Edmonton Elks release high-profile QB Cardale Jones

Courtesy: AP Photo/David J. Phillip

The Edmonton Elks have released American quarterback Cardale Jones.

The 29-year-old came off the bench to win a National Championship at Ohio State in 2015 and was a fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in the 2016 NFL Draft. He completed six passes for 96 yards and an interception with the club before moving on to the Los Angeles Chargers (2017-18), Seattle Seahawks (2019), and the XFL’s DC Defenders (2020).

Jones was signed two weeks ago after his former Ohio State teammate, J. T. Barrett, was added to Edmonton’s retired list.

The Elks now have five quarterbacks in training camp, including CFL journeyman Nick Arbuckle, second-year passer Taylor Cornelius, first-round CFL draft pick Tre Ford, dual-threat rookie Kai Locksley, and Canadian rookie Mike Beaudry.

Edmonton also signed American running back Sherman Badie, placed American receiver Michael Walker on the suspended list and moved Canadian offensive lineman Chris Gangarossa to the retired list.

Badie signed with the Elks back in January and was placed on the suspended list earlier this month. The Louisiana native played four seasons at Tulane University, rushing for 1,517 yard and nine touchdowns in 44 games. Badie also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and Memphis of the XFL in 2020.

Walker signed with the Elks on Feb. 9 after spending 2021 in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Boston College product previously played with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was used primarily on returns, bringing back 18 kicks for 411 yards and three punts for 13 yards.

Gangarossa was Edmonton’s sixth-round pick, 50th overall, in the 2020 CFL Draft. He appeared in one game for the Green and Gold last season.

Elks training camp continues Friday at Commonwealth Stadium in advance of the club’s first pre-season game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at IG Field on May 27.