Third Down Gamble

Do what's best.

Elks' General Manager Ed Hervey is 'bullish' on his teams chances in 2026.  CFL player-salary cap has jumped nearly 50% since 2010, what is driving the change?  Roughriders' part ways with their most accurate kicker in franchise history.  U-Sports Canadian Quarterback Taylor Elgersma will show off his skills February 26 - March 1 at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.  (CFL on CBC opening theme and game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded February 23, 2026).

There could be some change (with Howie Mooney of the Sports Lunatics podcast).

Winnipeg spent a lot on free agents in 2025, none stuck with the team, by spending more in 2026 will the Blue Bombers fare better?  Should a rule be in place to clarify how teams can communicate to potential free agents prior to the negotation window?  Howie Mooney provides insight into the major 2026 free agent signing so far, including a huge spash by Ottawa, and a signifcant set of contracts signed by the Edmonton Elks (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded February 16, 2026).

Left it all out there.

Doug Flutie weighed in on the CFL moves to change field dimensions and placement of goalposts, expressing his concerns over the percieved move to 'americanize' the game.  Realtionships are hard wn and sometime even harder lost as Darian Durant explains his feelings after Andy Fantuz left via free agency for Hamilton from Saskatchewan in 2012.  Some big names have landed with new teams: Wynton McManis and Tre Ford find themselves in Hamilton; Austin Mack signs in Edmonton, Dakoda Shepley returns to the CFL signing with Toronto and the Roughriders defence looks to get picked over by Ottawa (CFL on CBC theme used with express permission; podcast recorded Feburary 9, 2026).

Quick Kicks 154: Steve Daniel (CFL Associate VP, Football and Team Analytics).

Special guest Steve Daniel joins to talk about the statistically measureable comparisons between the CFL and NFL game, the role of Statistics in informing Coaches and General Managers about their teams, the 2026 Winter Meetings held in Calgary, and discusses further how the placement of the goal posts will influence third down gambles (CFL on CBC theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded January 26, 2026).

Pieces to the puzzle.

CFL revenues continue to climb and as a result so does the Salary Cap, however the Expenditures Cap (coaches and foootball operations) may remain stagnant, again.  Willie Jefferson admits to thinking about leaving Winnipeg after the playoff loss in Montreal.  While some recievers re-sign with their clubs (Ottawa- Justin Hardy, Saskatchewan- Samuel Emilus) others are released (Hamilton- Tom White, Montreal Austin Mack) prior to off-season bonuses.  When to fire a Coach, was NFL Buffalo Bills ownership correct in firing Sean McDermott after seven-straight 10-win seasons?  (CFL on CBC theme music used with epxpress permission; podcast recorded January 26, 2026).