The Edmonton Elks have signed Global kicker Wihan van der Riet, American offensive lineman Brandon Smith, and American defensive back DaQuaylyn Thomas.
Van der Riet signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in April 2021 before being released in June. The South African founded the Rocketfoot Kicking Academy where his expertise garnered workouts with the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers, and B.C. Lions in 2019.
Smith attended East Carolina for five years (2013-17) and appeared in 41 games, starting 35 games at tackle. The Kernsville, N.C. product has spent the majority of his professional career with the Carolina Cobras of the National Arena League but was briefly a member of the Edmonton Elks in 2018 and the Toronto Argonauts in 2021.
Thomas attended Southern Mississippi University, where he appeared in 24 games for the Golden Eagles. In his two seasons, Thomas accumulated 92 total tackles, three interceptions, 5.5 sacks, and six passes defended.
The Elks also announced that Global receiver Diego Viamontes, Global linebacker Maxime Rouyer, and Global defensive lineman Tibo DeBaillie have all been released.
Viamontes was the CFL’s first ever LFA/CFL Draft selection in 2019. Over two seasons in Edmonton, he suited up in three games and returned three kickoffs for 44 yards.
Rouyer was originally acquired by the Elks in the first round of the 2019 CFL European Draft. The product of France played his collegiate football in Canada, attending McGill University from 2015-18. In 18 career CFL games, Rouyer accumulated four special teams tackles.
DeBaillie was a third-round-selection by the Elks in the 2021 Global Draft. The Towson University grad suited up for three games in 2021, recording a single defensive tackle.
