Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks
The Edmonton Elks have signed veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo to a contract extension through the 2026 season.
The six-foot-one, 215-pound QB initially signed with the Elks in December 2024 after being acquired via trade. He dressed in all 18 regular-season games for the team during the 2025 season. The 33-year-old took over the starting role from Canadian Tre Ford in Week 8 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, when he threw for a season-high 346 yards against the eventual Grey Cup champions.
“Cody Fajardo’s contract extension underscores our commitment to stability and progress, positioning the team for an exciting and promising 2026 season,” general manager Ed Hervey said in a statement.
Fajardo helped Edmonton overcome a 1-4 start and led the Green and Gold back into playoff contention, though the team fell short with a 7-11 record in the West Division.
The native of Brea, California completed 73.2 percent of his passes, second-best in the league, for 3,408 yards with 14 touchdowns versus seven interceptions. He added 55 carries for 319 yards with seven majors on the ground. His 21 total touchdowns were the most by Fajardo since the 2022 season.
“I’m excited to be re-signing in Edmonton and I’m ready to continue the incredible momentum we built to finish last season. I’m motivated to be the quarterback that helps lead this team back to the postseason and believe we came to a deal that makes me feel valued, and will provide the club with the flexibility to build a competitive roster,” Fajardo said in a statement.
“I’m proud to be part of this organization, proud of what we’re building here, and I’m looking forward to another great year with the Green and Gold.”
During a Week 15 matchup with the Toronto Argonauts, Fajardo tied the franchise record for consecutive completions in a game with 22. It’s a record shared with his former head coach Jason Maas, who accomplished that feat against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2004. Fajardo also went over 20,000 passing yards for his CFL career in 2025.
During the course of his nine seasons in the CFL, Fajardo’s teams have reached the postseason six times. His best playoff performance came on the biggest stage, when he led the Montreal Alouettes to a 28-24 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the 110th Grey Cup. He completed 21-of-26 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, including a game-winning, 19-yard touchdown to Tyson Philpot with 13 seconds remaining to claim victory for the Als and earn Grey Cup MVP honours.
The University of Nevada product has suited up for the Toronto Argonauts, B.C. Lions, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Alouettes, and Elks. Fajardo’s most prolific CFL season came in 2019 with the Riders when he led the league in passing yards with a single-season career-best 4,302. He also recorded 18 passing touchdowns, eight interceptions, 611 rushing yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns on 107 carries.
In 141 CFL games, Fajardo has completed 71.3 percent of his passes for 21,406 yards with 97 touchdowns against 59 interceptions. He’s also rushed 551 times for 2,810 yards — 5.1 per carry — with 48 majors along the ground.