The Edmonton Elks have agreed to terms with receiver Eugene Lewis, per sources.
It’s a two-year contract through the 2024 season that makes Lewis the highest-paid non-quarterback in the CFL at $320,000 per season. He was named 3DownNation‘s top-rated free agent.
The six-foot-one, 208-pound pass catcher was named the Most Outstanding Player in the East Division this past year with the Montreal Alouettes after making 91 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was also effective in the postseason, catching 12 passes for 181 yards over two games.
Als’ management had expressed optimism that they would be able to sign the five-year veteran to a contract extension but faced significant hurdles due to the franchise’s dysfunctional ownership situation.
Despite a desire to stay in Montreal, Lewis had been vocal about his dissatisfaction with some aspects of team operations and was looking to be compensated according to his importance to the organization. He tweeted his intention to go into free agency when talks broke down late last month.
Edmonton made headlines a year ago when they gave Kenny Lawler a contract valued at $305,000, setting a new ceiling for the receiver market. The team is expected to lose their high-priced acquisition to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers when free agency officially opens on Tuesday, February 14, opening the funds to pay Lewis.
The soon-to-be 30-year-old will join a receiving group that includes up-and-comer Dillon Mitchell, veteran Emmanuel Arceneaux, and 2022 East Division all-star Steven Dunbar Jr., who is expected to come over from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in free agency. Long-time green and gold receiver Derel Walker is expected to hit the open market.
Lewis has made 276 catches for 4,347 yards and 28 touchdowns since signing with Montreal in 2017 straight out of the University of Oklahoma. He has been named an East Division all-star for three consecutive years and a CFL all-star for the past two years.
