Ranking the Top CFL Pending Free Agents & Where They Should Sign

The CFL off-season is always shaped by one thing: movement. Every year, elite players hit the market, reshaping power balances across the league. The 2025 pending free-agent class is deep, headlined by proven playmakers, disruptive defenders, and veterans whose leadership could swing playoff races.

Here’s a ranking of the top CFL pending free agents — and where each player should sign based on need, fit, and long-term upside.

1. Brady Oliveira — RB

Best Fit: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

The league’s premier running back is the crown jewel of the 2025 class. Oliveira remains the engine of Winnipeg’s offence, combining power, durability, and homegrown star value. Other teams will inquire, but no franchise offers him the stability, offensive line, and identity match that Winnipeg does.

Why Winnipeg?

• Scheme perfectly suited to his style

• Massive fan and cultural fit

• Bombers need him to stay competitive in the West

Oliveira returning to Winnipeg feels like the most important domino of free agency.

2. Adarius Pickett — LB/DB

Best Fit: Montreal Alouettes

Pickett is one of the CFL’s most versatile defenders — a heat-seeking hybrid who can erase run plays, pressure the QB, and match up with slotbacks. Montreal’s defence thrives on chaos and speed, and Pickett is the cornerstone of that identity.

Why Montreal?

• System built around his skill set

• Elevated role and star reputation

• Alouettes don’t have a replacement on roster

If Montreal lets Pickett walk, their defensive structure instantly changes.

3. Dalton Schoen — WR

Best Fit: Toronto Argonauts

Schoen remains one of the best route runners in the league with elite chemistry in Winnipeg — but Toronto offers the opportunity to become the clear No. 1 receiver in a pass-heavy offence. The Argos need a game-changing deep threat, and Schoen provides exactly that.

Why Toronto?

• Immediate WR1 role

• A system that feeds high-volume receivers

• Closes a major gap left by lost veteran experience

Toronto landing Schoen would shift the balance in the East.

4. Trevor Harris — QB

Best Fit: Saskatchewan Roughriders

At this stage of his career, Harris is looking for a stable situation where he can still compete for playoff football. Saskatchewan needs a reliable veteran quarterback to pair with their improving defence and young playmakers.

Why Saskatchewan?

• Immediate starting opportunity

• Strong fan base and organizational support

• Familiarity with West-style defensive schemes

He’s not the long-term solution, but he’s the perfect bridge QB.

5. Jordan Williams — LB

Best Fit: B.C. Lions

Williams remains an elite Canadian linebacker with sideline-to-sideline acceleration that few can match. B.C. could use a boost in physicality and ratio flexibility, and Williams brings both at a high level.

Why B.C.?

• Natural homecoming opportunity

• Defensive anchor to replace aging veterans

• Ratio advantage at a premier defensive position

B.C. instantly becomes more complete with Williams back in orange.

6. Eugene Lewis — WR

Best Fit: Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Lewis is still one of the CFL’s most reliable big-play receivers when healthy. Hamilton needs a proven red-zone weapon and a veteran leader to help stabilize their passing game.

Why Hamilton?

• Fit with an offence craving explosive plays

• A locker-room voice they’ve lacked

• Lewis gets the opportunity to be a focal point

This is the type of signing that can elevate a rebuilding offence.

7. Jackson Jeffcoat — DE

Best Fit: Ottawa Redblacks

Ottawa needs a defensive identity — and Jeffcoat still provides instant pressure when healthy. A veteran presence on the edge could transform a unit that struggled to finish plays.

Why Ottawa?

• Opportunity for a starting, leadership role

• Chance to mentor Ottawa’s young pass rushers

• Redblacks need production more than any team in the East

A smart, short-term impact signing for a team needing toughness.

8. James Butler — RB

Best Fit: Calgary Stampeders

With Ka’Deem Carey gone, Calgary needs a feature back who can catch, block, and power through contact. Butler fits everything Dave Dickenson wants in an offensive weapon.

Why Calgary?

• True RB1 role

• Heavy workload opportunity

• Fits the Stamps’ balanced offensive identity

This signing could transform Calgary’s ground game instantly.

9. Jalen Acklin — WR

Best Fit: Edmonton Elks

Acklin remains a dynamic, slippery receiver who thrives in space. Edmonton needs more explosive weapons to support their young quarterback.

Why Edmonton?

• Massive target share available

• Chance to be a marquee piece of the rebuild

• Good stylistic match with Edmonton’s evolving scheme

A perfect opportunity for both player and team to reset.

10. Cleyon Laing — DT

Best Fit: Toronto Argonauts

A veteran interior disruptor, Laing still commands respect as a run-stuffer and leader. Toronto could use a steadying presence in the heart of the defensive line.

Why Toronto?

• Familiarity with the organization

• Locker-room leadership role

• Limited travel and comfortable fit at this stage of his career

A logical closing-the-loop signing.