The Edmonton Elks' offensive line is a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian Football League (CFL). With a salary cap era in full swing, the team's top seven blockers are set to earn over $1.4 million in 2026, potentially accounting for over one-fifth of their salary expenditure cap. Despite this, general manager Ed Hervey has no plans to trim the fat from this group, aiming to keep the core intact and build on their success. The Elks' recent free agency moves have bolstered their offensive line, acquiring three key players from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who were considered the best in the league last season. Coulter Woodmansey, the highest-paid offensive lineman in the salary cap era, joins American tackles Brendan Bordner and Jordan Murray, who will start at left and right tackle, respectively. This decision comes as a surprise, as it was initially thought that Bordner and Murray would compete for the same left tackle job in training camp, just as they did last season with the Ticats.
The team's right tackle position has been a concern since 2023, with Brett Boyko holding down the fort. After a dip in performance last season, the Elks are now looking for alternatives, with Carter O'Donnell, who returned from the NFL, potentially kicking outside and keeping the spot Canadian. However, Hervey prefers to deploy O'Donnell as an elite guard, recognizing his potential as an interior lineman. With the two Americans at tackle and O'Donnell at guard, the remaining two starting jobs are up for grabs, with Woodmansey, Mark Korte, and David Beard competing for the final positions. This competition is all the more intriguing given the players' past achievements, with both Korte and Beard being named CFL all-stars at centre just two years ago.
The Elks' commitment to their offensive line is evident in their willingness to spend whatever it takes to make their trenches a strength. Hervey emphasizes the importance of protecting the quarterback and running the football, and controlling the line of scrimmage. The team's investment in their offensive line is a strategic move to ensure their success in the future, with the understanding that they can't win without a strong offensive line. The Elks hold the third overall pick in the 2026 CFL Draft, and with their training camps opening in May, they are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs in the upcoming season. With a renewed focus on their offensive line, the Edmonton Elks are set to make a splash in the CFL, aiming to break their five-year playoff drought.
