Five potential targets for the CFL trade deadline

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The CFL’s trade deadline is set for Wednesday at 4:59 p.m. EDT, which could lead to some player movement as seven teams remain in contention for the playoffs.

The deadline rarely features blockbuster deals, though it’s relatively common for depth moves to be made. Last year, the Calgary Stampeders traded for Lorenzo Mauldin IV after suffering a key injury along the defensive line, while the B.C. Lions acquired Jeshrun Antwi from Montreal in 2024.

With the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks both having been officially eliminated from playoff contention, we’ve highlighted five players who could be worthwhile trade targets at this year’s deadline. They are each on expiring contracts.

The players are listed alphabetically by last name.

Justin Hardy, Ottawa Redblacks

The veteran receiver has been consistent over five seasons in the nation’s capital. However, given his age — he’ll turn 35 in December — and Ottawa’s recent struggles, it might be best for all parties to move on.

The five-foot-ten, 192-pound target has made 386 catches for 4,810 yards and 22 touchdowns over 73 career regular-season games with the Redblacks, recording four 1,000-yard seasons and earning three All-East Division selections.

Hardy is still an effective player and could be an asset for a team dealing with injuries at the receiver position. Montreal and Winnipeg both come to mind as possible landing spots.

Julian Howsare, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

After shattering his previous career-high with 13 sacks last season, Howsare has been quieter in 2026 with 32 defensive tackles, one tackle for loss, four sacks, and three pass knockdowns over 15 games.

With that said, the native of Altoona, Pa. could still be a worthwhile addition for a team looking to upgrade its pass rush. Howsare is a two-time All-East Division selection and one-time All-CFL selection for a reason.

The projected playoff teams with the fewest sacks this year are Winnipeg, B.C., and Montreal.

Brett Lauther, Ottawa Redblacks

The native of Truro, N.S. has enjoyed a renaissance in 2026, connecting on 32-of-34 field goal attempts and 22-of-23 convert attempts. He’s got the third-best field goal percentage in the CFL (min. 20 attempts) and a solid kickoff average at 65.6 yards.

Lauther struggled in Saskatchewan last season, but the Roughriders haven’t had much success replacing him. A reunion between the veteran kicker and his longtime team would not only make for a great story, but it would be a shrewd football decision for the reigning Grey Cup champions.

Wynton McManis, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The 32-year-old has played well this season, though he hasn’t been dominant like we’ve seen in the past. The two-time All-CFL selection has recorded 56 defensive tackles, two tackles for loss, three pass knockdowns, and one interception through 12 regular-season games in Steeltown.

The Tiger-Cats likely view middle linebacker as a Canadian position long-term, given that Devin Veresuk is expected to eventually return to the team after an NFL stint and Ryan Baker signed a contract extension earlier this year. If that means McManis isn’t in Hamilton’s plans beyond this year, it’d be better to get an asset for him now.

Nyles Morgan, Ottawa Redblacks

Despite dealing with two separate injuries, Morgan has arguably been Ottawa’s best defensive player this season. Head coach and general manager Ryan Dinwiddie has also repeatedly praised his leadership abilities, which means the veteran defender could be a good piece to build around for years to come.

With that said, the University of Notre Dame product could also be a smart addition for another team at the deadline. Toronto and Calgary has recently suffered injuries at the linebacker position.

Morgan has made 446 defensive tackles, nine special teams tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight sacks, six pass knockdowns, four forced fumbles, one interception, and one fumble recovery over 72 career regular-season CFL games.