The CFL trade deadline came and went at 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday without any deals being made across the league.
This marks the third consecutive year in which deadline day hasn’t resulted in any trades. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats shipped defensive back Alden Darby to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in exchange for defensive lineman Cedric Wilcots II last season, though the deal was finalized the day before the trade deadline.
The most recent marquee deadline deal in the CFL remains the Zach Collaros trade in 2019. The Toronto Argonauts received a third-round pick and a conditional first-round pick in the 2020 CFL Draft, while the Blue Bombers received Collaros and a fifth-round pick.
Collaros assumed the starting role under centre shortly thereafter and helped lead Winnipeg to their first Grey Cup in 29 years. He has remained with the club ever since, winning two Most Outstanding Player awards and leading the team to three straight Grey Cup appearances with two wins.
Toronto used the selections they acquired on offensive linemen Theren Churchill and Dylan Giffen, while the Blue Bombers selected kicker Marc Liegghio. Giffen is the only player who remains with either organization.
Every team in the CFL remains eligible for the playoffs, which may have contributed to the lack of movement at the deadline. Winnipeg, B.C., Toronto, Hamilton, and Montreal have already clinched spots in the postseason, while Saskatchewan, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa can each earn the third and final spot in the West Division.
The Elks and Redblacks will be eliminated from postseason contention this weekend if Saskatchewan beats Hamilton at Mosaic Stadium, while Calgary’s chances will remain alive regardless while they’re currently on a bye.
