Four potential game-changers entering CFL free agency

CFL free agency officially opens at noon ET on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following a busy communication window that wrapped up over the weekend. While many major decisions have already been made — including signings involving every player from CFL.ca’s top 30 free agent list — several notable names remain without contracts.

In this week’s Monday Morning Quarterback, four of those intriguing unsigned players stand out.

Dominique Rhymes | Receiver

A three-time 1,000-yard pass catcher, Dominique Rhymes narrowly missed that milestone in 2025 but still finished as Calgary’s leading receiver. In what may prove to be his lone season with the Stampeders, Rhymes totaled 886 receiving yards and six touchdowns across 17 games.

With Reggie Begelton, Erik Brooks, Jalen Philpot, Tevin Jones, and Clark Barnes all set to return next season, Rhymes could find himself testing the open market. Despite being 32, he remains productive. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the league’s top 20 receivers last year, and he posted a career-best 17.7 yards per catch.

Ciante Evans | Defensive Back

Ciante Evans had an unusual 2025 campaign. After being one of Toronto’s final training camp cuts, he didn’t sign with Montreal until August. Injuries later landed him on the injured list, and he missed the Alouettes’ entire playoff run.

Still, Evans has proven his value when healthy. He played nine games for Montreal last season, recording 18 tackles. The year before, PFF graded him as one of the CFL’s top five defensive backs during a 13-game stint with the BC Lions.

Sean Thomas Erlington | Running Back

Sean Thomas Erlington may not project as a featured back, but he continues to be an effective contributor. Graded as a top-10 running back (minimum 300 snaps) by PFF last year, he thrives as a complementary option in the backfield.

In 11 games with Montreal, Thomas Erlington had the most productive season of his career, rushing for 386 yards and two touchdowns while adding 68 receiving yards and another score. He could be an ideal fit for a team that already has a lead rusher in place.

Jovan Santos-Knox | Linebacker

As Ottawa looks to overhaul its roster after missing the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, veteran linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox was one of the club’s most notable offseason departures. Though the REDBLACKS reportedly added A.J. Allen, Santos-Knox’s exit still leaves a void.

He’s coming off a strong season, tallying 80 defensive tackles and an interception from the crucial MIKE linebacker spot. Ranked among the league’s top 10 linebackers by PFF, Santos-Knox turns 32 this summer but still appears to have plenty left to offer.

Quick hits

Hamilton moved quickly to sign Wynton McManis shortly after his release from Toronto — a move that makes sense given the departure of East Division Most Outstanding Rookie Devin Veresuk to the NFL. McManis remains one of the CFL’s most impactful defenders, recording 62 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 13 games last year.

The Tiger-Cats also appear to be a strong landing spot for Canadian quarterback Tre Ford. After being released by Edmonton, Ford signed a two-year deal in Hamilton, where he can develop behind veteran Bo Levi Mitchell and learn from one of the league’s elite passers.