News from the north. Although the NFL 2026 season doesn’t start until September, the Canadian Football League is in full swing and there are some familiar names plying their trade in the CFL — and some interesting names that could be.
2017 NFL Draft “Mr. Irrelevant” Chad Kelly, cousin of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, is in his fourth season with the Toronto Argonauts. The 2023 CFL player of the year has thrown for 2,126 yards (second in the CFL) and 15 touchdowns (second). Unfortunately, his nine interceptions lead the league through six games. Kelly was drafted by the Denver Broncos. He played just one NFL game in his career, was released in 2018 by Denver and signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. He was released in 2020 by the club, ending an NFL career that included an arrest for burglary following a Halloween party and a suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
KeeSean Johnson, formerly a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals and a handful of other NFL teams, has 36 receptions (third in the CFL) for 479 receiving yards (third) and three touchdowns in five games.
While Kelly and Johnson are playing in the CFL, the door has been opened for some notable names to join them. CFL teams have rosters of up to 45 players who are currently playing in the NFL, other professional leagues, etc. These teams have exclusive CFL contracts with the players if they choose to join the league.
Denzel Mims, the Jets’ 2020 second-round pick who is currently with the Cowboys, has been added to the Argos’ roster, as has quarterback Hendon Hooker (Tennessee Titans).
Elsewhere, Canadian native wide receiver Chase Claypool is on the Saskatchewan Roughriders roster, as is running back Deuce Vaughn. Diego Pavia (Baltimore Ravens) is on the roster of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers