Mar 12, 2026
CFLMontreal
Two Grey Cup appearances came from throwing at an elite rate. The new coordinator is building something different. Whether it's better depends on how the personnel fits the philosophy.
Montreal's offseason has been defined by the most significant head coaching transition the organization has made in nearly a decade, and the early indicators from the franchise suggest the new staff is approaching the roster with a specific offensive philosophy that differs materially from what the Als ran in their two Grey Cup appearances. The previous offensive structure was built around the passing game's volume — Montreal threw at a rate that led the CFL for two consecutive seasons. The new offensive coordinator has signaled, through his free-agent priorities and through conversations reported by multiple league sources, that the 2026 offensive identity will place more emphasis on the run game and on shorter, higher-percentage passing concepts that reduce turnover risk. Whether that philosophy adjustment reflects the personnel available, the coordinator's preference, or a deliberate attempt to add balance to what was a predictable attack is not yet clear.
Continue reading →Feb 27, 2026
CFLEdmontonMontrealHamiltonCalgary
The Elks were the most active team in free agency and came away with the best haul. Montreal lost more than it gained. Hamilton added a linebacker who changes their defense.
CFL free agency opened February 10 and ran hot for the first 72 hours before settling into the slower rhythm that typically follows the initial burst. The dust has largely cleared now, and the picture of which organizations navigated the window well — and which ones created problems they'll spend the summer trying to solve — is becoming clear. Edmonton was the most active team in the window and came away with the best overall haul. The addition of Austin Mack, who had recorded 136 catches for 1,973 yards and six touchdowns across 32 games with Montreal, gives Edmonton a proven possession receiver who has demonstrated durability at the CFL level. Montreal cut Mack earlier in the offseason; Edmonton moved immediately. That's the kind of reactive decision-making that free agency rewards. Mack signed a two-year deal. Edmonton also added Malik Carney, Coulter Woodmansey, and Joe Robustelli, making the offseason a genuine upgrade across multiple roster layers.
Continue reading →