Derek Dennis wants the Edmonton Elks to release or trade him: report

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

Former CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman Derek Dennis drew the attention of CFL fans across the country when he posted the following Tweet on Monday afternoon.

Dennis signed with the Edmonton Elks as a free agent in January 2021 but decided to step away from the CFL last month.

TSN’s Dave Naylor has reported that Dennis has asked Edmonton to trade or release him, which is a sign that he’s looking to play this year after all.

Naylor also procured a statement from the Elks, which reads as follows.

“The Edmonton Elks came to terms with Derek Dennis on a contract and would gladly honour that contract. Derek decided to retire on his own accord and is aware that the club would welcome him to Edmonton should he decide to return to football.”

Dennis elected not to play in 2021 but left the door open to a possible return in 2022.

“I’m humbly walking away for the time being, but I’m not officially retiring because there is a small chance I will try to play next season in 2022. It’s not an easy decision and I didn’t foresee it happening, but football no longer provides the opportunity to be able to care for my family properly,” Dennis said in June.

“I appreciate Edmonton for the opportunity to continue my career, but I wouldn’t be a man of my word if family didn’t come first. I’m taking an extended break to care for my two young children and significant other while hoping for a successful season for all my brethren across the league.”

The 32-year-old has played 72 career CFL games primarily at left tackle and was a league all-star in 2016.

Dennis spent four seasons in Calgary and left the city for one campaign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, during which he was the CFL’s highest-paid American offensive lineman.

The Temple University product went unselected in the 2012 NFL draft, but inked an undrafted free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins. Dennis was released by the Fish in July that year by head coach Joe Philbin and it was shown on HBO’s Hard Knocks.

The New England Patriots signed Dennis one week later, but he was released by the Pats at the end of training camp. Dennis spent time on the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers practice squads prior to putting pen to paper with the Stampeders in September 2015. His total NFL earnings were $120,600.