The Edmonton Elks have secured Canadian defensive back Tyrell Ford on a contract extension through the 2027 season, extending his deal by one year beyond the original 2026 term.
The 27-year-old standout posted 56 defensive tackles, two interceptions, one special teams tackle, and a touchdownacross 18 starts at cornerback in 2025. Ford, who was the highest-paid defensive back in the CFL with a salary of $230,000, continues to be a cornerstone of the Elks’ defense.
“Extending Tyrell’s contract highlights our commitment to building a championship-level team,” said Ed Hervey, the club’s general manager and vice-president of football operations. “His professionalism, consistency, and leadership embody the culture we’re creating. This move reflects our emphasis on continuity, top-tier talent, and long-term success.”
A Niagara Falls, Ontario native, Ford was chosen by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second round of the 2022 CFL Draft. As a rookie, he made 13 tackles before earning an opportunity with the Green Bay Packers in 2023.
He returned to Winnipeg in 2024, where he was named to the All-CFL team after tallying 51 defensive tackles, seven interceptions, and four special teams tackles. Ford is also the twin brother of Canadian quarterback Tre Ford, with whom he shared the field at the University of Waterloo.
The Elks ended the 2025 campaign fifth in the West Division with a 7–11 record, marking their fifth consecutive season missing the playoffs. Cody Fajardo started the team’s final 13 games, compiling 3,408 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Tre Ford started the first five, going 1–4 with 984 yards, five touchdowns, and three picks.
Statistically, Edmonton ranked ninth in both net offence and net defence per game, though they were fifth in turnover differential (+4). The team’s top performers included Justin Rankin (1,013 rushing yards), Kaion Julien-Grant (820 receiving yards), and Joel Dublanko (80 tackles). Average home attendance sat at 19,050, a 7.1 percent decline from the previous year, placing the Elks seventh league-wide.
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