Edmonton Elks release linebacker Vontae Diggs

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks have released linebacker Vontae Diggs, per sources.

Diggs had a $13,000 first time active roster bonus due for playing one snap in Week 1. That was part of his contract for 2021 which was scheduled to pay him the base minimum $65,000 salary with $12,000 in housing.

Upon his release, he was told that he was not a “culture fit” for the 2021 edition of the team. Each CFL franchise has to be cut down their roster by 10 p.m. ET on Friday, July 30 for the regular season.

The six-foot-three, 230-pound Diggs was supposed to be entering his second season with the Elks after being named the team’s Most Outstanding Rookie in 2019. He recorded 84 total tackles, two sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble in 2019 from the weak-side linebacker position.

In recent days, Diggs had been relegated to second team reps in training camp. University of Notre Dame product Nyles Morgan appears set to claim his vacated spot on the weak-side, while Keishawn Bierria, a former sixth-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos, takes over in the middle.

The 25-year-old Diggs attended Connecticut for four seasons (2014-2017) and played in 46 games. He recorded 183 total tackles, three forced fumbles and one quarterback sack. In 2018, he spent time with the Washington Football Team in the NFL.

Considering Diggs young age and quick success in the CFL, he won’t be free for long.

Justin Dunk
Justin Dunk is a football insider, sports reporter and anchor.