Malik Carney fires a brutal warning message to Saskatchewan Roughriders after his move to Edmonton Elks

Malik Carney admitted leaving the Saskatchewan Roughriders in free agency wasn’t easy, calling the bonds he built in Regina “brotherhood for life.” But after weighing his options, the 30-year-old pass rusher chose the Edmonton Elks, saying the move offered the best chance to grow his career and chase another Grey Cup.

Carney revealed the decision was close, with multiple teams interested, but Edmonton’s coaching staff, scheme and roster made it the right fit. A major factor was the business side too — a $150,000 signing bonus and $540,000 in hard money over two seasons makes him the highest-paid American defensive player of the salary-cap era.

With three matchups against Saskatchewan in 2026, Carney had a clear message for his former team: “They’re going to see me, and they’re going to feel me.”