialists

PK Sergio Castillo

He's been so reliable over the last few years and in 2025 he connected on 85.7 percent of his field goal tries, including a club record 63-yarder. His 6-of-11 mark from distance – 50-yards plus – makes him a long-range weapon. And if popularity counts for anything, he could run for presidente in the Blue Bombers locker room.

P Jamieson Sheahan

Doesn't get enough credit for his skill as a directional punter and his ability to pin offences rather than set them up following punt singles. That could make him potentially even more valuable with rule changes coming over the next two years.

Injured

*(Indicates Canadian)

WR Dalton Schoen

He was simply dominant in 2022-23 with 141 receptions for 2,663 yards and 26 TDs in 34 games. Since then? Injuries have limited him to just eight games over the next two years. If he's 100 percent healthy, this seems like a possible marriage again of risk vs. reward.

CB Terrell Bonds

Started the first eight games before a knee injury ended his season. He's 29 now and the team has a proven track record of finding defensive backs, so...

DT Tanner Schmekel

Was just starting to flash this past season when a knee injury cut his year short. Brings high energy and good teammate vibes but is at a position that also includes Thomas and Lawson as pending free agents.

WR Kody Case

Entered '25 as a versatile receiver/returner but an injury leaves his future with the team in question given the number of pass catchers already on the roster.

DB Enock Makonzo*

Looked to be a potentially valuable addition when he signed last year but was injured in camp. Has now gone two seasons without taking a snap.

https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/11/28/1st-10-the-blue-bombers-pending-free-agent-list/

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Official 2026 Free Agent Tracker

The CFL's Free Agency period opens on Feb. 10, 2026 at noon ET.

The Free Agency Communication Window, in which teams can openly speak with pending free agents or CFL Players' Association-registered designates, is scheduled for February 1 at noon ET until February 8 at noon ET.

https://www.cfl.ca/fa26/#WPG