Edmonton Elks Release Tre Ford and Name Cody Fajardo Starting Quarterback for 2026 Season

 

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks have released Canadian quarterback Tre Ford and committed to Cody Fajardo as their starter for the 2026 CFL season.

The move signals a clear direction for the franchise after a turbulent 2025 campaign.

Ford, 27, from Niagara Falls, Ontario, opened last season as Edmonton’s starting quarterback. Expectations were high. He brought mobility, arm strength, and homegrown appeal. The Elks hoped he would take a firm step forward and solidify the position.

The season did not unfold as planned.

Edmonton stumbled to a 1-4 start. Offensive inconsistency and stalled drives placed pressure on the coaching staff. Turnovers and missed opportunities compounded the early losses. As the standings tightened, the Elks made a change at quarterback.

Fajardo took over under centre and remained the starter for the rest of the season.

Fajardo arrived in Edmonton after a December 2024 trade from the Montreal Alouettes. In Montreal, he had been displaced by rising quarterback Davis Alexander. The trade gave Fajardo a fresh opportunity and provided Edmonton with a veteran presence.

He delivered mixed but steady results.

Over the final 13 games, Fajardo went 6-7 as the starter. He passed for 3,408 yards, threw 14 touchdowns, and recorded seven interceptions. While the record did not vault Edmonton into contention, the offense showed improved rhythm and control. Drives extended longer. The turnover margin stabilized. Coaches leaned on his experience in key situations.

For the Elks, the decision to release Ford reflects a commitment to stability.

Ford’s athletic ability stood out. His mobility stressed defenses and created off schedule plays. However, consistency remains the currency of winning football. The coaching staff appears to believe Fajardo offers a higher floor as the team reshapes its identity.

This move also carries broader implications for Canadian quarterbacks in the CFL.

Ford represented a growing wave of Canadian trained signal callers aiming to secure long term starting roles. His release places him back on the market at a pivotal stage of his career. At 27, he still holds upside. Teams seeking mobility at the position will evaluate his tape closely.

Edmonton, meanwhile, turns fully toward Fajardo.

At 34, Fajardo brings experience across multiple CFL markets. He has led playoff runs and navigated quarterback controversies. His stat line in 2025 reflects efficiency rather than flash. Fourteen touchdowns against seven interceptions shows ball security. More than 3,400 passing yards indicates durability and trust within the system.

The Elks front office now signals confidence that Fajardo can guide a rebound in 2026.

Commitment at quarterback often shapes locker room tone. When players know who leads the offense, preparation sharpens. Reps consolidate. Offensive coordinators tailor schemes without splitting focus between styles. By declaring Fajardo their starter months before kickoff, Edmonton removes uncertainty.

Still, questions remain.

Can Fajardo elevate the offense beyond middle tier production. Can the Elks convert close losses into wins. Will defensive improvements support the offense in tight games.

For Ford, the next chapter begins quickly.

Quarterback depth across the CFL shifts each offseason. Injuries, retirements, and performance swings create openings. Ford’s mobility fits modern offensive concepts that value quarterback movement and read option looks. A fresh system may unlock growth that did not materialize in Edmonton.

For fans, this decision closes one door and opens another.

Ford’s tenure carried flashes of excitement. Long scrambles and deep throws energized the crowd. Yet professional football rewards sustained execution. Edmonton’s leadership believes Fajardo offers that steadiness as they push toward a playoff return.

Training camp will reveal early signs of the new direction. Receivers will build timing with Fajardo. The offensive line will adapt to his pocket tendencies rather than Ford’s movement heavy style. Play calling may tilt toward structured progression reads and controlled tempo.

The Elks have drawn a line for 2026. Tre Ford is out. Cody Fajardo stands as the chosen starter.

Results will determine whether the gamble pays off.