Edmonton Elks staring ‘unpopular’ Tre Ford decision in the face

Photo courtesy: Timothy Atticus/CFL.

Edmonton Elks’ general manager Ed Hervey is not one to mince words and he did not do so when asked about Canadian quarterback Tre Ford’s future with the team.

“That’s going to be a big discussion for us. I think this is one of those cases where we really have to evaluate whether or not the fit is right for him here, or maybe a fresh start for him is big,” Hervey said on Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium.

“He and I had a great conversation this afternoon, but as far as what we’re doing and willing to do, there’s an opportunity for us to have a chance to talk, talk with him again, talk with his agent, really digest the entire season and see.”

The 27-year-old signed a three-year extension last December, which made him the clear franchise quarterback. He started five games for Edmonton to begin the 2025 season and after a 1-4 start, Ford was benched as Cody Fajardo took over as QB1, which was frustrating for the University of Waterloo product.

“Obviously, I wanted to do the best I could and play,” Ford said. “We were able to have some positive stuff this year and it wasn’t all negative.”

Fajardo went 6-7 as Edmonton’s starter to finish the 2025 CFL season while helping the Elks fight into playoff contention. Ultimately, the Green and Gold came up short and did not make the postseason in Mark Kilam’s first year as head coach.

“I feel like Tre Ford can play quarterback in the CFL. If it’s here, so be it. If it’s not, maybe a fresh start is good for him. I know he did learn from watching Cody, the way he conducted himself on a day-to-day basis, in practice, in meetings. I know that’s beneficial,” Kilam said.

“I also know that starting quarterbacks, it takes them a little while. You look across the league, guys like Trevor Harris, Vernon Adams Jr., even Cody — they spent a lot of time as backups before they got their shot, or before they really figured out who they wanted to be and how they were going to do that. Tre is no different.”

The 33-year-old Fajardo spent over three years in the Canadian Football League prior to starting his first game. He signed with the Toronto Argonauts in October 2015 and learned from Ricky Ray as he watched the four-time Grey Cup champion lead the Argos to a CFL title in 2017. The 2023 Grey Cup MVP had some advice for Ford after sharing a QB room with him for one season.

“The biggest thing for him is to allow his emotions, to wear it on his sleeve. He’s an even-keeled guy and I’m the opposite. I’m a little bit fiery, as you guys can see sometimes, but sometimes that motivates guys. Tre loves football, it’s evident, he wants to win, he wants to be great in this league. But sometimes, on the outside looking in, when you’re even-keeled people can take that the wrong way,” Fajardo said.

“I know how much he cares about this game because I’ve seen him every morning in film with me every step of the way, I was talking about the playbook, I was talking about teams, dissecting teams. I’ve seen him, I know he loves the game. Sometimes you’ve got to show that so your teammates can feel that. I think he took it really well.”

Ford acknowledged he’s learned a lot from Fajardo. He asked questions about decision-making, footwork, reads and more. The dual-threat pivot tried to soak up little details every day and hopes that approach could equal big returns in his football future. There’s a timeline on his future with Edmonton as he’s due a $110,000 roster bonus on February 1.

Hervey’s stated goal is to do right by all of his players and make certain the athletes he deals with feel respected no matter the outcome. He believes the fans understand the Elks’ main focus is winning and putting together a team that gives Edmonton a chance to compete for championships.

“Sometimes, in those cases, there are unpopular decisions that are made, and there are popular ones. In this case, I know how he is, but we have to look at the overall roster and how it makes us better. Considering we’re talking about Cody on one hand and keeping him and all this other stuff, you guys know that something has to give,” Hervey said.

“I don’t want to make this into him versus him, or me versus him, or us versus him. This is the reality of the football business. Once a season has been played, we look at it and say, ‘How do we assess our roster and continue to build?’ To be able to get this Cody Fajardo deal done, but also handle something as delicate as the Tre Ford situation.”