Edmonton Elks sign Canadian receiver Rashaun Simonise, one other

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

The Edmonton Elks have signed Canadian receiver Rashaun Simonise and American defensive back Malik Sonnier.

Simonise was originally drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the second round of the 2018 CFL Draft and is now joining his fourth team in as many years. The Vancouver, British Columbia native has 10 career receptions for 182 yards over three seasons as a member of the Blue Bombers, B.C. Lions, and Montreal Alouettes.

The six-foot-four, 200-pound pass catcher signed with the Cincinnati Bengals after going undrafted in the 2016 NFL supplemental draft, but was waived in September of that same year.

Simonise tested positive for a performance enhancing drug while with the Bengals which led to his CFL draft year being deferred to 2018. Between his time with Cincinnati and the CFL, Simonise played two seasons for the Okanagan Sun in the Canadian Junior Football League, catching 23 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns.

Collegiately, Simonise played three seasons (2013-2015) for the University of Calgary Dinos, having his best season in 2015 when he registered 51 receptions for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns in eight games.

Sonnier joins the Double E after spending two seasons with Midwestern State University (2020-2021). ​In 12 games with the Mustangs, the Houston, Texas native had 54 total tackles, four interceptions, nine pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and garnered ​second-team All-Lone Star conference honours in 2021.