The Edmonton Elks’ offseason is well underway after a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs for the fifth straight year.
The team has already gotten some work done in the last number of weeks, extending star defensive back Tyrell Ford through the 2027 season, as well as extending National wide receiver Kaion Julien-Grant, American defensive back Kordell Jackson, National defensive lineman Noah Curtis and Robbie Smith, as well as American defensive lineman Jordan Williams.
Getting Ford re-signed is the largest move of the group, as the Elks retain one of the league’s preeminent cover corners. This past season was Ford’s first with the Elks, setting a career high with 56 tackles this season, adding two interceptions and one touchdown.
“Tyrell Ford’s contract extension is a move that reinforces our commitment to building a championship-caliber team,” said Elks general manager Ed Hervey in a statement. “His consistency and professionalism reflect the culture we are establishing, and this decision underscores our focus on continuity, elite talent, and long-term success.”
Ford’s touchdown came let in the second half of the Elks’ Week 10 game against the Montreal Alouettes.
Julien-Grant, 29, just finished his first season with the Elks, emerging as a big-time player for the team, leading the team in receiving touchdowns (seven) while leading all wide receivers in receiving yards (820) and yards after the catch (277). He finished second on the team in targets (88), and second in receptions (57). His new deal will keep him in Edmonton through the 2026 season.
“Kaion has proven his value as a key contributor to our offence, and we are confident his continued development will further strengthen our team’s performance,” said Hervey. “This extension reflects our strategic commitment towards retaining top talent and building a roster capable of sustained success at the highest level.”
Jackson, 26, drew in for 16 games last year, his second with the team, finishing second in tackles (78), and tied for third in sacks (two), at three different positions. His two-year extension will keep him in Edmonton through the 2027 season.
Curtis, 27, signed a one-year extension with the team after missing the entirety of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. Drafted by the team in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, he appeared in 35 games between the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, making 44 tackles and recording eight sacks.
Smith, 28, saw his 2025 season limited to just 10 games due to injury, recording 16 tackles in the games he did play. A two-time Grey Cup champion with the Toronto Argonauts in 2022 and 2024, he’s been one of the best pass rushers in the league in recent years, racking up 20 sacks in 90 games over his six-year career. His new deal will keep him in Edmonton through the 2027 season.
According to 3DownNation, Smith’s deal will pay him $235,000 in 2026 and $240,000 in 2027. If he hits incentives, the total value of the deal will reach $502,000.
Williams, meanwhile, returns on a deal that will keep him in Edmonton for the 2026 season. The 26-year-old started the season with the Argonauts, but signed with the Elks partway through the year after being released. He appeared in 14 games between the two teams, recording 13 tackles and a touchdown on a Week 10 77-yard fumble recovery while playing for the Argonauts.
The Elks took care of some other business as their season winded to a close, signing star runing back Justin Rankin to a two-year contract extension, keeping him in the Green and Gold through 2027. He appeared in 18 games this season, taking 191 carries for 1,013 yards while scoring nine rushing touchdowns, adding 56 receptions on 73 targets for 596 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.
Zach Laing is ElksNation’s managing editor. He can be reached on X at @zjlaing.
