With many talented CFL players currently testing the waters of free-agency, some are making the jump to the XFL. With the CFL, free agency is an annual tradition where players entertain offers from opposing squads in an annual shuffling of the deck. The biggest difference this year are pro football opportunities in the United States giving these players additional options.
Earlier this week, after becoming a free agent, Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Darnell Sankey signed with the XFL’s Arlington Renegades.
In the 2022 season, Sankey recorded 120 defensive tackles, two special teams tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception, with 120 defensive tackles good enough to set a franchise single-season record. In 2021, as a Calgary Stampeder, Sankey was named a West Division all-star in a stellar season where he made 98 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble.
In the NFL, Sankey played six games with the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 and spent time with the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints.
Trumaine Washington, Calgary Stampeders
Former Calgary Stampeders defensive back Trumaine Washington signed with the Orlando Guardians. Washington started 12 games for the Stampeders in the 2022 season, recording 42 defensive tackles, two interceptions, and one touchdown. In 2021, with the Edmonton Elks, Washington led the CFL in interceptions with five.
A 5’9″ 190-pound defender, Washington has been around the CFL playing for the Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Elks, and Calgary Stampeders, recording 153 defensive tackles, one special teams tackle, 12 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one touchdown.
Kameron Kelly, Pittsburg Steelers.
Hamilton Tiger Cat linebacker Kameron Kelly another CFL player to sign with the XFL, going to the San Antonio Brahmas. The former Ticat started 32 consecutive games at strong-side linebacker since his CFL rookie season in 2021. In his CFL career, Kelly recorded 86 tackles, six interceptions and three sacks.
At San Diego State University, Kelly played 46 games over four seasons, racking up 165 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback sacks, 10 interceptions, 17 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He was named to the 2017 All-Mountain West first-team in his senior season. Originally signing as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys in 2018, Kelly got playing time with the San Diego Fleet of the AAF in 2019, where he was shifted from wide receiver to cornerback. In week 5 against the Salt Lake Stallions, Kelly intercepted Stallions quarterback Josh Woodrum three times, one of which was returned for a 22-yard touchdown.
Kelly joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for 14 games later in 2019, and tallied 19 total tackles, one interception and defended one pass. On December 20, 2019, Kelly was arrested after claims of threats towards police. He was waived by the Steelers soon afterward. The charges were eventually dropped.
Colin Kelly , Hamilton Tiger Cats, CFL (CFL.ca)
After becoming a free agent Tuesday, on Wednesday it was confirmed that another Tiger-Cat, right tackle Colin Kelly, signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons.
Kelly started 14 games for the Ticats in 2022, starting the season by playing two games for the Edmonton Elks before being traded to the Ticats in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2023 CFL Draft. Kelly was issued a two-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Kelly, an Oregon State product, played 90 games over seven seasons in the CFL: Hamilton, Edmonton (2017-22), Ottawa (2014-15). Kelly also spent time with NFL teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2013-14); San Francisco 49ers (2016).
It should be noted that not all CFL free agents are choosing to return to United States leagues. After playing two outstanding season with the British Columbia Lions, former Houston Roughnecks running back James Butler chose to sign with the Hamilton Tiger Cats for the 2023 CFL season.
