Third Down Gamble

Dave Thomas (Rider Radio) is our special guest as we discuss how free agency impacted the Saskatchewan Roughriders, how Canadian quarterbacks are fairing in their NFL pursuits, and the new rules in the UFL and CFL and how play may be impacted.  (CFL on CBC theme music and game audio used with express permission; podcast recorded February 26, 2026).

A fire appears, and is quickly doused, near Gate 2 of McMahon Stadium.  UFL rule changes, is adding extra value to field goals and conversions the best way to engender exciting scoring plays?  A. J. Allen and Darnell Sankey... two defenders relate their difficult choices to leave the teams with whom they were under contract since 2023 (CFl on CB theme music used with express permission; podcast recorded March 2, 2026).

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).

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).

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).