Taylor Powell decided to move from Hamilton to Edmonton after a late contract extension offer from the Tiger-Cats did not lineup with the numbers he sought.
“Bo [Levi Mitchell] signing a two-year [contract extension through 2027] is tough. There were conversations that needed to be had. It seemed the writing was on the wall and I was looking for a fresh start,” Powell told 3DownNation.
“It was a whirlwind of three years, I’ll say. I learned a lot, I was super, super thankful to learn and start my career with Scott [Milanovich], learn from Bo, be able to be coached by [Orlondo Steinauer], Tommy Condell, and Jarryd Baines. I had great relationships, a great, great experience there, but I’m ready to start the next chapter in Edmonton.”
Powell signed with the Ticats after training camp opened in May 2023 but still managed to earn an active roster spot as Hamilton’s third-string pivot entering the regular season. The six-foot-one, 208-pound QB started nine games in his rookie CFL season and dressed in seven others, completing 67.4 percent of his passes for 2,283 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing 28 times for 196 yards plus one major.
In 2024, after Mitchell was pulled early against Montreal in Week 10, Powell completed 30-of-38 passes for 319 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions plus five carries for 52 yards in a 33-23 loss. He was named the starter for Week 11 but suffered a blow to the head midway through the first quarter, which forced him from the game. That turned out to be the last meaningful snap the Fayetteville, Ark. native played for the Tabbies.
Mitchell found his form and led the league in passing yards with over 5,200 in two straight seasons. Hamilton produced an 11-7 record to claim first place in the East Division last year and the Black and Gold’s renewed commitment to No. 19 as the franchise man caused Powell to experience CFL free agency for the first time in his career.
“I knew the ballpark and the value of I feel like what I’ve created for myself. I wanted fit. If it was 25K or 30K less than whatever the market deemed, I’d rather be in a great situation — I learned that from Trevor [Harris] — than chasing dollar amounts,” Powell said.
“I know I’m a starter in the league. I’ve heard from exit meetings and fellow GMs and fellow head coaches in the league, ‘If there’s 10 teams, you’d be the starter.’ I’m trying to be patient and wanna be in the right situation. Ready to learn from Cody [Fajardo], support him and help Edmonton as much as I can.”
The 27-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Elks.
For the 2026 CFL season, Powell will make $145,000 in hard money, including a $25,000 signing bonus. He will earn an additional $277.78 each time he’s on the active roster for a regular-season game, which could total $5,000 over a full season. There’s another $70,500 available in playtime incentives, statistical bonuses, all-star and awards cash to bring his maximum possible value to $220,500.
If Powell collects his February 1, 2027 active roster bonus, worth $20,000, he’ll be on the books for $190,000 in hard money next year. He has the same possible incentives in his deal as year one, giving his him $265,500 in maximum value.
“It’s kind of a trend in this league, you see Zach [Collaros] and Trevor [not immediately becoming franchise quarterbacks]. Vernon [Adams Jr.] always told me, ‘Earn, learn, and wait your turn.’ Whenever you do get the keys to the organization, it’s time to make that thing go,” Powell said.
“That’s what all this waiting’s about, all the studying and all this work in the dark. Quite frankly, I don’t really care if anybody sees it or if I play great, if I don’t, that’s fine, I’ll be a great teammate. If I do get ahold of the reins, I’m going to give that organization everything I have.”
Edmonton believes Powell has franchise QB potential, but just because he’s not the anointed starter doesn’t mean his preparation changes. For example, Milanovich regularly arrived at Hamilton’s facility around 3 a.m. during the season with coffee and Diet Cokes to keep him going. Meanwhile, Powell would be there at 5 a.m. when the building officially opened to begin his preparations as he wasn’t allowed in any earlier.
“It’s who I’ve always been. It’s been in the fabric of my nature ever since I was, to be honest, in the eighth grade, kind of had the same routine. Whether I’m starting or I’m gonna hold a clipboard all game, there’s no excuse. This is the life you signed up for, whether you’re a starter or a backup — this is quarterback. If you base your preparation on your feelings, then you’re not gonna be around very long,” Powell said.
“It’s not very respectful to your teammates or the organization if you’re not ready. I want everybody in that building to know they can trust me when I’m on the field because I’ve worked harder than anybody, I know the playbook, I know the plan better than anybody, I know what the defence is doing. I’m gonna be ready to go for the guys, the organization and the coaches.”
Powell chose the Elks because he felt like it was the best situation for him. He wants to be starting and playing, but did not base his decision on who might retire first between Mitchell and Fajardo. Both veteran quarterbacks — the former is 36, while the latter turns 34 on March 29 — have essentially said they’re year-to-year at this point in their respective CFL careers.
“I don’t ever like look at, ‘What is Bo doing? What is Cody doing?’ What did they sign?’ All that sort of stuff. If it happens this year, great. If it doesn’t, great. I truly believe in God’s timing,” Powell said.
“I know that good things happen to good people. I know if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, maybe that’ll be me one day saying I’m year to year, trying to play till I’m 40. That’s exactly what I want to be doing too.”
Canadian offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic was one element drawing Powell to sign in Edmonton. He’s worked with Jason Maas, who learned under Milanovich, meaning the offensive system is basically the same, according to the Elks backup QB.
Maksymic helped Michael Reilly pass for 5,000 yards in three straight seasons (2016-2018) as his position coach with the Green and Gold. He was also key in Nathan Rourke’s development and his breakout 2022 campaign with the B.C. Lions.
“Being around bright football minds is always a good thing for you. If you look at what he’s done with quarterbacks, it’s amazing. It’s a lot on your plate, which I love,” Powell said about the offensive playbook. “I want as much on my plate as possible because that’s why you study and that’s why you work your a– off.”
That says it all about Powell’s approach to being a quarterback in the CFL.
