3DownNation will be unveiling a series of top-ten lists over the next few days regarding the highest-paid players in the CFL.
We’ve already reported the top-earning quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers, so today we’re focusing on the offensive line.
Please note that salaries, roster bonuses, housing allowances, and performance bonuses have been prorated over the CFL’s shortened 14-game season in 2021. This means players will earn 22 percent less than the values listed under those designations. Only signing bonuses are being paid in full.
Prorated contract values have been listed below in parenthesis beside their full values. In the event that players make the same amount of money, they are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
T-1) C David Beard, Edmonton Elks (N) — $180,000 ($151,000)
The former University of Alberta Golden Bear earned a $50,000 signing bonus with the rest of his money coming in the form of a prorated salary. He will earn an additional prorated $1,500 bonus if he is named a West Division all-star and a prorated $3,000 bonus if he is named a CFL all-star.
T-1) T Stanley Bryant, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (A) — $180,000 ($158,000)
The two-time CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman got an $83,000 signing bonus from Winnipeg, which is why his prorated contract value is relatively high. Strangely, he has no bonuses available for any awards he may earn come the end of the 2021 season.
T-1) C Sean McEwen, Calgary Stampeders (N) — $180,000 ($147,000)
The local product made bank during the off-season, receiving a $20,000 active roster bonus in January and a $10,000 bonus for reporting to training camp. He has since anchored Calgary’s offensive line for the entire season, starting all ten games at centre.
4) G Nolan MacMillan, Ottawa Redblacks (N) — $171,000 ($139,000)
The seven-year veteran signed a new deal with Ottawa in July, which included a $15,000 signing bonus and a $1,400 bonus for each game he makes the active roster. He’s collected this bonus seven times this year, though he is now on the six-game injured list.
5) T SirVincent Rogers, Edmonton Elks (A) — $170,000 ($132,000)
The veteran left tackle received a prorated $50,000 bonus after making the active roster for the first time in Week 7. He started three games for the Elks but suffered a back injury in Week 10 that could keep him out of Friday’s game against Winnipeg.
6) T Joel Figueroa, B.C. Lions (A) — $167,500 ($139,000)
The eight-year veteran received a $42,500 signing bonus with the rest of his compensation coming in the form of a prorated housing bonus and a prorated salary. He has started eight of a possible nine games for the Lions at left tackle this season.
7) G Sukh Chungh, B.C. Lions (N) — $165,000 ($139,000)
The Port Coquitlam, B.C. native received a $35,000 signing bonus to ink his new deal with the Lions and another $15,000 after reporting to training camp. He has started all nine games for B.C. at right tackle this year.
8) T Chris Van Zeyl, Hamilton Tiger-Cats (N) — $160,000 ($124,000)
The CFL’s reigning Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman received a prorated $20,000 bonus after making the active roster for the first time in Week 2. He’s missed seven games this year due to two different injuries but is now back in the lineup for the Ticats at right tackle.
9) T Jamal Campbell, Toronto Argonauts (N) — $155,000 ($126,000)
The local product received a $5,000 signing bonus and $20,000 in roster bonuses before the 2021 season got underway. He is making $130,000 in prorated salary over the course of the season, which he’s earning as a ratio-breaker at right tackle.
T-10) T Ryker Mathews, B.C. Lions (A) — $150,000 (126,000)
The former East Division all-star collected a $42,500 signing bonus with B.C., which is why his prorated contract value is relatively high. He will also receive a prorated $1,000 bonus if he is named a CFL all-star, though injuries have limited him to just one game this season.
T-10) G Kristian Matte, Montreal Alouettes (N) — $150,000 ($120,000)
The versatile interior blocker collected a $15,000 bonus after he reported for training camp and a prorated $5,000 bonus for making the active roster in Week 2. The rest of his income is being paid in the form of a prorated $130,000 salary.
Editor’s note: Saskatchewan Roughriders’ guard Brendon LaBatte would have appeared on this list but was left off as he elected not to play this season.
